Travel from Croatia to Italy - Our 2025 Firsthand Experience

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Wondering what is the best way to travel from Croatia to Italy?

We travel frequently between these two countries (4 times only in 2024) and have explored various options that we can share with you.

Nowadays it's incredibly convenient to travel from Croatia to Italy (and vice versa).

The reason for this are numerous direct flights from Croatia to various Italian cities, like Rome, Naples, Bari, Pisa, Milan... (operated by Ryanair, Vueling, ITA Airways, EasyJet, Volotea, Croatia Airlines...).

Plus, there are plenty of ferry options sailing across the Adriatic during the summer season. 👉 Compare them all here!

Bus options between Croatia and Italy are also available if you prefer land travel. The choice is really extensive... 

Of course, you should select what best suits you, considering your travel itinerary as well as your budget. We love, for instance, boarding the plane in Dubrovnik and being in Rome in just over an hour. 👍 Grab Rome deals on sale now!

Stay tuned for our latest travel tips on getting from Croatia to Italy in 2025, right here on this webpage!

From the plane window, watching the islands pass below on our journey from Rome to Dubrovnik

Skip to:

👉 Travel from Croatia to Rome
👉 Travel from Croatia to Florence
👉 Travel from Croatia to Venice
👉 Travel from Croatia to Milan/Bergam
👉 Travel from Croatia to Bari
👉 Travel from Croatia to Naples

Travel from Croatia to Rome, Italy: Best options

Making your way from Croatia to Rome offers several transportation choices, each with its own advantages. Here are the main options to consider:

Flights from Croatia to Rome (Fastest option)

The quickest way to travel from Croatia to Rome is by air, with direct flights operating from major Croatian cities like Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik to Rome's Fiumicino Airport. Flight duration is typically around 1-1.5 hours.

Airlines such as Vueling Airlines, Ryanair, and Croatia Airlines service these routes, with fares varying significantly based on season and booking time.

Both Vueling Airlines and Ryanair offer budget-friendly options (starting from €52), particularly when booked well in advance. These flights are available from April throughout November (mostly every day).

Croatia Airlines flies between Zagreb and Rome (via Split) all year round (every day), and is more expensive. So you should opt for Ryanair flight to Rome if there are available tickets.

👍 Navigate Rome’s sights with a golf cart ride!

We are sharing our firsthand experience with taking a flight from Dubrovnik to Rome:

So far, we had only best experiences on taking Vueling Airlines flight between Dubrovnik and Rome (haven't been any major delays). The flight is a breeze, taking just over an hour. We paid flights cheaply, booking well ahead (you can also grab their tickets at discounts). 👍 See Rome tours currently on sale!

During off-season, we often took Croatia Airlines flights, which route through Zagreb and Split, though they are more expensive. Alternatively, you can fly with Croatia Airlines to Zagreb (taking the earliest flight) and then connect to a Ryanair flight to Rome.

Our usual way to get from Fiumicino Airport to our hotel in Rome

Once we land to Fiumicino Airports, our favourite way to get to Rome is Leonardo Express train. It's a good deal at just €14, and you can't beat how fast and direct it is, taking only 32 minutes to reach the city (Termini Station). 👉 Book Leonardo Express tickets!

If you have lots of luggage, consider booking ahead a car transfer. Welcome Pickups offers reliable transfers for the price of a local taxi (comfortable cars and friendly drivers that will wait you upon landing).

It's easy to continue your travel from Rome further within Italy. You can easily reach Naples, Florence, Bologna, Milan, Assisi, Peruggia, Albano Laziale, Ariccia, Castel Gandolfo, Frascati, Genzano di Roma...

👍 Great tip! We love to stay at Sophie Terrace Hotel (close to Termini) - warm and family-like atmosphere and comfortable rooms.

👍 Wonderful foodie (and wine) trip from Rome

Taking a ferry and train from Croatia to Rome, Italy (Scenic route)

If you're a fan of sea travel, several ferry services connect Croatia's coastal hubs (Split, Dubrovnik, and Zadar) with Italy, operated by Jadrolinija and SNAV.

The most popular crossings are Split to Ancona (Marche region) and Dubrovnik to Bari (Puglia region). These services run seasonally from April through October. You can find reasonably priced tickets through various booking platforms.

The Adriatic crossing typically takes between 8-11 hours, usually overnight, with fares beginning at €52 per person. From Ancona, you can connect to a high-speed train (via Bologna) that takes about 4 hours. If you arrive in Bari, there's a direct train service to Rome, also around 4 hours.

