Category: Croatia

Categories
Croatia

Dubrovnik

Europe > Croatia > Dubrovnik

See: Why hire a car in Dubrovnik ? | Why not? | Ratings | Summary | Comments

Dubrovnik is perhaps the best-known of Croatia’s Adriatic resorts, and the attractions are obviously visible in the delightful old city itself and the warm climate that attracts millions of tourists each year.

So is it worth picking up a hire car at Dubrovnik airport to explore the surrounding area, or is it best to stick mainly to the city, and perhaps make a few excursions by bus?

Please note that Carornocar.com is currently being revised and updated in preparation for the Summer 2021 (northern hemisphere) tourist season. It is expected that some social distancing rules will still apply. For additional Dubrovnik car hire advice, please use the comments form below.

Quick Ratings

Price band: 

Dubrovnik is in car rental price band: 2/10 (1 = cheapest car rental location)

General comment - based on price alone, is it worth renting a car in Dubrovnik? 

Yes. Very cheap car rental by global standards.

Volatility:

Can you expect big swings in car rental prices in Dubrovnik between the peak and the off peak season?

5/10 (0 = stable prices)

Driving score: 4/10

Non car score:3/10

Balance: 6

(0 = car hire not advised / 10 = rental car essential)

General comment -

 

Why? Visiting Dubrovnik using a hire car

Why do you need a car in Dubrovnik ?

  • Terrible public transport – there is no railway station in Dubrovnik, and that is never a good start.
  • There is a reasonable local bus service, but bus stops only provide timings from where the bus starts, and there is no real time information.
  • Freedom and flexibility
  • Mostar by car (always check terms).
  • Surrounding islands – easier by car.

Why not? Visiting Dubrovnik without a car

Why don't you need a car in Dubrovnik ?

  • Get your trip off to a dramatic start by taking the ferry from the airport (short taxi ride to Cavtat).
  • The walled city is worth a second look at night – don’t just move on!
  • It’s still best to walk around at any time!
  • Islands by boat and bus.
  • Multiple city trips – onwards to Split, Zadar and beyond by coach.

Ratings: How does Dubrovnik compare?

Is it worth hiring a car in Dubrovnik? TBC

This is based on a rough consideration of the costs of renting a car in Dubrovnik, and how this compares with the costs of using public transport. The answer to this varies hugely from one destination to the next, based on a wide range of factors. It's based on renting a car at the airport (TBC), and driving for an average of 2-3 hours on open roads on most days.

How does this compare if:

You are travelling:

Solo / As couple / small family / larger family / senior couple etc

Does car rental make sense on different budgets?

 

 

Do you need to hire a car in Dubrovnik? TBC

This is based strictly on whether or no we think it's possible to visit Dubrovnik (and the surrounding area) without using a car. Of the three key questions, this one is the most likely to be a "no".

Should you rent a car in Dubrovnik? TBC

This is a balance of all factors. Remember this is an answer to the question for people who are already asking it. That's why the answer might still be a "yes", even when public transport is good. 

See global comparisons

Hiring | Driving | Parking

Trains | Buses | Local travel

 

Car hire basics:

 

Public transportation basics:

 

Regular bus services: YES

Coach (inter-city): YES

Tram: NO

Metro: NO

Commuter Rail:

High Speed Rail:

Rail type (end stub / through / junction / hub):

 

As you start ....

Does Dubrovnik airport have a direct rail link?

(Yes - within terminal / adjacent / short walk) (Yes - bus transfer / other) No

 

 

 

 

Changelog

Has our advice for Dubrovnik car rental changed over time, or has it been pretty constant?

2017 - 3

2019 - 4

2021 - 6

Average score - 5

Notes:

 

Conclusion – as with any city, the longer you are planning on staying in Dubrovnik, the more useful a hire car is going to become.

The historic walled city of Dubrovnik is an amazing place to visit, but depending on your tolerance for crowds, you will either want to leave as soon as you can once you have seen it, or you will want to come back and see more details the next day. Needless to say, a hire car in this historic car is worse than pointless due to the naturally strict parking and access rules that only allow local residents in.

I have always been someone who likes to see multiple cities on the same trip, so I took the bus to split and then onto Zadar. From here, I went to the Plitvice national park, which I think must be the highlight of any visit to the whole Balkan region.

However, if you are simply doing as most visitors do, and just staying in around at Dubrovnik, then I would certainly advise getting a hire car if you are staying for anything longer than a weekend.

