Rovinj By Bus
Planning to visit Rovinj without a car? This guide covers how to travel to Rovinj by bus: where the Rovinj main bus station is, how to buy tickets, where to check the latest timetables, and the simplest public-transport options from Pula Airport.
Rovinj main bus station is centrally located and walkable from the Old Town (roughly a 5-10 minute walk, depending on your accommodation). In summer, there are typically more intercity and international routes, with connections around Istria (Poreč, Pula, Umag) and longer routes towards Zagreb and Split, plus cross-border services such as Trieste and Ljubljana on selected dates.
Because operators and schedules can change seasonally, this page focuses on what helps most on the day: station location and facilities, ticket options, and practical tips for travelling in peak season. For trip planning beyond transport, see our Rovinj travel guide.
Rovinj by bus: quick answers
- Rovinj bus station address: Trg na lokvi 6, 52210 Rovinj (central location, walkable to the Old Town and waterfront).
- Best places to check timetables: start with the official operator pages for your travel date Arriva Rovinj bus station and tickets booking.
- Pula Airport to Rovinj: the most common public-transport option is the airport shuttle to Pula main bus station and then a bus to Rovinj; confirm shuttle details on the official Pula Airport shuttle page.
Rovinj bus station
Address and map
Rovinj bus station (main bus station/bus terminal) is located at Trg na lokvi 6, 52210 Rovinj.
Open Rovinj bus station on Google Maps
The station is on the south side of the city centre, very close to the waterfront promenade, and within walking distance of the Old Town peninsula.
Station contact (Arriva): Tel: 060 88 86 11 | E-mail:
Bus platforms, arrivals, and what “stop on your ticket” means
Rovinj has one main bus station, but on some services your ticket may show a specific stop/bay or an updated stop description. Always check the exact departure point listed on your ticket on the day you travel, especially for international and long-distance buses.
Facilities and what’s nearby
Rovinj bus station offers practical traveller services including a ticket office, a safe place for luggage, and everyday essentials such as an ATM, newsstand, refreshments, and taxi access. Services can vary by season and operator, so treat on-site notices and staff advice as the final word.
- Ticket office: opening hours can change by season and day of week, so check at the station if you’re arriving early/late.
- ATM and exchange: useful for cash and quick currency exchange before boarding.
- Food and drinks: options are available in and around the station area for snacks before departure.
- Taxi stand: typically available near the station for quick transfers.
- Rent-a-car: if you decide to explore Istria beyond bus routes, rental options are available in/around the centre.
Just a short walk from the station, you can reach central streets with shops and cafés, including Carera (Carrera) Street, Rovinj’s best-known shopping street.
Luggage storage and luggage rules
If you arrive early or have time before your bus, the station has a luggage storage option so you can explore Rovinj hands-free. Storage hours and pricing may vary seasonally, so confirm details at the ticket office when you arrive.
Luggage rules depend on the operator. On Arriva services, passengers can take up to two pieces of passenger luggage with a maximum weight of 25 kg per piece (hand luggage is separate).
Getting from the station to Old Town, the harbour, and hotels
From Rovinj bus station, the harbour and Old Town area are usually an easy walk (roughly 5-10 minutes, depending on your exact destination). Central hotels and apartments near the Old Town are typically walkable, while accommodation further out is easiest by taxi.
If you are staying inside the Old Town pedestrian area, keep in mind that final access can include narrow lanes, uneven stone streets, and occasional steps, so a taxi may be more comfortable with heavy bags.
If you’re choosing where to stay, browse our hotels and apartments in Rovinj guide, including Hotel Spirito Santo Palazzo Storico.
Taxis and local transfers
Taxis are the simplest option if you’re arriving with luggage, travelling with children, or staying outside the centre. In July and August, plan for short queues around busy arrival times.
Bus timetables and tickets for Rovinj
Where to check the latest timetables (official sources first)
For the most accurate Rovinj bus timetables, check schedules on the official operator sites for your exact travel date. Seasonal changes are common in Istria, so avoid relying on old PDF timetables or third-party summaries.
- Arriva (regional + long-distance): use the Arriva search/booking system to find departures and buy tickets online.
