Croatia, with its stunning coastlines and rich cultural tapestry, offers an irresistible allure for travelers. While public transport may not reach every hidden gem, a self-drive tour allows you to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and historic towns at your own pace. This freedom lets you fully immerse in Croatia’s unique charm, from ancient ruins to vibrant villages. Embrace the open road and experience the ultimate adventure that only a self-drive journey through Croatia can provide.
Car Rental Tips
Book in Advance
Generally, we recommend that you make your reservation one month in advance so that you could choose the desired vehicle and date.
If you proceed directly to the car rental store without a booking, it is likely that the car you need might be unavailable.
If you are already a QEEQ diamond member, you only need 1$ to freeze your booking and make the rest of the payment before pick-up, which does not affect your credit card limit.
International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended, which allows you to drive legally in countries that need one.
If it is inconvenient for you to apply an IDP, generate a free driver’s license translation on QEEQ.com(Japanese site only).
Tips: Please be aware that most rental companies require drivers to have held their license for at least one year. Additionally, some companies have age restrictions, and drivers under a certain age may need to pay a young driver fee.
Car Choices
The choice of your car depends largely on the duration of your trip, passenger number, luggage amount and road conditions.
City Driving for small groups (1-3 passengers)
If you are a couple, or travel with a friend or two, or if you travel alone, a reasonably priced small car would be a good choice.
Compact size cars have 4 to 5 seats. We recommend sparing one passenger capacity so you could relax and have more space.
4 to 5 passengers including children and elderly
Medium and large size cars are recommended. These models could still possess a fair mount of space with 2 to 3 suitcases. SUVs are suitable for hybrid road conditions. Eco-friendly cars such as the Prius could save your spend on gasoline. Choose what you need giving you peace of mind on long trips.
Traveling in a group of 6 or more
It would be a wonderful experience to choose a van for everyone to have his or her own seat. These models accommodate a passenger capacity from 7 to 12 people. While it is noticeable that large cars cannot make quick and sharp turns. So we recommend renting two small or medium-sized cars if you spend a lot of time driving through towns.
Online Booking Process
We are endeavoring to make your booking as convenient as possible. Enter our website QEEQ.COM, log in, enter the required information, and follow the instructions, you are free to rent your desired car.
Insurance
What Insurances Are Available?
*For Autopilot Cars:
Insured: Protection for the person renting the car, including passenger accident insurance and personal accident insurance (PAI). This includes the personal safety of the driver, passengers, and their personal belongings.
Automobile Insurance: protection for the vehicle of the renter. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is one example.
Third-party Insurance: insurance that protects third parties other than the renter and the car rental company. Basic Third Party Liability (BTL) insurance, etc.
International car rental bookings will include the basic insurance required for car rentals: Vehicle Damage Coverage, Theft System, and Third Party Liability Insurance.
The deductible is the maximum amount of money you’re liable for in the event your rental car is damaged or stolen as long as you follow the conditions of your rental agreement. For example, the deductible is 1000 dollars, if the damage to the rented car is less than 1000 dollars, the customer pays; if the damage is more than 1000 dollars, the customer pays up to 1000 dollars; and the store’s insurance company pays for the part exceeding 1000 dollars.
Many travelers want more comprehensive coverage and purchase additional insurance. Personnel, vehicle and third-party coverage varies by insurance type. Here are some examples of common types of insurance (note: more checks means more coverage):
When and How to Purchase Insurance
There are two ways to obtain insurance: one is to purchase insurance when booking the car online; the other is to purchase insurance at the local store where the car is rented when picking up the car.
Generally, insurances provided by rental car companies usually has narrower coverage, higher premiums, so purchasing insurance online when booking the car is highly recommended.
How to Choose Insurance
If you are traveling with limited budget, it is better to choose the kind of insurance policy with the most comprehensive coverage. The main reasons are:
Repairing fee for the car would probably be higher abroad.
In case of an accident, the medical cost and compensation are very high.
The wider the coverage, the less the troubles you would deal with, which saves tons of time and energy.
