Traveling around Croatia by bus is the best way for travelers to experience the country: it’s fast, it’s convenient, and it’s smart. No matter if you’re spending just a couple of days in the country or longer, getting from one point to the other via bus is the way to go.
I’ve been traveling around the country for years, and I can tell you straight up: bus travel in Croatia is cheap, comfortable, safe, and surprisingly scenic. And this comes from somebody who always tries to advocate train travel!
Sure, flying is faster on paper. But most routes inside the country either don’t have airports or don’t make sense to fly. If you’re not driving or renting a car, the bus is the most practical – and sometimes the only – way to move around. And honestly? It’s a pretty great experience!
Why Traveling by Bus in Croatia Makes Sense
Croatia has one of the best bus networks in the Balkans and the buses here are clean, modern, and usually have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable seats. Some even have USB ports for charging your devices, which is an added bonus.
The government has invested a lot of money into its roads over the past decade, and it shows! The long-distance routes run on modern highways, which means smoother rides and shorter travel times than years ago. Plus, you have amazing connections to and from any corner of the country, from major hubs like Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik to tiny seaside villages and even some island ports.
Here are some examples of trip durations (updated recently, based on the latest roads developed):
Zagreb to Split: about 5–6 hours (€25–€30)
Split to Dubrovnik: 4–5 hours (€20–€25)
Zadar to Rijeka: around 4 hours (€15–€20)
Those prices can vary a bit, but they’re still very affordable compared to trains or renting a car, and as you can see – they’re fast!
And there’s a lot more to see than the main attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites I wrote about in a previous article.
Options for Long-Distance and Coastal Routes
If you’re planning a longer trip, express and overnight buses are the options you have, and these have also been introduced relatively recently. They’re extremely convenient, as they save you time, but also a night’s accommodation.
Yes, sleeping in a bus is not the most comfortable thing in the world, but especially if you’re young or a heavy sleeper, it can become a bonus.
Here are some of the most popular long-distance routes you can take (definitely consider them, as they help you see some of Croatia’s best cities and sights):
- The Zagreb–Split–Dubrovnik corridor (the country’s main north-south connection)
- The Istria to Dalmatia line, running from Pula through Rijeka, Zadar, Šibenik, Trogir, Split, Makarska, and finally Dubrovnik
During summer, additional seasonal routes operate between coastal destinations and inland towns, timed perfectly to connect with ferry schedules for those heading to islands like Hvar, Brač, or Korčula.
Even the smaller towns along the coast and on the islands are served by local or regional bus networks, sometimes connecting directly to ferry ports. You will see, once you start looking for options, that this is a very well oiled machine!
Not sure when to visit the country? Check out my article sharing the best time to visit Croatia to make it easier to decide.
Another important thing to consider when traveling in Croatia by bus is the fact that you’re going to enjoy some absolutely spectacular views. So get your camera ready, as there are a ton of Instagram-worthy opportunities along the way. Here’s a photo I took during one of my many bus-rides in the country:
How to Buy Bus Tickets in Croatia
You can buy tickets directly at the bus station, through official company websites, or via booking platforms like Bookaway or GetByBus (now called Traveling).
In big cities, every station has a ticket counter, vending machines, and now even card terminals. Smaller towns might still prefer cash, and in most cases you can also pay the ticket directly to the driver – but it’s best to buy in advance, as some of these buses can fill up.
Note: Croatia switched to the Euro (€) in 2023, so forget about Kuna – it’s no longer accepted!
Here’s what I personally recommend doing, and the way I approach things when it comes to taking the bus here:
- Book early in summer – at least one week before your departure. Buses can sell out fast on coastal routes and from/to popular destinations.
- Reserve online if possible. It saves time and guarantees a seat.
- Bring cash for luggage fees. You’ll usually pay the driver directly before departure (more on that below).
Most major carriers have mobile apps nowadays that you can use for your bookings – and they also occasionally offer small discounts or loyalty points when you book through them, so it’s worth looking at them, especially if you spend a lot of time in Croatia.
How Much Does It Cost to Travel by Bus in Croatia?
The short answer: not much. While the cost of living has increased, and the travel prices are higher than ever, competition among local and national carriers keeps prices low. As a result, even long routes like Zagreb to Dubrovnik (10–11 hours) cost around €40 one-way.