- FlixBus (long-distance + international): use FlixBus route search for live availability, prices, and stop details.
If you compare options on booking platforms, treat them as a convenience tool and always confirm the final departure stop and time on your ticket.
How to buy tickets (online, at the station, onboard)
Ticket options depend on the route and operator, but these are the most common ways to buy bus tickets for Rovinj:
- Online (recommended in summer): best for securing a seat on busy routes and for international services. You’ll usually receive a mobile/QR ticket or booking confirmation.
- Ticket office at Rovinj bus station: convenient if you prefer in-person purchase, need advice on connections, or want to pay by cash/card depending on availability.
- Onboard purchase: sometimes possible on local/regional services, but it is not guaranteed and can be risky in peak season.
If you’re travelling in July and August, or on weekends/holiday dates, buying online in advance is the safest option.
Reservations, QR/mobile tickets, and booking fees
Most long-distance operators use a reservation-style system, meaning you travel on a specific departure rather than “anytime” tickets. When booking online, check whether your fare includes a reservation/seat assignment and whether there are booking fees.
- Arriva booking fees: online reservations for domestic fares may include a small booking/reservation fee, and station ticket office fees can vary. Changing date/time can trigger a new booking fee.
- FlixBus seat reservations: on some trips you can reserve a specific seat for an additional fee; on other trips you may be assigned a seat automatically, or seating may be first-come-first-served depending on the service.
Always keep your confirmation accessible and be ready to show your ticket/QR code when boarding.
Refunds, changes, and what to do if a bus is full
Refund and change rules depend on the operator and ticket type. If your plans might change, look for flexible fare options when available and read the conditions before paying.
- If a departure is sold out, the quickest fix is often booking the next available departure with the same operator or checking a different operator on the same route.
- If you are buying in person in peak season, arrive early at the ticket office and have your preferred departure time plus a backup option.
Tip: for long-distance and international services, your ticket will usually show the most up-to-date stop/address information, so double-check it shortly before you travel.
Bus companies serving Rovinj
Several operators run bus services to and from Rovinj, but availability depends on route, season, and day of week. For the most reliable planning, use operator websites first because they show live schedules and the most accurate stop details for your travel date.
Arriva (Istria and major Croatian cities)
Arriva Croatia is one of the main operators in Istria and a common choice for routes linking Rovinj with nearby towns and larger Croatian hubs. The Rovinj station information, services, and contact details are also listed on Arriva’s official site.
- Best for: regional Istria routes (for example Rovinj-Pula) and many domestic long-distance connections depending on the season.
- Tickets: book online or buy at the station ticket office (recommended in peak summer travel periods).
- Luggage: luggage transport rules and fees depend on the service; check the conditions shown during booking or ask at the station if unsure.
- Brand note: on some booking sites you may still see “Autotrans by Arriva” on Istria routes (part of the same operator network).
FlixBus (long-distance and international)
FlixBus is a common option for longer-distance and cross-border travel on selected dates. Always re-check your ticket shortly before you travel, as it typically contains the most up-to-date stop/address information.
- Best for: international routes (for example Ljubljana, Trieste, Venice) and some long-distance travel options.
- Tickets: book online and keep your mobile ticket/QR code accessible for boarding.
- Stop details: confirm the exact Rovinj stop and departure point on your ticket (operators can update stop information).
Other operators you may see (Brioni, Nomago and partners)
Depending on the route and booking channel, you may also encounter Brioni and partner operators sold through booking platforms (for example Nomago Intercity on certain routes). If you book via a third-party site, confirm the final schedule and boarding point on the operator’s ticket/confirmation before travel.
Popular bus routes from Rovinj
Rovinj is well connected by bus within Istria and also has longer-distance links to major Croatian cities and selected international destinations. If you are still planning your base, start with our Rovinj travel guide.
Rovinj has frequent bus connections to larger Croatian cities like Rijeka, Pula, Split and Zadar, while destinations farther afield, like Zagreb and Dubrovnik, are more accessible via connections from Rijeka.
Local and Istria routes
The most common bus routes from Rovinj are within Istria. Popular day trips include Pula (for the arena and airport connections) and Poreč (for beaches and the old town). If Poreč is on your list, this guide is a useful companion for planning what to do once you arrive: Poreč travel guide.
