Croatian Motorways

Numerous bridges, viaducts, flyovers, underpasses, passages, wildlife crossings, and more than 90 km of motorway tunnels make the Croatian motorway network impressive and interesting to drive on.

Croatia’s motorway network is generally well maintained and clearly signed, with route numbers starting with A (A1, A2, A3, and so on).

Unless a lower limit is posted (road works, tunnels, weather conditions), the general speed limit on Croatian motorways is 130 km/h (81 mph) with a legal tolerance of 10% on speeds over a 100 km/h (60mp/h).

Most motorways have two traffic lanes plus an emergency lane in each direction, with frequent rest areas. Depending on the location, you will typically find toilets, fuel, and food options at larger stops.

If you're flying in, renting a car is often the easiest way to use the motorway network and reach smaller towns and national parks on your own schedule.

General Information

In recent years, besides the Adriatic coast, more visitors have started to discover the attractions of inland Croatia as well. With Croatia being a popular drive-in destination, road travel is a major part of summer traffic - especially on weekends and holiday changeover days.

As of 31 December 2024, Croatia’s motorway network totals 1,355.5 km, operated by three companies: HAC (Hrvatske autoceste), Bina Istra, and Autocesta Zagreb - Macelj (AZM).

In 2021, Hrvatske autoceste (HAC) received the IRF Global “Find a Way” Road Safety Award from the International Road Federation.

You have probably noticed the variety of landscapes and terrains in a relatively small area. From vast plains to rolling hills, mountain massifs, and typical Mediterranean landscapes, you can experience several climate zones in just a few hours’ drive and awaken your sense of adventure.

Please pay attention to traffic signs, special traffic regulations, and peak congestion times. With good planning and information, your holiday can be safer and more comfortable.

Allow enough time for your journey, take frequent breaks, or extend your stay by visiting one of the many natural parks or other interesting sites near Croatia’s motorway network.

Remember, you are on holiday - so take it easy, have fun, and discover the unknown.

Additional information is available at Hrvatske autoceste (HAC). For live updates, check the current highway conditions and the traffic flow and road conditions on HAK regularly.

A1: Zagreb – Karlovac – Bosiljevo – Split – Ploče - (planned link towards Dubrovnik)

Part of the European routes E65 and E71

The A1 motorway (often called "Dalmatina") is the longest motorway in Croatia. It connects the capital of Zagreb with Split and continues further south to Ploče.

The A1 currently ends at the Ploče interchange (around km 476). To reach Dubrovnik, you continue on the D8 coastal road. Since 26 July 2022, you can also bypass the Neum corridor (Bosnia and Hercegovina) and stay within Croatia by using the Pelješac Bridge route (no toll).

A full motorway/expressway connection towards Dubrovnik is planned, and Hrvatske autoceste (HAC) has already published procurement procedures for parts of the Metković – Dubrovnik sector (for example, Rudine – Slano and Slano – PUO Mravinjac).

Near Ploče, the motorway network also connects towards Bosnia and Herzegovina via the A10 corridor, which is part of the wider Corridor Vc route intended to link the Port of Ploče with Budapest via Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This motorway runs near a number of major Croatian cities, national parks, world heritage sites, nature parks, and resorts, which makes it of national significance due to its impact on tourism and year-round mobility.

Common road conditions

The A1 section under the Velebit mountain range can see very strong bora (bura) winds, especially in winter. This can lead to temporary restrictions or closures, most often on the exposed Sveti Rok – Posedarje section (Maslenica area). Always check live road and weather updates before you set off.

A2: Border crossing Macelj (to Slovenia) – Trakošćan – Krapina – Zagreb (Jankomir)

Part of the European route E59

The A2, also known as the "Zagorska autocesta", connects Zagreb with the Macelj border crossing into Slovenia (continuing towards Maribor and Graz). The motorway follows a route through the Hrvatsko Zagorje region, providing fast access to / bypassing areas around Zaprešić, Zabok, Krapina, and Trakošćan.

For drivers heading from Zagreb towards northern Slovenia and Austria via Maribor/Graz, the A2 is the most direct corridor and avoids the longer route via the Ljubljana area.

Common road conditions

Because the A2 carries heavy year-round traffic, road works and maintenance are fairly common. In colder months, expect occasional fog and winter conditions in the Zagorje hills, and pay special attention in and around tunnel sections.

A3: Border crossing Bregana (Slovenia) – Zagreb – Slavonski Brod – border crossing Bajakovo (Serbia)

Part of the European route E70

The A3 motorway (often called Autocesta Bregana – Zagreb – Lipovac) is Croatia’s main east–west transport corridor, running for about 305.5 km across the country.

