Buses is by far the most popular kind of public transportation in Croatia, which is no wonder, as busy prices are relatively cheap and coverage is high. The buses are not only used for people but often also for sending packages across the country.
All major cities in Croatia, like Pula, Rijeka, Zagreb, Zadar and Split has international routes to several European destinations like, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the neighbouring countries.
After the main part of the Croatian Motorway has been finish, bus has also become a relative fast way of traveling, a bus trip from Split to Zagreb can now be done in 5 hours, which is about 1 hour more then you would need by car.
Here are a few prices examples for national bus routes, PLEASE NOTE that prices can very a bit depending on which bus company you go with.
| Approximate bus prices (One way tickets) | ||||
|
From |
To |
Price |
Distance km* |
Price / Km |
|
Zagreb |
Split |
200 kn |
App 400 |
0.50 kn |
|
Zagreb |
Rijeka |
125 kn |
172 |
0.65 kn |
|
Zagreb |
Rovinj |
165 kn |
App 280 |
0.60 kn |
|
Zagreb |
Zadar |
140 kn |
250 |
0.56 kn |
|
Split |
Dubrovnik |
110 kn |
220 |
0.50 kn |
|
Split |
Trogir |
20 kn |
30 |
0.67 kn |
The distance in the table is the shortest driving distance between the cities mentioned, the bus might go by route which would make the actual travel distance longer.
As you can see from table the price per km is around 50-70 lipa, so for easy calculation of your fair price, you just have to multiply distance of your trip with 70 Lipa, then you roughly know what you have to pay for your trip.
Some companies offer a discount if you buy return trip.
Tickets:
Reservation of ticket for domestic routes is still not common, at most bus stations you can call a premium rate number an reserve tickets, usually one day before departure. Som of the larger bus companies has local offices in tourist towns where you can by tickest. For international routes and a few national routes reservation and booking is possible online, but current this is still very limited avalible.. So you basically would have to show up at the bus station some time before arrival, if the route is not busy you can also buy directly from the driver.
IMPORTANT: If you buy a ticket from Bus Company X on e.g. the route Zagreb to Split, ticket is only valid travelling with that specific company, so you will need to look closely on the schedule and pick exactly the bus you plan to travel with.
Here you find further information about buses and timetables from the major cities
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Hi! Great site with very decent articles.
May I ask for a piece of advice?
I intend to go from Zagreb to Zadar at the beginning of September, so I need to choose between a bus in the evening or an overnight train.
I lean towards the train, but I am not sure if I will be able to buy a seat without prior reservation (I want to depart on Thursday, by the way). On the other hand, bus seems to be faster and I could see Croatian nature from my window.
What would you advise?
Hi Eugene
I am not sure about the train prices, but the bus should be around 120-150 kuna. I am also not aware if you have to reserve ticket for the train.
PS: although the bus travel on the highway it is still a beautiful trip.
Brgds, Morten
Thank you so much for answering. I did a little research on the web-site of Croatian Railways and it turns out that ticket costs 170 kuna. The difference in price does not matter so much, but I suspect I might not get a ticket for this overnight train, because I will try to buy it at the last minute before departure.
So, I guess, I will stick with a bus (only 4 hours on the road) and then stay in a hostel in Zadar. Can you recommend some place to stay? Is one day enought to see the beauties of Zadar?
Hi Eugene,
The bus trip is also quite nice, and 4 hours is a small trip
Try to Google Hostel in Zadar or something similar, I once had some friend staying in one not far from the main bus station, but I don’t remember name of the place.
You can see old town in Zadar and the sour Try to google Hostel in Zadar or something similar, i once had some friend staying in one not far from the main bus station, but i dont remember name of the place.
You can see old town in Zadar and the surroundings in 1 day
Brgds, Morten
Hi, we would like to go from Split to Plitvice for two days.
What is the best way to get there? To rent a car or to take a bus? We have booked Villa Lika. Thank you for advice, Kind regards
Lena
Hi Lena
Getting to Plitvice by bus is of course the cheapest solution, but it is also a long trip (up to 6 hours with bus), depending on which bus you catch. If you rent car you have about 3 hours drive. the bus should be around 150 kuna oneway/person, renting a car? i would guess 400 kuna + gas and motorway tool fees.
Brgds, Morten
Hi,
We are arriving in Zadar on 1st of September, specific time unknown at the moment but we are travelling to Trogir after our arrival, can you please tell me of Bus Times on this date please from Zadar Airport to Trogir and also return Journey on the 8th of September or could you let me know which website to find this information please. And do you know how much a Taxi from Zadar to Trogir would cost please?
Hi Mags,
Buses to Trogir leave from main bus station, not from the Airport, so you first have to take the airport bus to get to main bus station.
