In 2026, the best way to travel around Croatia depends on your specific itinerary, but renting a car remains the most flexible option for exploring the mainland and coastal hidden gems. Croatia’s motorways are modern and well-maintained, allowing you to reach cities like Split and Zadar efficiently while giving you the freedom to visit smaller hilltop villages in Istria or the stunning Krka National Park at your own pace. If you prefer not to drive, the intercity bus network (operated by companies like FlixBus, Arriva, and Čazmatrans) is incredibly reliable, affordable, and covers almost every town in the country, often serving as a faster alternative to the limited rail system. For island hopping along the Adriatic, high-speed catamarans and car ferries (primarily run by Jadrolinija) are essential; they provide scenic and frequent connections between the major ports and popular islands like Hvar, Brač, and Korčula. In larger cities like Zagreb, the extensive electric tram network is the most efficient local transport, while Uber and Bolt are widely available in tourist hubs for short, convenient trips.