Long-Term Car Rental in Croatia

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How it Works

What is a Long-Term Car Rental in Croatia?

Long-term car rental means hiring a car for an extended period, usually 30 days or more. Some suppliers may offer long-term deals from 60 days. Travellers often book for 3 to 6 months, and sometimes even 12 months or longer, as long-term rental deals. Exact terms can vary by supplier. You pay a monthly fee instead of a standard daily rate, often including standard extras. Always check what is included before booking, since it can vary by supplier.

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Vehicle Fleet

Available Car Categories

Choose from a diverse range of vehicles across our Croatian fleet for monthly deals – from a compact city car to a full-size convertible.

*The prices above are subject to change without prior notice. Since costs vary by vehicle class, dates, supplier, and season, we recommend checking real-time rates to get the most accurate price.

Right for your travel needs?

Who rents a car long-term in Croatia?

You can book a long-term car rental for any reason. However, it can be especially useful in these situations:

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Digital nomads and remote workers

Croatia’s digital nomad visa lasts up to 18 months. A long-term rental can cover this period without the need to register a car locally. You can also move easily between Zagreb, Split, and the coast.

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Expats and people relocating

Moving to Croatia for work, study, or a new life abroad? A long-term rental gives you a car while you get settled. You can avoid buying and registering a vehicle straight away.

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Seasonal and long-term staff

The main season along the Dalmatian coast runs from May to October. Hotel, marina, and hospitality staff often need a car for the whole season. A long-term rental can be a convenient alternative when public transport is limited.

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Businesses and project teams

Companies with staff on extended assignments may need cars for several months. The same applies to projects that require vehicles for a limited period. Long-term rental can be an alternative to buying a fleet or signing a multi-year lease.

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What you get

What’s included in the Long-Term car rental – and what isn’t

These are the standard inclusions from leading suppliers in Croatia. Make sure to verify each item before booking and in writing before signing the agreement at pickup, as the list may vary by supplier and location.

Insurance & Protection

Collision damage cover

Covers accident damage; you may still owe a set amount (excess)

Cover for other people & theft

Required by law; always included

Reduce your excess to €0

Optional add-on; you’d owe nothing for damage

Driving into nearby countries

Needed for Bosnia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania; extra cost

Driving Costs

Fuel

Pay your own; return with the same amount as pickup

Extra kilometres

Small fee per km over your monthly limit

Vehicle & Maintenance

Regular servicing

Oil changes, general upkeep, no extra cost

Seasonal tyre change

Winter/summer swap, required by Croatian law

Registration & inspection

No cost to you for registration or yearly check

A replacement car

Given if car needs servicing or breaks down; confirm in writing

Tyre damage from misuse

Kerbs, potholes, bad roads not covered

Damage inside the car

Stains, burns, pet damage not covered

Support & Extras

24/7 breakdown help

Available any time for your full rental

Extra driver

Small monthly fee per named driver

Child seats & GPS

Available for a monthly fee; ask at booking

Pricing Guide

How much does long-term car rental in Croatia cost?

Prices depend on the car type, the time of year, and how long you’re renting for – the longer you commit, the lower your monthly price usually gets. The table below shows typical starting prices for a 3-month rental.

Car typeExamplesLower season (Oct–May)Peak season (Jun–Sep)
EconomySmall hatchbacks€320–420/month€380–490/month
CompactMid-size hatchbacks€370–480/month€440–560/month
StandardFamily sedans€470–580/month€540–680/month
SUV / CrossoverCompact SUVs€540–700/month€620–800/month
Van / MinivanPeople carriers€580–780/month€670–880/month

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What fits best?

When Long-Term car rental makes sense – and when it doesn’t

A long-term rental can be a great choice for many trips. It may not be the best option for everyone. The right choice depends on how long you are staying and how much you plan to drive.

LONG-TERM RENTAL MAKES SENSE IF…

LONG-TERM RENTAL MAY NOT BE THE BEST VALUE IF…

✓ You are staying for 1–24 months – Buying a car comes with extra costs such as registration, insurance, servicing, and resale. For stays of this length, a month-to-month rental can often be better value.

✗ You are staying for less than 3 weeks – A standard rental is usually a simpler and more flexible option for short-term stays.

✓ You are a non-EU citizen – Registering a car in Croatia requires a Croatian address and a personal ID number (OIB). Renting is a much easier option if you do not have Croatian residency.

✗ You are staying for more than 2 years and drive a lot – Buying a car in Croatia may become more cost-effective over this period. This is especially true if you drive high mileage.