From main bus station you have buses app every hour from 6 in the morning till 22 (+ a few night buses) in the evening, travel time app. 1.5-2.5 hours, depends which bus you catch, let me know when you know your arrival time, then I will mail you a list of buses.
Taxi, I would guess the price is about 120-140 Euro, but maybe you can negotiated down to a 100 Euro.
Brgds, Morten
Hiya
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly.
We arrive in Zadar Airport at 20.40pm on 1st September.
If you could let me know of bus times that would be brilliant.
Thank You
Mags
Hi there, i am arriving in zadar airport on Sun 15th august with my husband and my two daughters. I would like to know how to get from the airport to pag by public transport? i would really be greatful if you could help. thank you.
Hi Sonia, First you will have to take airport bus to main bus station as described here http://www.croatia-expert.com/zadar-airport-airport-bus-and-transfer/
From the main bus station in Zadar you have 6-7 daily departures to Island Pag
Are you going to Novalja or the city Pag?
Morten
Hi,
We’re looking to get from Old Town Dubrovnik to Marina Kremlik on a Saturday. There’s three of us. What would be the best way??
Thanks much,
Kathy
Hi Kathy,
the only Marina i know of the name is the Marina by Primosten, is that the one you need to get to? if so you have to take bus from Dubrovnik to Split, from Split you then take coastal bus to Sibenik, bus will pass by the Marina.
Morten
Hi there I am just wondering what is the best way to travel from dubrovnik to Novalaja Pag Island and back again? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Hi Will,
take Bus from Dubrovnik to Zadar, from Zadar the is think 2 or 3 daily busses to Novalja – getting back vica versa
Morten
Hi,we are planning to arrive to split and would like to spend 2 weeks on the island fith the fishmarket,hikes,beaches ,waterfalls
and it schould be reachable within 3 hours from airport,since we have a small kids.Can you addvise if there is such a place you can recommend
thanks.Galina
Hi Galine,
Island Brac is only 50 minutes with the ferry from Split, including trip from Airport to Split, it should take you about 2 hours to get to the Island,
On Brac you have nice beaches and lots of possibilities to go Hiking, if you stay in Supetar, Milna or Bol, you can easily make excursion to Split, e.g. if you want to visit the Fishmarket. Krka Waterfalls is about 1 hours drive from Split.
Brgds, Morten
Hi,
We are looking at arriving into Zadar on Sunday 5 June and need to travel to Kremik. What’s the best way of getting to Kremik? Thanks so much for your advice.
@Steph
Sorry Steph, cant answer you that one
Hi,
We are planning a trip to Croatia late June and want to know the best and cheapest way to get from Pula airport to Novalja on the island of Pag.
So far I can see that I can get a taxi but this seems very expensive for 2 people.
We are also planning on a trip from Zadar to Plitvice and then back to Pula. Would the best option be to hire a car, or is there buses/trains that will be available?
Many thanks
Hannah
Hi Hannah,
Pag to Novalja i quite a trip, with out knowing for sure i would guess that renting a car would be best solution for you.
Brgds, Morten
Hi Morten,
I will be arrving in Split aiport on 8 june. Is there any direct bus from split airpor to the Plivtice lake national park? or I have to go to Split down to catch the bus?
your reply is much appreciated.
Fong
Hi Fong, you will have to go either Split or Trogir, there is daily bus from Split at 12, the same bus stops in Trogir about half an hour later, there is also a late bus leaving Split at 20.45. Travel time Split – Plitvice app 6 hours
Morten
Hi Fong,
Myself and party are trying to get to Kremik marina (near Primosten) from Zadar where we fly in. I cannot seem to access a bus timetable online anywhere.
Some of the party will arrive on Sat 21/05 and some on Sunday 22/05. I just wonder how likely it is there will be a bus on Sundays and what times last buses might be??
If you know where I can access a timetable or have any other ideas that would be great.
Thanks, Simon
Hi Simon,
the last bus between Zadar and Primosten leaves 16.45 (also Sunday) from the station in Zadar, which mean you first take airport but to center and then change to the local bus. you have earlier bus at around 13 and 15.
I am not sure if bus also passes Kremik Marina, you will have to ask.
Brgds, Morten
Hi,
I will be traveling in Croatia in late August this year and i would like to know what options do i have for getting from Dubrovnik to Pula (prefferably by bus).
Thank you,
Ana-Maria
Hi Ana Maria, getting from Pula to Dubrovnik in a Bus is not so easy, and i will take you a whole day, alternativly you can take ferry from Rijeka to Dubrovnik, or you can take the Domestic flight, if you book in do time that should not even be that expensive
Brgds
Morten
Hi
I am arriving at Zagreb airport on 19/06/2011 and was thinking of staying in Novalja i was just wondering what way would be the easiest to travel there? (Zagreb – Novalja)bus? i can see it takes 3 1/2 hours roughly but whats company is the cheapest/easiest etc?
