What Is The Best Airport To Fly Into Croatia: Airports In Croatia Guide

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Post author SJ

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

Are you unsure about the best airport to fly into Croatia? Then, here is your guide to the airports in Croatia. If you are flying to Croatia soon, you’ll want to know all your options – including the airlines!

Croatia Travel Blog_Croatia Airports & Airlines Flying Guide

Croatia Flights, Airlines & Airports

Are you planning a trip to Croatia and wondering which airports and airlines operate in the country? Look no further! From major international airlines to smaller regional carriers, Croatia is well-connected by air across the 24 airports in Croatia.

So, whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, this guide will help you choose the right airline for your needs and budget. So fasten your seatbelts and get ready to take off with us as we explore the airlines that serve this beautiful European destination.

Introduction To Croatia And Its Airports

Airports in Croatia - Check-in at departure terminal
Zagreb Airport Croatia

Croatia is a country located in Central and Southeast Europe. It borders Hungary to the northeast, Serbia to the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the southeast, Montenegro to the south, and Slovenia to the southwest. The capital of Croatia is Zagreb.

There are lots of airports in Croatia, but you can not fly into them all. Read further down for the main airports you can look for flights into.

  1. Zagreb Airport – Main International Airport
  2. Split Airport
  3. Dubrovnik Airport
  4. Pula Airport
  5. Zadar Airport
  6. Osijek Airport
  7. Rijeka Airport
  8. Varaždin Airport
  9. Šibenik Airport
  10. Zadar Airport
  11. Osijek Airport
  12. Dubrovnik Airport
  13. Pula Airport
  14. Split Airport
  15. Trogir Airport
  16. Kaštela/Resnik Airport
  17. Brac Island airport
  18. Lošinj Island airport
  19. Rab Island airport
  20. Mali Lošinj Island airport
  21. Pag Island airport
  22. Krk Island Airport
  23. Cres Island Airport
  24. Bol Airport
  25. Hvar Island Airport
  26. Vis Island Airport
  27. Vrsar Airport
  28. Velika Gorica Airport

Direct flights to Croatia are available from many major airports, including those in the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and France.

What Is The Best Airport To Fly Into Croatia From The United States?

The best airports to arrive in Croatia for international flights from North America, Europe, and Asia are Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), Zagreb Airport (ZAG), Split Airport (SPU), Zadar Airport (ZAD), Pula Airport (PUY), Rijeka Airport (RJK), Osijek Airport (OSI). 

  1. Zagreb Airport is the busiest airport in Croatia and handled 2.8 million passengers in 2022. The airport is located about 10 kilometers from the city center of Zagreb. Zagreb Airport has direct flights to many European cities, including Vienna, Munich, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen
  2. Split Airport is located about 25 kilometers from the city center of Split and is the second busiest airport in Croatia. The airport handled 2.7 million passengers in 2022
  3. Dubrovnik Airport is the third busiest airport in Croatia, handling over two million passengers. The airport is located about 20 kilometers from the city center of Dubrovnik. There are direct flights to Dubrovnik from many European cities, including London, Frankfurt, Paris, and Zurich

Map Of Commercial Airports In Croatia

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What Is The Best Airport To Fly Into Croatia For

Best Airport To Fly Into: Dalmatian Coast

If you’re dreaming of exploring Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian Coast, touch down at Split Airport. Situated conveniently, it offers excellent access to popular coastal gems like Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Split itself, making it the ideal gateway for beach lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Best Airport To Fly Into: Istria

For those seeking to uncover the charm and beauty of the Istria region, Pula Airport is your best bet. Nestled in the heart of Istria, this airport puts you within easy reach of enchanting medieval towns like Rovinj, Poreč, and Motovun, known for their picturesque landscapes and delectable local cuisine.

Best Airport To Fly Into: Zagreb

If your adventure urges you to delve into the vibrant capital, Zagreb, Zagreb Airport is your ticket to exploring this lively city. Whether you’re captivated by its historic districts, vibrant cultural scene, or mouthwatering food markets, Zagreb Airport provides the perfect entry point to begin your urban escapade.