It connects the motorway networks of Slovenia (via Bregana/Obrežje) and Serbia (via Bajakovo/Batrovci) and is part of the wider international corridor known as Pan-European Corridor X.

After Zagreb, the route largely follows the Sava River plain and serves key eastern regions (Slavonia/Posavina), with major junctions and exits for places such as Kutina, Nova Gradiška, Slavonski Brod, and Županja.

Historic note: Today’s A3 corridor includes sections that trace the former "Brotherhood and Unity" road route built in stages after WWII, with the first Zagreb–Belgrade section officially opened in 1950.

Common road conditions

Because the A3 carries heavy year-round traffic (including a lot of transit trucks), maintenance works are common. Expect the busiest flow and the highest chance of slowdowns around Zagreb’s bypass interchanges (Jankomir/Lučko/Zagreb istok) and near border crossings at Bregana and Bajakovo (especially on weekends and during holidays).

A4: Border crossing Goričan (Hungary) – Varaždin – Zagreb (Ivanja Reka)

Part of the European routes E65 and E71

The A4 (often called the "Varaždinska autocesta") is about 97.7 km long and connects Zagreb with Međimurje and Varaždin, continuing into Hungary via the Goričan border crossing (towards Letenye and the Hungarian M7 motorway for Budapest).

At its southern end, the A4 meets the rest of the Croatian motorway network at the Ivanja Reka junction (connection to the A3 and Zagreb bypass), making it an important north–south transit route for visitors coming from Hungary, Slovakia and Poland.

The A4 is also part of the wider Pan-European Corridor Vb route (Rijeka – Zagreb – Budapest), which is strategically important for both tourism and freight traffic.

Common road conditions

Because the A4 carries heavy year-round traffic, maintenance works are fairly common. In colder months, expect occasional fog and winter conditions (especially in the north), and always follow posted limits in and around tunnel and work-zone sections.

A5: Border crossing Branjin Vrh (Hungary) – Beli Manastir – Osijek – Đakovo – border crossing Svilaj (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Part of the European route E73

Also known as the A5 motorway or "Slavonika", this is Croatia’s key north–south route in eastern Slavonia and part of the international Corridor Vc (Budapest – Osijek – Sarajevo – Ploče).

The Croatian A5 is now complete and runs for a total of 88.6 km, connecting the Hungarian border (Branjin Vrh / Ivándárda area) via Beli Manastir, Osijek and Đakovo to the Croatian motorway network at the Sredanci interchange (A3), and further to the Svilaj border crossing into Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On the southern end, cross into Bosnia and Herzegovina via the Svilaj Bridge over the River Sava (opened to traffic in 2021).

Common road conditions

Road conditions are generally very good, with long, straight sections across flat terrain. The most common issues are fog (autumn/winter), heavy truck traffic, and occasional slowdowns near the border crossings during peak travel days.

A6: Bosiljevo 2 (from A1) - Delnice - Rijeka

Part of the European route E65

The A6 motorway (often called "Goranka") is the main motorway link between Zagreb (via the A1 at Bosiljevo 2) and the seaport of Rijeka (connection to the Rijeka bypass / A7 at Orehovica).

It runs through the mountainous Gorski Kotar region, provides access to Risnjak National Park, and is a key transit route for reaching the Kvarner area and Istria (via A7/A8).

Internationally, the A6 corridor is part of the wider Budapest - Zagreb - Rijeka route (Corridor V/Vb), connecting Central Europe with the Port of Rijeka.

Common road conditions

Because the A6 crosses higher terrain, it can see fog, snow, and winter driving conditions (especially between Bosiljevo 2 and Kikovica). In severe weather, temporary restrictions can be introduced (for example, limiting heavy vehicles on exposed sections).

Year-round, you may also encounter maintenance works and occasional incidents in tunnel areas, so follow posted limits and check live updates before you depart.

A7: Border crossing Rupa (Slovenia) - Matulji - Orehovica - Rijeka - Križišće/Šmrika (for Krk Bridge)

Part of the European routes E61 and E65

The A7 motorway (often referred to as the Rijeka bypass) starts at the Rupa border crossing with Slovenia and runs south along the Rijeka area, connecting key junctions such as Matulji, Rijeka zapad, and Orehovica.

At Orehovica, the A7 links directly with the A6 motorway (towards Zagreb). At Matulji, you can connect towards Istria via the A8 (Učka/Istrian Y route).

