Car Rental in Rijeka (Croatia): Complete Driver's Guide

Rijeka is Croatia's primary port city, home to roughly 108,000 residents and positioned strategically between the Istrian peninsula and the Kvarner Gulf. Renting a car here is the most efficient way to explore coastal towns, inland nature parks, and neighboring Adriatic islands without relying on regional public transit schedules. Vehicle pickup points are well distributed across the city: arriving travelers can collect cars directly at Rijeka Airport (RJK) on the island of Krk, at Rijeka Train Station, at downtown branch offices, or via hotel delivery services near the Hilton. Croatian traffic regulations for 2026 require strict adherence to speed limits, parking zones, and safety equipment standards. This guide covers essential local driving regulations, pickup locations, toll systems, and scenic driving itineraries starting from Rijeka.

Essential Driving Rules, Documents, and Regulations

To rent a car in Rijeka, drivers must be at least 19 years old. You need a valid national driving licence (licences from the EU, UK, US, Australia, and New Zealand are accepted without an International Driving Permit), a passport or national ID card, and a payment card (credit or debit).

Key traffic regulations to keep in mind across Rijeka and Croatia:

• Safety restraints: The use of seat belts is mandatory for all occupants, and approved child restraint systems are strictly required for children.
• Parking rules: Rijeka operates designated paid parking zones. Parking is strictly prohibited on or near road bends, intersections, the brow of a hill, and anywhere reserved for public transit buses, trams, or taxis.
• Motorway tolls: Croatian highways use closed toll gate systems. Drivers take a ticket upon entry and pay upon exit via cash, credit card, or an electronic on-board unit (ENC).
• Mandatory equipment: Rental vehicles must carry required in-car safety equipment in accordance with national driving laws.

Rates, Card Policies, and Booking Strategy

Car rental demand in Rijeka peaks significantly during the summer coastal season between June and September. Booking in advance through comparison platforms like DiscoverCars helps secure your preferred vehicle category and transparent terms.

Always inspect the vehicle at collection for pre-existing scratches and ensure all emergency items (warning triangle, reflective vest) are stored in the vehicle.

Where to Pick Up Your Rental Car in Rijeka

Rijeka offers multiple collection points depending on your mode of arrival:

• Rijeka Airport (RJK): Located on the nearby island of Krk, approximately 25 km south of the city center. Ideal for flight arrivals, with rental counters located inside the terminal area.
• Rijeka Downtown: Central offices near the harbor and main transit arteries, ideal for travelers already staying in the city.
• Rijeka Train Station: Convenient for passengers arriving on domestic or international rail lines.
• Hilton Hotel & City Delivery: Selected providers offer vehicle collection near the Hilton Costabella resort or custom vehicle delivery within Rijeka city limits.

Driving Advice and Excursions from Rijeka

Rijeka serves as a junction connecting three distinct driving landscapes: the Istrian peninsula, the Kvarner islands, and the mountainous Gorski Kotar hinterland.

• Island Hopping: The Krk Bridge connects the mainland to Krk Island without toll fees. From Krk and surrounding ports, scheduled car ferries transport vehicles to Cres, Lošinj, and Rab under standard maritime ferry regulations.
• Coastal Roads vs. Motorways: The A6 motorway heads inland toward Zagreb, while the A8/A7 network provides rapid transit into Istria through the Učka Tunnel. For scenic travel, the coastal D8 highway offers sea views along the Kvarner Riviera.

Where to go by car

Tolls: motorway estimate (~€0.11/km) — free secondary routes often exist.