List Of The Airliness That Serves Croatia

Turkish Airlines Plane - Istanbul Airport

If you’re planning a trip to Croatia, you’ll need to know which airlines fly there. Here’s a list of airlines of some of the airlines that serve Croatia:

  • Aer Lingus
  • Air Canada
  • Air France
  • American Airlines
  • Austrian Airlines
  • British Airways
  • Croatia Airlines
  • easyJet
  • Etihad Airways
  • Iberia
  • KLM
  • Lufthansa
  • Norwegian Air Shuttle
  • Ryanair
  • Scandinavian Airlines
  • Swiss International Air Lines United Airlines
  • Turkish Airlines

Croatia Airlines

Croatia Airlines, the country’s national carrier, offers flights to and from major airports in Europe and some destinations in Asia and the Middle East.

Lufthansa

One of the largest airlines in Europe, Lufthansa offers flights to Croatia from its hubs in Frankfurt and Munich.

Austrian Airlines

Another major European airline, Austrian Airlines, flies to Croatia from its hub in Vienna.

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines is a growing airline with an extensive network, offering flights to Croatia from Istanbul.

Etihad Airways

The national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways, flies to Croatia from its base in Abu Dhabi.

Pros And Cons Of The Main Airports In Croatia

Split Airport Croatia
Split Airport Croatia

When flying to Croatia, there are a few different airports you can choose to fly into. Here is a list of each of the main airports in Croatia and its pros and cons:

Zagreb Airport (ZAG)

+Pros: Conveniently located in the capital city of Zagreb, this airport offers a wide variety of flights from all over Europe.

-Cons: It can be crowded during peak travel times and doesn’t have as many direct flights from North America as some of the other airports on this list.

Airport Lounge: Primeclass Lounge

The Primeclass Lounge at Zagreb Airport provides a cozy and relaxing environment for passengers. With amenities like a self-service buffet, free Wi-Fi, a business center, and access to TV and newspapers, the lounge ensures ultimate comfort.

  • Open from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day, the lounge can accommodate up to 94 people
  • Enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi, reading materials, and an open buffet offering a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Access to the lounge is available through various memberships or at a walk-in price of 40 €
  • Shower facilities are not available
  • Reservations can be made via email: zag.business@bta.com.tr

Split Airport (SPU)

+Pros: This airport is located in the popular tourist destination of Split, so it’s easy to get to your final destination from here. There are also a good number of direct flights from North America.

-Cons: During the summer months, this airport can be very crowded due to the influx of tourists. Additionally, there are not as many flight options from other parts of Europe as other airports on this list.

Split Airport Lounge

The Split Airport Business Lounge, situated in the main terminal, offers you a comfortable and convenient space to relax before your flights. The lounge provides amenities like a self-service buffet, free Wi-Fi, workstations, and newspapers/magazines.

  • It operates from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, accommodating up to 85 guests
  • You have access to complimentary snacks and beverages, including alcoholic options. But no real meals to speak of
  • Access to the lounge is available through various memberships or as a walk-in guest for a fee of 32 €
  • The lounge does not offer shower facilities

Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)

+Pros: Another popular tourist destination, Dubrovnik, is served by a good number of international airlines. The airport is also relatively new and modern, making for a pleasant experience.

+Cons: Due to its popularity with tourists, this airport can get very crowded during the summer season. Additionally, there are not as many flight options from other parts of Europe when compared to some of the other airports on this list

Business Lounge at Dubrovnik Airport

It’s just some comfy chairs with a few bottles of drinks and prepackaged sandwiches for business-class guests. 

Pula Airport (PUY)

+Pros: This airport is located on the coast of Istria and offers direct flights from some European cities. The airport is also relatively small, making it easy to navigate.

-Cons: Due to its size, there are not as many flight options from other parts of Europe or North America compared to some of the other airports on this list. Additionally, during peak travel times, this airport can be quite busy.

Rijeka Airport (RJK)

+Pros: This airport is located on the coast of Kvarner Bay and offers direct flights from some European cities. Further, it has a relatively modern terminal, making for an enjoyable experience.

-Cons: Due to its size, there are not as many flight options from other parts of Europe or North America compared to some of the other airports on this list. Additionally, during peak travel times, this airport can be quite busy.

Zadar Airport (ZAD)

Zadar Airport Croatia

+Pros: This airport is located in the popular tourist destination of Zadar and offers direct flights from some European cities. The airport is also relatively modern, making for a pleasant experience.

