If you’re planning an Italy–Croatia trip soon, the “best” route depends on where you’re starting and which Croatian region you’re headed to: flights are quickest for Dubrovnik/Split/Zagreb, ferries are a classic Adriatic option for summer travel (especially from Ancona/Bari and seasonal fast ferries from Venice), and driving works well for Istria and the north.
I’ve been traveling in Croatia for decades and have lived on the Dalmatian coast for years, so this guide focuses on the options that actually work in real-life planning—plus the details that most travelers miss (seasonality, border realities, and where routes get misreported).
| Topic | What To Know (For Planning Now) |
|---|---|
| Fastest option | Flights are usually the quickest between major Italian cities and Zagreb, Split, or Dubrovnik (routes are seasonal). |
| Best for Istria | Driving via Trieste–Koper is straightforward; carry a passport or national ID and allow extra time in peak season. |
| Ferries | Ancona and Bari routes are common; Venice fast ferries are typically seasonal and can change operator or frequency year to year. |
| Schengen and borders | Croatia is in the Schengen Area, but temporary internal border checks can still happen; keep your ID accessible. |
| Train reality | Expect connections (often via Slovenia) and longer total journey times; fares vary widely by date and booking method. |
Why visit one location when you can check out several during the space of one holiday? Or you might be hopping around Europe and wondering how to get from place to place.
If you’re keen to get from Italy to Croatia, there are several options in front of you. That means you can enjoy Italy’s delicious food, culture, and beauty, then hop over to Croatia to explore its history, local delicacies, and amazing beaches.
Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!
How Far Is Italy From Croatia? Distance And Typical Travel Times
Well, depending on your mode of transport, that is a hard question to answer. By road, Zagreb to Rome is roughly 865–895 km (about 540–556 miles) and typically takes around 8.5–10 hours of driving time. The flying distance from Rome to Zagreb is about 321 miles (517 km).
So now, you want to know “how can I get from Italy to Croatia,” right? Let us show you how.
1. Flights From Italy To Croatia (Routes Vary By Season)
Of course, the easiest way is to fly, and that’s especially easy during the summer months. Many airlines serve several Italian cities and connect to different parts of Croatia, many of which are low-cost carriers – bonus!
Some airlines also provide services during the winter months, although these are less frequent.
Flight routes between Italy and Croatia change frequently by season (and sometimes year to year). For accuracy, treat airline route maps and current timetables as the source of truth rather than fixed “always-running” lists.
Croatia Airlines
- Milan Malpensa to Zagreb and Split
- Bologna to Zagreb
- Rome to Split and/or Dubrovnik (seasonality varies by year—check the current schedule before booking)
- Venice to Dubrovnik
EasyJet
- Milan Malpensa to Zadar and Split
- Venice to Dubrovnik
- Naples to Split and Dubrovnik
Ryanair
- Rome (airport varies) to Zagreb (seasonality varies by year—check the current schedule before booking)
- Rome Ciampino to Zadar and Split
- Milan (airport varies) to Zagreb (seasonality varies by year—check the current schedule before booking)
- Milan Malpensa to Zadar
- Bologna to Zadar
- Naples to Zadar
- Turin to Zadar (if operating—verify current schedule)
- Bari to Zadar
Wizz Air
- Rome Fiumicino to Split and Dubrovnik
Brands We Use And Trust
2. Driving From Italy To Croatia (Route And Border Notes)
If you want to drive from Italy to Croatia, it can be a very scenic trip.
You can take your own car or hire one; Avis, Europcar, Maggiore, and Sixt allow rentals to be taken from Italy to Croatia. Some will let you do a one-way rental, but be sure to know it will be a LOT MORE expensive.
The easiest route is from Trieste, Italy, to Koper, Slovenia, then driving into Istria, Croatia.
As you cross borders, you’ll need to have your passport or national ID ready. While Croatia is in the Schengen Area, internal border checks can still be temporarily reintroduced—so allow extra time in summer, especially on the Italy–Slovenia and Slovenia–Croatia routes.
3. Ferry From Italy To Croatia (Seasonal Routes And Timetables)
Can You Take A Ferry From Italy To Croatia?
Yes, there are several options for getting to Croatia from Italy by ferry. They vary based on the operator and the route you choose. Most ferry routes only operate in the summer months, but some are year-round. If you’re opting to travel by ferry during the winter months, be prepared for delays and cancellations at the last moment due to bad weather.
Fast ferries across the Adriatic are highly seasonal and can vary by operator, port, and frequency from one year to the next. If you’re planning a trip soon, confirm the exact sailing days and ports for your dates before booking accommodation around a specific ferry schedule.
Ferry Routes From Italy To Croatia
From Venice (Seasonal Fast Ferries; Routes Change Often)
- Venice to Piran
- Venice to Umag
- Venice to Poreč
- Venice to Rovinj
- Venice to Pula
Note: Other “Venice to Croatian islands/cities” routes are frequently misreported—verify current operators and timetables before planning around them.