✓ You want to avoid maintenance – The rental company handles servicing, tyres, registration, and breakdown cover. You do not have to manage these costs yourself.

✗ You drive more than 4,000 km per month – High mileage can lead to extra charges once you exceed your allowance. Check the mileage limit before booking.

✓ You drive less than 3,000 km each month – Staying within your mileage allowance helps you avoid extra kilometre charges.

✗ You may need to end the rental early – Ending a monthly rental early can lead to a termination fee. Not every supplier offers penalty-free cancellation.

✓ You are a VAT-registered business – Croatia’s VAT rate is 25%. Businesses may be able to reclaim VAT on business rentals. This can make a monthly rental cheaper than it first appears.

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Rental Guide

Practical guide to Long-Term Car Rental in Croatia

Travellers often miss a few things when booking a long-term car rental for the first time in Croatia. Below are a few tips to help you get everything right from the start.

  • Before You Sign
  • At Signing
  • At Collection
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Know how long-term prices work

Your monthly rate usually drops the longer you rent a car. Choose your rental length after comparing rates for three-, six-, and twelve-month bookings.

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Get the CDW excess in writing

The excess is the amount you will pay if the car is damaged. It is usually €800–1,500 depending on the supplier and vehicle. You can reduce the excess before you book.

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Weigh up the mileage limit with your driving needs

Long-term rentals usually include a limited number of km per month. You will be charged a per-kilometre fee for driving more than the allowed cap. Check whether that allowance covers your regular driving.

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Photograph the car before driving away

Check the car with staff and make sure every mark is on the check-out form. Make sure every mark is listed on the check-out form. Take photos of the car from all sides to avoid any disagreements at drop-off.

Note the fuel level and mileage at pickup

Check that the pickup form has the correct fuel level and mileage before you leave the lot. The check-out form should have the exact fuel level and mileage at drop-off. You must return the car as per the agreed-upon fuel policy to avoid refuelling charges.

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Ask how servicing and car swaps work

Find out how you will be notified about servicing or tyre changes. Also ask how and when you need to return the car at the end of the rental.

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Your card must have enough balance to cover the deposit hold

The security deposit is a temporary hold on the main driver’s credit card during car collection. It stays blocked for the whole rental period and is released once you return the car undamaged.

Check the driver and border rules

The minimum driver age required by most suppliers is 21. Drivers under 25 may pay a young driver fee. The deposit card must be in the main driver’s name. An International Driving Permit may also be required for non-EU and non-Latin alphabet licences.

Confirm the fuel policy and how monthly payments work

Full-to-full and same-to-same are two of the most commonly used fuel policies by international and domestic suppliers in Croatia. You can also ask about any additional driver fees if someone else will be driving. Also check the due date for each monthly payment and what happens if a payment is late.

Drop-off Fees Explained

How much is a one-way car rental fee in Croatia?

Fees vary by route, supplier and rental duration. The general estimated range based on industry rates across major routes can be as follows:

RouteTypeTypical Fee RangeVerdict
Same city (e.g. airport ↔ city centre)DomesticFree or €0–20Always worth doing
Split ↔ Zadar (or reverse)Domestic Short€30–80Good value
Dubrovnik ↔ Split (or reverse)Domestic Medium€50–150Worth it for coastal drive
Zagreb ↔ Split (or reverse)Domestic Long€80–200Pairs well with Plitvice stop
Dubrovnik → ZagrebDomestic Longest€200–300Expensive – compare carefully

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Compare Categories

Other Car Categories

Easy drive

Automatic Car Rental

No clutch – stress-free driving on mountain roads and coastal hairpins.

From €62 /day
City

Compact Car Rental

Easy to park in old towns and navigate narrow island roads.

From €64 /day
Most Popular

Convertible Car Rental

No clutch – stress-free driving on mountain roads and coastal hairpins.

From €62 /day
Budget

Economy Car Rental

Fuel-efficient and budget-friendly for solo city or coastal travel.

From €65 /day
Eco

Electric Car Rental

Zero-emission driving with a growing charge network across Croatia.

From €66 /day
High Demand

Full-Size Car Rental

No clutch – stress-free driving on mountain roads and coastal hairpins.

From €62 /day
Premium

Luxury Car Rental

BMW, Mercedes, and Audi options for premium and corporate travel.

From €62 /day
30+ days

Monthly Car Rental

Lowest per-day rate available for stays of 30 days or more.