If you book early, travel off-peak, or use a mobile app, you can sometimes save 10–20%. Round-trip (return) tickets usually come with small discounts also, but you must use the same company both ways.
Student, youth, and senior discounts also exist – check the carrier’s site before booking and if you get any of these discounts, make sure to bring the required documents to prove your age or status.
What to Expect at Bus Stations
Each major city has a central terminal, generally called “Autobusni Kolodvor.” (Just search for it on Google Maps, or whatever maps app you use – or ask around).
Zagreb’s main bus station, for instance, is right next to the train station and has ticket counters, luggage storage, shops, and cafés. You can also get more in-depth with public transport in Zagreb here.
In smaller towns, you might find just a single covered stop near the city center or harbor. Buses are clearly marked with destination boards, and station staff are generally helpful if you’re unsure where to go – and so are locals.
Important: Arrive 15–20 minutes early, especially if you have luggage or an assigned seat. Bus drivers are punctual, and buses rarely wait for late passengers.
Other Important Things to Know about Traveling by Bus in Croatia
There are some things (like unexpected costs) that you should be aware of. Some I didn’t know before my first trip, and I was surprised to find out about them. So better go through my list below to make sure you’re prepared.
The most important part is related to your Luggage. Just like low-cost planes, buses allow you to bring a small backpack or bag inside the bus, but larger suitcases go in the storage compartment underneath.
This comes at an added price (which is low, usually around €2 per item). The first time I had to do this, I thought the driver was trying to rip me off, but it turns out that’s just the rule. They even give you a small paper ticket as proof of payment.
Toilets are also an important topic here. While most long-distance buses (sometimes even short-distance ones) have toiled, they’re almost always locked.
Apparently, this is done to keep bad smells away and you will only get to appreciate it the hard way, when a functional toilet is used by a passenger with an upset tummy. I won’t go into the details, though.
However, longer rides have scheduled toilet breaks every 2-3 hours, so you should be fine. These breaks usually take place either at cafes or restaurants or, most likely, at gas stations. You can use this break to grab a drink, stretch, and/or use the restrooms.
Finally, if you’re taking a night bus, bring a small pillow (at least those neck travel pillows) and a hoodie – air conditioning can get chilly!
And once here, you will HAVE to sample the local cuisine. I have a full guide sharing the best Croatian dishes you must try.
A Few Reliable Bus Companies
Croatia has dozens of companies, with many coming and going, but here are some that stand out for reliability, coverage, and ease of booking. Always try to choose a well-known company that has high standards. Here are some of them:
- Bookaway: As I mentioned, I prefer using this aggregator, which also covers ferries and gives you multiple options from multiple companies.
- Arriva (Autotrans): The biggest national carrier with routes covering most of Croatia and international lines across Europe. Easy online booking in English, and it also has an app with additional discounts.
- FlixBus: Great for cross-border routes and cheap fares between major Croatian cities. Also connects Croatia to Italy, Slovenia, Austria, and beyond.
- Libertas Dubrovnik / Promet Split / ZET Zagreb: Local city operators for getting around within each region or metro area.
- Promet Makarska / Čazmatrans: Reliable options for regional routes and smaller towns.
International Bus Travel to and from Croatia
Many visitors enter Croatia by bus from nearby countries, or depart to neighboring countries via pus, as the connections are excellent:
- From Slovenia: Ljubljana – Zagreb (~2.5 hours)
- From Italy: Trieste – Rijeka or Split (~6–8 hours)
- From Austria: Vienna – Zagreb (~6 hours)
- From Bosnia & Herzegovina or Montenegro: Sarajevo – Split (~6 hours), Kotor – Dubrovnik (~2 hours)
My recommendation is to choose the bus if trains are an alternative, as the former are usually faster and more comfortable. Also, border crossings are generally smooth and fast, without passport controls in most cases (in Schengen, at least).
Always have a passport/id and proper documents on hand, just in case!
If you want to fly, check out my article listing the international airports in Croatia. There are plenty of options here as well!
And this would be my guide for traveling within Croatia by bus. If you have additional questions – or comments to make about this way of moving around the country – don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in the comment section below!