- Pula - one of the most frequent regional connections.
- Poreč - common for day trips and coastal hopping.
- Umag and Novigrad - available on selected schedules and may require a transfer depending on date and operator.
Long-distance and international routes (seasonal)
Long-distance and cross-border services are more date-specific and often seasonal. In peak summer, booking online in advance is recommended for popular departure times. Always confirm the exact stop location and departure time shown on your ticket shortly before travel.
- Rijeka and Zagreb - common long-distance hubs for onward connections.
- Ljubljana, Trieste and Venice - international routes that typically run on selected dates, with frequency varying by season.
Most popular bus distances and typical travel times from Rovinj
Travel times below are typical ranges for direct services on many dates. They can be longer with intermediate stops, traffic (especially in July and August), or when you need a connection. Always check live timetables for your exact travel day.
| Destination | Approx distance | Typical bus travel time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pula | About 37 km | About 35-45 minutes | Frequent regional route and a key hub for airport connections. |
| Porec | About 40 km | About 40-45 minutes | Popular day trip option; direct services on many dates. |
| Umag | About 64 km (road) | About 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes | Often fewer departures than Pula and Porec; some services are date-specific. |
| Rijeka | About 96 km | About 2-3 hours | Longer-distance hub; traffic and intermediate stops can affect total time. |
| Zagreb | About 275 km | About 3-6 hours | Best booked in advance in peak season; route length varies by service. |
| Ljubljana | About 207 km | About 3 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes | International route on selected dates; confirm your exact stop on the ticket. |
| Trieste | About 65 km | About 2 hours to 2 hours 10 minutes | Useful gateway for Italy connections; frequency varies by season. |
| Venice | About 109 km | About 4 hours 25 minutes to 4 hours 40 minutes | International route on selected dates; travel time depends on stops and border conditions. |
Pula Airport to Rovinj by bus
If you are flying into Istria, Pula Airport is the closest airport to Rovinj. The simplest public-transport plan is usually a 2-step journey via Pula main bus station, but on some dates you may also see direct airport-bus options.
Option 1: Airport shuttle to Pula main bus station, then bus to Rovinj
This is the most reliable setup for most travellers because the airport shuttle is designed to connect the terminal with Pula town, and Pula bus station is the main hub for onward buses in Istria.
- Take the Pula Airport shuttle bus from the terminal to Pula Main Bus Station. The one-way ticket is about 6 EUR and departures are timed around flight arrivals.
- At Pula bus station, take the next bus to Rovinj bus station. A typical one-way ticket is often around 7.80 to 10.40 EUR depending on the departure and carrier, with journey time usually around 35 to 45 minutes.
Estimated total cost for this option is usually about 13.80 to 16.40 EUR per person one way (airport shuttle plus Pula to Rovinj bus), not including any booking fees or luggage charges that may apply on some services.
Tip: the airport shuttle timetable is tied to the flight schedule, so always check the official shuttle page shortly before you travel: Pula Airport shuttle bus timetable.
Option 2: Direct or seasonal buses from Pula Airport to Rovinj
On some dates you may find a direct bus (or a flight-timed airport bus) that goes from Pula Airport straight to Rovinj. These services can be seasonal or limited, and availability may vary by day and time.
- Check live results on the day you travel, and confirm the departure point and timing shown on your ticket.
- If you cannot find a direct departure that matches your flight, use Option 1 via Pula bus station.
Option 3: When a transfer or taxi is the smarter choice
A taxi or pre-booked transfer can be worth it if you land late, travel with heavy luggage, arrive in the off-season when buses are less frequent, or want a door-to-door ride to accommodation in the Old Town pedestrian zone. Driving time is typically around 35 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Private Transfer Rovinj - Pula
Skip the bus connections and travel in comfort with a private transfer between Rovinj and Pula.
You will be picked up at your chosen location and driven directly to your destination, with air-conditioning for a relaxed ride and onboard Wi-Fi so you can stay connected on the way.
