Renting a car is probably the easiest way of getting around Croatia. Otherwise, you'll be able to get just about everywhere trains don't go by bus, albeit not as conveniently. Either way, ferries are the way to reach the islands that dot Croatia's coastline.

In 2026, the easiest and most efficient way to navigate Croatia depends on your itinerary. For coastal hopping between major hubs like Split and Dubrovnik, high-speed catamarans (passenger-only ferries) are the gold standard; they are fast, modern, and avoid the winding coastal traffic. If you are exploring the mainland or budget is a priority, the extensive bus network (Arriva, FlixBus) is excellent, reliable, and covers nearly every village. However, for true freedom to see "hidden gem" beaches and hilltop towns in Istria, renting a car remains the best choice. While trains exist, the rail network is largely limited to the north (Zagreb area) and is notoriously slow compared to the modern motorways. For most tourists, a combination of ferries for the islands and buses or a rental car for the coast is the winning strategy.