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Route Overview

Car Rental Pula to Trieste

Key facts before you go – distance, documents, and the best time to drive.

~€1.50–2.00/hour in the central zone

Approval needed at booking

Italy must be on your cover

Extra fee is likely

Crossing Difficulty

Easy Crossing

The Pula → Trieste route crosses from Croatia into Slovenia and then from Slovenia into Italy. Dragonja/Kaštel is the main crossing from Croatia to Slovenia. The route connects Istria to the Slovenian coast and is usually easy for drivers to follow. Summer traffic can increase waiting times around the Istrian border area.

Document Required 

📘 Passport or EU ID card

📋 Insurance certificate needed

👨‍✈️ Driving Licence

💳 Credit Card

Why go: Trieste’s Piazza Unità d’Italia is a grand square that opens onto the sea. Miramare Castle sits on the coast just north of the city. Koper and Piran in Slovenia are short stops on the way, with a total drive of about 1 hour 45 minutes.

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

ℹ️

May–June and Sep–Oct offer the best mix of price and short border queues. Book 4–6 weeks ahead for July–August.

Vehicle fleet

Car Categories Available

Browse our range of vehicles to find the perfect match for your cross-border adventure.

*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.

Before you cross

What you need to book and cross the border

Everything to sort before you leave Pula. Croatia, Slovenia and Italy are all in the Schengen Area, but your rental must still allow travel to Italy.

Croatia Cross Border Car Rental Requirements

Your booking voucher and rental must include the supplier’s written approval to drive into Italy. Ask for it when you book. Adding it at the counter is often not possible and may cost more.

Required at pickup for the refundable security deposit. Debit card deposits are generally denied and may be accepted with higher deposits in some cases.

No e-vignette is needed on the coastal road from Škofije to Koper and Izola (H5 and H6) in 2026. Other Slovenian motorways, such as toward Ljubljana or Maribor, need one: €16 for 7 days, linked to your number plate.

A Green Card is not needed in the EU. Carry your rental papers and insurance certificate, and check that Italy is listed on your cover.

EU and UK licences are fully valid. Non-Latin script licences must be accompanied by an IDP (International Driving Permit). Minimum driver age should be 21.

Checks are uncommon, but Italy can ask for ID at any time. Non-EU visitors should carry a passport. EU citizens can use a national ID card.

Border crossings

Which crossing to use from Pula

Choose your crossing based on your route. Pula to Trieste passes through Slovenia, so you leave Croatia first, then enter Italy. Waits can change in summer and on busy weekends.

CrossingDistance from PUYDrive TimePeak waitNotes
Kaštel–Dragonja (Croatia → Slovenia) Recommended~80 km~1 hr to borderUnder 15 minMost direct route. Leads to the coastal road via Koper, then Škofije into Italy. No Slovenian e-vignette needed
Plovanija–Sečovlje (Croatia → Slovenia)~85 km~1 hr 10 min to borderUnder 15 minGood alternative if you want to stop in Piran or Portorož first. Joins the same Koper road to Italy
Požane–Sočerga (Croatia → Slovenia)~100 km~1 hr 20 min to borderUnder 15 minInland route via Buzet. The Slovenian part likely uses motorways, so you would need an e-vignette

At the checkpoint – step by step

Kaštel: Croatia exit → Italy entry

A quick overview of the process involved at each stage of the border to save you from last-minute surprises.

⬅️

Croatian exit control (Kaštel)

Regular document checks between Croatia and Slovenia ended in June 2026. Keep your passport and rental agreement handy, as the police can still ask for ID. After you cross the border, follow signs to Koper. The coastal road needs no e-vignette for now.

➡️

Italian entry control (Škofije)

Italy may run spot checks here. Officers can ask for passports and car papers. They look for the supplier’s written approval to drive in Italy on your rental agreement.

🚗

Driving rules in Slovenia and Italy

The speed limit is 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on open roads, and 130 km/h on motorways. Headlights stay on at all times. Inner Slovenian motorways beyond the coastal road to Italy need an e-vignette.

↩️

Return: Italy → Slovenia → Croatia

Return the same way. Random checks may still be in effect when you leave Italy, but delays are usually short. No customs limits apply between EU countries for personal items.

Delays usually last for 15 -20 minutes. Weekdays between 10:00 and 15:00 are the quietest. July–August weekends and Friday and Sunday evenings are the busiest.

Vehicle Guide

Which car category suits the Pula – Trieste 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.

Once you Arrive

What to do in Trieste with a rental car

The best day trips and stops around Trieste, ranked by how far they are from the city.

Piazza Unità d’Italia & Old Town

Walk across Piazza Unità d’Italia, a grand square that opens onto the sea, then stroll the Canal Grande and Molo Audace pier. The centre has traffic-limited zones (ZTL), so park in a garage outside it.

