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Is after-hours return possible for one-way rentals?
After-hours service is available upon prior arrangement and usually carries an extra fee of €30–50. After-hours service is not available with all rental deals. Availability also varies by supplier and location, so confirm with the supplier before making assumptions or planning an out-of-office-hours arrival in Zagreb.
⚠️ Important: Inform the supplier if you expect extended delays. A full day rental fee may be charged for late drop-offs after the scheduled or permitted out-of-office-hours returns.
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Can I pick up a car at Dubrovnik Airport and return it at Zagreb Airport?
Yes. A one-way journey on this route is common for travellers in Croatia, and you can easily book a rental car with major local and international suppliers that serve both airports. You can pick up a car from on-site supplier counters inside or just outside terminal buildings or from nearby depots outside the airport via available shuttle service. A drop-off fee will be charged based on your chosen car and route.
| Detail | What to expect |
| Counter location | Most major suppliers have a desk inside or immediately outside both terminals |
| Local/smaller operators | May use a shuttle pickup rather than an in-terminal counter – confirm before booking |
| Office hours | Generally aligned with flight schedules at both airports, but not 24 hours – check if your flight lands early or late |
💡 Tip: Check both ends if your inbound flight to Dubrovnik or your onward flight from Zagreb falls outside normal desk hours. An after-hours pickup or return service can be a great help in such a case.
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Do I need to return the rental car with a full tank of fuel?
Most suppliers in Croatia use a full-to-full fuel policy, where you collect the car with a full tank and must return it full. Returning the car with missing fuel may incur a refuelling fee, usually well above pump price, plus a service fee.
| Scenario | What happens |
| Return with a full tank | No fuel charge |
| Return partially empty | Supplier charges for the missing litres, often at a marked-up per-litre rate, plus a separate refuelling service fee |
| Prepaid fuel option | You pay for a full tank upfront and can return the car empty – rarely worth it unless you know you won’t have time to refuel before drop-off |
💡 Tip: Given the length of the route, plan your fuel stops in advance. The A1 has regular service stations, but once you leave the motorway for the D8 or a detour, fuel stations can be less frequent.
💡 Tip: If you’re returning the car at Zagreb Airport, it’s sensible to refuel shortly before drop-off rather than relying on a city-centre station. Check your rental company’s fuel policy and allow enough time to find a suitable station near the airport.
