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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Croatia

Air Travel Access

Airport Gateways

Šibenik does not have its own international airport. The closest major international airports are Split and Zadar.

Regional Hubs

  • Split Airport (SPU): Approximately 50-60 km south of Šibenik.
  • Zadar Airport (ZAD): Approximately 70-80 km north of Šibenik.
  • Consider proximity and transfer options for your journey.

Airline Connections

Split Airport serves major airlines like Croatia Airlines, Lufthansa, Ryanair, EasyJet. Zadar Airport mainly serves low-cost carriers.

Global Access

  • No direct flights from North America or Asia.
  • Connections typically through major European cities.
  • Common transfer points include London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Vienna, Rome.

Summer Flights

Highest frequency of flights, with many seasonal routes. Prices are at their highest. Book well in advance.

Transition Flights

Flight availability remains good, prices begin to decrease. Some seasonal routes may be reduced. Good balance of weather and cost.

Winter Flights

Significantly reduced flight frequency. Some routes cease entirely. Lowest prices but fewer flight options.

Airport Services

Airport Amenities

  • Car rental agencies.
  • Cafes and restaurants.
  • ATMs for Euro withdrawals.
  • Wi-Fi access.

Transfer Options

  • Airport bus shuttles.
  • Taxi/Uber/Bolt services.
  • Pre-booked private transfers.
  • Rental cars available at the airport.

Flight Planning

Book Early

Booking 3-6 months in advance secures better rates, especially for peak season. Check Dollar Flight Club for deals.

Consider Layover

As no direct flights from major global hubs exist, plan for connections via European cities. Skyscanner assists in finding options.

Check Transfers

Allocate time and budget for transfers from Split or Zadar airports to Šibenik. Options include buses, taxis, or private transfers.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings

Croatia is part of the Schengen Area. Border crossings from Slovenia and Hungary are seamless with no passport checks.

Schengen & Beyond

  • Borders with non-EU countries like Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro involve passport control.
  • Ensure your passport is stamped upon entry and exit.
  • Expect potential queues during peak travel times.

Train & Bus Services

Train services in Croatia are less developed and less efficient than bus services for intercity travel.

Preferred Transport

  • Long-distance buses are the main mode of intercity transport.
  • Šibenik's main bus station is well-connected near the waterfront and Old Town.
  • Frequent connections to Split, Zadar, Zagreb, Dubrovnik.

Car Rental Details

Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring the region around Šibenik.

Driving Essentials

  • Valid national driver's license + International Driving Permit (non-EU/EEA).
  • Credit card in main driver's name for deposit.
  • Main roads and highways are generally well-maintained.

Local Driving Tips

Be aware of local driving styles. Headlights must be on during the day from November 1 to March 31.

Traffic & Parking

  • Parking is challenging and expensive in Šibenik Old Town.
  • Expect heavy traffic on coastal roads and in cities during peak summer months.
  • Croatia has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol while driving for drivers under 24.

Driving Regulations

  • Road conditions are generally good across major routes.
  • Speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h outside, 130 km/h motorways.
  • Headlights must be on during the day from November 1 to March 31.
  • Zero-tolerance policy for alcohol while driving for drivers under 24.
  • Consider car rental via DiscoverCars.com.
  • Use designated paid parking outside the historic center.

Sea & River Arrivals

Sea Access

Šibenik has a small ferry port mainly serving local island connections. It is located directly on the city waterfront.

Local Connections

  • Jadrolinija operates local ferry lines to nearby car-free islands.
  • Islands like Zlarin and Prvić are accessible by passenger-only ferries.
  • The ferry port is within walking distance of the bus station and Old Town.

Cruise & River

Šibenik is a popular port of call for smaller cruise ships and yachts.

Other Waterways

  • Yachts and smaller cruise ships dock in the bay.
  • Larger cruise ships may tender passengers ashore.
  • No commercial river transportation for arrival to Šibenik itself.

Port Entry

Standard Schengen immigration procedures apply upon first international entry into the Schengen Area.

Port to Land

Šibenik ferry port is conveniently located near the city center, within walking distance of the main bus station.

Krka River Tours

Boat excursions operate on the Krka River within Krka National Park, a popular activity from Šibenik.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

No specific departure taxes or exit fees apply for tourists departing Croatia by air, land, or sea. These are usually included in your ticket prices.

Timing Recommendations

  • For flights, arrive at least 2 hours before international, 1.5 hours domestic.
  • For buses, arrive at the station at least 15-20 minutes before departure.
  • For passenger ferries, arrive 15-20 minutes before departure.

Airport/Station Facilities

Šibenik Bus and Ferry Stations offer basic facilities. Split and Zadar Airports provide more extensive amenities.

Amenities for Departing Travelers

  • Waiting areas and restrooms at Šibenik stations.
  • Small kiosks for snacks and drinks.
  • Duty-free shopping options after security at airports.

Baggage Information

Bus Baggage

Baggage usually costs an extra fee (approx. €1-€2 per piece).

Payment

Paid directly to the bus driver when loading your luggage.

Airport Baggage

Standard airline baggage policies apply; check with your carrier.

Smooth Exit

Allow ample time for transfers to the airport. For bus departures, have small Euro denominations for baggage fees.