Summary

Do you or don't you need a car in Dubrovnik ?

Categories
Croatia

Pula

Europe > Croatia > Pula

See: Why hire a car in Pula ? | Why not? | Ratings | Summary | Comments


Please note that Carornocar.com is currently being revised and updated in preparation for the Summer 2021 (northern hemisphere) tourist season. It is expected that some social distancing rules will still apply. For additional Pula car hire advice, please use the comments form below.

Quick Ratings

Price band: 

Pula is in car rental price band: 2/10 (1 = cheapest car rental location)

General comment - based on price alone, is it worth renting a car in Pula? 

Yes. Very cheap car rental by global standards.

Volatility:

Can you expect big swings in car rental prices in Pula between the peak and the off peak season?

5/10 (0 = stable prices)

Driving score: 4/10

Non car score:1/10

Balance: 9

(0 = car hire not advised / 10 = rental car essential)

General comment -

 


Why? Visiting Pula using a hire car

Why do you need a car in Pula ?

  • Generally, we would advise getting a hire car in Pula, largely because public transport in Croatia is generally of a poor standard and badly organised.

If you are just staying in and around the town itself, you’ll be fine, but making even short excursions to places like Rovinj is difficult to plan ahead without relying on printed timetables at bus stops. A car is extremely useful for heading along the Adriatic coast towards other great destinations such as Zadar and then Split, or even as far as Dubrovnik. Check locally for one way rental deals – generally this is possible within Croatia, but often at a price.

Why? Visiting Pula using a hire car

Why do you need a car in Pula ?

  • Few reasons to visit Pula without a car!
  • You can explore Brijuni National Park by boat. No car needed, but you will need to rely on local bus transfers to get to the harbour.
  • Cycle Brijuni National Park with a combined park entrance and cycle hire ticket!

Ratings: How does Pula compare?

Is it worth hiring a car in Pula? TBC

This is based on a rough consideration of the costs of renting a car in Pula, and how this compares with the costs of using public transport. The answer to this varies hugely from one destination to the next, based on a wide range of factors. It's based on renting a car at the airport (TBC), and driving for an average of 2-3 hours on open roads on most days.

How does this compare if:

You are travelling:

Solo / As couple / small family / larger family / senior couple etc

Does car rental make sense on different budgets?

 

 

Do you need to hire a car in Pula? TBC

This is based strictly on whether or no we think it's possible to visit Pula (and the surrounding area) without using a car. Of the three key questions, this one is the most likely to be a "no".

Should you rent a car in Pula? TBC

This is a balance of all factors. Remember this is an answer to the question for people who are already asking it. That's why the answer might still be a "yes", even when public transport is good. 

See global comparisons

Hiring | Driving | Parking

Trains | Buses | Local travel

 

Car hire basics:

 

Public transportation basics:

 

Regular bus services: YES

Coach (inter-city): YES

Tram: NO

Metro: NO

Commuter Rail:

High Speed Rail:

Rail type (end stub / through / junction / hub):

 

As you start ....

Does Pula airport have a direct rail link?

(Yes - within terminal / adjacent / short walk) (Yes - bus transfer / other) No

 

 

 

 

Changelog

Has our advice for Pula car rental changed over time, or has it been pretty constant?

2017 - 9

2019 - 9

2021 - 9

Average score - 9

Notes:

 


Do you need a car in Pula? Yes!

Categories
Croatia

Rijeka

Europe > Croatia > Rijeka

See: Why hire a car in Rijeka ? | Why not? | Ratings | Summary | Comments

There are lots of ways of looking at this question, so this is why we divide things up in terms of “need” – can you get around Rijeka without a car; value, ie compared to other options, is it worth hiring a car in Rijeka, and finally the ultimate question of weighing up the pros and cons to determine if we think you should rent a car in Rijeka. We don’t just give you a yes or no (although we always do that too) – we do ratings for different driving factors, non driving options, and we look at whether a rental car in Rijeka is a good idea for everyone from budget solo travellers to larger families.

Clinging tightly to steep hillside roads, the gritty port city of Rijeka is often overlooked in favour of more attractive rural locations nearby, but the pedestrian friendly centre is still just as impressive as any other Croatian city, other than perhaps the immaculate Dubrovnik.

Please note that Carornocar.com is currently being revised and updated in preparation for the Summer 2021 (northern hemisphere) tourist season. It is expected that some social distancing rules will still apply. For additional Rijeka car hire advice, please use the comments form below.

