So, you’ve decided to visit Rovinj? Great choice. We might be biased as locals, but trust us, Rovinj is one of the most beautiful places on the Adriatic. Cobblestone streets, a dreamy old town that rises out of the sea, sunsets that will leave you speechless, and some of the best beaches and boat trips you’ll ever find. But before you dive into the magic, you’re probably wondering: How to get to Rovinj, Croatia?
Here’s your complete guide to reaching Rovinj, whether you’re coming from Venice, Zagreb, Split, or anywhere else. We’ll cover cars, buses, ferries, flights, and all the little tips only a local would know.
How to Get to Rovinj, Croatia by Air
First things first: Rovinj doesn’t have its own airport. The closest airport is Pula Airport (PUY), just 40 km (about 40 minutes by car) away. It’s small but efficient, with flights connecting to many European cities, especially in summer.
Other nearby airports include:
- Trieste Airport (Italy) – Around 2 hours by car.
- Venice Marco Polo Airport (Italy) – About 3–3.5 hours by car or 2.5 hours by ferry in summer.
- Zagreb Airport (Croatia) – About 3 hours by car.
From any of these airports, you can rent a car, take a shuttle, or catch a bus to Rovinj. Pro tip: if you want maximum flexibility for exploring the cool things to do in Istria, renting a car is the way to go.
How to Get to Rovinj, Croatia from Venice
This is one of the most popular routes. Lots of travelers pair a trip to Venice with Rovinj because they’re so close across the Adriatic.
Option 1: Ferry (the most fun way)
In summer, high-speed catamarans connect Venice and Rovinj directly. The journey takes around 2.5 hours, and you’ll cruise across the Adriatic with views that beat any highway. Ferry operators like Venezia Lines and Kompas usually run services from late April through October. Tickets sell out fast in peak season, so book ahead on websites like Adriatic-lines.com.
Option 2: By car
If you’ve rented a car in Venice, you can drive to Rovinj in about 3.5 hours. The route takes you down through Trieste and across the Slovenian border before entering Croatia. Remember: you’ll need to bring your passport, and check whether your rental car company allows cross-border travel.
Option 3: By bus
There are also direct buses between Venice and Rovinj, especially in summer. They take around 5–6 hours, so not as fast as the ferry, but usually cheaper.
How to Get to Rovinj from Zagreb
Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, is a common starting point for many visitors.
Option 1: By car
The drive from Zagreb to Rovinj takes about 3 hours, mostly on Croatia’s modern highways. It’s a smooth ride, and you’ll get to see the changing landscapes, from the inland hills to the coastal views as you approach Istria.
Option 2: By bus
Direct buses run daily between Zagreb and Rovinj, with the trip taking around 4–5 hours. Buses are comfortable and affordable, with air-conditioning and sometimes Wi-Fi. Check companies like Flixbus.
Option 3: By plane
Technically, you could fly from Zagreb to Pula, then transfer to Rovinj, but honestly, it’s not worth the hassle. Driving or taking the bus is faster and cheaper.
How to Get to Rovinj from Split
Split is Croatia’s coastal superstar, so lots of travelers want to combine it with a trip to Rovinj.
Option 1: By car
Driving from Split to Rovinj takes around 6–7 hours, even longer during peak season. It’s a long ride, but the Croatian highways are excellent, and you’ll see plenty of coastline and countryside along the way.
Option 2: By bus
Direct buses from Split to Rovinj exist, but brace yourself, they take about 10 hours. Not the most glamorous way to travel, but it works if you’re on a budget.
Option 3: By plane
The quickest way is to fly from Split to Pula (around 45 minutes), then transfer to Rovinj by shuttle, taxi, or rental car (another 40 minutes). This option saves you a whole travel day.
How to Get to Rovinj, Croatia by Bus
If you’re traveling around Croatia (or even from neighboring countries like Slovenia or Italy), buses are a solid option. Rovinj has a modern bus station near the town center, with connections to Zagreb, Split, Trieste, Venice, and more.
Pros of taking the bus:
- Affordable tickets.
- Comfortable, modern coaches.
- Good coverage across Croatia.
Cons:
- Longer travel times compared to driving.
- Limited schedules at night.
How to Get to Rovinj, Croatia by Car
Honestly, this is our favorite way to travel around Istria. Having a car gives you the freedom to explore hidden beaches near Rovinj, wineries, and medieval hilltop towns like Motovun and Grožnjan.
Parking in Rovinj:
The Old Town itself is car-free, but there are plenty of parking lots in Rovinj just outside the historic core. From there, it’s a short walk into town.
Driving tips:
- Highways in Croatia are toll roads. Bring cash or a card.
- Crossing borders (Slovenia/Italy) requires a vignette (toll sticker) for Slovenia.
- Summer traffic can be heavy. Start early in the morning if possible.
Getting to Rovinj by Train
Here’s the thing: Rovinj doesn’t have a train station.
The nearest station is in Kanfanar, about 15 km away, but connections are limited and not very practical. If you’re a train lover, you can take a train to Pula or Rijeka, then switch to a bus or car to reach Rovinj.
Arriving by Boat (Our Personal Favorite)
Of course, we can’t leave this one out.
Rovinj is a maritime town, and arriving by boat feels like stepping into a postcard. Whether you’re coming from Venice by ferry, joining a sailing trip, or even chartering your own boat, pulling into Rovinj’s harbor is unforgettable. Old Town Rovinj rises dramatically from the sea, with the Church of St. Euphemia towering above. It’s pure Adriatic magic.
Local Tips for Smooth Travel
- Book early in summer – Ferries, buses, and even car rentals sell out fast in July and August.
- Check border times – If you’re driving from Italy through Slovenia into Croatia, factor in possible border queues.
- Bring cash for small expenses – Tolls, parking, or market snacks.
- Stay flexible – Weather can affect ferries, so have a backup plan if the sea is rough.
You now know How to Get to Rovinj, Croatia!
Getting to Rovinj might take a bit of planning, but it’s absolutely worth it. Whether you glide across the Adriatic on a ferry from Venice, road trip down from Zagreb, or fly into Pula and rent a car, the journey is part of the adventure.
And once you’re here? Well, that’s when the real magic begins. Sunsets on the pier, dolphin tours, lazy afternoons in hidden coves, and wandering the Old Town’s cobblestone alleys—it’s all waiting for you.
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