Also our minds arent set in stone but we like the idea of the party island lol so any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Lisa
Hi Lisa, i can not say you the exact prices, but use the calculation abovo, all bus companies have pretty much the same rates.
Well Novalja – Zrce beach is know as one of the top party spots in Croatia, so my suggestion would be get lots of sleep before you go there
Morten
Also what hotels or apartments would you reccomend or websites to look for them
Thanks again
Lisa
Sorry havent stayed in Novalja my selves so i cant recommend you any accommodation
Hello,
could you please help me to find Bus transfer or train from Dubrovnik airport to Tucepi in Makarska? if it actually exists What i found so far was only private transfer which was really expensive.
Thank you,
Denisa
Hi Denisa, first you have to take the airport bus from airport to centre of Dubrovnik, from the main bus station you look for bus to Makarska going on the coastal road, there should be quite a few busses, they pass by Tucepi, where you can easily jump out at the main road.
Brgds, Morten
Hi Morten,
thank you for your answer. Would you be able to recommend any bus company that i can take from dubrovnik towards makarska?
Thanks
Denisa
Hi Denisa, to my experience you can take any bus company, i dont think there is much difference
Best, Morten
Hi Safron,
as far is i know the coastal ferry Hvar – Dubrovnik only sails twice a week, so if you are not able to travel that day, you have following alternatives. – Bus from Split as you mention (Check our Visa section to clairify your question), other option you have, is to take catamaran from town hvar to Korcula (Daily departures), and then travel on from there, in that case you would avoid entering bosnia.
Morten
Hi Morten
Thanks so much – will look at both alternatives.
dear,Morten
we are landing at airport zadar in july.
i am courius to the possibility by bus travelling to sibenik camping solaris.
can we travel by bus to camping solaris or is a taxi the only solution
Ton
Hi Ton,
first you will have to take airport bus to Zadar main bus station from here you have buses to Sibenik, some of them continue on coastal road in direction Primosten / Split which means you can travel with them till the road leading to Soloris. From road where you get of the bus, you have maybe 2-3 km (best guess, from what i remember) of walking
alternative you can take taxi from Sibenik station to Solaris, and maybe there is even a city bus line, but i am not sure.
Best, Morten
Hi
I am arriving at Zagreb central station (Zagrebački Glavni Kolodvor)on 12/07/2011 22:30 .Could you please help me to find Bus transfer or train from Zagreb Central station to Bibinje near Zadar?
if it actually exists. What i found so far was only private transfer which was really expensive.
Thank you,
Martin
Martin, last bus leaves about 20:00 and as far as i know the night train goes to Split and does not stop in Zadar, so i assume you only have option with Transfer or wait in Zagreb till next morning.
Best, Morten
Hi Morten!
Thanks for Information, I will look for a hostel in Zagreb.
Martin
Hi,
I am flying into Zadar in august and need to get from there to Pula for a festival. What travel options do i have??
Thanks
Kate.
@Kate, you have the following options 1. to take bus, 2. Private transfer 3. ferry between Zadar and Rijeka and then continue from there to Pula.
Hi we are traveling to Porec from Pula airpot in September can you advise if there are local busses that do this route or local car hire contacts?
Thanks
Best regards
Barry H
@Barry, first you take the Airport bus to Pula, and go to main bus station from there you have buses to Porec
Morten
Is there a direct ferry route to pula or has this stopped??
Hello!
I wonder if it os possible to go by bus from zadar airport to Promosten? If it is, how long will it take and how often go the bus?
Best regards
Anna Pettersson
Hi Anna, first you take airport bus to centre of Zadar and go to main bus station, from here you have 4 or 5 daily departures to Primosten, i think last bus is around 4.30 PM
Best, Morten
hi there
i arrive at split airport on sat 6th august at 9.30am and need to get to the harbour terminal are there any buses from the airport running at that time if so could you tell me how often
thanks
charlie
Hi Charlie, i am not sure if the airport bus is still running at that time, but the local bus are for sure.
Morten
Hi!
Is there a direct bus from Pula airport to Island Cres?
Thx,
Kriszti
Hi Kriszti, i dont know if there is any direct buses between those places.
Sorry ): Morten
Hi, My friend and i will traveling to Paklenica NP and overnight there. The next day, we are planning to go to Plitvice Lakes NP. Is there any direct bus from Paklenica to Plitvice Lakes?
Thanks
BR, Jess
Hi Jess, i can’t say for sure, you might need to go to Zadar from Paklenica and then continue from there
Best, Morten
Hi Morten,
I will be in Croatia in mid September and need to travel from Sibenik to Rijeka. Is it possible to do this journey by bus? If so do the buses run frequently and how long will the trip take?
Many thanks,
Kate
Hi Kate, yes you can travel from Sibenik to Rijeka, there is about 8-10 daily departures and traveling time is between 6 and 8 hours.