We generally suggest the ferry option if you're travelling with a vehicle or planning to explore Italy's eastern regions en route to Rome. Otherwise, air travel remains the quickest and cheapest choice.

👍 Taste Bari’s best street food bites

Bus travel from Croatia to Rome, Italy (Budget option)

Buses run between Croatian cities and Rome, but expect a long haul - over 14 hours from Zagreb (while there be sure to visit Plitvice Lakes). While it's the cheapest option, the journey time makes it hard to justify, especially with plenty of affordable flights available. Why spend all day on a bus when you can fly there for a reasonable price?

Driving from Croatia to Rome, Italy (Flexible Option)

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore, but remember you'll need to cross Slovenia and northern Italy. The drive from Zagreb to Rome takes about 8-10 hours, not including stops. The cities of Ljubljana and Trieste are worth exploring.

Consider toll costs and parking challenges in Rome. Discover Cars offers affordable car rentals, with effortless service from start to finish. 

👍 Ideal stop on your way from Zagreb to Italy

Travel from Croatia to Florence, Italy (and the rest of Tuscany)

For those wishing to travel from Croatia to Florence, we have a good news. It's easy, despite the fact that there are no direct flights. We do this frequently, travelling from Dubrovnik to Tuscan capital.

Flying from Croatia to Rome and then taking a train to Florence

The most convenient route from Croatia to Florence involves flying to Rome (from Dubrovnik, Split or Zagreb) and then reaching Termini Station via Leonardo Express, followed by a train ride (approximately 1h 30 minutes) to Florence. Our preferred option is always the Frecciarossa trains, known for their comfort and reliability.

Booking tickets online through Trainline made everything seamless. For just €32.90, you can experience Frecciarossa business class comfort - featuring spacious leather seats, an included snack box, drink service, and blissfully uncrowded carriages.

What a steal! We snagged luxurious business class seats on the Frecciarossa from Rome to Florence for just €30.

On one occasion, our train was cancelled on the travel day, but we quickly secured seats on the next train by visiting the Trenitalia office at Termini.

Highlights of our recent Florence trip were exploring the stunning Bargello Museum and wandering the streets in search of unique artisan shops.

From Santa Maria Novella train station, you can board direct trains to Siena (1h 30 min) or Lucca (1h 20 min). Trains are frequent and ticket prices start from €8. 👉 Find cheap Italian train tickets!

Travel from Zagreb to Florence (taking a plane and then train)

There are no direct flights from Zagreb to Florence, but Ryanair operates direct flights between Zagreb and Pisa (85km from Florence), with fares starting at €14.99. Flight schedules vary by season, so check availability for your travel dates.

Once you get there, it's easy to reach Florence by train - the fastest takes 50 minutes (prices range from €8 to €12). On weekdays, the first train leaving Pisa is at 4:15am. You can buy tickets at the train station or online through Trainline.

If renting a car from Florence Airport (see cheap car hire deals), take the A11 highway from Pisa to Florence - the journey takes 1h 15 minutes. A private car transfer from Pisa Airport to Florence will cost you around €180 per person.

For an ideal stay in Florence, look no further than Casa di Chiara apartment.

"La Primavera" by Sandro Botticelli is one of the most famous paintings in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and for good reason.

Or take Ryanair flight to Bergamo's Orio al Serio Airport, then reach Milano Centrale train station, to catch a fast train to Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence (taking less than 2 hours; fares start from €50). Some Milan to Florence trains take longer and you'll have to change at Bologna.

The car transfer will cost you from €200 to €350, depending on the service.

Florence, the heart of Tuscany, offers countless cultural sights, such as the Uffizi Gallery, and many great places to eat delicious local food.

Travel from Croatia to Tuscany (beyond Florence)

Once you reach Florence or Pisa, you can travel anywhere within Tuscany. You can for example board direct trains from Santa Maria Novella train station to Siena (1h 30 min) or Lucca (1h 20 min). Trains are frequent and ticket prices start from €8. 👉 Find cheap Italian train tickets!

Or you can arrange you tour hundreds of small towns in Tuscany, on your own or on organised tours. Some of the most interesting are Cortona, San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Pienza, Volterra, Colle Val d’Elsa and Fiesole.

Discover Cars provides budget-friendly car rental options throughout Tuscany.