The A7 is important for tourism because it is one of the fastest and most convenient routes from Slovenia (and via Slovenia from Trieste / Italy) to the Kvarner coast (Opatija, Rijeka, Crikvenica area). For drivers heading to Krk, use the Križišće/Šmrika area exits and continue on D102 to the Krk Bridge - the bridge is toll-free.

Further extensions of the A7 towards Žuta Lokva (linking towards the A1 corridor) are planned, with parts of the Križišće - Selce section already published in HAC procurement.

Common road conditions

Peak-season queues are most likely near the Rupa border crossing and on busy weekends in July and August. Road works and temporary lane closures also occur on parts of the Rijeka bypass, so always check live updates before you set off, especially if you are connecting onwards to the Krk Bridge, where strong bora (bura) winds can sometimes cause restrictions.

A8 & A9 (Istrian Y): Matulji - Učka Tunnel - Pazin - Kanfanar - Pula / Umag - Kaštel & Plovanija (Slovenia border)

Part of the European route E751

The Istrian Y (Croatian: Istarski ipsilon) is the main motorway/expressway system across the Istrian peninsula, combining the A8 and A9 and operated under concession by BINA Istra.

The A8 runs from Matulji (near Rijeka, connection to A7), passes through the Učka Tunnel, continues via the central Istrian area (Lupoglav / Pazin) and ends at the Kanfanar interchange.

The A9 branches from Kanfanar south to Vodnjan and Pula, and north towards Umag (interchange) and the Kaštel and Plovanija border crossings into Slovenia.

Update: Since 25 September 2025, the Učka Tunnel operates with both tubes open, significantly improving traffic flow between Istria and the rest of Croatia.

Note: The Istrian Y is a tolled road (BINA Istra). Toll can be paid by cash, card, or ENC device (including ENC options that work across Croatia’s ENC lanes, depending on package).

Common road conditions

Expect heavier traffic in summer (especially weekends), with the biggest slowdowns usually near toll plazas, around Umag / border traffic, and on approach roads to Pula. Also note that some sections are still being upgraded to full motorway profile, so road works and short-term lane changes can occur.

Vehicle categories

Motorway tolls are calculated by vehicle category (based mainly on number of axles, vehicle height, and maximum authorised mass). The category and price are shown at toll lanes and published in official price lists by each motorway operator.

Note: Most Croatian tolled motorways use the IA–IV categories below (e.g., HAC and Bina Istra). The A2 (Zagreb–Macelj) uses a slightly different classification method by concessionaire (height measured at the first axle), so always confirm the category displayed at the toll lane.

How to pay for a motorway in Croatia?

On motorways managed by Hrvatske autoceste (HAC), you pay a distance-based toll calculated by vehicle category. At toll plazas, payment is accepted by cash (EUR), ENC (ETC), or cards: Diners, Mastercard, Maestro, Visa, INA card, and MOLGROUP card (only the options shown as accepted at that toll point). Toll rates include VAT.

Croatia uses two toll collection systems: closed and open. The closed system is the most common: you are registered at entry (you take a toll ticket or your ENC device is recorded) and you pay when exiting based on the recorded entry/exit data.

The open system is used on a smaller number of sections: the same toll point acts as both entry and exit, so you pay a fixed toll at that point (no distance ticket for multiple entries/exits).

If you use an electronic toll collection onboard unit (ETC device - "ENC"), you skip ticket collection and use the dedicated ENC lane at toll plazas. Your toll is charged via the onboard unit.

Important: Always keep your toll ticket until you exit. If you arrive at the exit without a valid entry record, a contractual penalty can apply under HAC’s toll conditions.

HAC ETC Mobile Application

The official HAC mobile app for electronic toll collection is called HAC ENC. It is available for free on both iPhone and Android devices (App Store and Google Play). Using the app incurs no additional costs beyond your standard data usage.

Who can use the HAC ENC application?

The app is designed for ENC users and for travellers who want toll prices and traffic conditions on Croatian motorways. If you are already an HAC ENC user, you can log in with the user data you received when signing your contract at an HAC sales outlet. If you are not yet an ENC user, you can still use the app to calculate tolls and check road conditions.

Key features of the HAC ENC application

1. Top up your ENC account using a credit/bank card, ENC voucher, internet banking, or the ENC SMS system.
2. Balance monitoring for one or more ENC subscription accounts and ENC devices.
3. Transaction history (track usage and charges).
4. Toll cost estimation for your intended trip.
5. Service areas and petrol stations - find the nearest stops along Croatian motorways.
6. Where to buy ENC - locations for purchasing an ENC onboard unit or voucher and where to top up while on the motorway.

