We know that Croatia is a very popular destination for Czech and Slovak holidaymakers, receiving hundreds of thousands of visitors from these two countries each year! We have therefore put together a guide on how best to travel to Croatia from the Czech and Slovak Republics.
Travelling to Croatia by Road
Most visitors to Croatia from the Czech and Slovak Republics travel by car. No doubt everyone has their favoured routes, which will likely involve travelling via Austria and Slovenia to Croatia (from the Czech Republic) or through Slovakia and Hungary.
Slovak Spectator has a very useful article on travelling to Split by car, with information on routes and toll stickers: Travelling to Croatia by car: which way, where to fill your tank and highway tolls (27th May 2024)
ViaMichelin is an excellent resource for European road travel planning.
Travelling to Croatia by Train
Unfortunately, as of 2024, Regiojet will no longer connect the cities of Prague and Bratislava to Rijeka by train in the summer months. Despite being a popular service, the operator has decided to focus its train services elsewhere in Europe.
There is however a Euronight service from Bratislava via Vienna and Zagreb to Split from May to October. Trains run overnight (as the name suggests) on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from Bratislava to Split and on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays in the opposite direction. Car transportation is possible on these trains.
An alternative for travelling by train from the Czech and Slovak Republics to Croatia would be to make your way to Zagreb and then travelling on to your final destination in Croatia from there. You will still likely have to travel via Austria (via Vienna).
Alternatively, consider travelling by bus (see below) as there are plenty of direct bus connections.
Travelling to Croatia by Bus
Flixbus have direct bus services from Prague to Zagreb, Rijeka and Split, amongst other routes.
Regiojet also offers numerous bus services to the Croatian coast from Prague and Bratislava. These include services to Split and Zadar.
Flights to Croatia from the Czech and Slovak Republics
A number of airlines offer flights connecting these two countries with Croatia:
- Croatia Airlines offers flights from Prague to Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik
- Czech Airlines have flights from Prague to Zagreb
- Ryanair offers flights from Prague to Zadar
- Smartwings have flights from both Prague and Ostrava to both Split and Dubrovnik