Croatian ferries 101: tips, services & what to expect
Cruise through Croatia like a pro!
Planning the ferry trip of a lifetime in Croatia? If so, you are in the right place. Discover detailed information about Croatian ferries, including useful tips, recommendations and disclaimers, and travel across the wonders of Croatia like a pro:
Croatian ferries for starters
- Where in Croatia can you travel by ferry?
- What types of ferries are operating in Croatia?
- Are ferries in Croatia traveling year-round?
- Traveling in Croatia: ferry or plane?
Traveling by ferry in Croatia
- Which are the mainland ferry ports of Croatia?
- Which are the main ferry companies in Croatia?
- Are ticket prices fixed for Croatian routes?
- Can you bring along your vehicle on Croatian ferries?
- What are the pet policies?
- Is there cabin accommodation on Croatian ferries?
- Are luggage items allowed on Croatian ferries?
Tips for a great ferry trip in Croatia
- Things to do throughout your ferry trip
- Do ferries in Croatia make you seasick?
- How to book ferry tickets in Croatia?
- Where can you find real-time tickets in Croatia?
Seaside wonders on the coast of Dubrovnik
Where in Croatia can you travel by ferry?
Thanks to the well-connected ports of Croatia, both coast hopping and island hopping are available by ferry! You can travel between various mainland ports, such as Pula and Zadar, and also take the ferry to the countless Adriatic islands!
If you don’t know where to start, check out the Croatian ferry schedules for 2023, as well as the best Croatian islands to visit, the perfect guide for an island-hopping excursion!
Fun fact: Croatian ferries also sail to Italy! You can learn more about the Italy - Croatia ferry schedules here.
What types of ferries are operating in Croatia?
While there are many large, conventional ferries traveling across Croatia, you can also find plenty of high-speed catamarans for quicker adventures. These fast vessels are usually reserved for ferry routes between the Adriatic islands.
Are ferries in Croatia traveling year-round?
While Croatia is the land of seasonal ferry routes (usually from late Spring/early summer to late September), several ferry connections are operated year-round. This is because the vast majority of Croatian islands are only accessible by ferry, so sea traveling cannot be a seasonal luxury.
Traveling in Croatia: ferry or plane?
Traveling by plane to Croatia is a great option for international travelers. Once you land on Croatian grounds, however, we highly recommend moving around by national and regional transportation, including ferries!
Cruising through the mesmerizing waters of the Adriatic Sea is not only a great way (and usually the only available one) to reach the islands but also a nice opportunity for coast hopping. One of the most popular connections for coast hopping is between Split and Dubrovnik, allowing you to explore these beautiful historical cities by ferry and even visit some Game of Thrones filming locations!
Sailing to the Croatian islands
Which are the mainland ferry ports of Croatia?
Let’s continue with some of the most captivating ferry ports in all of Europe! Croatia’s mainland ports combine modern amenities with medieval architecture and culture. This makes them the perfect starting point for island hopping in the Croatian islands!
Specifically, the key mainland ferry ports of Croatia are:
- Split
- Dubrovnik
- Makarska
- Pula
- Zadar
- Šibenik
- Poreč
- Rijeika
- Ploče
Varying in size, amenities and available ferry connections, the ports of Croatia ensure a comfortable trip to your next destination. Some of them are connected directly, while others include several in-between stops to various Croatian islands.
Which are the main ferry companies in Croatia?
The following companies operate most of the ferry connections in Croatia: Kapetan Luka - Krilo, Jadrolinija and TP-Line, while some operators focus on local/regional areas, such as G&V Line Iadera.
Additionally, the companies operating between Croatia and Italy are Liberty Lines, Kompas (Adriatic Lines), Gomo Viaggi, Jadrolinija and SNAV. So, if you’re dreaming of crossing the Adriatic Sea all the way to an entirely different country, you’re in good hands!
Are ticket prices fixed for Croatian routes?
Most ferry ticket prices for Croatian routes remain fixed regardless of seasonality. Still, we highly suggest that you book your trip well in advance, especially when traveling in high season to/from popular destinations.
Tip: if you’re all about finding the best ferry offers, consider that all ferry companies provide age-based discounts, while there are some seasonal deals as well.
A Croatian catamaran in action!
Can you bring along your vehicle on Croatian ferries?
Yes, vehicles are allowed on conventional ferries traveling to Croatian towns and islands. Routes that are served only by catamarans do not allow the transport of motor vehicles (though bikes and electric scooters are usually accepted on board).
Most major ferry connections in Croatia are operated by conventional ferries so that you can easily explore your preferred destination at your own pace. As a general rule of thumb, short ferry trips to/from the islands are usually served by fast catamarans and therefore don’t have garage spaces.
Important: Croatia is home to some stunningly beautiful car-free islands which, by default, do not allow the disembarkation of vehicles. A popular example is the island of Silba, which you can easily reach by ferry, thanks to the Pula - Silba route.
What are the pet policies?
Pet companions are more than welcome on Croatian ferries! Typically, they are not allowed inside enclosed spaces (except for guide dogs). Instead, there are usually pet kennels, special cabins or other designated spaces on the ferry’s open-air deck.
Some amenities and policies may vary depending on the company you’re traveling with. In any case, filling out the appropriate pet information as you book your tickets and bringing along any necessary documents/certificates is crucial.
Is there cabin accommodation on Croatian ferries?
Looking to travel in comfort and style? Conventional ferries traveling to the many wonders of Croatia are equipped with cozy cabins. Booking yours as early as possible is highly recommended, as there might be limited availability.
However, keep in mind that many connections in Croatia are quite short and are served by catamarans which do not have cabins, only onboard seating.
Are luggage items allowed on Croatian ferries?
Big things don’t always have to come in small packages. Croatian ferry companies are usually quite flexible with luggage allowance policies, allowing you to carry a total of 20 kg in luggage items! In some cases, the weight limit might even be higher, but that depends strictly on the company you’ve chosen for your Croatian trip.
While passengers are typically responsible for moving around and storing their luggage items, you can always ask for additional assistance from the crew.
The busy port area of Pula in mainland Croatia
Things to do throughout your ferry trip
When traveling by ferry across Croatia, you’ll reach your destination faster than you can say Dubrovnik! Still, some ferry routes take slightly longer than others, and you might need a tip or two on how to spend your time on the ferry.
With an internet connection on most Croatian ferries, binge-watching a TV show or streaming your comfort movie is a piece of cake. And if your ferry has an open-air deck, you can get some fresh air outside and admire the beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea.
Last but not least, reading is always a must for a calming ferry trip, especially when it includes travel recommendations for Croatia! Check out our travel guides for the most popular Croatian towns and islands, such as Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar and Mljet, and keep them handy for some inspiring reading when traveling to your destination.
Do ferries in Croatia make you seasick?
If seasickness is not on your travel bucket list, opting for a conventional ferry instead of a high-speed catamaran is a great place to start. If that is not an option for the route you’re interested in, make sure to have some motion sickness medicine with you, and get some dried food instead of something liquidy/saucy, preferably.
How to book ferry tickets in Croatia?
Buying ferry tickets on a ferry in Croatia is not an option. Instead, you should book yours in advance at a ticket office near your port of departure or online. The latter is highly recommended, as booking your Croatian ferry tickets online allows you to plan your trip well in advance, regardless of your current location.
Where can you find real-time tickets in Croatia?
Ferryhopper is the perfect platform for organizing your ferry trip to Croatia and its islands, all in real time! Browse all available connections on our interactive Map of ferries, combine multiple destinations in one destination and let the trip of a lifetime take you to Adriatic locations of unparalleled charm.