Taking automobile insurance as an instance, comparing to common insurance policies, the most comprehensive insurance coverage, including glasses, tires, chassis protection, and considerations for special road conditions such as sand and rocks, is very necessary, but basic insurance of car rental companies usually does not include full coverage as such.
Picking Up the Car
Check Before Departure
Before proceeding to the car rental shop, make sure you have brought with you all necessary documents for picking up the vehicle, and two international credit cards is recommended to ensure that there is enough credit limit for pre-authorization.
Proceed to the Car Rentals
If there is a pickup store nearby, you could just walk there, following signs for airport rental cars.
If the rental car center is far away, there is usually a free shuttle bus bound for the rental car center. Shuttle buses run every 10 minutes approximately, so take the bus when you see the logo of your car rental company.
If the shuttle is not available, you can contact the car rental company and wait for staff member to pick you up at designated location. In case you have difficulty communicating with the store staff, please call QEEQ and we will assist you in English or other languages.
Inspect the Car
When you receive your reserved vehicle, inspect the bodywork for damage. At that time, it’s a good idea to document the entire process with your smartphone camera or take a picture of the dashboard. Because if you forgot to check the condition of your vehicle before departure, you may be charged for wronged damage repairs when you return it.
Payment
Payment is due on the day of the rental unless you are paying online or purchasing a tour package.
Insurance is usually included in the rental price, but some car rental companies offer paid options for more comprehensive coverage.
Last but not least, keep all contracts and documents safe for possible further usage. Once you have received your keys, check the seat heights, mirror positions, secure child seats, and then you are ready to go!
Traffic Rules and Signs
Cross-Border Travel Tips
When booking your rental car, make sure to select the option for “Cross-Border Travel” to see if the vehicle is permitted to be driven into other countries.
Important Tips:
When you pick up your rental car, inform the staff that you plan to drive across borders. If you don’t, your insurance might become invalid once you leave the country.
Cross-border fees need to be paid at the local rental office after you cross the border. Be sure to confirm the exact costs with the staff at the local office.
If the car you want to rent isn’t allowed for cross-border travel, it could be due to the rental company’s policies or restrictions on that specific vehicle model. In such cases, try choosing a different rental company or a different vehicle model.
Traffic Rules
Drive on the Right
In Croatia, please remember to drive on the right side of the road, with the driver’s seat positioned on the left.
Always Wear Seat Belts
Ensure all passengers, including those in the back seat, wear seat belts as required by law.
Prepare for Winter Conditions
From October to March, make sure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires, as they are mandatory in Croatia. Additionally, keep your headlights on during the day and carry spare bulbs for emergencies.
Wear a Reflective Vest
Keep a reflective vest in your vehicle at all times. Wear it when changing a tire or addressing issues outside the car to ensure your safety.
Yield Right of Way
Give priority to public and school buses. Private vehicles must yield, especially when a school bus is leaving a stop.
Observe Speed Limits
Stick to speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on open roads, and 130 km/h on highways. Be attentive to speed limit signs, as fines for speeding range from €40 to €2,000, depending on the violation’s severity.
Road Courtesy
In Europe, it is customary to allow vehicles with indicators on to merge, especially at traffic lights.
Don’t Drink and Drive
Avoid drinking alcohol if you plan to drive. If your blood alcohol level exceeds 0.5%, you will face fines starting at €95.
Croatian roads are typically well-maintained and smooth, with most being paved and free of potholes. However, certain roads, particularly those on islands and in remote areas, can be narrow, winding, and lack guardrails. The Croatian government is committed to continuously enhancing the road infrastructure. The country boasts extensive multilane highways stretching from north to south and east to west, with a few exceptions. Notably, the sections between Ploce and Dubrovnik, and from Rijeka to Pazin in Istria, are modern and well-kept, offering wide and fast routes, albeit with only a single carriageway.
The multi-lane highways now effectively link various regions of Croatia, with the exception of:
Ploce to Dubrovnik
Ucka tunnel to Pazin in Istria, which is currently under construction and expected to be completed by 2024.
All these highways in Croatia are toll roads. Highways are identified by the letter A followed by the road number:
Motorway A1 connects Zagreb with Dalmatia (Zadar, Split, Ploce).
