Croatia at Christmas and New Year 2026: Getting There and Around

Plan your winter holiday travel to Croatia with practical tips on flights, trains, buses, and city transport for late December 2026.

Arriving in Croatia: Airports and Overland Routes

Most winter visitors fly into Zagreb Airport (ZAG), which has direct connections from major European hubs like Frankfurt, London, and Vienna. Alternatively, Split Airport (SPU) and Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) handle fewer flights in winter, so check schedules. From Zagreb Airport, the shuttle to the main bus station runs every 30 minutes and takes about 30 minutes; a taxi costs around 30–40 euros. If you're driving from neighbouring countries, the A1 motorway links Zagreb to Split (about 4 hours) and the A3 connects to Slovenia and Hungary. Winter driving conditions can be unpredictable, so ensure your vehicle has winter tyres.

Train travel is limited but scenic: Croatian Railways (HŽPP) operates routes from Zagreb to Split, Rijeka, and Osijek. The Zagreb–Split line takes around 6 hours and runs twice daily; however, winter schedules may vary, so check the official site. For cross-border trips, buses are often faster and more frequent. FlixBus and Arriva connect Zagreb with Ljubljana, Vienna, and Budapest in 3–5 hours. Book tickets in advance, as services fill up around the holidays. Note that public holidays on 25, 26 December and 1 January may affect schedules; confirm before you travel.

Getting Around During the Holidays

Within cities, trams and buses are your best bet. Zagreb's tram network covers most central neighbourhoods, including Donji grad, Gornji grad, and Novi Zagreb. A single ticket costs around 0.53 euros if bought at a kiosk, or 1.33 euros from the driver. Day passes are available. In Split, buses connect the old town (Diocletian's Palace) with suburbs like Meje and Bačvice. During Christmas and New Year, public transport may run on a reduced schedule, especially on 25 December and 1 January. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber operate in Zagreb and Split but expect surge pricing on New Year's Eve.

For travel between cities, buses remain the most reliable option in winter. The Zagreb–Split route takes 5–6 hours on the A1 motorway; companies like Promet Split and Autotrans run frequent services. Trains are slower but comfortable for longer journeys, such as Zagreb to Rijeka (4 hours). If you're heading to the coast, note that some ferry lines to islands like Hvar and Brač operate limited winter schedules. Check Jadrolinija's website for timetables. Renting a car gives flexibility but be prepared for winter conditions on coastal roads, especially the Magistrala (D8). Book accommodation early, as hotels in Zagreb and Split fill up for New Year's Eve.

Where to Stay and What to Book

Zagreb is the most popular destination for Christmas and New Year, thanks to its Advent markets and festive atmosphere. The best areas to stay are around Ban Jelačić Square, where you can walk to the markets, or in Donji grad for a quieter base. Expect hotel prices to peak between 28 December and 2 January; a mid-range double room might cost 100–150 euros per night. Book at least two months ahead. For a more local feel, consider apartments in Trešnjevka or Črnomerec, which are well-connected by tram and often cheaper. In Split, the old town is magical during the holidays, but many restaurants and shops close on 25 December and 1 January.

If you're looking for a quieter coastal experience, consider Zadar or Šibenik. Both have direct bus links from Zagreb (4–5 hours) and fewer crowds. However, some attractions may be closed. For a festive city break, I would book Zagreb for New Year's Eve, as it offers the most activities and transport links. Skip Dubrovnik in winter unless you're prepared for limited services and higher prices. Always check cancellation policies, as winter weather can disrupt travel. For hotel bookings, use our site to compare options and secure the best rates for your dates.

Questions, answered

What are the public holidays in Croatia in late December 2026?

Christmas Day on 25 December, St. Stephen's Day on 26 December, and New Year's Day on 1 January 2027 are nationwide public holidays. Many shops, restaurants, and public services close or operate reduced hours. Plan ahead for transport and dining.

Is it better to rent a car or use public transport in Croatia during the holidays?

Public transport is reliable between major cities, but winter schedules may be limited on holidays. Renting a car offers flexibility, especially for coastal areas, but check winter tyre requirements and road conditions. For city breaks, trams and buses are sufficient.

How far in advance should I book a hotel for New Year's Eve in Zagreb?

Aim to book at least two to three months in advance. Zagreb is the most popular destination for New Year's, and central hotels near Ban Jelačić Square fill up quickly. Prices are highest from 28 December to 2 January.

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