3 Ways To Get From Pula To Rijeka (& Rijeka To Pula)

Planning a trip from Rijeka to Pula and scratching your head about the best way to go? No sweat, I’ve got you covered with the lowdown on how to make this trip a breeze.

First things first, getting around Croatia is way easier than you might think. Seriously, the roads here are top-notch. If you’re up for a drive, you’re going to find it super straightforward – the road signs are clear as day, making it almost impossible to get lost. Plus, the drive itself is pretty scenic, so you’re in for a treat.

But hey, if you’re not in the mood to drive, no problem! The bus services between Rijeka and Pula are pretty reliable and affordable. It’s a smooth ride, usually taking about 2 to 3.5 hours, depending on the bus you hop on. It’s a great way to sit back, relax, and maybe even catch a quick nap while you’re shuttled from one incredible city to the other.

 

Pula is a popular destination, thanks to its stunning beaches and incredible views. Located at the tip of the Istrian Peninsula, Pula is the best place to go if you’re into nature and Insta-worthy snaps. This is also an excellent spot for anyone who enjoys wine, as there are many wineries, and because it is on the coast, there is also no shortage of fresh seafood.

However, you might like to get around a little, and Rijeka is a great choice. Located in the Kvarner Gulf,  on the Adriatic, Rijeka is a port city and sits prettily in Kvarner Bay. This is the ideal spot if you want to head to the Croatian islands for a day or two, as lots of ferries depart from here.

So, whether you’re behind the wheel or chilling on a bus, you’re all set for a hassle-free journey. Trust me, you’re going to love the trip as much as the destination! Grab your stuff, and let us go through all the options on the best way to go from Pula to Rijeka and how you travel from Rijeka to Pula.

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1. Self-Drive From Pula To Rijeka

The distance between the two destinations isn’t huge, so if you’re confident driving in Croatia, you can take your own car or hire a car and drive yourself. This means you can stop as many times as you like along the way and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

To head from Rijeka to Pula, you follow the same road back to Pula. The journey will take you around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. You’ll cover 110km, and you’ll follow the E751 road. Easy.

2. Book A Private Tranfer From Rijeka To Pula

If you don’t want to use public transport but don’t want to drive either, a private transfer is your next option. This isn’t the cheapest choice, but it is much more comfortable than bus travel and is the fastest way to travel.

It isn’t easy to give an exact price, but you can expect to pay between 130-150 euros for a one-way journey. These drivers will wait for you in case of flight delay and give you a mini guided tour along the way, which is nice during peak times when traffic will be bad, and you will have plenty of time to stare out the window.

3. Direct Buses To Pula From Rijeka

There are countless services throughout the day, all year around. The final and cheapest option is to take the bus between Pula and Rijeka. The journey takes anywhere between 1 hour and 15 minutes and about 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending upon the service you choose and the time of the day. Sometimes, traffic can play a role in delaying services.

Buses leave Pula Bus Terminal and travel to Rijeka Bus Terminal, both of which are in the center of both locations. The earliest departure leaves Pula at 3.45 a.m. (yawn!), and bus departures run roughly every hour throughout the day. A one-way bus ticket costs around 15 Euros.

Companies running this service include Brioni, Arriva, Nomago, Cazmatrans Promet, Polet Vinkovi, and Autobusni Prijevoz Varazdin.

When you’re ready to travel back to Pula, the first bus leaves Rijeka just after midnight, and they run roughly every hour, with a few fewer during the evening hours.

The most expensive ticket will be the fastest bus in the middle of summer, so if you are a budget traveler, keep that in mind.

Distance From Rijeka To Pula

The distance between Pula and Rijeka (as the crow flies) is a little over 108.8 kilometers (68 miles); there are no flights from Pula to Rijeka.

The travel time between Rijeka Bus Station and Pula Airport in Croatia varies depending on the mode of transportation and your travel date (hello, peak summer traffic!)

• By Bus: the journey by bus is the most common way to travel between these two points. It usually takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on the specific bus route and traffic conditions
• By Car: if you’re driving, the trip can take about 1.5 to 2 hours, covering a distance of around 100 to 120 kilometers, depending on the route taken

The travel time between Rijeka Bus Station and Pula Bus Station in Croatia generally ranges from approximately 2 to 3.5 hours, depending on the bus service and traffic conditions. There are several bus services operating on this route, and some may take longer routes or make more stops, affecting driving distance and overall travel time.

Now that you have all of the best ways to travel from Rijeka to Pula, all you have to do is decide on the best mode of transportation from Pula to Rijeka for you.