A6 links Zagreb with Rijeka.
A3 connects Zagreb with Slavonia.
These roads are user-friendly:
Collect a ticket at the entrance and pay upon exit.
Payment options include an automatic toll booth or a toll booth operator.
Some smaller exits only offer an automatic payment option.
Fueling
Fuel Prices
As of November 2024, the price for unleaded petrol in Croatia is approximately €1.48 per liter, and diesel is around €1.37 per liter. These prices are slightly higher than the global average.
Gas Station Availability
Croatia has a high density of gas stations, ensuring easy access to fuel. INA remains a leading fuel station chain, and you can use their website or maps to locate stations along your route.
Self-Service Fueling
Most stations operate on a self-service basis. After refueling, simply inform the cashier of your pump number to complete the payment.
Fuel Types
Be cautious about the type of fuel: “Dizel gorivo” or “diesel” is for diesel, while “benzin” or “gasoline” is for petrol. Ensure you select the correct type to avoid issues.
Operating Hours
While some highway stations are open 24 hours, most gas stations operate from 6 AM to 8 PM.
Parking Guidelines
Safety of Parking Lots
Most paid parking areas in Croatia, marked with a “P” sign, are relatively safe. Although indoor parking facilities are limited, open-air parking lots generally have good security.
Parking Zones and Fees
Croatia has three main parking zones: red, yellow, and green. The red zone is closest to city centers and has the highest fees, reaching up to €2 per hour during peak weekday hours. The yellow zone is moderately priced, typically costing about half of the red zone rates. The green zone is the most affordable, with fees around €0.4 per hour. Fines for illegal parking range from €13 to €40.
Accident Handling
If you are involved in a traffic accident, do not panic. Check whether the passengers are injured, help yourself and seek help from passersby. Emergency contacts are available at any time.
For the rental company’s phone, please refer to your rental confirmation.
Here are the steps to handle different types of accidents:
Minor Collisions
Ensure everyone’s safety.
Move the vehicle to the side of the road to avoid obstructing traffic.
Call 192 to report the accident.
Take photos or videos of the vehicle’s condition.
Have the police document the accident and keep the accident report.
Contact the rental company and your insurance provider.
Vehicle Break-Ins or Theft
Call 192 to report the incident.
Have the police document the incident.
File an insurance claim.
Verify the information.
Receive compensation.
Vehicle Breakdown
Open the car’s trunk and hood.
Hang a white object on the door handle to signal for help.
Call the rental company.
The rental company will dispatch staff for towing or repairs.
If the rental company cannot resolve the issue, ask the police for towing assistance. Repair costs can be high, so having full insurance is important.
Car Return Process
Important Reminders
After your enjoyable road trip, it’s essential to return the vehicle on time. If you have any questions or need assistance, you can contact the 24-hour customer service hotline.
Car Return Tips
Refuel Before Returning
If your rental agreement requires a full tank upon return, make sure to refuel within 5 kilometers of the drop-off location and keep the receipt to show the rental staff.
Keep the Car Clean
Return the car in a clean condition to avoid cleaning fees. Note that smoking in the car may also result in additional charges.
Reconcile the Fee
When you return the car, the staff will inspect it and provide a final invoice. Carefully review the invoice and address any discrepancies immediately or contact customer service for clarification.
Keep the Contract and Document
Retain the rental agreement and receipts after returning the car for future reference.
Early or Late Return
Early Returns
Returning the car early usually does not result in a refund for unused days.
Late Returns
If you need to return the car late, call the rental location in advance to get approval and confirm any additional charges.
After-Hours Returns
If you can’t return the car during business hours, check if the rental location allows after-hours returns. If permitted,
Park in the designated area
Lock the car
Take photos of the fuel gauge, odometer, and car exterior
Drop the keys in the key/drop-off box.
Note that you are responsible for the car until the rental location reopens. To avoid issues, it’s best to return the car when staff are present.
Help after Trip
Traffic Citation
Unexpected Charges After Returning Home
If you find unexpected charges on your account after your trip, it might be due to traffic fines that the rental company paid for you. These charges often include an extra administrative fee. If you’re unsure about the details, reach out to the rental company’s customer service for clarification.