Miramare Castle

A white 19th-century castle on a seaside cliff, built for Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg, with a large park. It sits 8 km northwest of the city. Parking is limited, so arrive early. Entry is about €15.

Grotta Gigante

One of the world’s largest tourist caves, 14 km from the city in the Karst hills. Visits are guided only and involve about 500 steps. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a jacket, as it’s 11°C inside. Parking is free. Entry is about €15.

Lipica Stud Farm

The original home of the white Lipizzan horses, founded in 1580, just across the border in Slovenia. A guided tour covers the stables, a carriage exhibition and a museum. Entry is about €18 in summer.

Piran

A Venetian-style Slovenian seaside town that you can reach via Koper. Cars are not allowed in the old town, so you will need to park at Fornače or Arze garage (about €20–29 per day) and walk or take the free shuttle.

Ljubljana

Slovenia’s capital, reached by the A1 motorway. Dragon Bridge, Ljubljana Castle and the riverside cafés are some of the many highlights here. Works best as a long day trip.

Parking in Trieste: Parking costs about €1.50–2.00/hour in central zones. The historic centre has ZTL zones where cameras fine you automatically, so park in a garage and walk.

Explore beyond Croatia

Cross Country Car Rental from Pula Airport

While not every cross-border trip is the same, driving the hired vehicle from Croatia to nearby EU countries is relatively easy and hassle-free when you have an idea what to expect in advance. For information about entry requirements, costs and rental rules, refer to the dedicated guides below:

Your help hub

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Eligibility & Requirements
  • Rental Costs & Fees
  • Rental Terms
  • Booking

🚗

Can I take any type of rental car from Pula to Trieste?

Most standard cars can be taken to Italy, but each car and supplier must approve it. Economy and compact cars are the easiest to book with cross-border travel approved. The cross-border fee can also vary by car category, so a bigger car may cost more to take abroad. Some suppliers do not allow luxury or van categories to leave Croatia. Check the rental terms on your booking page before you pay.

Car typeUsual cross-border position
Economy and compactUsually allowed with approval
Intermediate, estate and SUVUsually allowed; the fee may be higher
Premium, luxury and vansOften restricted; check before booking

A smaller car is easier to park in Trieste and in the car-free towns on the Slovenian coast.

🧑

Can drivers under 25 take a rental car from Pula to Trieste?

Yes, in most cases. Many suppliers set the minimum age at 21 and require you to have held your licence for at least a year. Drivers under 25 usually pay a young driver fee. Crossing into Italy does not add a second age rule, but the cross-border fee is charged on top. Drivers aged 18–20 are rarely accepted, and where they are, the fee is higher. Young drivers can also be limited to smaller car categories.

AgeWhat to expect
18–20Accepted by few suppliers; a higher fee applies
21–24Usually allowed with a young driver fee, often around €7–10 per day
25 and overStandard conditions

🛂

Can I drive a Croatian rental car through Slovenia into Italy?

Yes, as long as your rental agreement includes written approval from the supplier. The route crosses Slovenia on the way to Italy. The supplier’s written authorisation must include both Slovenia and Italy. You will not need to stop for regular border checks, as Croatia, Slovenia and Italy are all in Schengen. Make sure to carry your passport or ID card, driving licence, rental agreement with the approval, and insurance papers.

CountryBorder checksRoad passWhat to confirm
SloveniaRegular checks ended in June 2026None on the coastal road via Koper; other motorways need an e-vignette (€16 for 7 days)Slovenia listed on your approval
ItalySpot checks possible near ŠkofijeNone neededItaly listed on your approval

Driving into another country without approval can cancel your insurance. You would then pay for any damage yourself, and the supplier can charge a penalty.

💳

How much does it cost to rent a car from Pula to Trieste?

The booking price is inclusive of the daily rate, the cross-border fee, a fee for returning the car in another country, and optional extras. The average rate for a Pula rental ranges from about €21 to €34 per day, depending on the car type, season, and supplier. Spring is the cheapest time and July the most expensive. The one-way fee to Italy also varies with supplier and individual booking requirements. You can find the complete price breakdown on the checkout page before you pay.

Cost itemWhat to expect
Daily rateAbout €21–34 per day on average; lowest in May, highest in July
Cross-border feeA flat fee per rental; often €10–180 depending on supplier and car
Drop-off in TriesteSet by the supplier; shown at checkout
Young driver feeOften around €7–10 per day
Additional driverOften around €5–10 per day
Croatian motorway tollsPaid at the exit on the Istrian motorway (A9)
Slovenia road passOnly needed outside the coastal road; €16 for 7 days
Parking in TriesteAbout €1.50–2.00 per hour in central zones

🛂

Can I book a cross-border car rental without a security deposit?

Nearly all suppliers temporarily hold a security deposit on the main driver’s credit card. It is released after you return the car with no damage or fines. The deposit amount depends on your chosen car type and insurance level. Some suppliers waive the deposit if you buy an additional insurance policy. Cross-border rentals follow the same rules as other rentals.

