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Route breakdown

One-Way Car Rental from Rijeka to Zagreb

Numerous travellers land on the coast every year and fly home from the capital or the other way around. Rijeka is Croatia’s main port on the Kvarner coast, and Zagreb is where most international flights land and depart from. Rather than picking up a car in Zagreb, driving to the coast and back, or arranging trains and buses in the other direction, a one-way rental lets you pick up in Rijeka and hand the keys back in Zagreb, no need for backtracking.

Rijeka to Zagreb is also one of the shortest and fastest one-way routes in the country. The A6 and A1 motorways link the two cities directly, climbing from sea level through the forested hills of Gorski Kotar before dropping onto the flat inland plain around Zagreb. What used to be a slow mountain crossing is now a well-built toll road with several tunnels, so the drive rarely takes more than two hours even with a stop or two. Compare car rental options in one place and choose the car that best fits your trip.

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Pick-up points

Rijeka Airport (on Krk island). Also Rijeka Downtown, Rijeka Bus Station, or Hotel.

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Drop-off points

Zagreb Airport. Also Zagreb Downtown, Main Bus Station, Main Train Station, or Hotel.

Drive planner

Rijeka Airport (RJK) to Zagreb Airport (ZAG) Route Breakdown

Everything you need to know about driving between Croatia’s coast and its capital, following the A6/A1 motorway route covering around 165 km in total.

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Rijeka Airport (RJK)

Rijeka Airport sits on the island of Krk, not in Rijeka itself. After pick-up, you cross the Krk Bridge to the mainland, then join the A7 Rijeka bypass toward the A6 motorway entrance.

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A6 Motorway

This is the main climbing section of the drive. The A6 winds through the forested Gorski Kotar region, with several tunnels along the way. Keep a card or cash ready for the toll booths. This stretch can see snow and fog between November and April, when winter tyres or chains may be required by law.

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Delnice & Risnjak National Park (Optional Detour)

Delnice is the largest town in Gorski Kotar and sits right off the A6. It serves as the main access point for Risnjak National Park, renowned for forest trails and the source of the Kupa River. It’s a short detour, not directly on the motorway.

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Bosiljevo 2 Interchange

Split is roughly the midpoint of the journey and a natural place to break up the trip. Many people staying in Istria treat Split as a stopover city rather than driving straight through.

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Ploče – End of A1 Motorway

This is where the A6 joins the A1 motorway. The road opens up from here, and the terrain is flatter as you head north toward Karlovac and Zagreb.

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Karlovac Area

The A1 passes close to Karlovac, known as the “town of four rivers.” It is an easy stop if you want to stretch your legs before the final stretch into Zagreb.

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Zagreb Airport (ZAG)

Finish at Zagreb Airport, around 17 km southeast of the city centre. Drop off here for a flight onward, or continue to a city centre branch if you are staying in Zagreb.

Drive time

1.5–2 hrs (A6/A1)

Motorway tolls

~€9–11 one way

Category I car, Rijeka to Zagreb (Lučko)

Route options

A6/A1 motorway or D3 old road

D3 is toll-free but much slower

Fuel est. (economy car)

~€18–20 one way

Border crossings

0

Route stays entirely within Croatia

Jan-Mar
Low
Apr–May
Mild
Jun
Mild
Jul–Aug
Peak
Sep–Oct
Mild
Nov–Dec
Low

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May–June and September–October offer the best mix of warm weather, open roads, and competitive pricing.

Choose your route

Should You Take the A6/A1 Motorway or D3 Old Road?

Both routes connect Rijeka and Zagreb. The A6/A1 motorway is the direct and fastest option but has tolls. The D3 is the older route through Gorski Kotar and Karlovac. You can choose based on your time and whether you want to pay tolls or make stops along the way.

A6/A1 – Fastest option

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1.5–2 hrs without stops

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Motorway tolls apply (~€9–11 one way)

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Modern road with tunnels through the hills

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Easy detour to Risnjak National Park via Delnice

Best for catching flights or travellers short on time

D3 – Older inland route

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Around 3–3.5 hrs – notably longer than the A6/A1

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No tolls on the D3

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Runs through Delnice, Ogulin, and Karlovac

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Winding mountain sections with lower speed limits

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Ideal for a slower, more scenic drive with more stops

Vehicle Guide

Which car category suits the Dubrovnik–Split drive?

The A1 and D8 are both well-paved modern roads – this is not terrain that requires anything special. The deciding factor is where you plan to park along the way.