Quick Ratings

Price band: 

Rijeka is in car rental price band: 2/10 (1 = cheapest car rental location)

General comment - based on price alone, is it worth renting a car in Rijeka? 

Yes. Very cheap car rental by global standards.

Volatility:

Can you expect big swings in car rental prices in Rijeka between the peak and the off peak season?

5/10 (0 = stable prices)

Driving score: 4/10

Non car score:1/10

Balance: 8

(0 = car hire not advised / 10 = rental car essential)

General comment -

 

Even if you just get to pass through briefly, Rijeka has one or two architectural gems which are well worth a look at, especially the Croatian National Theatre.

Why? Visiting Rijeka using a hire car

Why do you need a car in Rijeka ?

  • Due to the poor quality of public transport in most of Croatia (outside the capital Zagreb), we generally recommend that a hire car here makes a great deal of sense in Rijeka, as it does in most places on the eastern Adriatic coast.
  • A hire car will also offers a great deal of convenience when compared with local bus and coach services, which tend to be poorly advertised, and unreliable.
  • A rental car is a natural choice for visiting any of the Adriatic islands which can be explored around Rijeka.
  • The drive in from the airport alone is an impressive introduction to the area, as you need to go over two large arched bridges to transfer from the island of Krk to the mainland. The airport bus, timed to connect with each flight arrival / departure, will go this way too, but you cannot stop on the way (and for this journey you will want to!).
  • Train services from Rijeka are so limited to be of almost no use at all – two daily trains trundle along to the Slovenian capital Ljubljana, one of which continues as a night service as far as Munich, whereas there are just two daily trains to the capital Zagreb – one fast and one slow.

Why not? Visiting Rijeka without a car

Why don't you need a car in Rijeka ?

We really don’t advise visiting Rijeka without a rental car!

  • Without your own transport, you will be fine if you are staying in or around the city, but otherwise you will find it difficult.
  • You will have some limited options to combine local buses and ferry trips, but don’t be too optimistic – there are only two routes direct from the port of Rijeka, and many other routes require multiple combinations of island + ferry + island. It’s just far easier to do this if you rent a car in Rijeka!

[james]

I’ve made it as far along the Adriatic coast as Split and Zadar by bus (starting in Dubrovnik), but I really wouldn’t recommend visiting Rijeka or Pula without a car if you can possibly avoid it. In general, I rate Croatia as by far the worst country in mainland Europe for public transport. This was what I felt when I visited in 2012, and nothing has made me want to change my view since. The main point of Carornocar is to advise on getting around for people who have already made the choice to fly to a certain place. But if you haven’t yet booked your flights to Rijeka, and you just want to enjoy the Adriatic coast without needing a car, then you would be much better off staying in Split or Dubrovnik. Even these two places are far from marvellous when it comes to public transport, but you will at least have a few more options!

I’d love to be challenged on any of this, so if you’ve managed to visit Rijeka withjout a car, and you’ve got around without any problem, then let me know how you got on. In the meantime, this still gets my rating as the worst place in what I think is already the worst country in Europe or transport choice!

[jamesend]

Do you need a car in Rijeka? Yes!

Ratings: How does Rijeka compare?

Is it worth hiring a car in Rijeka? TBC

This is based on a rough consideration of the costs of renting a car in Rijeka, and how this compares with the costs of using public transport. The answer to this varies hugely from one destination to the next, based on a wide range of factors. It's based on renting a car at the airport (TBC), and driving for an average of 2-3 hours on open roads on most days.

How does this compare if:

You are travelling:

Solo / As couple / small family / larger family / senior couple etc

Does car rental make sense on different budgets?

 

 

Do you need to hire a car in Rijeka? TBC

This is based strictly on whether or no we think it's possible to visit Rijeka (and the surrounding area) without using a car. Of the three key questions, this one is the most likely to be a "no".

Should you rent a car in Rijeka? TBC

This is a balance of all factors. Remember this is an answer to the question for people who are already asking it. That's why the answer might still be a "yes", even when public transport is good. 

See global comparisons

Hiring | Driving | Parking

Trains | Buses | Local travel

 

Car hire basics:

 

Public transportation basics:

 

Regular bus services: YES

Coach (inter-city): YES

Tram: NO

Metro: NO

Commuter Rail:

High Speed Rail:

Rail type (end stub / through / junction / hub):

 

As you start ....