Toll prices for popular Croatian motorways

Motorway tolls in Croatia are calculated by distance and vehicle category. The examples below are official HAC toll rates (VAT included) for the most common vehicle types: Category I (cars up to 1.90 m) and Category IA (motorcycles).

Tip: For the exact price for your route and vehicle category, use the official HAC interactive map and select toll calculation in the menu.

Motorway vs toll-free routes (when does it make sense?)

If you avoid toll roads, you save the toll amount but usually spend more time on slower roads and through towns. The most common toll-free alternatives are the inland D1 route (towards Plitvice/Knin) and the coastal D8 road.

Quick savings examples (one-way / round trip): Zagreb - Split toll is € 26.40 / € 52.80 for cars (Cat I). Zagreb - Zadar istok is € 18.20 / € 36.40. Zagreb - Ploče area (for Dubrovnik) is € 33.70 / € 67.40.

Note: Some tolled roads are run by other operators (e.g., A2 Zagreb-Macelj (AZM) and the Istrian Y (Bina Istra)), with their own price lists and calculators.

Winter conditions

In Croatia, from 15 November to 15 April, winter equipment is mandatory on the official "winter road sections" (selected motorways and many state/county roads).

On motorways, the official winter sections include: A1 (Lučko/Zagreb – Maslenica), A2 (Macelj – Zagreb/Jankomir), A3 (Bregana – Bajakovo), A4 (Goričan – Zagreb/Ivanja Reka), A5 (Osijek – Sredanci), and A6 (Bosiljevo 2 – Rijeka/Orehovica).

For vehicles up to 3.5 t, winter equipment means either winter tyres (M+S) on all wheels or summer tyres (min. 4 mm tread) plus snow chains ready to be fitted on the drive wheels.

Studded tyres are prohibited. Drivers without the required equipment can be fined and stopped from continuing until the vehicle is properly equipped.

Rest areas & services

Croatian motorways have frequent rest areas (odmorišta) where you can stop for a break, food, toilets, and fuel (depending on the location). Not every stop has the same level of service, so it’s worth checking what’s available before you plan a longer break.

Renting a car in Croatia

Renting a car is one of the easiest ways to explore Croatia at your own pace, especially if you want to reach smaller towns, national parks, and scenic stops beyond the main hubs.

Keep in mind that motorway tolls are not included in typical rental prices. You pay at toll plazas by cash/card, or you can use an ENC device (if available). If you plan to use motorways a lot, ask your rental company about ENC options and their policy/fees.

If you’re planning cross-border driving (e.g., Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia), confirm the rental company’s permissions and any extra charges in advance.

Driving on Croatian motorways with a rented car

When driving on Croatian motorways with a rented car, keep these essentials in mind:

1. Valid driving licence + ID: You must have a valid driving licence and a valid ID/passport. If your licence is not in Latin script, bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) (or an official translation).
2. Insurance & rental rules: Check what’s included (CDW/theft cover, glass/tyres, roadside assistance) and what the deductible is. If you plan cross-border driving (e.g., Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia), confirm permission and fees with the rental company in advance.
3. Tolls (how it works): Most motorways use a closed toll system: you take a ticket at entry and pay when exiting based on distance and vehicle category. Pay by cash (EUR), card, or use an ENC (ETC) device if you have one. Keep your ticket until you exit.
4. Speed limits (strictly enforced): Under normal conditions the general limits are 130 km/h on motorways, 110 km/h on expressways, 90 km/h outside built-up areas, and 50 km/h in built-up areas (unless signs show otherwise).
5. Daytime lights in winter: From 1 November to 31 March, you must drive with daytime running lights or dipped headlights on during the day. Motorcycles/mopeds must use dipped headlights all year.
6. Seat belts & children: Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers. Children under 150 cm must be transported using an appropriate child restraint system, and children aged 3+ who are under 150 cm must not sit in the front seat.
7. Alcohol: The general limit is 0.5 g/kg (≈ 0.05%). Some drivers have a 0.0 limit (e.g., professional categories and "young drivers" under Croatian rules) - the safest approach as a visitor is don’t drink at all if you’re driving.
8. Phones while driving: Handheld phone use is prohibited - use hands-free if you must take a call.
9. Breakdowns & emergencies: For emergencies call 112. For roadside assistance in Croatia, call HAK 1987 (from abroad: +385 1 1987).

We wish you a safe and hassle-free driving experience on Croatian motorways with your rented car.