The journey to our golden island of Krk should above all be one thing: relaxed. But shortly before the trip, many holidaymakers ask themselves: “Are there still toll booths, or do I now need a digital vignette?”
The introduction of the new Croatian toll system is a perennial topic. Here you’ll find the latest facts for planning your holiday in 2026 and 2027, plus our expert recommendation for avoiding queues at the toll booths.
1. The new “free-flow” system: when will it really come?
There have been many announcements, but for the 2026 summer season reality will probably still look traditional.
- Status for summer 2026: The new barrier-free toll system (a combination of an e-vignette for light vehicles and toll boxes for lorries, recorded by cameras) is in the set-up phase. To avoid traffic chaos, the old toll booths will most probably remain in operation during the 2026 peak season.
- Outlook for 2027: The complete changeover and the removal of the toll barriers are now expected for the period end of 2026 to early 2027.
What this means for you: In the coming 2026 summer season you must still expect tailbacks at the toll booths (Lučko, Zagreb) on the main travel days if you pay manually with cash or card.
2. The expert solution: ENC – still the best way in 2026
As long as the barriers are in place, the established ENC system (Elektronička Naplata Cestarine) is the absolute insider tip for a stress-free journey to Krk. Simply leave the long queues at the “CASH/CARD” lanes behind.
Your advantages with the ENC box:
- Use the fast lane: You drive past the queue on special ENC lanes. The barrier opens automatically.
- Save money: With the standard ENC prepaid model you save 21.74% on the regular tolls.
- Protecting your investment: The Croatian motorway company HAC has signalled that existing ENC devices can also be integrated into the new future system (from 2027). So the device is not a wasted investment.
Where can you get the ENC box?
You can buy the official HAC ENC device directly at the sales offices of the larger toll stations (e.g. Bregana, Rupa, Lučko).
- Device price: Approx. €15.00 (one-off).
- Minimum top-up: For new customers usually €20.00. Thanks to the discount, however, a higher value is credited to your account (e.g. you pay in €20 but receive approx. €25.56 credit).
Management tip: Use the free HAC ENC app or the popular Aircash app. With Aircash you can not only top up your ENC credit in seconds, but also pay for parking tickets by phone in Croatia and book ferry tickets (e.g. for trips to neighbouring islands).
3. Optimising travel time: when is the best time to drive?
The rule of thumb still applies in 2026 and 2027: those who travel against the flow save time.
- The bottleneck: The Lučko toll station (near Zagreb) is often overloaded at weekends.
- Our recommendation: Try to schedule your arrival and departure on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Traffic flows much more smoothly than at the classic “changeover weekend” (Friday to Monday).
4. Good news: the Krk bridge remains free
There are no changes here, only planning certainty: since 15 June 2020 crossing the Krk bridge (Krčki most) has been permanently toll-free. You no longer need to plan any stops or costs for the bridge when travelling to the island. Simply enjoy the spectacular view over the Kvarner Bay!
Conclusion for 2026: Don’t rely on the new satellite/camera system yet in summer 2026. Get an ENC box for the motorway to bypass queues, and enjoy the free crossing over the bridge straight to us on the island of Krk.
For current route planning and live traffic updates, visit our section: https://krk-info.eu/anreise/
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