Cover levelDeposit hold
Basic cover (CDW with excess)Highest hold
Reduced excessLower hold
Zero excessLowest; a few suppliers waive it

Zero excess does not always mean zero deposit. Read the terms before you book.

💶

Is the cross-border fee charged once or per country?

Usually once per rental, not once for each border you cross. Suppliers do it in one of three ways. Some charge one flat fee for travel anywhere in the EU. Others group countries into zones with a fee for each zone. Some others may charge one fee per rental period, such as weekly or monthly. If your trip includes both EU and non-EU countries, some suppliers charge both fees. Pula to Trieste passes only through EU countries (Slovenia and Italy), so you will normally pay one fee.

Fee modelHow it worksFor Pula–Trieste
One flat EU feeOne fee covers all EU countriesOne fee
Zone-basedA fee for each group of countriesThe zone that includes Italy
Mixed EU and non-EUBoth fees applyNot relevant for this route

👨‍✈️

Can I add an additional driver to a cross-border car rental?

Yes. Most suppliers let you add one or more drivers for a fee, often around €5–10 per day. Some suppliers may charge a per-rental fee. The additional driver must provide their own driving licence and ID at pickup. They must meet the same age and licence rules as the main driver. Only drivers named in the rental agreement are covered by the insurance, in Croatia and abroad.

If you share the driving on the 1h 45m trip, add the second driver at pickup. It is cheaper than adding them later.

♾️

Is unlimited mileage included for a Pula to Trieste rental?

Unlimited mileage is common for standard car rentals in Croatia, but it depends on the supplier and may not be offered in all deals. The Pula to Trieste route is about 120 km, so a daily cap is barely an issue for the drive itself. It can still matter if you plan day trips from Trieste, such as Piran or Ljubljana. Read the mileage terms of a preferred deal before booking.

What to checkWhy it matters
“Unlimited mileage” shownYou can drive as far as you like
Daily or total limitGoing over the limit costs extra
Price per extra kilometreHelps you estimate side trips
Limits for one-way or cross-border tripsSome rates carry different rules

🛡️

What type of insurance is included in a cross-border rental?

Most rentals in Croatia include third-party liability, a collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection. CDW and theft cover usually come with an excess (the amount you pay if the car is damaged or stolen). Purchasing optional insurance may help you reduce or remove the excess. A Green Card (international motor insurance) is usually not required for the EU as long as the supplier authorisation and rental coverage specifically include Italy and Slovenia. Make sure to obtain written authorisation and insurance papers at pickup.

CoverUsually included?What it does
Third party liabilityYesPays for damage or injury to other people
CDWYes, with excessLimits what you pay for damage to the car
Theft protectionYes, with excessLimits what you pay if the car is stolen
Reduced-excess upgradeOptionalLowers or removes the excess
Tyres, glass and undercarriageOften not includedMay need a separate add-on

💳

Can I use a debit card to rent a car from Pula to Trieste?

You can often pay for the booking with a debit card, but suppliers usually hold the deposit at pickup with a credit card. Most suppliers hold the deposit on a credit card in the main driver’s name. A few may accept a debit card with a higher deposit and extra or full insurance. Confirm directly before you book, as policies differ by supplier.

StepCard usually needed
Paying for the bookingDebit or credit card
Deposit hold at pickupCredit card in the main driver’s name
Debit card exceptionOnly if it supports pre-authorisation

🗺️

What is the best route from Pula to Trieste by rental car?

The best route is the Istrian motorway (A9) north to the Kaštel border crossing. From there, drive through Slovenia via Koper and Škofije into Trieste. It is about 120 km and takes around 1 hour 45 minutes. The Croatian motorway uses a ticket system, and you pay at the exit. The Slovenian coastal road needs no e-vignette. Traffic is lighter on weekdays between 10:00 and 15:00.

RouteCrossingNotes
Istrian motorway, Koper, ŠkofijeKaštel–DragonjaFastest and most direct; recommended
Via Portorož and PiranPlovanija–SečovljeSlightly longer; good for stops on the coast
Inland via BuzetPožane–SočergaLongest; Slovenian motorways need an e-vignette

🔁

Can I pick up a rental car in Pula and drop it off in Trieste?

An extra drop-off fee applies, depending on the supplier, car type, and distance between your pickup and return locations. Book early in the summer months, as the rental fleets are smaller for international drop-offs. Common drop-off points in Trieste include the airport, the city centre and the train station, but this depends on the supplier. You must confirm a couple of things before booking:

  • The supplier has a branch in Trieste at your chosen location
  • The drop-off fee is shown in the total price
  • Cross-border approval for Slovenia and Italy is included
  • The Trieste branch accepts returns at your arrival time
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: October 2026