Does Rijeka airport have a direct rail link?

(Yes - within terminal / adjacent / short walk) (Yes - bus transfer / other) No

 

 

 

 

Changelog

Has our advice for Rijeka car rental changed over time, or has it been pretty constant?

2017 - 8

2019 - 9

2021 - 8

Average score - 8

Notes:

 

Summary

Do you or don't you need a car in Rijeka ?

Categories
Croatia

Split

Europe > Croatia > Split

See: Why hire a car in Split ? | Why not? | Ratings | Summary | Comments


Please note that Carornocar.com is currently being revised and updated in preparation for the Summer 2021 (northern hemisphere) tourist season. It is expected that some social distancing rules will still apply. For additional Split car hire advice, please use the comments form below.

Quick Ratings

Price band: 

Split is in car rental price band: 2/10 (1 = cheapest car rental location)

General comment - based on price alone, is it worth renting a car in Split? 

Yes. Very cheap car rental by global standards.

Volatility:

Can you expect big swings in car rental prices in Split between the peak and the off peak season?

5/10 (0 = stable prices)

Driving score: 7/10

Non car score:2/10

Balance: 6

(0 = car hire not advised / 10 = rental car essential)

General comment -

Review of more options based on ferries to nearby islands, and also much improved inter-city bus options. However, a rental car is still advised.

 


Why? Visiting Split using a hire car

Why do you need a car in Split ?


Why not? Visiting Split without a car

Why don't you need a car in Split ?


Ratings: How does Split compare?

Is it worth hiring a car in Split? TBC

This is based on a rough consideration of the costs of renting a car in Split, and how this compares with the costs of using public transport. The answer to this varies hugely from one destination to the next, based on a wide range of factors. It's based on renting a car at the airport (TBC), and driving for an average of 2-3 hours on open roads on most days.

How does this compare if:

You are travelling:

Solo / As couple / small family / larger family / senior couple etc

Does car rental make sense on different budgets?

 

 

Do you need to hire a car in Split? TBC

This is based strictly on whether or no we think it's possible to visit Split (and the surrounding area) without using a car. Of the three key questions, this one is the most likely to be a "no".

Should you rent a car in Split? TBC

This is a balance of all factors. Remember this is an answer to the question for people who are already asking it. That's why the answer might still be a "yes", even when public transport is good. 

See global comparisons

Hiring | Driving | Parking

Trains | Buses | Local travel

 

Car hire basics:

 

Public transportation basics:

 

Regular bus services: YES

Coach (inter-city): YES

Tram: NO

Metro: NO

Commuter Rail:

High Speed Rail:

Rail type (end stub / through / junction / hub):

 

As you start ....

Does Split airport have a direct rail link?

(Yes - within terminal / adjacent / short walk) (Yes - bus transfer / other) No

 

 

 

 

Changelog

Has our advice for Split car rental changed over time, or has it been pretty constant?

2017 - 8

2019 - 7

2021 - 6

Average score - 7

Notes:

 


Summary

Do you or don't you need a car in Split ?

Categories
Croatia

Zadar

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See: Why hire a car in [table “1” does not have that cell /]
? | Why not? | Ratings | Summary | Comments

Generally, we would recommend getting a hire car here, especially for heading to the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park, but also for driving along Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coast and visiting the nearby islands.

Please note that Carornocar.com is currently being revised and updated in preparation for the Summer 2021 (northern hemisphere) tourist season. It is expected that some social distancing rules will still apply. For additional Zadar car hire advice, please use the comments form below.

Quick Ratings

Price band: 

Zadar is in car rental price band: 4/10 (1 = cheapest car rental location)

General comment - based on price alone, is it worth renting a car in Zadar? 

Sometimes. Car rental is slightly cheaper than global averages.

Volatility:

Can you expect big swings in car rental prices in Zadar between the peak and the off peak season?

5/10 (0 = stable prices)

Driving score: 6/10

Non car score:1/10

Balance: 7

(0 = car hire not advised / 10 = rental car essential)

General comment -

 


Why? Visiting Zadar using a hire car

Why do you need a car in Zadar ?


Why not? Visiting Zadar without a car

Why don't you need a car in Zadar ?


Ratings: How does Zadar compare?