  • Family Trip
  • Solo drive
  • Business Travel
  • Long Stay
  • Coastal Road Trips
  • Eco-Travel

Family Trip: Personalised rental options for families planning trip to Croatia with kids and luggage

Van/Minivan

7-9 seats

Ideal for family journeys and seating everyone comfortably

  • Long drives
  • Maximum space

From €42 /day

Automatic SUV

5 seats

Best for long beyond city routes and handling different terrains

  • Easy coastal drives
  • Long distance travel

From €22 /day

Full-size cars

2-5 seats

Comfortable city and long coastal drives for groups of 3-4 adults

  • Practicality
  • Comfort on long drives

From €64 /day

Tips for this trip

If traveling with kids, book child seats during online booking and pay at pickup.

For coastal drives, a few suppliers also offer roof racks for extra luggage or sports equipment.

Minivans are generally allowed on car ferry crossings to most inhabited Croatian islands.

Solo drive: Ideal for solo adventures below options lean toward smaller, efficient cars

Convertible

2-4 seats

Open top on Croatia’s Adriatic coastline & enjoy scenic views

  • Fun road trips
  • Coastal vacations

From €62 /day

Compact Automatic

5 seats

Easily plan multi city trips with reduced stress on steep roads

  • Ample space
  • Fuel efficient

From €36 /day

Electric Economy Cars

4-5 seats

Smart & sustainable choice for solo city travel

  • Quiet driving

From €48 /day

Tips for this trip

Dubrovnik Old Town is pedestrian-only. Use nearby paid parking for the rental car, then walk in.

For island hopping or scenic coastal driving, compact cars are overall best choice.

Convertibles can be limited on islands (like Hvar) and during peak season, making early booking crucial.

Business Travel: For the right balance between comfort, cost, and professionalism choose from the versatile options below.

Luxury car

4-5 seats

High budget premium options for corporate needs

  • Prestige
  • Savvy look

From €65 /day

Automatic Sedans

4-5 seats

Classic business travel vehicle combining comfort + efficiency

  • Professional

From €48 /day

Standard Cars

4-5 seats

Balance of comfort & space makes them best for business trip

  • No-risk choice

From €32 /day

Tips for this trip

VAT invoices/receipts for business expense claims are generally provided by suppliers upon request.

High-end options are best found at major airport hubs like Zagreb (ZAG), Split (SPU), and Dubrovnik (DBV).

Opt for premium insurance coverage to reduce liability for damages.

Long Stay: For trips spanning 21 days or more across Croatia, here’s a breakdown of best options.

Monthly rental

Select any vehicle

An affordable option with lower per day prices than daily rentals

  • Best price

From €16 /day

Long Term Car Rental

Varied vehicle options

For substantial savings rent for 3+ weeks

  • Flexible

From €22 /day

Automatic Car

4-9 seats

Most reliable for trips on mountainous terrain & coastal hills

  • Comfortable
  • Easy parking

From €34 /day

Tips for this trip

Costs are lower in the off-season (Nov-Mar) than in the high season (July-Aug).

Unlimited mileage is included with most long term rentals extending flexibility and convenience.

For early returns, no refunds (partial or full) will be provided for long term rentals.

Coastal Road Trips: Review our breakdown of the best categories for coastal drives in Croatia.

Convertible

2-4 seats

Ideal for enjoying top-down views of the Mediterranean coastline

  • Fun road trips
  • Open top views

From €62 /day

One Way Rentals

Select any car

Pick up in one city, return in another for enhanced flexibility

  • Time-saving

From €25 /day

Compact SUV

5 seats

Perfect for coastal trips: elevated views & extra space

  • Better visibility
  • Comfort for long distances

From €35 /day

Tips for this trip

One way routes are subject to a fee which is generally upward of €100.

For driving between Split and Dubrovnik skip the Neum Corridor in Bosnia and travel via the Pelješac Bridge to avoid border crossing woes.

If your coastal trip is on a motorway, expect to pay tolls, which typically range from €10 to €30.

Eco-Travel: Choose from 3 matching low-emission and eco-friendly options suited for sustainable travel.

Electric Car

4-5 seats

Modern eco friendly EVs to enjoy a greener way of driving

  • Cost savings

From €55 /day

Hybrid

4-5 seats

Great alternative to traditional gasoline vehicles for long drives

  • Reduced fuel costs

From €35 /day

Small Compact

4-5 seats

These hit the right spot for island hopping & coastal drives

  • Low cost
  • Efficient

From €34 /day

Tips for this trip

EV charging stations are widely available across all major hubs, including Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb and Zadar.

Utilize apps like Chargemap and PlugShare to check real-time availability, charger type, and user reviews for charging points.

Charging stations might be limited on islands – for island hopping trips hybrids are a safer choice.

Stops along the way

Must-See Stops on the Rijeka–Zagreb Drive

Taking the A6/A1 motorway does not mean you have to skip the sights. These stops are close to the route and can easily be included in a one-way drive from Rijeka to Zagreb.