From Trieste (Often Seasonal; Verify Each Year)
- Trieste to Pula
- Trieste to Rovinj
- Trieste to Rijeka (not consistently offered; verify before planning around it)
From Ancona To Croatia
- Ancona to Zadar
- Ancona to Split
- Ancona to Hvar (Stari Grad)
- Ancona to Dubrovnik
Other Departures (Occasional/Seasonal; Verify Before Planning)
- Some smaller Italian ports may have limited seasonal services in certain years
Jadrolinija reintroduced the Split–Bari ferry service in 2023, and the timetable varies by season and year.
Popular Ferry Routes From Italy To Croatia
- Ancona to Split
- Ancona to Zadar (seasonal)
- Bari to Split (seasonal)
Common Departure & Arrival Cities
- Venice to Pula, Rovinj, Umag & Porec
- Ancona to Zadar & Split
- Bari has seasonal ferry connections to Croatia on selected routes; current routes and frequency vary by year—verify before booking.
- Trieste to Rovinj, Mali Losinj, Porec
- Cesenatico to Mali Lošinj (if operating—verify current schedule)
- Pesaro to Mali Losinj
On the flip side, the same return ferries foperate rom Croatia to Italy
Despite some sites claiming there is a ferry from Hvar to Italy, there is not one. But you can reach the island of Hvar easily once you arrive in Split.
To give you an idea of the times, the ferry from Venice to Poreč typically takes around 3 to 4.5 hours, and weekly frequency varies by season. Trieste–Rovinj fast-ferry schedules and weekly frequencies vary by operator and season—verify the current timetable before planning.
Ancona–Zadar timings depend on the vessel type and season (for example, fast catamarans can be around 4 hours, while some ferry options can be significantly longer). The Bari–Dubrovnik crossing is longer, and frequency varies by season and year—verify duration and sailings before booking.
4. Train From Italy To Croatia (Connections And Timing)
Traveling between Italy and Croatia by train is less common, but it’s still possible if you’re not short on time. The train isn’t direct as you’ll need to connect in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
The Trieste-Zagreb journey is not usually direct; you’ll typically connect (often via Ljubljana), with total travel time commonly around 8.5–12+ hours depending on connections, and fares vary by date and booking method.
FAQs
What is the easiest way to get from Italy to Croatia?
For most itineraries, flying is the fastest option between major cities, while ferries can be ideal in peak season for coastal routes. Driving is often the best way to reach Istria and northern Croatia.
Are there ferries from Italy to Croatia year-round?
Some routes operate outside the summer season, but many Italy–Croatia ferries are seasonal, and their schedules vary by year. Always confirm sailings for your exact month before booking accommodation around a ferry.
Can you take a ferry from Venice to Croatia?
Seasonal fast ferries can run between Venice and parts of the Istrian coast (and sometimes nearby ports like Piran). Availability and frequency vary by year and season.
Is there a direct ferry from Venice to Zadar?
Direct sailings are not consistently available each year; if an itinerary lists Venice to Zadar, it may include transfers or be based on outdated information. Verify with current operators for your travel dates.
How long is the ferry from Venice to Poreč?
The Venice–Poreč crossing typically takes 3-4.5 hours, depending on the operator and conditions.
Is there a ferry from Hvar to Italy?
No. Hvar is typically reached via Split (or other Croatian ports), and onward travel to Italy is usually via routes such as Split–Ancona or Split–Bari.
Can I drive from Italy to Croatia without border checks?
Croatia is in the Schengen Area, but temporary internal border checks can still be in place on certain routes. You should carry a passport or national ID and allow extra time in peak season.
Is it easy to do a one-way car rental from Italy to Croatia?
It may be possible with some rental companies. Still, one-way international drop-offs are often significantly more expensive and may be subject to restrictions depending on the provider and pickup location.
Can you travel from Italy to Croatia by train?
Yes, but it’s rarely direct. You’ll typically need connections (often via Slovenia), and total journey times can be longer than flights or driving.
How much does the train from Trieste to Zagreb cost?
Prices vary widely by date, route, and booking location. Treat any fixed price you see online as a rough example unless it’s pulled from a current booking engine for your travel date.
What is the best ferry route from Italy to Croatia for Dalmatia?
Ancona–Split and Bari–Split (and sometimes Bari–Dubrovnik) are commonly used for Dalmatia, but frequency and operating months vary by season and year.
Do ferries get cancelled between Italy and Croatia?
Yes. Wind and sea conditions can cause delays or cancellations, especially for fast ferries and outside the calmest summer periods.
In our opinion, the best way to travel from Croatia to Italy is usually a ferry (when routes are operating) or a direct flight, depending on your dates and destination.
Hi there, great page and website. We are travelling to Croatian and hiring a car, no problems great price. We then want to go to visit Italy and Switzerland by car, no rental cars from Croatia. Does any one have any tips or tricks, that are reasonably affordable we would like to go by car, as we are interested in sight seeing. Are there any drivers available that are not too expensive. Are there any car rental tips anyone could share. Looking forward to hearing from you. We are (3) travelling late August and will be there until Mid September. Thank you!!