Practical travel tips for Rovinj buses
How early to arrive at the station (especially in July and August)
Arrive at the bus station at least 15 minutes before departure. This gives you time to find the right bay, handle luggage, and board without stress. In peak summer (and around weekend changeover days), arriving earlier is a smart buffer if the station is busy.
- Have your ticket ready (printed or on your phone) and double-check the departure bay and stop details.
- If you have luggage for the bus hold, plan a few extra minutes to load it and pay any luggage fee if required.
Sundays, public holidays, and off-season frequency
Expect fewer departures outside peak season and on Sundays and public holidays. In Croatia, timetables and working hours can change on holiday dates, and transport services may operate with reduced frequency or a Sunday-style schedule.
- If you are travelling on a holiday or Sunday, verify your exact departure time and connection options in advance.
- If your trip depends on a tight connection (for example via Pula), choose earlier departures to avoid missing onward buses.
Accessibility, travelling with kids, and bulky luggage
Accessibility features vary by operator and by vehicle. If you are travelling with a stroller, mobility needs, or bulky items, check the operator conditions before booking and arrive early to board more comfortably.
- Keep valuables and essentials (documents, medication, chargers) in your hand luggage.
- Luggage rules and fees depend on the line. On some services, luggage transport can be paid at the station ticket office or directly to the driver when boarding.
- If you are heading into the Old Town with heavy bags, consider a short taxi ride from the station because the final approach can include uneven stone streets and steps.
Plan the rest of your trip to Rovinj
Once your transport is sorted, use these guides to plan accommodation, day trips, and getting around Rovinj.
- Rovinj travel guide - practical tips for first-time visitors, including what to see and where to stay.
- Hotels and apartments in Rovinj - central stays near the Old Town, plus resorts and beach hotels outside the centre.
- Best day trips from Rovinj - ideas for visiting Porec, Pula, hilltop towns, and nature spots around Istria.
- Parking in Rovinj - helpful if you plan to rent a car for part of your stay.
- Rovinj ferries - boat connections and day trip options in season.
- Flights and airports - airport options for arriving in Istria.
- Rovinj by train - what to know if you are connecting by rail elsewhere in Croatia.
Rovinj Main Bus Station Contact
Address: Trg na lokvi 6, 52210 Rovinj
Tel: +385 060 88 86 11 (Price for mobile calls 0,67 EUR)
E-mail:
FAQ - Rovinj by bus
Where is the Rovinj bus station?
Rovinj’s main bus station is at Trg na lokvi 6, 52210 Rovinj. It is close to the waterfront and within easy walking distance of the Old Town area.
Can I buy bus tickets online for Rovinj?
Yes. For many routes you can book online (recommended in summer), then show your ticket on your phone or as a printout when boarding. Start with operator websites for the most accurate schedules and stop details, for example Arriva and FlixBus.
Which bus companies operate to and from Rovinj?
The most common operators you will see include Arriva (regional Istria routes and many domestic connections) and FlixBus (long-distance and international routes on selected dates). Other operators can appear depending on the route and season.
How do I get from Pula Airport to Rovinj by public transport?
The most common public transport option is a 2-step trip:
- Take the Pula Airport shuttle bus to Pula Main Bus Station (ticket is about 6 EUR, timed around flight arrivals).
- From Pula bus station, take a bus to Rovinj (typical one-way fares are often around 7.80 to 10.40 EUR, depending on the departure and operator).
Always check live timetables for your travel date and keep a little buffer time if you are connecting on the same day.
Is there luggage storage at Rovinj bus station?
Yes, luggage storage is available at the station, which is useful if you want to explore Rovinj between buses or before check-in. As hours and pricing can vary seasonally, confirm the current details at the ticket office when you arrive.
How much luggage can I take on buses in Croatia?
Rules vary by operator and route. As a general reference for Arriva services, passengers can take up to two pieces of passenger luggage with a maximum weight of 25 kg per piece, plus hand luggage.
How early should I arrive before departure?
Aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before your bus. In July and August, or on weekends and holiday dates, arriving earlier is a smart buffer - especially if you need to buy tickets, store luggage, or pay luggage fees.
Where should I start planning my stay in Rovinj?
For accommodation, attractions, and day trips, start with our Rovinj travel guide.