Taxi in Croatia: Prices, Booking and Available Options
- Damian Brzeski
- 4 days ago
- 8 min read
Are you planning a vacation in Croatia and wondering how to conveniently get around the country without your own car? Taxis seem like the perfect solution, but… do you really know how they work, how much they cost, and when is the best time to book them?
Discover the most important facts, pitfalls and practical tips that can save you a lot of stress and money – especially during the peak season.
How does a taxi work in Croatia?
Wondering how to best get around Croatia without your own car? Taxi is one of the most convenient solutions, especially in larger cities and popular resorts. Below you will find an overview of the available options and the specifics of taxi services in different regions of the country.
Main forms of using taxis
In Croatia, you can order a taxi in several ways: the classic way – by calling a local company, by going to a taxi rank in the city center or... through an application on your phone.
Especially in Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik, platforms such as Uber in Croatia , Bolt or local applications like Cammeo are extremely popular.
But what if you want more comfort? You can also easily find VIP Taxis in Croatia or private taxi transfers with elegant premium cars.
This option is especially appreciated by business travelers or those who simply value comfort.
Regional differences in availability and standard of services
Just because you can easily book a transfer in Zagreb or Split, doesn't mean it will be just as easy on islands or in small towns.
Taxis in Croatia are most available in large cities and tourist resorts, but in rural or island areas their availability may be limited.
Therefore, if you plan to visit less popular places, it is worth booking a transfer in advance . This will allow you to avoid stress and long waiting times for a taxi , especially during the peak tourist season in Croatia .
For larger groups, Minibuses in Croatia may be the ideal solution – comfortable and adapted to longer routes.
Taxi prices in Croatia
Before you get into a taxi in Croatia, it’s a good idea to know what to expect in terms of costs. Prices aren’t centrally regulated, so they can vary by city, company, and even… time of day.
Example travel costs in popular locations
A ride from Zagreb Airport to the city center will cost you around 13–20 euros. Such an airport transfer can be more expensive during peak season, especially if you do not book your transfer in Croatia in advance.
For example:
Zagreb city centre → Central station: 4–5 euros
Center → Park Maksimir: 5–7 euros
Taxi cost from Trogir to Split airport? Around 25-35 euros, depending on time and company.
The cost of travel from Makarska to Tućepi is approximately 10–15 euros during the day.
It is worth adding that many companies offer private minibus transfers – a great option for families or larger groups.
Factors influencing the price: route, vehicle class, season
The cost of a taxi is influenced by several factors: the length of the route, the class of the vehicle (standard sedan vs. premium vehicles ), night hours, weekends or the tourist season in Croatia . Prices may also increase in the case of immediate orders, especially at airports or in city centers.
Lack of price regulation and the risk of overcharging
There is no single, top-down rate for rides in Croatia – it all depends on the company. That is why transparency of taxi prices is so important. When using apps like Kiwitaxi or UniTaxi , you can be sure that the price is known in advance and the service is provided by a trusted partner .
Always make sure the taximeter is running. In tourist areas, there are still cases of overcharging – especially when the customer does not ask for the price before the ride. For peace of mind, it is best to book your transfer online in advance.
Book a taxi in advance
Planning is key, especially in a country where summer tourism can literally paralyze local roads. So if you’re going to Croatia, it’s worth thinking about transport in advance. Booking a transfer in Croatia is an easy way to save yourself some stress – and money!
Why it's worth booking early, especially in high season
In the summer, especially in resorts like Dubrovnik , Split or Zagreb , taxi availability can be limited and the wait for a taxi can be much longer than you expect. High demand = higher prices. That’s why booking your transfer in advance is a decision that really pays off.
If you are traveling with your family or in a larger group, you can pre-book a private transfer or even a group transfer – not only more convenient, but also cheaper per person.
It is also worth mentioning that many companies offer additional options, such as child seats, the ability to transport bicycles or a large trunk - it is these additional services in taxis that make the difference on a longer journey.
Fixed price guarantee and vehicle availability
One of the main reasons to book a transfer is the price guarantee – no surprises, no overcharges. You know how much you will pay in advance, and a safe driver is already waiting for you at the destination.
By using platforms like Kiwitaxi or UniTaxi , you can also be sure that you will be served by a professional and honest driver. This is especially important at airports, where there are also people pretending to be legal carriers.
That's why drivers waiting at airports in Croatia should be clearly marked - and this is exactly what booking through a proven operator gives you.
Airport Transfer in Croatia
Are you landing in Croatia and wondering how to best get from the airport to your accommodation? Airport transfers are a convenient and increasingly popular solution, especially for tourists who value comfort, punctuality and no price surprises.
Most popular airports and transfer destinations
The largest and busiest Croatian airports are Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik and Pula. From each of them, you can arrange a taxi transfer to the city centre, hotel or chosen resort. Taxis from the airport in Croatia are particularly popular, which can be booked in advance , ensuring peace of mind upon arrival.
