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How to Get to Porec

How to Get to Porec

Porec Istria, Croatia Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving Poreč

The closest international airport to Poreč is Pula Airport (PUY), approximately 58 km (36 miles) south. This airport is the most convenient option for most travelers heading directly to Poreč.

Other Nearby Airports

  • Rijeka Airport (RJK): ~110 km east on Krk Island.
  • Trieste Airport (TRS), Italy: ~110 km north, useful for combining Croatia with Italy.
  • Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU), Slovenia: ~180 km north.

Flight Options & Transfers

Pula Airport (PUY) mainly serves low-cost carriers and seasonal charter flights from major European cities like Ryanair, easyJet, and TUI. Routes are seasonal, typically spring to autumn.

Connecting to Poreč

  • Direct flights to Pula from North America are uncommon; connect via major European hubs.
  • From Pula Airport to Poreč: Seasonal shuttle buses (Fils Pula), taxis (EUR 80-120), or car rental.
  • For best flight deals, check Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.

Seasonal Fluctuations

Flights to Pula are significantly more frequent and expensive during peak summer (July-August). Prices drop in shoulder seasons.

Airport Facilities

Pula Airport (PUY) is a smaller but modern airport. It has basic facilities: car rental, cafes, duty-free shops, and ATMs. Wi-Fi is available.

Zagreb Airport

Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG), ~250 km east, offers extensive year-round flight options with major international carriers.

Land Transportation

Bus & Train

  • Buses are the main and most efficient intercity public transport.
  • Poreč’s main bus station is Autobusni Kolodvor Poreč, a short walk from the Old Town.
  • Reputable bus companies like Arriva and FlixBus operate routes to Poreč.
  • Poreč does not have a train station; train travel in Istria is limited.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

  • Valid national driving license (IDP for non-EU citizens) is needed.
  • Roads in Istria are generally well-maintained, with the A9 highway being a toll road.
  • Parking is challenging and expensive in Poreč Old Town during peak season.
  • Find your rental car at DiscoverCars.com for competitive rates.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services

Poreč's port mainly serves catamaran lines connecting directly to Venice, Italy, during the tourist season (April/May to October).

Main Operators

Venezia Lines and Adriatic Lines are the main companies for these international routes. The journey to Venice takes approximately 3 hours.

Cruise Ships

Poreč is not a major port for large international cruise ships. Smaller vessels or sailing yachts may dock. Larger ships use Pula or Rijeka.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied for travelers departing from Croatia, whether by air, bus, or sea.

Recommended Timing

  • Airport (Pula): Arrive at least 2 hours before international flight, 1.5 hours for domestic.
  • Bus Station (Poreč): Arrive at least 15-20 minutes before scheduled departure.
  • Ferry/Catamaran: Arrive at Poreč port at least 30-60 minutes before departure for international routes.

Airport & Station Facilities

Pula Airport provides basic facilities for departing travelers, including check-in counters, security screening, a duty-free shop, cafes, and restrooms.

Station Amenities

  • Poreč Bus Station: Waiting area, ticket office, often a small cafe or kiosk.
  • Poreč Port: Waiting area for international catamaran departures and passport check facilities.
  • Reconfirm your flight, bus, or ferry times 24-48 hours before departure for updates.

Road Conditions & Safety

Croatian roads are generally good, notably the main highways. The "Istrian Y" highway provides quick access across the peninsula.

Speed Limits

Standard limits: 50 km/h (urban), 90 km/h (outside urban), 110 km/h (expressways), 130 km/h (motorways).

Tolls

Croatia does not use a vignette system; tolls are paid per distance at toll booths.

Traffic

Traffic can be heavy in summer, notably on weekends. Plan drives for off-peak hours.

Border Crossing

Croatia is part of the Schengen Area. Border crossings from Slovenia or Hungary involve standard Schengen internal border checks. From non-Schengen countries, full passport and customs checks occur.