Travelling by car to Croatia to the island of Krk
A drive along the Croatian coast, along the beautiful Adriatic. Summer wind in your hair, windows open, that holiday feeling in your stomach… Ah, that’s exactly how you can imagine the journey to Croatia and the island of Krk.
Probably the most relaxed way from Germany is the motorway route via Salzburg, Villach and Ljubljana towards the island of Krk. This route is usually the fastest and most comfortable. Driving your own car offers maximum freedom and, thanks to the toll-free Krk Bridge (since 2020), is the most popular option.
THE LATEST INFORMATION ON THE TRAFFIC SITUATION IN CROATIA (IN GERMAN)
To the live traffic situationTravelling by car: pure flexibility
High season
- Driving time Expect 10 to 16 hours (from southern Germany/Austria).
- Traffic Extremely heavy. Saturdays are often marked by long queues at the borders because of the guest changeover.
- Tip Ideally travel during the week or at night to avoid the traffic.
Shoulder season
- Driving time A relaxed 8 to 12 hours.
- Traffic Low traffic. Only on public holiday weekends (Whitsun) can it get a little busier. The drive through the Alps is at its most scenic now.
- Costs No seasonal toll surcharges for cars in Croatia.
Winter season
- Driving time Usually under 10 hours in good conditions.
- Traffic Clear motorways. Parking on site is free almost everywhere.
- Weather risk Caution in the Croatian hinterland (Gorski Kotar). Winter tyres and snow chains are mandatory!
Buy a digital vignette
Motorway toll for cars
Austria
We also recommend buying the digital section toll. This lets you simply use the left lane at the toll stations when traffic is heavy and drive through without stopping. Your number plate is recognised automatically by a camera.
Note: prices may change. Please check the current prices with ASFINAG.
Motorway toll for cars
Slovenia
Instead of the classic sticker vignette, you can order the digital vignette (e-vignette) for Slovenia directly via the link below.
Note: prices may change. Please check the current prices with DARS/ASFINAG.
Extra costs: tunnel tolls & Croatian motorway charges
If you travel from Germany or Austria, in addition to the regular vignette there are extra charges for certain motorway tunnels, as well as the distance-based motorway toll (cestarina) in Croatia. Here are the current prices for single journeys:
Route via Salzburg / Ljubljana
- A10 Tauern motorway:
(Tauern & Katschberg tunnels) 13,00 € - A11 Karawanken motorway:
(AT/SI border) 8,20 € - Croatian toll:
(Rupa border to the island of Krk) approx. €1.50
Route via Linz / Maribor
- A9 Pyhrn motorway:
(Gleinalm & Bosruck tunnels) 18,50 € - Croatian toll:
(Macelj via Zagreb to the island of Krk) approx. €9.50
Saving tip: If you also use the same tunnel route in Austria for the return journey, the ticket for 2 journeys is recommended.
Travel cost calculator (car)
Quickly and easily calculate the approximate toll and fuel costs for your journey to the island of Krk.
Total costs
Warning: drastic penalties in Croatia
Croatia now cracks down extremely hard on traffic offences. To protect your holiday budget (and your driving licence), you should definitely know these new, strict rules:
Drifting & illegal racing
Deliberate drifting, squealing tyres or reckless driving (“obijesna vožnja”) is classified by law as a massive danger. Offenders face prison sentences of up to 3 years and immediate confiscation of the vehicle.
Drink-driving
From 1.5 per mille you face a fine of up to €2,700 or up to 60 days in prison. IMPORTANT: For drivers under 25 and professional drivers, an absolute 0.0 per mille limit applies (penalty for violation: from €405).
Extreme speeding
Anyone driving more than 50 km/h over the limit in built-up areas pays €1,350 to €2,700 in fines. Here too, a direct prison sentence may be imposed in cases of serious danger.
Krk island bridge
The Krk Bridge has been toll-free since mid-June 2020 – completely free of charge. Please do not brake at the former toll booths to avoid unnecessary traffic jams on the bridge – passage is completely free.
Warning: the Bura
Check the weather before you set off! In Croatia there are sometimes strong winds (the downslope wind “Bura”). These can become so extreme that the coastal roads or the Krk Bridge has to be closed completely.
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