Car Hire Pula | From €23/day | Cro Car Hire
If you’re landing at Pula Airport and want to explore Istria properly, hiring a car is the only real option. Public transport from Pula to places like Rovinj, Poreč, or the hilltop villages of the interior is sparse and slow. With a rental car, you can be eating fresh oysters in Rovinj within 40 minutes, or watching the sun set over Pula’s Roman amphitheatre the same evening you land.
Why Hire a Car in Pula?
Pula sits at the southern tip of the Istrian Peninsula — a region that rewards drivers more than any other corner of Croatia. The coast here is a string of medieval towns, hidden coves, and vineyard-covered hills that are simply unreachable without your own vehicle.
The city itself is worth a day: the Roman amphitheatre (one of the best preserved in the world), the Temple of Augustus, and the bustling Zerzona market. But the real Istria — the truffle forests around Livade, the hill towns of Motovun and Grožnjan, the coastal perfection of Rovinj — is all within a 30-to-60-minute drive.
Car hire in Pula starts from around €23/day in low season, rising to €45-60/day in July and August. Booking online in advance typically saves 20-30% compared to the walk-up rate at Pula Airport or the city centre.
Where to Pick Up Your Car
Most visitors collect their rental car at Pula Airport (PUY), which sits about 6km northeast of the city centre. The airport has all the major suppliers — OK Mobipoc, Fiat, Audi, BMW, Mercedes) with desks in the arrivals hall. After collecting your keys, you’re on the Istrian Y motorway (A9) within minutes.
Alternatively, several suppliers offer city-centre pickup from Praška 4, near the Forum and Augustus Temple. This is convenient if you’re staying in Pula Old Town and don’t need the car on arrival day. Most city-centre offices open at 8am and close at 6pm, so airport pickup is more flexible for evening arrivals.
Driving in Pula and Istria — What You Need to Know
Istria’s road network is generally excellent. The Istrian Y (A9/A8) motorway forms a Y-shape connecting Pula, Pazin, and the Slovenian border. It’s a modern, well-maintained toll road — you pay at the Žuta Lokva (north) and VM (south) toll stations. Vignette is not required for the A9.
Outside the motorway, you’ll be driving on regional roads that range from very good (D44, D510) to characterful but narrow (the inland routes through Motovun and Grožnjan). Single-track roads with passing places are common in the hilltop villages — take your time and don’t hesitate to pull over for oncoming traffic.
Key driving rules in Croatia:
- Blood alcohol limit is 0.05% — lower than the UK, and strictly enforced
- Motorway speed limit is 130 km/h; open roads are 90 km/h; urban areas are 50 km/h
- Winter tyres are mandatory from mid-November to mid-April on all roads
- The Croatian vignette system covers the A1/A2 motorways — not the Istrian A9, which is toll-based
- Zagreb‘s toll station system means you collect a ticket at entry and pay at exit — keep your ticket
Parking in Pula
Pula’s Old Town has limited parking, and the narrow one-way streets can frustrate even experienced drivers. Your best options:
- Parking Z parking (West) — the large covered car park off Kandlerova — is safest for overnight stays
- Street parking along the Riva is metered and fills by 10am in summer
- Giardini — large open-air lot near the Roman ruins — best value at €8/day
In peak season (July-August), expect to pay €1.20-2/hour in central Pula. Many accommodation providers offer free parking — check before you book.
Recommended Road Trips from Pula
With a car from Pula, you’re within easy reach of some of Croatia’s most rewarding destinations:
Rovinj — 40 km, 40 minutes
The poster-child of Istrian coastal towns. Park at the ACI Marina and walk into the car-free Old Town. Don’t miss the Church of St. Euphemia, the Saturday morning market, and dinner at rustic taverna Monte for the best seafood in the region.
Poreč — 55 km, 50 minutes
Home to the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica and a lively waterfront promenade. In summer, the beaches north of town (Plava Laguna, Zelena Laguna) are excellent for families. Combine with a visit to the Lim Fjord, a dramatic 10km tidal inlet famous for its oysters and aquaculture.
Motovun and Truffle Country — 65 km, 1 hour 15 minutes
The Livade area around Motovun is truffle territory — these forests produce some of the world’s finest white truffle. Visit between September and January for the harvest season, or stop in at the many konobas (traditional taverns) that serve truffle pasta year-round. The drive up to Motovun’s hilltop main square is spectacular.
Pula to the Brijuni Islands — 5 km, 10 minutes
The National Park islands are a short ferry ride from Fazana, just north of Pula. Book the ferry online in summer — spaces are limited and sell out fast. Golf carts hire on the islands; no private cars allowed.
Car Hire in Pula — Prices and Suppliers
Car hire rates in Pula vary significantly by season. The cheapest rates appear in shoulder season (April-May, September-October) when you’ll pay €23-35/day for an economy car. July and August see rates jump to €45-70/day for the same vehicle.
For exploring Istria’s interior roads, an economy car is perfectly adequate. If you’re planning to tow a boat or tackle the mountain roads around Ćićarija, consider an SUV or a car with higher clearance. Automatic transmissions cost roughly 30% more than manual equivalents.
Always check what’s included in the rental rate. Our comparison shows the fully inclusive rate — no hidden fees, free cancellation, and fully comprehensive insurance — matters more than the headline daily price.
FAQ — Car Hire in Pula
How much is car hire in Pula?
Car hire in Pula starts from around €23/day for an economy car in low season (April-May, September-October). In peak summer (July-August), expect to pay €45-70/day for the same vehicle. Booking online in advance typically saves 20-30% on walk-up rates.
Do I need an international driving permit in Croatia?
If you hold a UK or EU driving licence, you don’t need an International Driving Permit. Non-EU licence holders should carry an IDP alongside their full national licence. An IDP costs about £5 and is available from Post Offices in the UK.
Is Pula Airport the best place to collect a rental car?
Yes — Pula Airport has the widest selection of vehicles and the most competitive prices. All major suppliers have desks in the arrivals hall. Airport collection is generally faster than city-centre offices, and you can drive straight onto the Istrian Y motorway within minutes of leaving the terminal.
Can I drive from Pula to Slovenia or Italy?
Yes — Pula to the Slovenian border (Šiljakov Dren) is about 90km (1h 15m) via the A9 and D44. From there, it’s another 30 minutes to the Italian border at Fernetići. The Dragonja crossing into Italy near Piran is scenic and quick. All you need is your driving licence, car hire paperwork, and passport or ID card.
What’s the fuel situation near Pula?
Fuel stations are plentiful on the Istrian Y motorway and along the coast. The inland routes through Motovun and Grožnjan have fewer stations — always fill up before heading into the hill country. Diesel is typically €0.10-0.15/L cheaper than petrol. Most stations accept credit cards. Full-to-full fuel policy is standard — check your rental agreement before you leave.
Are there tolls between Pula and Rovinj?
No — the D66 regional road from Pula to Rovinj is toll-free. The only toll road in the Pula area is a short section of the A9 near Šijana, which costs about €1. The main toll road costs in Istria come from the A9/A8 Y-motorway if you’re heading inland toward Pazin or up to the Slovenian border.
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