One-Way Car Rental Dubrovnik to Pula
Dubrovnik
Pula
Skip the round-trip and compare one-way rates, real drop-off fees, and the best route options.
🛣️Distance: ~715 km
➡️Route: Via A1 & A9
⏰Time: ~7h 15m
💶Fee: €18/day
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- Free Cancellation
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Route breakdown
One Way Car Rental from Dubrovnik to Pula
The Dubrovnik to Pula one-way route connects Croatia’s southern coast with the Istrian peninsula. You can rent a car in Dubrovnik and drop it off in Pula (or vice versa) with major rental companies, avoiding a return drive. You can use the time saved from backtracking to explore coastal towns at your own pace.
The journey covers approximately 716 to over 780 km and takes more than 8 hours of driving time, depending on the route you take, plus an hour or so for traffic or stops. The fastest route follows the D8 coastal road, then the A1, A6, A8 and A9 motorways. Croatian motorway tolls apply on most of the route.
📍
Pick-up points
Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)
Also Dubrovnik Downtown, Port, Hotel, or other selected city locations, depending on the supplier.
🏁
Drop-off points
Pula Airport (PUY)
Also Pula Downtown and selected city locations, depending on the supplier.
Pricing & Demand Insights
ℹ️
May–June and Sep–Oct offer the best mix of warm weather, open roads and competitive pricing.
Plan your Dubrovnik to Pula drive
Pick a start, add stops and get approximate distances, drive times, fuel and tolls — with the nearest rental location for each stop.
Choose your route
Should You Take the A1 Motorway + Pelješac Bridge or the D8 Coastal Road to Pula?
Both routes connect Dubrovnik and Pula. Most drivers use the A1 motorway and the Pelješac Bridge, then continue on the A6 to Rijeka and the Istrian Y to Pula. The D8 coastal road follows the Adriatic for much of the way north and is another option, but it passes through Bosnia and Herzegovina at Neum unless you use the Pelješac Bridge, which was built to avoid those border crossings.
A1 + Pelješac Bridge – Fastest option
🕐
Around 7–8 hrs without stops
💶
Motorway tolls apply (~€45–55 one way)
🛂
Crosses the free Pelješac Bridge, no border checks
🛣️
Krka and Plitvice both reachable via short detours
✅
Best for travellers who want to cover the distance efficiently.
D8 – Coastal route
🕐
11–13 hrs, typically 4–5 hrs longer than the motorway
🚫
No tolls on the D8
🌆
Hugs the Adriatic through Makarska, Split, Zadar and Senj
🌲
Slower, with tighter bends and heavier summer traffic
🚗
Ideal for travellers who see the drive itself as part of the trip
⚠️
Taking the D8 through Neum means crossing two borders. Check with your rental company that your insurance covers Bosnia and Herzegovina before you go, or you may be turned back at the border.
Vehicle Guide
Which car category suits the Dubrovnik–Pula drive?
The D8, A1, A6 and A9 are well-paved modern roads, so no special vehicle is needed. The deciding factor is where you plan to park along the way on your Croatian road trip.
- 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
From €42 /day
Automatic SUV
5 seats
Best for long beyond city routes and handling different terrains
From €22 /day
Full-Size Cars
2-5 seats
Comfortable city and long coastal drives for groups of 3-4 adults
From €64 /day
Tips for this trip
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
From €62 /day
Compact Automatic
5 seats
Easily plan multi city trips with reduced stress on steep roads
From €36 /day
Electric Economy Cars
4-5 seats
Smart & sustainable choice for solo city travel
From €48 /day
Tips for this trip
Business Travel: For the right balance between comfort, cost, and professionalism choose from the versatile options below.
Automatic Sedans
4-5 seats
Classic business travel vehicle combining comfort + efficiency
From €48 /day
Standard Cars
4-5 seats
Balance of comfort & space makes them best for business trip
From €32 /day
Tips for this trip
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
From €16 /day
Long Term Car Rental
Varied vehicle options
For substantial savings rent for 3+ weeks
From €22 /day
Automatic Car
4-9 seats
Most reliable for trips on mountainous terrain & coastal hills
From €34 /day
Tips for this trip
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
From €62 /day
One Way Rentals
Select any car
Pick up in one city, return in another for enhanced flexibility
From €25 /day
Compact SUV
5 seats
Perfect for coastal trips: elevated views & extra space
From €35 /day
Tips for this trip
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
From €55 /day
Hybrid
4-5 seats
Great alternative to traditional gasoline vehicles for long drives
From €35 /day
Small Compact
4-5 seats
These hit the right spot for island hopping & coastal drives
From €34 /day
Tips for this trip
Utilize apps like Chargemap and PlugShare to check real-time availability, charger type, and user reviews for charging points.