Fužine

A small lake town in Gorski Kotar, set at over 700 metres above sea level around Lake Bajer and Lake Lepenica. It is a popular spot for a short walk, cycling, or simply cooling off in summer before continuing the climb.

Split

Split is built around the ancient Diocletian’s Palace, still lived in and used as the heart of the old town today. It is the most common overnight stop for travellers doing this route in two days rather than one, as it sits almost at the midpoint.

Delnice

The main town of Gorski Kotar, surrounded by forest and close to the A6. It is the gateway to Risnjak National Park and a good place to stretch your legs partway through the climb.

Risnjak National Park

Located just a short detour from Delnice, Risnjak is known for its dense forest and hiking trails. The Kupa River also springs here. Plan a longer stop if you enjoy nature and have time to spare.

Costs & fees

One-Way Drop Fee by Supplier (Rijeka-Zagreb)

One-way rentals may incur a drop-off fee when you return the car to a different location. Amounts vary significantly by supplier, location, vehicle, and travel dates.

Rental SupplierEstimated one-way fee*Notes
Enterprise€70–€130Estimate; exact fee shown during booking
Sixt€70–€130Estimate; depends on tariff/date
Europcar€70–€130Estimate; quote at booking
Hertz€300Confirmed flat domestic one-way fee (Hertz Croatia terms)
Avis€65–€150Published Croatian one-way range, scaled for this route length
Budget€65–€150Indicative; verify at booking
Dollar / Thrifty€70–€140Estimate; booking-dependent
National€70–€130Estimate; booking-dependent

Before you drive

One-way rental pre-departure checklist

What to confirm before leaving the desk:

Winter equipment requirement confirmed

The A6 through Gorski Kotar is an official winter road section. If you are driving between mid-November and mid-April, confirm that the car has the required winter tyres or that snow chains are provided. This is a legal requirement for specified places and periods in Croatia.

Vehicle inspection documented

Take photos of all existing scratches and other damage before leaving the supplier branch, especially underneath the bumpers. Make sure all existing damage is included on the rental agreement so you can avoid disputes or incorrect damage claims later.

Get the one-way drop-off fee in writing

The exact one-way drop-off fee, whether charged per day or as a flat rate, should be clearly listed on your rental agreement. Verbal confirmation alone is not enough and cannot be relied on as proof in a dispute.

Fuel policy and toll payment understood

A full-to-full fuel policy is most common. Confirm the policy before you collect the car and whether you need to pay the tolls yourself or whether the rental includes an electronic toll device (ENC).

Drop-off location and address confirmed

Check the exact address and opening hours of the supplier office in Zagreb where you will return the car, whether it is at the airport or in the city. Knowing this in advance can save time and make the end of your journey easier.

After-hours return procedure confirmed

Arrange the after-hours return process with the supplier before you leave Rijeka in case you are arriving in Zagreb outside normal office hours.

One Way Car Rental from Rijeka

Without backtracking, pick up the hired vehicle from your preferred location in Dubrovnik and return it to another city in Croatia with complete freedom and flexibility.

Your help hub

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Pricing & Inclusions
  • Vehicle & Driving 
  • Eligibility & Cross-Border
  • Pickup & Return

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How much is the booking cost for a one-way car rental from Rijeka to Zagreb?

The rental cost for a one-way trip from Rijeka to Zagreb includes the daily rate for the car and a drop-off fee. The daily rate varies by car category and season. The drop-off fee is based on your chosen car type and the distance between your pickup and return locations.

SeasonTypical daily rate (economy car)
Low season (Nov–Mar)~€20–45
Shoulder season (Apr–May, Sep–Oct)~€15–40
Peak season (Jul–Aug)~€50–70

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Does the rental price include the one-way fee?

The drop-off fee is usually part of one-way deals but may be charged separately from the quoted rental price. Check the deal inclusions to see whether the fee is paid separately. You can find the complete price breakdown on the booking summary page when you book through our platform.

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How much is the toll fee from Rijeka to Zagreb?

The A6 or A1 motorway toll between Rijeka and Zagreb costs around €9–11 one way for a standard car. You can pay tolls at booths with cash or card. You can also pay automatically if the car has an electronic toll tag.

Vehicle typeApprox. toll (one way)
Standard car (Category I)~€9–11
SUV / taller vehicle/vehicle with trailerHigher – charged at a different toll category

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Is unlimited mileage included in a car rental from Rijeka to Zagreb?

Yes. Unlimited mileage is usually offered with most rentals, including one-way deals. However, not all suppliers provide it, and some deals may come with limited mileage. Some suppliers may charge an extra per-km fee for driving beyond the permitted daily mileage cap.

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Can I rent a specific car model from Rijeka to Zagreb?

