Airports in Croatia [2024]: Top Guide for International Travelers

If you’re still waiting to visit Croatia, you better add it to your travel bucket list soon since it’s one of the most beautiful countries you can see. The country has stunning natural scenery, medieval architecture, and rich cultural heritage.

No wonder Croatia has become one of the most popular tourist destinations recently!

Although the country has more and more travelers each year, navigating the airports in Croatia can be complicated. Just like if you were traveling through the major airports in Frankfurt or Warsaw, it’s a traveler’s responsibility to be aware of all the requirements and procedures before entering Croatia. 

Although Croatia is one of the smaller European countries, multiple airports fly internationally. Since many of the country’s airports experience a significant increase in the number of passengers, it is more important than ever to be aware of details related to specific airports.

Let’s get you ready to travel through even the largest airports in Croatia with the least hassle possible! Learn everything you need to know from this blog and ensure you know tips and tricks to stay safe in Croatia before you embark on your next adventure.

How Many Airports Are There in Croatia? 

There are a total of 24 airports in Croatia that handle commercial flights. The main airport in the country is Zagreb Airport (ZAG), which served close to 5 million passengers in 2018.

As mentioned above, many airports in Croatia operate international flights. 9 international airports serve as entry and exit for foreigners looking to visit this beautiful European destination!

International Airports in Croatia

9. Rijeka Airport (RJK)

The airport is in Omišalj on the island of Krk, very close to the mainland. Rijeka Airport is only 3.5 km northwest of the center of the town of Krk. Rijeka Airport connects well to Zagreb in Croatia and Frankfurt in Germany.‍

Facilities in the airport include:

• Duty-free shops and stores
• Coffee shop
• Souvenir shop
• Free wifi
• Restaurants

You can get to this airport by taking a bus, car rental, or taxi.

If you plan on visiting Immortelle Farm Island of Krk, Dubec Water Tower, or Nijvice Beach, landing at Rijeka Airport is your best option.

8. Osijek Airport (OSI)

Osijek Airport is in the eastern part of Croatia, 20 km northwest of Osijek city center. Osijek Airport is primarily for cargo traffic yet handles 200-400 passengers per hour. It also offers regular flights to Frankfurt-Hahn, Munich Memmingen, and Stavanger Sola. Private flying is also possible.

Facilities in the airport include:

• Duty-free shops and stores
• Currency exchange
• Exceptional service with high-tech systems
• Cargo storehouse

If your plans are for Red Fico, Osijek Zoo, or a guided boat tour in the Drava River, it is ideal for taking a flight to Osijek airport.

7. Brač Airport (BWK)

Bol International Airport, also known as Brač Airport, is located 3.5 km northwest of Bol on the island of Brač. The airport has a single terminal building and is one of the three airports that handle commercial passenger flights and charter traffic from Europe during the summer season.

Facilities and services in the airport include:

• Duty-free shop
• Currency exchange
• Cafe bar
• Playroom
• Guided tour to the center of all aerodrome activities

COVID- 19 Restrictions

All passengers must wear masks when entering airport offices and the terminal building. Click here to learn more on antigen testing at Brac Airport.

If you are exploring Supetar, Bol, Milna, and Postira, or you want to enjoy the Zlatni Rat Beach, booking a flight that arrives at Bol International Airport is best.

6. Airport Lošinj (LSZ)

The airport, which is a privately owned public airport, is located in Čikat, 5.9 km northwest of the center of Mali Lošinj on the island of Lošinj. The airport has a single runway and a small one-story terminal building.

Facilities at the airport include:

• Duty-free shops and stores
• Currency exchange
• Cafe bar
• VIP services
• Business lounge

No regular flight schedules have been at the airport since Covid-19.

5. Pula Airport (PUY)

Pula Airport is the largest airport in Istria County, located 6 km from the city center of Pula. Pula is a northern coastal town in Croatia.

It can get crowded with over 1 million passengers annually and only a single terminal building! Passengers have to either walk to the aircraft or be transferred by a bus as there are no jet bridges.

Due to its proximity to Italy and Slovenia, the airport sometimes serves as an alternative airport for many cities in the two neighboring countries.

Facilities in the airport include:

• Cafe
• Snack bars
• A duty-free shop
• Business lounge
• VIP services
• Exchange office

Reaching and exiting the airport is possible by taking the bus, car rental services, or taxis.

Consider booking a flight that arrives at Pula airport if you are heading to Croatia to enjoy a dolphin-watching tour in Pula or an adventurous Pula kayak tour.

