Car Rental in Rijeka, Croatia: Practical Booking Guide
Renting a car in Rijeka gives you direct access to the Kvarner Gulf, Istria, and central Croatia. Pick up your vehicle at Rijeka Airport (RJK), the central train station, downtown hubs, or via city delivery.
| City population | About 107,964 residents |
| Pickup points | RJK Airport, Downtown, Train Station, Hotel Hilton, City delivery |
| Minimum driver age | 19 years old |
| IDP requirement | Not required for US, UK, EU, AU, NZ licence holders |
| Required documents | Valid licence, passport/ID, debit or credit card |
| Motorway tolls | Payable at toll gates (cash, credit card, on-board unit) |
| Safety equipment & belts | Mandatory seatbelts, child restraints, standard in-car kit |
Rijeka, home to approximately 107,964 residents, is a key transport hub positioned between the Istrian peninsula and the Croatian coastline. Hiring a car allows you to bypass public transit schedules and travel efficiently across Kvarner Bay and beyond. Vehicles can be picked up across several strategic locations, including Rijeka Airport (RJK), Rijeka Train Station, central downtown offices, and Hotel Hilton, with direct city delivery also available through booking platforms like DiscoverCars. This guide covers mandatory 2026 Croatian road regulations, document requirements—such as the minimum age of 19 and driving licence exemptions for US, UK, EU, Australian, and New Zealand drivers—as well as parking rules, motorway toll systems, and recommended driving itineraries starting from Rijeka.
Compare car rental deals in Rijeka
from €13/day · Prices checked on September 02, 2026
Pick-up: airport (RJK) · train station · downtown
Pick-up points: Rijeka (all locations), Croatia · Rijeka Downtown, Rijeka, Croatia · Rijeka Hotel Hilton, Rijeka, Croatia · Rijeka Airport (RJK), Rijeka, Croatia
Partner link — DiscoverCars comparisonGood to know
Driving: on the right.
Local currency: EUR.
Emergency number: 112.
Essential Driving Rules and Rental Requirements
Driving in Rijeka is subject to standard 2026 Croatian traffic regulations:
- Driver Eligibility: The minimum age to rent a car is 19. You must present a valid driving licence, a passport or national ID card, and a debit or credit card. Drivers from the US, UK, EU, Australia, and New Zealand do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Safety Mandates: Seat belts and child restraint systems are mandatory for all passengers. Vehicles must carry mandatory in-car safety equipment.
- Parking Regulations: On-street parking in Rijeka is paid. Parking is strictly prohibited near bends, intersections, brows of hills, and in designated bus, tram, or taxi areas.
- Motorway Tolls: Motorways use barrier toll gates where drivers pay by cash, credit card, or electronic on-board units based on distance traveled.
Pricing, Coverage, and Booking Tips
Car rental availability in Rijeka fluctuates with coastal travel seasons. Booking ahead via aggregators like DiscoverCars ensures access to your preferred vehicle category and transmission type.
| Consideration | Practical Advice |
|---|---|
| Payment Cards | Both debit and credit cards are commonly accepted for bookings and deposits, depending on the operator. |
| Equipment Check | Verify that required safety kits are in the trunk before leaving the depot. |
| Ferry & Toll Routes | Plan payment methods for toll gates and review ferry boarding rules if visiting nearby islands. |
Rental Pickup Locations Across Rijeka
Rental desks and vehicle collection points are distributed across the city to match different arrival routes:
- Rijeka Airport (RJK): Located on nearby Krk Island, offering immediate vehicle access after your flight.
- Rijeka Downtown: Convenient for travelers already based in the central city.
- Rijeka Train Station: Positioned near the rail terminal for seamless train-to-car transfers.
- Rijeka Hotel Hilton: Dedicated pickup option located at the Costabella waterfront.
- City Delivery: Select rental operators provide drop-off directly within Rijeka city limits.
Road Tips for Driving Out of Rijeka
Leaving Rijeka by car connects you directly to major coastal and inland highways. When driving along the coast or crossing onto islands, take note of localized ferry boarding procedures. Always keep cash or a payment card ready when entering toll motorways, and monitor speed limits and drink-driving limits strictly enforced across Croatia's road network.
Where to go by car
| Destination | Distance | Time | Tolls (est.) | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opatija Riviera | ~14 km | ~20 min | — | Visit historic Belle Époque villas and the scenic Lungomare coastal promenade. |
| Krk Island | ~30 km | ~35 min | — | Cross the Krk Bridge to explore medieval coastal towns and local beaches. |
| Pula & Southern Istria | ~108 km | ~1 h 25 min | ~10 € | Tour the well-preserved Roman amphitheater and historic Istrian coast. |
| Plitvice Lakes National Park | ~155 km | ~2 h 15 min | ~15 € | Explore world-renowned cascading lakes and wooden walking trails inland. |
| Zagreb | ~160 km | ~1 h 45 min | ~20 € | Drive via modern toll motorways to explore the museums and historic Upper Town of the capital. |
Tolls: motorway estimate (~€0.11/km) — free secondary routes often exist.