From €63 /day
Reliable

Standard Car Rental

A reliable balance of comfort and space for most trip types.

From €62 /day
Spacious

SUV Rental

Elevated comfort for longer journeys and varied coastal terrain.

From €62 /day
Group

Van/Minivan Rental

Seats 7-9, ideal for groups and island ferry crossings.

From €62 /day

Your help hub

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Rental Price & Inclusions
  • Rental Terms & Requirements
  • Insurance, Deposit & Assistance
  • Vehicle & Driving Options

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What is included in the monthly rental price?

Long-term rentals are priced differently than standard daily or short-term bookings. Travellers can also find month-long deals with combined costs that may otherwise be paid separately.

Usually includedUsually not included
Comprehensive insurance (CDW, theft protection, third-party liability)Fuel
Routine servicing and maintenanceExcess mileage beyond your monthly allowance
Seasonal tyre changesCross-border permit fees (country-dependent)
Vehicle registration and technical inspectionFerry/island permit fees
Roadside assistanceAdditional driver fee (supplier-dependent)

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Do I get unlimited mileage with a long-term rental?

Not always. Most monthly rentals come with a set kilometre allowance rather than unlimited driving. This mileage cap is usually calculated across the whole rental period rather than reset every month. An excess-kilometre charge applies for every kilometre you drive above the capped distance.

Mileage optionHow it worksBest for
Standard monthly allowanceA fixed number of km/month included in the base priceLight to moderate driving, mostly local trips
Unlimited mileageRemoves the cap entirely, usually for a modest monthly premiumFrequent long-distance driving, coast-to-coast touring

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Are tolls included with long-term rentals?

No. Motorway tolls are a running cost of driving in Croatia and are paid separately by the driver at the toll booth. This applies to short-term and long-term rentals alike. No deals include toll costs in the rental price itself.

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How long can I rent a car in Croatia?

Long-term rental in Croatia generally starts at one month and can extend for a year or more. In such cases, the contract may be renewed from month to month rather than being fixed to a single end date.

Rental lengthHow it’s usually classified
Under 30 daysStandard short-term rental
1–12 monthsLong-term / monthly rental
12+ monthsExtended long-term rental, sometimes with additional benefits

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Can I return a long-term car rental early?

You may return a car earlier than the expected drop-off date, but it depends on the notice period and the terms agreed at booking. Long-term deals are usually structured around 30 days. Some suppliers may offer shorter notice periods instead of requiring you to complete a fixed booking period.

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What documents are required for long-term car hire?

You must present the following at the rental desk when collecting your car, irrespective of your stay length:

  • Full driving licence held for at least 1–2 years, depending on the supplier
  • Passport or national ID
  • Valid credit card in the primary driver’s name for the security deposit hold
  • Rental Confirmation Voucher

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How much is the security deposit?

The security deposit works the same way on a long-term rental as it does on a short-term or standard deal. The deposit amount is separate from the booking price and is based on your insurance level and vehicle category. Suppliers temporarily hold it on the main driver’s credit card at pickup and release it in full, provided the car is returned undamaged.

Insurance levelTypical deposit hold
Standard cover (with excess)Higher hold; excess amount is blocked
Reduced-excess / upgraded coverLower hold
Full coverMinimal or no deposit hold

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What type of insurance is included with long-term car rentals in Croatia?

Long-term car rentals in Croatia typically include third-party liability insurance, collision damage waiver (CDW), and theft protection, often with a deductible/excess. Some suppliers also include roadside assistance and vehicle maintenance. Zero-excess or comprehensive coverage may be available as an additional option.

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What happens if my rental car breaks down in Croatia?

Roadside assistance may be included in long-term rental deals or offered as an optional extra for an added fee. Some suppliers also offer a replacement vehicle if your original vehicle requires extra repairs or maintenance.

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Are 7-seater cars available for long-term rental?

Long-term rentals are generally available across all vehicle categories, including SUVs and minivans with 7-seater passenger capacity. Availability may vary by supplier, location, and seasonality.

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Can I add an additional driver to a long-term car rental in Croatia?

Yes. Adding an extra driver to a long-term rental is the same as on a short-term or standard booking. An additional driver must meet the same licence and age requirements as the primary driver and usually needs to be present at pickup to provide their documents.

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Are long-term car rentals allowed for cross-border travel from Croatia?

Cross-border travel is usually permitted with prior approval from the supplier. An additional fee and insurance are usually required for taking the hired car to neighbouring countries. Some suppliers may include cross-border travel as standard on longer rentals.

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