👍 Great day trips from Florence

Travel from Croatia to Venice, Italy: The Complete Guide

Many travellers seek the best way to get from Croatia to Venice, Italy (or vice versa). Surprisingly, but there are no direct flights between Croatia and Venice. However, there are other ways of travelling this route. Read on to find all options you may find useful for your travel planning.

Travel from Zagreb to Venice by bus

Buses from Zagreb to Venice are practical for those exploring inland Croatia before heading to Venice. Choose among several bus companies on this route. The trip takes around 5-6 hours and costs from €20 to €30 for a one-way trip. 

It's a good idea to check bus schedules and book tickets in advance, especially during busy travel periods. 👉 Bookway is a great place to do this!

Driving a car between Zagreb and Venice takes around 3-4 hours (240 to 270 kilometers). Additional costs would be toll and parking. The most common route is via the A4 highway in Croatia, then crossing into Italy through the E70 highway, and continuing towards Venice. 👉 See cheap car hire deals here!

Travel from Istria to Venice by catamaran or bus

The most enchanting way to reach Venice is by sea. Regular ferry and catamaran services operate from Croatian coastal cities like Pula, Rovinj, and Poreč, offering journey times between 2.5 to 4 hours. These services are particularly frequent during the summer season, treating passengers to breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.

Planning ahead is crucial for a smooth journey. Ferry tickets often sell out during peak season, and early bookings generally secure better rates. While summer brings perfect weather, it also brings crowds and higher prices. Consider traveling during spring or fall for a more relaxed experience and better deals.

Travel from Dubrovnik to Venice (different options)

If you're heading from Dubrovnik to Venice, there are a few solid options depending on the season.

One of the easiest routes is flying with Ryanair via Vienna—there are daily flights on this route and it's usually straightforward.

Another great choice is flying to Rome (Fiumicino) with Vueling. The flight takes just over an hour, then you can take the Leonardo Express to Roma Termini and catch a high-speed train to Venice (about 4 hours). For June 2025, Italo tickets start at €30 and Trenitalia at €36.

You can also consider flying to Naples with EasyJet. From there, trains to Venice are frequent and convenient as well. 

All of these options are available from April through November.

If you're traveling in the winter, things get a bit trickier. You’ll likely need to fly to Zagreb first, then take a Ryanair flight to Milan/Bergamo. From there, it's a short trip to Milano Centrale, where you can catch a fast train to Venice (about a 2-hour ride). 👉 Compare all flights in one click!

With crystal clear sea, fine gravel shore and surrounded pine trees, Banje beach is among the most beautiful in Croatia

Travel from Split to Venice, Italy (various options)

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights between Split, Croatia and Venice, Italy. But, don't worry, there are still plenty of smooth ways to do this journey. 👉 Search Split to Italy flights!

• Option 1: Fly via Vienna: Take an Austrian Airlines flight from Split to Vienna, then catch a connecting flight to Venice. It’s a quick and comfortable option, with a total travel time of around 3 hours and 35 minutes.
• Option 2: Fly to Rome + High-speed train: Hop on a flight from Split to Rome Fiumicino—you’ll have several choices, including Ryanair, Vueling, Wizz Air, and Croatia Airlines. From Fiumicino, head into the city (Roma Termini), and board a fast train to Venice (travel time by train is around 4h, tickets start at €45. Bonus: you'll get a glimpse of Rome on the way!
• Option 3: Fly to Milan + Fast train: Fly into Milan with EasyJet or Croatia Airlines, then take a high-speed train to Venice. The train ride takes just 2 hours, and you can find tickets from as low as €27.90. Milan’s central station is easy to reach from the airport, and the train route is incredibly scenic.
• Option 4: Split to Naples + Train via Rome: Another route worth considering: fly directly from Split to Naples with Volotea or EasyJet. From Naples, board a high-speed train that takes you all the way to Venice. It’s a longer journey, but a great way to see more of Italy along the way.
  
  

Travel from Croatia to Milan/Bergamo, Italy (and the rest of Lombardy)

Getting from Croatia to Lombardy region in the north of Italy is a breeze, thanks to direct Ryanair flights from both Zagreb and Dubrovnik. Zagreb’s Franjo Tuđman Airport is connected year - round to Orio al Serio Airport in Bergamo (close to Milan), with flights running almost daily.

Travel from Zagreb to Milan/Bergamo by flight and bus

A few months ago, we took advantage of a frequent flying schedule and flew from Zagreb to Bergamo. The Ryanair's flight was very relaxed and quick - it took only 45 minutes (much shorter than what was announced).