Before you drive
One-way rental pre-departure checklist
What to confirm before leaving the desk:
One-way drop-off fee confirmed in writing
Ensure that the exact one-way drop-off fee (whether it’s per day or flat rate) is listed on your rental agreement. A verbal confirmation alone is the last thing you should rely on.
Fuel policy & toll payment understood
Although most rentals in Croatia operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, it is always best to confirm it in advance. Also verify whether motorway tolls are your responsibility or if an electronic motorway toll device (ENC) will be provided.
Cross-border travel confirmed (if applicable)
If your planned route involves crossing into another country, confirm in advance with your supplier that cross-border travel is permitted and that any required insurance or coverage is included.
Vehicle inspection documented
Photograph every existing scratch and dent before driving away (especially the underside of bumpers) and ensure it’s recorded on the rental agreement to avoid any false damage attribution claims.
Drop-off location and address confirmed
Knowing in advance the exact address and opening hours of the supplier branch in Pula (airport or city) where you will be returning the Dubrovnik car rental is going to save time and effort.
After-hours return procedure confirmed
Confirm service availability and follow the exact return instructions to avoid unexpected charges if returning the rental car in Pula outside the supplier’s opening hours.
Popular Routes
Other One Way Car Rental from Dubrovnik
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.
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Top Locations, Airports and Companies
Browse car rental locations across Croatia, including airports, cities, trusted suppliers, and popular travel routes.
- Car Rental Airport
- Car Rental Cities
- Car Rental Bus & Train Station
- Car Rental Companies
- Car Rental Port/ACI Marina
| Airport | Code | From | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubrovnik Airport Book Early | DBV | €4/day | South Dalmatia |
| Osijek Airport | OSI | €13/day | Eastern Croatia |
| Pula Airport Popular | PUY | €7/day | Istria |
| Rijeka Airport | RJK | €7/day | Coastal Road Trips |
| Split Airport Most popular | SPU | €5/day | Central Dalmatia |
| Zadar Airport | ZAD | €9/day | National Parks |
| Zagreb Airport Lowest rate | ZAG | €4/day | Nationwide Road Trips |
| City | Region | From | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biograd na Moru | North Dalmatia | €40/day | Nautical hub |
| Čakovec | Northern Croatia | €17/day | Historic Međimurje center |
| Cavtat Quiet alternative | Dubrovnik Riviera | €27/day | Quiet seaside resort |
| Dubrovnik Plan parking | South Croatia | €26/day | Vehicle restrictions in Old Town |
| Karlovac | Central Croatia | €15/day | River junction city |
| Kaštela | Dalmatia | €20/day | Bay coast town |
| Mlini | Dubrovnik Riviera | €38/day | Peaceful Riviera village |
| Opatija | Kvarner | €27/day | Historic seaside resort |
| Osijek | Slavonia | €15/day | Cultural center |
| Poreč | Istria | €26/day | Popular seaside resort |
| Pula Cheapest | Istria | €7/day | Roman sites & wine |
| Rabac | Istria | €40/day | Scenic resort town |
| Rijeka | Kvarner | €12/day | Port city base |
| Rovinj | Istria | €13/day | Romantic coastal town |
| Samobor | Central Croatia | €15/day | Charming market town |
| Seget Donji | Dalmatia | €35/day | Quiet coastal village near Trogir |
| Sesvete | Central Croatia | €41/day | Large Zagreb suburb |
| Šibenik | Dalmatia | €15/day | Historic Old Town |
| Slano | Southern Croatia | €30/day | Peaceful coastal bay |
| Split Great value | Dalmatia | €8/day | Ferry access |