Transfer options to islands or smaller towns where public transport is not always reliable are also becoming more popular. In such cases, a private transfer or private minibus transfer is ideal – great for families and groups.
Airport pick-up with sign and other welcome options
Professional transport companies, such as Kiwitaxi , UniTaxi or local trusted partners , offer the possibility of picking up a passenger from the airport with a sign. This is not only convenient, but also a guarantee that the right person will pick you up - so-called airport taxi drivers are marked, dressed appropriately and ready to help.
Tourists appreciate this option for its sense of security and hassle-free start to the journey. In addition, premium vehicles are increasingly available, including a sedan transfer in Croatia , which can be surprisingly affordable.
Private and group airport transfers
The choice is yours: you can order an individual transfer , where the driver will take only you and your loved ones, or a group transfer if you are traveling in a larger group. Both options are convenient, and the costs can be checked and compared before departure.
Thanks to this, you avoid stress and potential abuses - because airport taxis in Croatia, although increasingly better controlled, can still surprise tourists with their prices if they are not booked in advance .
In the next section, we will take a closer look at travel safety and how to recognize an honest Croatian taxi driver .
Security and Risk of Fraud in Croatian Taxis
Although most taxi rides in Croatia are hassle-free, it is worth knowing
most common hazards – especially if you are traveling as a tourist. Knowledge and preparation are the best way to avoid unpleasant situations.
The most common taxi scams against tourists in Croatia
Tourists are easy targets for dishonest drivers – especially at airports and in popular destinations like Dubrovnik or Split . Common scams include inflating fares, not using the taximeter, or even extending the route.
That's why it's best to use apps like Kiwitaxi , UniTaxi or other trusted partners , where the transparency of taxi prices and the route are known in advance. Also remember that if you choose an online transfer service , the risk of fraud drops to almost zero.
How to recognize an honest driver
An honest Croatian taxi driver is one who:
has a visible TAXI sign on the roof,
uses a taximeter or the official app,
introduces himself and confirms your reservation,
knows the route and does not wander aimlessly,
does not try to impose additional fees without justification.
It is also good practice to choose drivers who are part of a larger company – e.g. Cammeo, Eko Taxi or operate through a well-known platform. Such a safe driver cares about the reputation of his company.
The importance of transparent pricing and online bookings
When you decide to book a transfer online, you have full control – you know the cost, time, driver details and pick-up point. This eliminates the risk of accidentally stopping the first available car on the street.
If you want comfort, it’s worth specifying factors before booking your transfer , such as vehicle type, number of passengers, luggage, or the need for a child seat. Most apps offer these options in a few clicks.
Alternatives to traditional taxis
While classic taxis in Croatia are a convenient choice, they are not always the only – or the best – option. The country offers a truly diverse range of transport options to consider depending on your route, budget and preferences.
Does Uber operate in Croatia?
Yes! Uber in Croatia is an increasingly popular option, especially in large cities like Zagreb, Split or Dubrovnik.
It works exactly the same as in other countries – you order a ride through the app, you have an approximate price and the ability to rate the driver. For many tourists, this is the most convenient way to get around the city.
Uber often offers lower rates than traditional airport taxis , making it the perfect choice for a quick and hassle-free taxi transfer – both to and from the airport and within the city.
Can I order Bolt in Croatia?
Of course! Bolt is another app that you can use in Zagreb and Split, among other places. Its popularity is growing because, like Uber, it offers transparent taxi prices , fast service, and a variety of vehicle options, from economy to comfortable sedans.
Water Taxi as a Seasonal Attraction
Fun fact! In coastal towns like Split, Hvar or Opatija, you can take a taxi... by water! It's a great way to get to beautiful beaches or neighboring islands.
Water taxis operate seasonally and are not only a means of transport but also an attraction in themselves. Ideal for those who want to combine a transfer in Croatia with a unique experience.
Public transport as a cheaper alternative
And let’s not forget about buses and trams – public transport in Croatia works well in the larger cities and is much cheaper than taxis. For those travelling on a budget or wanting to experience the country more locally, this is a great option.
Shuttle services as an intermediate option
For people who do not want to overpay for an individual transfer, but also do not want to use public transport, shuttle services are the ideal choice.
They run regular services between airports and popular destinations in Croatia , such as Split-Makarska and Dubrovnik-Cavtat. This is a great option if your plans are flexible and you want a convenient, affordable ride.
Before you decide to take this type of transportation, be sure to check the cancellation policies of shuttle services , which vary by carrier. The good news is that most companies offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled ride.
Finally, remember that Croatia offers many different ways to get around, and choosing the best option depends on your needs. In the next section, we will put everything together in a practical summary and give you some tips on how to plan a reliable and comfortable transfer from A to Z.
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