We had an amazing time exploring Bergamo (we adored wandering through the streets of Città Alta). We also made a few trips to Milan by Trenord trains (we had amazing time shopping at Via Corso Garibaldi and eating a tasty focaccia at Tamandi Focacceria).

We were surprised by how quick the ride was - 48 minutes - and how cheap - €5. If we had stayed longer, we would have explored other smaller cities, such as Brescia, Verona, Monza, Cremona, Sarnico and Franciacorta.

From Bergamo's Orio al Serio Airport, you can catch a direct bus to Milano Centrale. Or go to Bergamo's train station (using bus No.1 which costs €3 or take a taxi costing €20-25) and from there take a Trenord train to Milano Centrale.

Trains from Milan (👍 See handpicked Milan tours!) allow you to explore the whole of Lombardy, including Lake Como, as well as reaching Venice, Turin, Genoa...

Bergamo's Città Alta is full of surprises - we loved to explore it!

Travel from Split to Milan/Bergamo by plane (via Zagreb)

You can’t fly directly from Split to northern Italy, but there are a couple of good alternatives. One option is to take a Croatia Airlines flight to Zagreb Airport (tickets start at around €60), then hop on a Ryanair flight to Bergamo, with one-way fares starting at just €18.

Another route to consider is flying from Split to Rome, and then catching a fast train up to northern Italy. It takes a bit longer, but it’s a scenic and comfortable way to travel.

👍 Find best places to eat in Milan

Direct flights from Dubrovnik to Milan/Bergamo (April to November)

Ryanair offers direct flights between Dubrovnik and Milan Bergamo Airport, with fares starting as low as €28 in June. The average flight time is approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. Flights are available up to 6 times per week, but only from April until November. The rest of the year, first fly from Dubrovnik to Zagreb and then catch Ryanair's flight to Orio al Serio Bergamo Airport. It's pretty easy to do this!

Travel from Croatia to Bari, Italy

Getting directly from the very south of Croatia, precisely Dubrovnik to the south of Italy is possible only from end of March until end of October.

Dubrovnik to Bari flights and ferry

Ryanair offers cheap flights (book as early as possible) from Dubrovnik to Bari, situated at the Italian heal in this period. It's a short flight taking only 50 minutes (you'll cross the Adriatic Sea). From Bari you can explore small cities such as Matera, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Ostuni or larger cities like Ostuni, Taranto or Lecce. You can go further to the south and visit Alberobello, Matera, Martina Franca, Altamura and Taranto.

For more adventurous travellers or those who have more time, an overnight ferry is one of the options. The ride takes around 10 hours and is run by Jadrolinija.

Volotea offers flights from Dubrovnik to Bari.

Flights from Split to Bari

If you are travelling to the very south of Italy, Volotea has direct flights from Split to Bari, but only during the peak season (July and August; 3 times a week). Flights are fairly cheap, starting with 34 Euros one-way. In addition, you can catch a ferry sailing from Split to Bari, several times a week. Once in Bari it's easy to explore the region.

Travel from Croatia to Naples, Italy

For reaching Naples, choose one of many flights from Dubrovnik (the journey time is 1 hour), available from April until November (6 times a week in July and August). From Naples, you can reach other destinations, like popular Amalfi coast.

Travel from Split to Naples

Heading to southern Italy from Split? For getting to Naples, take one of EasyJet flights available 3 times a week from April until November (everyday flight in July and August). Just be sure to grab your tickets well in advance! Or choose Volotea flight from Split to Naples, available in summer months (June, July and August).

Or opt for travel first to Rome and from there catch high-speed train to Naples (1.5-hour trip). 

Travel from Zagreb to Naples

If you want to fly directly from Zagreb to Naples, you can do it starting from the end of March several times a week. Ryanair operates flights, taking only 1h 25 minutes. From Naples you can catch trains further to south as well as reach the Amalfi Coast, either by driving yourself, by bus or a train.

Looking for the cheapest ways to fly from Croatia to Italy?

Travelers seeking affordable flights from Croatia to Italy can find excellent deals, especially when booking strategically and remaining flexible with travel dates. Budget airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet, and Vueling frequently offer competitive fares on these routes.

• Zagreb to Milan: One-way fares start from approximately €18
• Dubrovnik to Rome: Direct flights can be found starting at €30

To find the cheapest deals, be flexible with dates (flying on weekdays, particularly Sundays, often results in lower rates). Purchase your tickets well ahead, as fares increase closer to departure. Travel during off-peak months (from November until April) can offer lover fares. 