4. Zadar Airport (ZAD)

The 4th largest airport in Croatia is located in Zemunik Donji, just 8 km from Zadar city center. It sits around the middle waypoint near Croatia’s coastline. This is one of the few airports where a taxiway crosses a public road. It was closed for a long time due to safety concerns and recently re-opened after an underpass was built!

Facilities in Zadar Airport include:

• Duty-free and travel value shop
• Cafe/ restaurant
• OTP Bank handles all bank matters and currency exchanges
• Wifi zone
• Business lounge

You can get to the destination by public transport, car, taxi, and rent a car service.

You’ll fly out of Zadar Airport if you plan to hop to the Croatian islands. Since it’s very centrally located, there are many hot spot destinations that you can get to through this airport.

3. Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)

The Dubrovnik Airport, also called Čilipi Airport, is the third busiest airport in Croatia. It is about 15.5 km from Dubrovnik city center, on the southern coast of Croatia. The airport’s three-terminal areas (A, B, and C) handle a million passengers annually.

Facilities in Dubrovnik Airport include:

• 8 security lanes
• Commercial space over 1000 square meters
• Departure lounge with commercial and catering facilities
• Premium lounge
• Restaurants
• 14 gates for international services
• Planned commercial zone and four-star hotel in future

Get to the destination by airport bus, shuttle bus, private taxi, or private and group transfers.

If you are heading to Lokrum Island or Walls of Dubrovnik, this is the airport you’ll go through.

2. Split Airport (SPU)

Split is a coastal city in the south of Croatia. The Split Airport sits 19 km from the city center and is the second busiest airport in Croatia. Both domestic and international flights fly in and out of this busy airport, and peak season happens in the summer months.

Due to its stellar location, Split Airport is the airport for travelers looking to take leisure flights during the European summer holiday season. Additionally, Croatia Airlines focuses many of its European flights out of this airport, including flights to and from Athens, Frankfurt, and Paris.

Facilities in the airport include:

• Duty-free shops
• A restaurant
• A cafe
• Bar
• Mini market
• Exchange office

You can get to the destination by public transport, car, taxi, ferry, taxi boat, and fast boat line service.

Disabled persons and unaccompanied minors will receive excellent care, and workers can assist you through the airport. Looking for help? Upon booking, contact your airline or travel agent to explain your situation!

For those looking to visit Klis Fortress, Riva Harbor, Putalj Winery, and Marjan Park, Split Airport is your best option.

Suggestion: Be at the airport at least 120 minutes before all international flights.

1. Zagreb Airport (ZAG)

Serving Croatia’s northwest capital in the interior of the country, Zagreb Airport is busy! Although it consistently serves many travelers, the airport is relatively small compared to other international airports. The airport is easy to access, only 10 km southeast of Zagreb central station.

Facilities in Zagreb Airport include:

• Baggage wrapping services
• Duty-free shops and stores
• Lost property office
• Tax Refund
• Currency exchange/ATMs
• Prayer room
• Baby care
• Business lounge
• 24/7 wifi
• VIP services

You can get to the airport by taking the Croatian Railways, bus lines, car rentals, and taxis.

The current terminal building offers the following:

• 8 air bridges
• 9 security checkpoints
• 23 passport control booths
• 45 check-in desks
• 4 baggage carousels

With 31 airlines flying to and from, Zagreb Airport is well connected internationally.

Suppose you plan to visit the Croatian National Theater, Mirogoj Cemetery, or take a day trip to Plitvice Lakes. In that case, Zagreb Airport is the best option to fly into!

Covid-19 Testing Center

Located on Level 2, the Covid-19 Testing Center is available for all passengers. The center is open daily from 4.30 am to 7 pm, and results are available within 24 - 36 hours.

What to Expect When Arriving at a Croatian Airport?

Now you know all the important Croatian airports you may use when traveling into the country. It is a pretty average airport procedure when you arrive at one of these airports.

When flying into Croatia, travelers will go through regular formalities once they land. All passengers must present a valid passport, regardless of nationality, when entering Croatia. For citizens of the European Union, a national ID card works just fine.

Passport control can be lengthy, especially during peak travel times. It is best if travelers arrive at the airport earlier to clear passport control and customs.

Upon clearing passport control and customs, you can grab any checked luggage and get ready for all the beautiful sights you’ll get to explore in Croatia! 

Plan for Croatia with Confidence

With this in-depth guide on airports in Croatia, you can easily plan your flights and navigate your vacation hassle-free. Remember, you must check the latest travel advisories before you go, as rules are constantly changing!

If you’re planning a group excursion to explore Croatia, remember that everyone needs to be on the same page. Organizing a European getaway can be tricky with multiple people, but there’s an app that could change that. Make your life easier by trying out Pilot!