Is it worth hiring a car in Zadar? TBC

This is based on a rough consideration of the costs of renting a car in Zadar, and how this compares with the costs of using public transport. The answer to this varies hugely from one destination to the next, based on a wide range of factors. It's based on renting a car at the airport (TBC), and driving for an average of 2-3 hours on open roads on most days.

How does this compare if:

You are travelling:

Solo / As couple / small family / larger family / senior couple etc

Does car rental make sense on different budgets?

 

 

Do you need to hire a car in Zadar? TBC

This is based strictly on whether or no we think it's possible to visit Zadar (and the surrounding area) without using a car. Of the three key questions, this one is the most likely to be a "no".

Should you rent a car in Zadar? TBC

This is a balance of all factors. Remember this is an answer to the question for people who are already asking it. That's why the answer might still be a "yes", even when public transport is good. 

See global comparisons

Hiring | Driving | Parking

Trains | Buses | Local travel

 

Car hire basics:

 

Public transportation basics:

 

Regular bus services: YES

Coach (inter-city): YES

Tram: NO

Metro: NO

Commuter Rail:

High Speed Rail:

Rail type (end stub / through / junction / hub):

 

As you start ....

Does Zadar airport have a direct rail link?

(Yes - within terminal / adjacent / short walk) (Yes - bus transfer / other) No

 

 

 

 

Changelog

Has our advice for Zadar car rental changed over time, or has it been pretty constant?

2017 - 8

2019 - 8

2021 - 7

Average score - 8

Notes:

 

Despite a thriving nightlife and a slightly bizarre farting “Sea Organ”, Zadar remains one of Croatia’s more niche destinations.
For further car hire advice covering Croatia’s Adriatic coast, please see our longer car hire guides to Split or Dubrovnik.

Summary

Do you or don't you need a car in Zadar ?

Categories
Croatia

Zagreb

Europe > Croatia > Zagreb

See: Why hire a car in Zagreb ? | Why not? | Ratings | Summary | Comments


Please note that Carornocar.com is currently being revised and updated in preparation for the Summer 2021 (northern hemisphere) tourist season. It is expected that some social distancing rules will still apply. For additional Zagreb car hire advice, please use the comments form below.

Quick Ratings

Price band: 

Zagreb is in car rental price band: 1/10 (1 = cheapest car rental location)

General comment - based on price alone, is it worth renting a car in Zagreb? 

Yes. Extremely cheap car hire, if booking economy vehicle outside peak holiday period.

Volatility:

Can you expect big swings in car rental prices in Zagreb between the peak and the off peak season?

9/10 (0 = stable prices)

Driving score: 5/10

Non car score:7/10

Balance: 7

(0 = car hire not advised / 10 = rental car essential)

General comment -

 


Why? Visiting Zagreb using a hire car

Why do you need a car in Zagreb ?


Why not? Visiting Zagreb without a car

Why don't you need a car in Zagreb ?


Ratings: How does Zagreb compare?

Is it worth hiring a car in Zagreb? TBC

This is based on a rough consideration of the costs of renting a car in Zagreb, and how this compares with the costs of using public transport. The answer to this varies hugely from one destination to the next, based on a wide range of factors. It's based on renting a car at the airport (TBC), and driving for an average of 2-3 hours on open roads on most days.

How does this compare if:

You are travelling:

Solo / As couple / small family / larger family / senior couple etc

Does car rental make sense on different budgets?

 

 

Do you need to hire a car in Zagreb? TBC

This is based strictly on whether or no we think it's possible to visit Zagreb (and the surrounding area) without using a car. Of the three key questions, this one is the most likely to be a "no".

Should you rent a car in Zagreb? TBC

This is a balance of all factors. Remember this is an answer to the question for people who are already asking it. That's why the answer might still be a "yes", even when public transport is good. 

See global comparisons

Hiring | Driving | Parking

Trains | Buses | Local travel

 

Car hire basics:

 

Public transportation basics:

 

Regular bus services: YES

Coach (inter-city): YES

Tram: NO

Metro: NO

Commuter Rail:

High Speed Rail:

Rail type (end stub / through / junction / hub):

 

As you start ....

Does Zagreb airport have a direct rail link?

(Yes - within terminal / adjacent / short walk) (Yes - bus transfer / other) No

 

 

 

 

Changelog

Has our advice for Zagreb car rental changed over time, or has it been pretty constant?

2017 - 3

2019 - 3

2021 - 7

Average score - 5

Notes:

 


Summary

Do you or don't you need a car in Zagreb ?