How to find budget-friendly flights from Croatia to Italy?

• Book your tickets 2-3 months ahead
• Travel during off-peak (October-March)
• Fly mid-week (Tuesday/Wednesday)
• Look at budget carriers like Ryanair, Vueling Airlines and EasyJet
• Compare prices on Skyscanner and Google Flights
• Check prices from different Croatian cities (Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik) to various Italian destinations

Remember: Prices fluctuate constantly, so monitor fares for a few weeks before booking.

Is there a ferry that goes from Croatia to Italy?

Yes, there are a number of ferry routes between Croatian and Italian ports. Large car/passenger ferries sail overnight from Split, Dubrovnik and Zadar to Ancona and Bari.

Fast catamarans, that takes only passengers, operates between Venice (San Basilio) and ports on the western Istrian coast - Porec, Umag, Rovinj and Pula, but only from mid-April throughout October. 

You should know these info about Croatia to Italy ferries:

• Services are SEASONAL (not year-round)
• Frequency varies depending on the month (more frequent sailing during peak summer season - from June through August)
• Advance booking is recommended during peak season
• Schedules may be affected by weather conditions
• Passport/ID required for travel

Croatia to Italy ferry routes for 2025:

• From Split to Ancona (Marche region in central Italy) - SNAV / Jadrolinija
• From Zadar to Ancona by Jadrolinija
• Dubrovnik to Bari (Puglia region) by Jadrolinija
• From Pula to Venice by Kompas
• From Porec to Venice by Kompas
• From Rovinj to Venice by Kompas
• From Cesenatico to Rovinj by Gomo Viaggi
• From Cesenatico to Novalja by Gomo Viaggi
• From Cesenatico to Mali Losinj by Gomo Viaggi

How much is the ferry from Croatia to Italy?

The price of a ferry from Croatia to Italy vary depending on the route, operator, season and whether you are sailing on foot or taking your vehicle.

You can travel as a foot passenger on SNAV's ferry from Split to Ancona for only €46, while Jadrolinija's ferry prices start at €50.

The ferry trip onboard Dalmacija, Jadrolinija's ferry from Dubrovnik to Bari costs around €70. For travelling by fast catamaran from Pula to Venice, you'll pay €79.

👉 Ferry tickets for these routes sell out fast, so don’t wait until it’s too late!

Quick & Easy
Ferry Booking

Is it possible to travel by train from Croatia to Italy?

There’s no direct train between Croatia and Italy, but you can easily combine trains through Slovenia or Austria. For example, take a train from Zagreb to Ljubljana (Slovenia), then head west into Italy. It’s a bit of a puzzle, but doable—and great for Eurail pass holders!

Note that it's not possible to take a train to Italy from cities on the Croatian coast, such as Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Šibenik...

What is the cheapest way to travel from Croatia to Italy?

Among the cheapest options of travel from Croatia to Italy are flights with Vueling Airlines and Ryanair. You can travel, for example, from Dubrovnik or Split to Rome for only 50 Euros, to Naples for 40 Euros. 

Ryanair offers cheap plane tickets for Zagreb to Orio al Serio Bergamo airport or Pisa for only 15 Euros. Of course, as the date of travel approaches, the prices go up. So book well in advance! We took Zagreb to Milan/Bergamo airport and everything went smooth!

You can grab cheap tickets with Vueling Airlines, as they offer discounts from time to time!

Those who travels from Istrian cities of Pula, Porec, Rovinj and Umag, could find cheap buses to Trieste or Venice, from where they can take trains to other destinations in Italy.

Explore the best of Croatia and Italy with these amazing tour packages:

If you're dreaming of a European adventure that combines stunning coastlines, historic cities, mouthwatering food, and vibrant culture, a Croatia–Italy tour package might be just what you're looking for.

These tours are perfect for travellers who want to experience the best of both countries without the stress of planning every detail. From the charming medieval towns of Croatia to the romantic cities of Italy, these packages offer a seamless journey through two of Europe’s most captivating destinations.

Here are the best Croatia Italy tour packages:

• Charming Croatia cruise with romantic Venice
• Dubrovnik to Venice (6 destinations)
• The Dalmatian Coast: Rome, Dubrovnik & Adriatic Dreamin (7 days)
• Rich Italy & Croatia Sailing tour(flight included) with Montenegro & Albania (15 days)
• Sailing Italy to Croatia (10 days)
• Sailing Croatia to Italy (10 days)
• Adriatic Pearls (10 days)
• Venice to Split (4 Days)
  
  

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