| Srebreno | Dubrovnik Riviera | €30/day | Coastal bay suburb |
| Trogir | Dalmatia | €26/day | UNESCO old town island |
| Umag Downtown | Istria | €13/day | Northern coastal gateway |
| Vela Luka | Dalmatia Islands | €25/day | Island port town |
| Zadar Great value | North Dalmatia | €8/day | Islands nearby |
| Zagreb Capital City Hub | Central Croatia | €5/day | Best value |
| Station | City | From | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubrovnik Bus Station Book early | Dubrovnik | €29/day | Walk-out pickup near the ferry port |
| Rijeka Train Station | Rijeka | €40/day | Central pickup near the main station |
| Split Train Station Ferry connection | Split | €32/day | Steps from the ferry port |
| Zagreb Bus Station Lowest rate | Zagreb | €26/day | Great for eastern highway access |
| Zagreb Train Station | Zagreb | €32/day | Walk to downtown hotels |
| Supplier | Type | From | Fleet | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | Local | €25/day | Economy, Compact, SUV, Luxury, Vans | ⭐ 8.0 |
| AddCar | International | €48/day | Economy, Compact, SUV, Luxury, Vans | ⭐ 7.0 |
| Alamo Top rated | International | €25/day | Economy, SUVs, Minivans, Full-size | ⭐ 9.4 |
| AutoUnion | International | €40/day | Mini, Economy, Intermediate, SUV, Luxury | ⭐ 8.5 |
| Autowill | Local | €7/day | Economy, Compact, SUV, Vans | ⭐ 7.9 |
| Avant Car | Regional | €6/day | Economy, Sedans, SUVs, Luxury | ⭐ 8.6 |
| Avia Rent a Car | Local | €5/day | Compact, Economy, Standard Sedans | ⭐ 8.6 |
| Carwiz | Local | €6/day | Economy, Compact, SUVs, Luxury, Vans | ⭐ 8.6 |
| Dollar Thrifty Popular | International | €30/day | Economy, Compact, SUV, Full-size, Vans | ⭐ 9.2 |
| Enterprise Top rated | International | €24/day | Compact, SUVs, Sedans, Luxury | ⭐ 9.4 |
| Europcar | International | €9/day | Economy, Compact, Luxury, Vans | ⭐ 8.6 |
| Firefly | International | €17/day | Mini, Economy, Compact, SUVs | ⭐ 8.6 |
| Goldcar | International | €10/day | City Cars, Compact, SUVs, Minivans, Luxury | ⭐ 10 |
| Green Motion Cheapest | International | €3/day | Economy, Compact, SUV, Vans, Luxury | ⭐ 7.2 |
| Hertz Premium choice | International | €63/day | Economy, Compact, SUVs, Vans, Luxury | ⭐ 8.7 |
| Keddy by Europcar | International | €7/day | Economy, Compact, Standard, SUV, Vans | ⭐ 8.5 |
| Mack | Local | €28/day | Economy, Compact, Standard, SUVs, Luxury | ⭐ 8.6 |
| National | International | €13/day | Economy, Compact, Full-size, SUVs, Vans | ⭐ 8.7 |
| North Car Rental | Local | €32/day | Economy, Compact, Standard, SUVs, Vans | ⭐ 8.6 |
| Nova | Local | €26/day | Economy, Compact, Standard, SUVs, Premium, Vans | ⭐ 8.9 |
| Oryx | Local | €38/day | Economy, Compact, Standard, SUVs, Premium, Vans | ⭐ 8.6 |
| Prestigio | Local | €28/day | Economy, Compact, Standard, SUVs, Vans | ⭐ 8.9 |
| Routes | International | €8/day | Mini, Economy, Compact, Crossover, SUV | ⭐ 8.7 |
| Sixt Popular | International | €9/day | Luxury/Premium, SUV, Convertible | ⭐ 9.2 |
| Street Rent a Car | International | €9/day | Economy, Compact, Standard, SUV, Luxury | ⭐ 8.6 |
| Surprice | International | €13/day | Mini, Economy, Compact, Midsize, SUV | ⭐ 6.2 |
| XL Rent a Car Best Choice | Local | €34/day | Economy, Compact, SUV, Passenger Vans | ⭐ 9.1 |
| City | Region | From | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACI Marina Dubrovnik | South Croatia | €32/day | Marina base |
| ACI Marina Korčula Island favorite | Dalmatia Islands | €32/day | Island hub |
| ACI Marina Slano | South Croatia | €42/day | Quiet bay harbor |
| ACI Marina Split Lowest rate | Dalmatia | €27/day | Coastal port pickup |
| Split Port Lowest rate | Dalmatia | €27/day | Ferry access |
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