-Cons: It’s such a small airport with limited facilities. Other than Croatian Airlines, only low-cost carriers service this airport. 

CROATIAN AIRPORTS

Zagreb “Franjo Tuđman” International Airport

Address: Ul. Rudolfa Fizira 21, 10150 Zagreb

Airport Code: ZAG Website: http://www.zagreb-airport.hr

Split International Airport

Address: Cesta Dr. Franje Tuđmana 1270, 21217 Kaštel Štafilić

Airport Code: SPU Website: http://www.split-airport.hr

Dubrovnik International Airport

Address: Dobrota 24, 20213 Čilipi

Airport Code: DBV Website: https://www.airport-dubrovnik.hr

Zadar International Airport

Address: Ulica I/2A, 23222 Zemunik Donji

Airport Code: ZAD Website: https://www.zadar-airport.hr

Pula International Airport

Address: Ližnjan, Valtursko polje 210, 52100 Pula

Airport Code: PUY Website: https://airport-pula.hr

Osijek International Airport

Address: Vukovarska ul. 67, 31207 Klisa

Airport Code: OSI Website: http://www.osijek-airport.hr

Flying Times To Zagreb From Capital Cities In Europe

There are many airlines that fly to Croatia, and the flying time from major capital cities in Europe is relatively short. For example, flying from London to Zagreb takes just over two hours, and from Paris, it takes around two and a half hours. Other popular routes are:

  • London: 2 hours and 10 minutes
  • Paris: 2 hours and 20 minutes
  • Berlin: 2 hours and 30 minutes
  • Rome: 2 hours and 40 minutes
  • Madrid: 3 hours
  • Amsterdam: 2 hours and 25 minutes
  • Vienna: 2 hours and 50 minutes
  • Moscow: 4 hours and 15 minutes
  • Athens: 3 hours and 10 minutes
  • Budapest: 2 hours and 40 minutes

Tips For Finding The Best Flight Deals To Croatia

Airports in Croatia

If you’re looking for the best flight deals to Croatia, there are a few things you can do to ensure you get the best price possible.

  • Be flexible with your travel dates. You may be able to find cheaper flights if you’re willing to travel on certain days of the week or during off-peak times
  • Check for direct flights from your home airport. This can save you time and money on your overall travel costs.
  • Compare prices across multiple airlines and booking sites. Some airlines may have direct flights to Croatia, while others may have connecting flights with layovers, so it’s important to compare all of your options before making a decision
  • Sign up for fare alerts from your favorite airlines and booking sites. This way, you’ll be notified as soon as prices drop for your desired route
  • Compare pricing between different airlines. Just because one airline flies direct doesn’t mean it will always be the most expensive option
  • Consider flying into a larger Croatian airport such as Zagreb or Dubrovnik. From there, you can easily connect to smaller airports throughout the country.
  • Book in advance! The sooner you book, the more likely you will find low fares
FAQS ON AIRPORTS IN CROATIA

How many airports are in Croatia?

There are 24 airports in Croatia. However, just 9 are for commercial travel. Three are military airports, and the remaining twelve are for training and for sports use.

What is the main airport in Croatia?

Zagreb Airport (ZAG)

What is the biggest airport in Croatia?

Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG)

What are international airports in Croatia?

There are nine international airports in Croatia. 

What is the airport in Dubrovnik, Croatia, called?

Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)

What fun facts do you know about Canadian airports?

  • Croatia has 24 airports
  • Of these, 9 airports are for commercial travel, including international and domestic flights
  • 12 airports are used for sports and training purposes, i.e., pilot training and recreational activities. They serve domestic travel only
  • 3 airports are reserved for military use
  • Key commercial airports include those in Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb
  • Key sports and training airports include Aerodrom Osijek-Čepin and Airport Varaždin
  • Notable military airports include the Divulje and Udbina Air Bases.

Airports In Croatia Map

Croatia is an incredible country to visit, and with the help of this article, you can now easily find out which airlines offer flights there. Whether it be a budget airline or a full-service carrier, you should have no problem finding the perfect flight for your holiday. Use our list of all the major airlines serving Croatia to start planning your next trip today!

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