Explore Croatia
Croatia rewards the drive. The A1 motorway from Zagreb sweeps down to a Dalmatian coast that is hard to match anywhere in Europe, and the road network is modern and well-signed. The catches are seasonal traffic, a ticket-based toll system that surprises people at exit barriers, and ferry queues to the islands in high season. This guide covers what to sort before you roll off the boat at Rijeka or cross in from Slovenia or Hungary.
Last verified: 21 April 2026
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Driving rules
Croatia enforces a strict zero-alcohol limit for anyone under 25 and for professional drivers. For everyone else the limit is 0.5 g/l, the same as most of mainland Europe and lower than England and Wales.
Driving tips
- Motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes are limited to 100 km/h on motorways and 80 km/h on rural roads. Check your plated weight, not your habitation manual.
- Police issue on-the-spot fines. Card payment is accepted in most cases but carry some cash as a back-up.
- Summer traffic on the A1 between Zagreb and Split is heaviest on Saturdays between late June and early September, when coastal rentals change over. Travel midweek or overnight if you can.
- Ferry queues to the islands from Jadrolinija ports (Split, Zadar, Drvenik, Prapratno) can be two or three hours in July and August. Book in advance for motorhomes.
- Winter tyres or snow chains are compulsory from 15 November to 15 April in wintry conditions, even on the coast if the road is affected.
- Rural roads in Istria and the Dalmatian hinterland often narrow and twist with no hard shoulder. Reduce pace and expect tractors.
Required kit
Vehicles over 3,500 kg
Motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes move up to Class 3 at Croatian toll booths, which is noticeably more expensive than Class 2.
Towing a caravan
Tolls and vignettes
Tolls
Most Croatian motorways including the A1, A3, A6 and A7 use a closed-barrier system. You collect a ticket when you enter and pay on exit. Motorhomes up to 3.5 tonnes are charged as Class 2. Over 3.5 tonnes steps up to Class 3.
An ENC electronic tag gives roughly 20 percent off and lets you use dedicated lanes. If you plan to use motorways for more than a week or two it usually pays for itself. ENC tags are sold at HAC service areas.
Vignette
Croatia does not use a vignette. You pay per journey at the toll booths.
Low emission zones
Croatia has no national LEZ scheme. You do not need a city emissions sticker to enter Zagreb, Split, or any other Croatian city.
Supermarkets and shopping
Budget
Mid-range
Premium
Opening hours
A 2023 trading law limits large supermarkets to opening on 16 Sundays per year, typically concentrated in tourist season on the coast. Smaller shops and bakeries often stay open. Check the door before making a special trip.
Alcohol
Croatian supermarkets stock wine, beer, and spirits at reasonable prices. Local rakija (fruit brandy) is widely sold and is a good small gift to take home.
Local tips
- Bakeries (pekara) are everywhere and open early. Burek is the traditional breakfast pastry.
- Fresh fish is best bought from the morning markets in coastal towns (ribarnica). They usually close by 12:00.
- Pharmacies (ljekarna) have the green cross sign. Most are closed Sundays but duty rotas cover each town.
- Cash is still useful in small island shops and at roadside fruit stands. Cards are fine in larger chains.
Motorhome LPG and gas in Croatia
Croatia has a moderate LPG network of around 300 stations, with INA being the largest operator. LPG pumps use both the ACME and Dish fittings depending on the station, so a 3-piece adapter set is worth carrying. Coverage on the coast is good, inland can be thinner.
The main local bottle brands are Tifon, INA, and Plin. They sell through fuel stations and larger supermarkets. You will need a matching regulator pigtail for your UK motorhome.
UK Calor bottles cannot be swapped or exchanged anywhere in Europe. Either carry a 3-piece adapter kit or fit a refillable system before you leave. Read our complete guide to motorhome gas and LPG in Europe.
Motorhome electric hook-ups in Croatia
Most Croatian campsites offer 6A to 16A hook-ups. Larger commercial sites on the mainland coast and in Istria often run 16A, which is enough for a kettle and heater without tripping. Smaller sites, and many island campsites, still only offer 6A which limits you to about 1,380 watts total.
Reverse polarity is less common than in France but still happens, particularly on older sites. Carry a socket tester and a crossover cable. Voltage drops on busy sites at peak season can knock fridges back onto gas automatically, which is worth knowing if you come back to a warm compressor box.
Read our complete guide to motorhome electric hook-ups in Europe.
Documents you need
Your own vehicle
- Passport
- UK Photocard Driving Licence
- Vehicle Log Book (V5C)
- Insurance Certificate
- Travel Insurance Proof
Rental or hire vehicle
- VE103 Certificate
- Driving Licence Check Code
- International Driving Permit (if you still hold a paper licence)
Travelling with dogs
What to pack
- Dog lead
- Water bowl
- Vaccination records
- AHC
Food import rules
Meat, milk, and products containing either cannot be brought into Croatia from the UK. The main exceptions are powdered baby milk and medically prescribed pet food.
Border and entry
Useful links
Common questions
How do motorway tolls work in Croatia for motorhomes?
Croatian motorways use a distance-based closed-barrier system. You take a ticket when you enter and pay when you exit. Motorhomes under 3.5 tonnes are charged at Class 2 and expect to pay roughly 8 to 12 EUR per 100 km. Over 3.5 tonnes moves you up to Class 3. Cards are accepted at all booths, and an ENC electronic tag gives about 20 percent off.
Is the kuna still used in Croatia?
No. Croatia joined the eurozone on 1 January 2023 and the kuna is no longer legal tender. All prices, tolls, and campsite fees are now in euros.
Are Croatian motorways busy in summer?
Yes. July and August traffic to the coast is heavy, particularly on the A1 between Zagreb and Split on Saturdays when holiday lets change over. Expect queues at toll plazas. Travelling midweek or overnight is much calmer.
Can I take my dog to Croatia in a motorhome?
Yes. Your dog needs a microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 21 days old, and an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by your vet within 10 days of travel. For the return to the UK, your dog must have a tapeworm treatment administered by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before you arrive back.