How to Handle Fines
If the police catch a violation, they usually issue a fine on the spot and provide an official receipt.
If a traffic camera captures the violation, you’ll receive a notice from the rental company.
If the rental company pays the fine for you, expect a higher charge due to their service fees.
If they don’t handle the payment, you’ll need to pay it yourself. Follow the instructions on the fine notice, enter the fine number and your credit card details on the specified website.
Make sure to pay fines promptly to avoid late fees, which can be quite steep.
Before your trip, it’s a good idea to check your route for toll roads, bridges, and common traffic rules to avoid violations. If you do get a fine, pay it as soon as possible to avoid additional charges.
No Violations During Rental
If you don’t incur any violations during your rental, the deposit will usually be refunded to the primary driver’s credit card within a month.
Insurance Claim
If you bought a full coverage insurance, you would receive a fast claim settlement. The following documents should be prepared:
Passport
Driver’s License
Credit Card Checkback History
The Car Rental Contract
Car Damage Deduction Bill
For more detailed information, check the terms and conditions of insurance company:
Zagreb, the vibrant capital of Croatia, welcomes visitors with its rich history and cultural landmarks. The old town is a treasure trove of attractions, including the towering Zagreb Cathedral and the charming St. Mark’s Church with its colorful mosaic roof. As you stroll through the city, the panoramic views from Lotrščak Tower and the lively atmosphere of Ban Jelačić Square and Dolac Market create a memorable introduction to the city. The safe and walkable streets make it easy to explore at your own pace, setting the stage for a delightful evening with friends.
Drive to Ljubljana
The journey continues to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s picturesque capital, where the scenic drive along the highway ensures a smooth transition. Upon arrival, the city’s iconic Dragon Bridge and bustling Central Market offer a glimpse into local life. The unique Triple Bridge and the Baroque beauty of the Franciscan Church add to the city’s charm. As the day unfolds, a visit to Ljubljana Castle provides breathtaking views of the Alps, enhancing the city’s enchanting atmosphere.
Discover Rovinj
Returning to Croatia, the coastal town of Rovinj on the Istrian Peninsula captivates with its Venetian influence and stunning Adriatic sunsets. The old town, dominated by St. Euphemia’s Church, offers panoramic views that are simply breathtaking. As the day winds down, a seafood dinner in Rovinj, known for its exceptional quality and value, becomes a culinary highlight of the trip.
Visit Pula
A short drive from Rovinj leads to Pula, a city steeped in Roman history. The impressive Pula Arena, one of the world’s best-preserved Roman amphitheaters, stands as a testament to the city’s ancient past. Exploring the Arch of the Sergii and the Temple of Augustus further immerses you in Pula’s historical allure, making for a fascinating day of discovery.
Explore Rastoke and Plitvice Lakes
The journey inland reveals the enchanting village of Rastoke, known for its picturesque waterfalls and mills. This scenic stop serves as a prelude to the breathtaking beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the park’s stunning lakes and cascading waterfalls offer a natural spectacle that leaves a lasting impression.
Experience Zadar
The coastal city of Zadar beckons with its rich history and vibrant culture. The Zadar Cathedral and the unique St. Donatus Church showcase the city’s architectural heritage, while the Sea Organ, an innovative sound installation, harmonizes with the waves to create a mesmerizing experience. This blend of ancient and modern attractions makes Zadar a captivating destination.
Visit Krka National Park and Split
Krka National Park, renowned for its beautiful waterfalls, sets the stage for a day of natural exploration. The journey then leads to Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, where the historic Diocletian’s Palace and the bell tower of Split Cathedral offer stunning views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. This combination of natural beauty and historical significance enriches the travel experience.
Explore Fortress Klis and Dubrovnik
The historic Fortress Klis, perched on a hill with breathtaking views, provides a dramatic start to the day. The journey culminates in Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” where the city’s medieval walls and historic sites offer a rich tapestry of history and stunning architecture. As the setting for numerous Game of Thrones scenes, Dubrovnik’s allure is undeniable, making it a fitting finale to this unforgettable road trip.
