Travel from Croatia to Italy: Best Transport Options Compared

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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, Milan, Bari, Naples... (operated by Ryanair, Vueling Airlines, ITA Airways, EasyJet, Volotea, Croatia Airlines....).

Additionally, there are a number of ferry routes during the summer season across the Adriatic Sea. 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.

We'll continue to share with you handy tips about travel from Croatia to Italy in 2025 on this webpage. 

👉 From Croatia to Rome \ From Croatia to Florence \ From Croatia to Venice \ From Croatia to Milan/Bergamo \ From Croatia to Bari \ From Croatia to Naples

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

Wondering between Croatia and Italy? Why not experience both?

These two countries blend perfectly together. Start your journey in Croatia's gems like Split or the stunning islands, then hop over to Italy - a morning flight can have you standing in awe before Rome's Colosseum by afternoon.

Another fantastic pairing? Visit the pearl of the Adriatic - Dubrovnik, then jet to Bari to discover Southern Italy's charming small towns.

Prefer the northern regions? Explore Croatia's historic Istrian towns or the capital Zagreb, then drive into Italy's Veneto or Lombardy regions (we suggest visiting Bergamo). The possibilities for combining these two countries are limitless - you really can have the best of both worlds.

Travel from Croatia to Rome: 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:

Flying from Croatia to Rome (Fastest option)

The quickest way to travel 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.

👍 Best way to explore Rome

We are sharing our firsthand experience with taking flights between Dubrovnik and 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).

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.

What transportation options are available for getting from Leonardo da Vinci Airport (Fiumicino) to 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).

From Rome you can easily reach other destinations in Italy (by train and bus), such as Naples, Florence, Bologna, Milan as well as small cities in Lazio region, such as Assisi, Peruggia, Albano Laziale, Ariccia, Castel Gandolfo, Frascati, Genzano di Roma, Marino...

Where to stay close to Termini Station?

Our pick would be the Sophie Terrace Hotel, giving that warm and family-like atmosphere as well as comfortable rooms. From here you can easily walk to the Colosseum and other sights. See other fabulous apartments/hotels we love to stay in!

Want to save on accommodation in Rome? Consider staying in Albano Laziale or Genzano di Roma. These charming little towns offer peaceful accommodations just a quick, cheap train ride (€2-3) from the capital. Enjoy lower prices and a relaxed atmosphere while keeping Rome's attractions within easy reach.

👍 Wonderful day trip from Rome

Ferry + Train/Bus travel from Croatia to Rome (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 most time-efficient and cost-effective choice.

👍 Taste Bari’s best street food bites

Bus travel from Croatia to Rome (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 (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 (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 /  taking a train to Florence

For those wishing to travel from Croatia to Florence, we have good news. It's straightforward, even though direct flights don't exist. We've made this journey frequently, traveling from Dubrovnik to the Tuscan capital.

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 amazing 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 (Flight + 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 attractions including the world-famous Uffizi Gallery, and is renowned for its exceptional regional cuisine.

Travel from Croatia to the rest of Tuscany

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. For exploring on your own, book a car in Florence.

👍 Day trips from Florence

Travel from Croatia to Venice: The Complete Guide

Many travellers seek the best way to get from Croatia to Venice (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. You can do this at Bookway website!

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 boat 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 Split to Venice (via Rome or Naples)

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

Travel from Dubrovnik to Venice (different options)

As there are no direct flights between Dubrovnik and Venice, you need consider connecting flights. For example, you can fly with Ryanair via Vienna (or change there for Austrian Airlines flight.

One of the best ways to get from Dubrovnik to Venice, is to take a direct flight to Rome, with Ryanair or Vueling Airlines (just over an hour). From there you should reach Termini to catch a high-speed train to Venice, taking around 4 hours. Frecciarossa trains are comfortable and offers pleasant journey. You can grab now tickets for this journey for 100 Euros (plain and train tickets) for travelling in June 2025.

Or you can fly to Naples by EasyJet and from there again catch the train to Venice. Any of these options will work.

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

Reaching Lombardy region from Croatia is easy, as there are direct Ryanair flights from both Zagreb and Dubrovnik. Franjo Tudjman airport in Zagreb is conneced with Orio al Serio Bergamo Airport throughout the year, with almost daily flights (you can get real bargain; tickets start from 15 Euros). 

Travel from Zagreb to Milan/Bergamo (flights and buses)

A few months ago, we took advantage of frequent flying schedule and flew from Zagreb to Bergamo. The flight was announced to last for 1h 35 minutes, but was even shorter - 45 minutes. We stayed in the city of Bergamo, which is interesting historic city, and took several trips to Milan (48 minutes train ride by Trenord; costing 5 Euros).

Once you arrive to Bergamo, you can stay there, which makes a great base for exploring the Lombardy. You're not far from Brescia, Verona, Monza, Sarnico and Franciacorta.

If you are heading to Milan, from Orio al Serio Airport, you can catch direct bus to Milano Centrale. Or go to train station (catch bus No.1 which costs 3 euros or take a taxi costing 20-30 Euros) and from there take regular train to Milano Centrale (every half an hour; ride takes 48 minutes, costs 6 Euros). From Milano Centrale you can catch a train to Lake Como and other big cities in the north of Italy - Venice, Turin, Genoa... or smaller cities like Pavia (30 minutes).

Trains from Milan allows you to explore the whole Lombardy, including Lace Como.

Bergamo's Città Alta is full of surprises - you'll love to explore it!

Travel from Split to Milan by plane (via Zagreb)

You can't directly travel from Split to the north of Italy. However, other options are available. Catch one of flights to Zagreb, with Croatia Airlines and change there for Ryanair flight to Bergamo Airport. Once there, travel to Milan or any other destination, such as for example Venice.

Flying from Dubrovnik to Milan

From Dubrovnik flights are available from April until November.

Travel from Croatia to Bari

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.

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

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.

Which are the cheapest Croatia to Italy flights?

For budget plane tickets from Croatia to Italy, check Ryanair, Vueling and EasyJet websites. These companies offer cheap flights on mentioned routes. You can fly from Zagreb to Milan or Pisa with Ryanair for only 15 Euros (all year long). 

Several popular flight routes connect Croatia and Italy throughout the year. The Dubrovnik to Rome connection stands out, with both Vueling Airlines and Ryanair offering daily flights from April to November. You can find one-way tickets starting at just 50 Euros.

Another favored route is Split to Rome, operated by Vueling Airlines. For the best deals, make sure to visit the airlines' official websites regularly.

Ryanair maintains year-round service from Zagreb, including flights to Milan's Bergamo airport. These routes are in high demand, especially among travelers moving between northern Italy and Croatia, so it's advisable to book well ahead of your planned travel date. Ready to explore flight options?

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 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.

Info about these services:

• Services are SEASONAL (not year-round)
• Frequency varies depending on the month
• More frequent sailings during peak summer season (June-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

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.

More to discover in Italy

What to See in Florence

Best Food Tours in Rome

Rome to Florence by Train

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