Is There Uber In Croatia? Complete Guide

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.

You no longer need to wonder whether there is Uber in Croatia — I can tell you there is. I use it all the time.

I’ve lived in Croatia for over 10 years, and since Uber arrived, it’s been one of the easiest ways to get around while avoiding surprise pricing and unnecessary detours that can still happen with street taxis.

Here’s your guide to using Uber in Croatia, including costs, where it operates, and everything you need to know.

Taxis are not always your friend when getting around Croatia — sorry to say. While many are perfectly fine, there are still enough bad experiences out there that it pays to be cautious. Overcharging and unnecessarily long routes do happen, especially in busy tourist areas. We all enjoy a scenic drive, but not when you’re paying for it.

The good news is that taxis are not your only option, thanks to Uber and the many professional, app-based drivers operating across Croatia.

Uber launched in Croatia in 2015, and since then, it has become a popular way to get around without worrying about route disputes or surprise pricing. Because everything is handled through the app, you know the destination and price upfront, which takes a lot of the stress out of short trips.

It’s no secret that traditional taxi associations in Croatia have opposed Uber over the years and have repeatedly pushed for tighter restrictions. Despite this, Uber continues to operate legally and remains a solid option for short rides. In my experience, it’s often cheaper and more predictable than hailing a cab on the street.

Uber now operates with thousands of active drivers across Croatia, particularly concentrated in major cities and coastal destinations. While it’s not available everywhere, wait times are generally short in areas where the service is established.

Even though Uber doesn’t operate nationwide, it’s widely used by locals and tourists alike, especially during the summer season when demand for reliable transport is at its highest.

Is Uber Available In Croatia? Yes. And No.

As we mentioned, Uber doesn’t yet cover the whole country, but it does cover the most popular destinations on the Croatian coast, which I am sure are already on your itinerary. Uber currently operates in these big cities:

• Zagreb
• Zadar
• Rijeka
• Split
• Šibenik
• Dubrovnik – including Dubrovnik Old Town

Uber operates seasonally in parts of Istria, including Pula and Rovinj, though availability can be limited.

There is also Uber Comfort, which lets you choose a more comfortable, larger vehicle if you want, at a slightly higher cost. This is good, for instance, if you have a large family.

How Does Croatian Uber Work

If you’ve never used Uber before, it’s all pretty straightforward. First, download the app to your device, then log in with a new Uber account.

Before you tap your way to an Uber ride, you’ll need to be online. Uber requires an internet connection to work, so you’ll want to sort out your mobile data beforehand.

One practical solution is Airalo. It’s an eSIM service that lets you swiftly download a local data plan directly to your smartphone. What’s excellent about Airalo is its affordability and its availability in Croatia, among over 200 other countries.

I’ve personally found it to be a lifesaver on my travels through Turkey, Croatia, and the UK. It’s worth considering for a stress-free, connected travel experience in Croatia to avoid those pesky roaming fees. But you can explore other options, such as asking your mobile provider for their roaming rates. 

You can attach your credit card or an existing PayPal account to pay for your journeys, so you don’t need to carry cash or pay the driver directly. You can also use some money if you prefer.

Regular Uber journeys are cheaper than cab rides, especially given the higher prices taxis often (over)charge. This makes it easier to budget.

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Using Uber In Croatia Vs. Taxis

I know I have already taken a few jabs at Croatian cab drivers. #SorryNotSorry. Every year, we locals are so ashamed when we hear of them charging people €100 to go 10 minutes and the like. And then, guess what? The following summer comes, and they are back at it, year after year—sneaky buggers.

Like this year (2024), when a Norwegian man paid for a taxi in Split, the driver did not let him out of the car. Instead, before he let him take his bags, he demanded another 200 euros—read it here.

Is Uber better than local taxis in Croatia?

Yes!

Heading out in Croatia and deciding between a taxi or an Uber? Here’s the deal. Taxis are pretty much everywhere in major cities and towns. Availability can be limited late at night, during peak summer months, or in smaller coastal towns.

You can flag one down on the road and be on your way in no time. Super convenient, right? But keep your wits about you—some taxi drivers might spot a tourist from a mile away and crank up the price. They might say it’s by the meter, but sometimes that “taxi meter” seems to run faster than a sprinter on race day.

Now, hailing a taxi has its perks. You see one, you wave, you get in, and boom, you’re off. Very efficient. No staring at your phone, tapping your foot, waiting for an Uber that’s still several minutes out because they’re caught in traffic or dropping off another rider.

However, the wait for an Uber may be worth it when dealing with language barriers. You set your destination in the app, eliminating the need to explain where you’re headed to the driver and minimizing the chance of any mix-ups. 

In the end, whether you go old school with a taxi service or modern with an Uber, Croatia’s got you covered. Just remember, knowledge is power—and in this case, it keeps a few more euros in your pocket!

Cost Of An Uber Ride In Croatia 

To give you an idea of how affordable Uber is, let’s look at a few typical journeys you might take during your time in Croatia, with prices included.

• Zagreb Airport to City Centre – roughly 15–25 euros
• Dubrovnik Airport to City Centre – approximately 30–45 euros
• Zadar Airport to City Centre – approximately 20–30 euros
• Split Airport to City Centre – approximately 35–50 euros

Uber pricing in Croatia is dynamic and varies by city, time of day, demand, and service type, with fares shown upfront in the app before you confirm the ride.

Minimum fares and per-kilometer rates vary by city and demand, and are displayed in the app before booking. There are no extra costs per passenger; you pay for the ride regardless of whether you are alone or in a group.

What About Uber Eats Croatia?

Unfortunately, Uber Eats is not available in Croatia. However, there are other food delivery apps to use, depending on your location. Two that we use are Glovo and Wolt; both provide food delivery services that work the same way as Uber Eats.

Tips For Using Uber In Croatia

1. Download The Uber App Before Travel

In case you run into internet issues upon arrival in Croatia, having the app already downloaded on your phone is handy.

2. Have An eSIM Card

To ensure communication with your driver and access to the app are readily available, have an eSIM card. WiFi and data are not always available, so this is the best way to ensure connectivity at all times. 

3. Check The Completion Of The Ride Before Exiting

Before getting out of the vehicle, open the Uber app to ensure the ride has been marked as completed and paid.

4. Avoid Uber During Peak Times

Prices tend to increase during peak times, so consider using Uber during weekdays or earlier on the weekends.

5. Schedule Ahead Of Time

Consider scheduling an Uber in advance if you have concrete travel plans (e.g., airport drop-offs). You can usually schedule rides several weeks in advance, depending on the city and availability.

Uber In Croatia FAQs 

Uber has undoubtedly turned travel in Croatia on its head, making it easier for you to see the country. While taxi drivers might not like it, most locals and tourists certainly do!