Not always. Rental quotes are listed by car category, which is what you usually book, not the exact model. For example, when booking a deal offering “Volkswagen Polo Automatic or similar”, it simply means you may receive an economy category vehicle or any similar vehicle with comparable size and features.

What’s guaranteedWhat can vary
Vehicle category (economy)Exact model shown in the listing
Transmission, if selected specificallyColour, trim level, brand
Passenger and boot capacity for the classMinor spec differences between similar models

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Are automatic cars available for one-way rentals?

Yes, you can book one-way car rentals with automatic transmission from Rijeka to Zagreb. But the number of automatics in rental fleets is usually smaller than the number of high-demand manual cars. Smaller categories like economy and compact are mostly manual, so you should book early to secure an automatic variant.

TransmissionTypical daily rate difference
ManualBaseline
AutomaticRoughly €15–20/day more

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Can someone else drive the rental car from Rijeka to Zagreb?

Only a registered additional driver, besides the primary driver, may drive a rental car. An additional driver is an optional add-on that you can include in your booking for an extra fee. Any additional driver is subject to the same age and licence requirements as the main driver, and must be listed in the contract at the supplier counter. The condition applies to car rentals in Croatia, whether booked for a round or a one-way deal.

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Can I rent a car without a credit card?

Most suppliers require a credit card in the main driver’s name to hold a security deposit at the time of car pickup. The exact deposit amount varies by car type, supplier, and insurance level. This amount is fully released once the car is returned in the same condition as it was collected.

A few select suppliers may accept debit card deposits, but with a higher deposit amount and additional insurance. 

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What documents do I need to rent a car one way?

The required documentation for standard rentals in Croatia is given below.

DocumentRequirement
Valid Driver’s licenceHeld for at least 1–2 years (varies by supplier)
Passport or national IDRequired for identity verification
Credit cardIn the main driver’s name for the security deposit hold
International Driving Permit (IDP)Required if your licence is in a non-Latin alphabet (e.g. Arabic, Japanese, Chinese) or from a non-EU country
Rental Confirmation VoucherRequired to verify your booking details at the time of vehicle collection

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Can I rent a car in Croatia with a foreign driving licence?

If your domestic licence is printed in the Latin alphabet, you can usually drive in Croatia without an International Driving Permit (IDP). But you will need an IDP if your licence uses a non-Latin script, such as Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese, or Japanese.

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Is cross-border travel allowed with a Rijeka to Zagreb one-way car rental?

No border crossing is required for a standard Rijeka to Zagreb drive, as this route remains entirely within Croatia. But if you plan to travel further into a neighbouring country, most suppliers allow you to take a rental car for cross-border travel with prior authorisation. A cross-border fee and additional insurance (Green Card) may also be required, depending on your supplier and destination.

DestinationTypically allowed?Typical cross-border fee
Slovenia, Hungary, Italy (EU neighbours)Yes, with most suppliers~€20 per rental
Bosnia & Herzegovina, MontenegroYes, with most suppliers; prior approval required~€50 per rental
Serbia, North Macedonia, AlbaniaAllowed by some suppliers onlyVaries by supplier — confirm directly

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What if my flight is delayed?

Most suppliers will hold an airport pickup for a reasonable grace period if your flight is delayed, provided they are informed ahead of time. Unnotified late pickups may be either declined or marked as ‘No Show’. This is common at airport locations, but the policies may vary with supplier and location. An hourly or a full-day rental fee usually applies for late car hire returns after a short grace period (usually 29 to 59 minutes).

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Do I need to take a ferry from Rijeka Airport to reach Zagreb?

No ferry crossing is needed for you to reach Zagreb from Rijeka Airport. Rijeka Airport is on the Krk island, which is connected to the mainland by the Krk Bridge. You can drive across the bridge and continue toward the A6 motorway.

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Can I return the car after office hours?

Not all, but several local and international suppliers offer after-hours returns. The service is usually available upon request and must be arranged in advance. If available, you may be asked to park the rental car in the designated spot and leave the keys in a drop-box or kiosk.

Josip Stjepan
Editorial Contributor

Car Rental Croatia

Josip Stjepan – Croatia Travel & Car Rental Specialist

Josip spent a decade coordinating vehicle logistics for Jadrolinija’s ferry network, matching rental cars to sailing schedules for Hvar, Brač, and Korčula. The job gave him insider insights into where exactly rental companies quietly pass costs onto tourists. Drawing from his extensive knowledge of Croatia’s ferry network, coastal routes, and driving conditions, he helps travellers compare rental options, plan efficient itineraries, understand toll roads, avoid unnecessary fees, and prepare for cross-border travel.

How this content is created:

  • Based on real ferry and route data
  • Reviewed by a local Split-based specialist
  • Updated regularly for seasonal pricing changes

Last Reviewed: September 2026