Best, Morten
Hi Morten,
We arrive at Split airport at around 10.00 am. We are going to Baska Voda. Is it possible to get the airport bus to the bus station in Split and take a fast bus (which company?) to Baska Voda ?
Cheers
Scott
Hi Scott, yes you can take airport bus to the Riva in Split, from here you have about 300 meter to where bus leave to Baska Voda.
I cant say for sure which company to take but i would guess Makarska Promet would be good option.
Morten
Hi Morten,
I have been searching for bus timetables but don’t seem to be able to find one that goes as far as October. I am looking to get a bus from Dubrovnik on Saturday 8th Oct to Korcula, returning on Thursday 13th. Do you have any advice on times and cost?
Kind regards,
Lorraine
Hi Lorraine,
i am currently working on a new bus page, but we are still not finished getting all the timetable, so i cant tell you when the busses leave, my guest would be that there would be very few departures if any, and cost you cant fint anywhere, but the calculation guidelines above should be fairly accurate.
Morten
Hi,
This is a great site. I am trying to get from Split to Sarajevo on Sunday 4 September.
Can you provide the links for a bus company that does this route or the train and bus options for this route?
I can’t seem to find anything.
Thanks
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
I am affraid i help you with that one in details, but as far as i remember there is bus about 6-7 am and about 10 am but i am not 100%
Best, Morten
Hi,
I will be arriving in Zagreb on 12th September by train and will be looking to get a bus from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park.
How far is Zagreb Bus Station from the the Train Station (Glavni Kolodvor)? Also, can you buy a return ticket to go to Plitvice Lakes on 12th September and then return to Zagreb on 13th?
Can you also let me know of the prices of the bus ride and also the time of the journey?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Elliot
Hello there,
I’ve been searching myself silly on the web for some information on timetables. We are arriving in Zadar at 20:10 this thursday (15th of september) and are looking for a bus that will take us to Split on the same evening. I found this website: liburnija-zadar.hr/kolodvor/raspored_linija.php , but I can’t figure it out. Are there any more busses? And if so, where do we take them?
Thanks in advance,
Peter
Hi Peter
unfortunatly our new page bus Croatia will not be finished before in a month a so, so it is still a bit tricky finding schedules for busses. Anyway from Zadar to Split you have a bus departuring at 22:45 from the main bus station in Zadar, bus should arrive in Split about 01:30.
Kindest regards,
Morten
Hi,
I am trying to find a bus timetable for Makarska to Dubrovnik for 2nd October. Does anyone have any ideas on how often the bus leaves Makarska and roughly how much the tickets cost?
Kind Regards
Cari-Anne
Hi, I am travelling from Split to Rakovica in July 2010, what is the best way of travelling? Would it be easier to go to zadar first?
Or can you get a train from split to jovornik?
Or would a bus be the best option?
Also how can I travel from Rokovica to Zadar?
How long would it take and what would it cost?
Thank you
Hi Ro, i could not find any bus neighter from Split or from Zadar!
With train i am also not sure
Morten
Hi,
This might be off the topic but I would like to see if other people have had the same experience. I only just took a bus from Plitvice to Zagreb today with the bus company Promet Makarsa. There were 5 people that got on the bus and all but 1 were tourists. The bus conductor only asked the local lady to pay straight away. After about an hour at the next stop the conductor finally came over and collected the money from us. The odd thing is he did not use the machine to issue the receipt and instead gave us a piece of paper with 100 Kuna per person hand written on it. We took the same bus company from Zagreb to Plitvice the previous day and it costed only 84 kuna, so 100 seems to be alot more expensive. We are not sure if we got over charged by the conductor or he tried to pocket the whole amount as I don’t think he entered it into the ticket machine.
Hi Wayne, thanks for the Insight, i am sure it would be helpfull to others, In your case i sounds like the busdriver wanted to Pocket the money himselves.
Generally you should always asked for a receipt (from machine if possible), in case bus get stop by companies who are hired to control if people have tickets or not, you might have a problem if you only have a handwritten receipt
Morten
Hey!
I am hoping to travel to the island of Pag in late June, then make my way to Dubrovnik for a few days, what would be the best way? Would it be best to make my way to Zadar then catch a bus from there?
Any help is much appreciated!
Thanks
Will
Hi Will
Yes, going to Zadar and catch a “fast” bus to Dubrovnik would be the best way
Regards
Morten
Hi ! i would like to travel from Trogir to Rijeka and from Rijeka to Piran, is this possible? I have not had much success in finding information. Can someone please give me a time estimate?
Hi Alexandra, the page http://www.buscroatia.com is currently been filled with all the schedules, so just keep an eye on that page, and you will find all the information you need.
You can follow the page on google plus, and get the latest new information
Morten