Taking a Rental Car to Croatia’s Islands: A Ferry Travel Guide

Morning coffee by the harbour, a swim on the other side of the island and dinner somewhere you discovered along the way. With a car, you can fit more of these moments into your trip and explore at your own pace.

If you’re planning to take a rental car to the Croatian islands, arrange permission for ferry and island travel before setting off and check your chosen route. Here’s what to know before boarding.

Can you take a rental car on a ferry in Croatia?

Yes, you can take a Last Minute rental car on a ferry and explore the islands, provided you notify us in advance and arrange the FIT option.

FIT (Ferry/Island/Transit permission) covers permission to transport the vehicle by ferry, drive on islands and transit through Neum in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tell our team about your planned route when booking or collecting your car so we can arrange the necessary permission. An additional fee may apply according to the current price list.

Without the FIT option, the insurance cover specified in your rental agreement does not apply when using the vehicle on ferries, on islands or in transit through Neum. Make sure you arrange this before travelling.

Ferry or catamaran: which one carries cars?

If you’re travelling with a car, choose a car ferry. Passenger catamarans do not carry vehicles, even when they connect the same islands with the mainland.

Check your arrival port before buying a ticket, too. For Hvar, for example, you can take the Split–Stari Grad or Drvenik–Sućuraj ferry. For Korčula, one option is Orebić–Dominče. Your arrival port will help you plan the onward drive to your accommodation.

Does a ferry ticket guarantee a space for your car?

Not always. On some routes, your ticket includes a reservation for a specific departure. On others, vehicles board in order of arrival at the port.

According to Jadrolinija, reservations for a specific sailing are available on routes including Split–Stari Grad and Split–Vis. On the Split–Supetar route, buying a ticket does not guarantee boarding at your preferred departure time.

Before booking, check the rules for your route and the recommended arrival time at the port. During the summer season, allow extra time to reach the terminal and board.

Which Croatian islands can you explore by rental car?

Brač is a convenient option when travelling from Split: the ferry to Supetar takes around 50 minutes. Once you arrive, you can explore at your own pace and plan your stops throughout the day.

Hvar can be reached by car ferry from Split to Stari Grad or from Drvenik to Sućuraj. Choose your departure point based on your driving route and where you’re staying.

Korčula is connected to the mainland by the Orebić–Dominče ferry, while Vis can be reached by car ferry from Split. If you’re planning to visit several islands, check each connection separately: a passenger service between two islands does not necessarily carry cars.

Ferry costs and documents to bring

When planning your budget, include ferry tickets for the vehicle and passengers, plus any applicable FIT fee. FIT is an option arranged as part of your car rental; ferry tickets are purchased separately from the ferry operator.

Vehicle fares depend on the route, travel period and vehicle category. Length and height can affect the price, so a small car and an SUV will not necessarily have different fares. Check which fare category applies to your rental vehicle.

Have the vehicle registration document ready when purchasing your ferry ticket, as you’ll need to provide vehicle details. Keep your rental agreement, driving licence and identification documents with you during the trip.

Allow enough time for your return journey

If you’re returning from an island on the day of your flight or rental car return, leave some extra time in your schedule. Avoid relying on the last sailing that would get you there on time. Before travelling, check the latest timetable and any service updates from the ferry operator.

Planning an island getaway? Choose your vehicle with Last Minute rent a car and let us know about your ferry plans so we can arrange the FIT option with you. Then comes the best part: deciding where to stop first.