Is There Uber In Croatia? Using Uber In Croatia Guide

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

You no longer need to wonder if there is Uber in Croatia  – as I can tell you there is. I use it all the time.

I have lived in Croatia for 10+ years, and ever since Uber came to town, it is a great way to save on your travel costs – and not be exploited by those damn cab drivers.

Here is your guide to Croatian Uber, including costs, where it operates, and everything you need to know.

Taxis are not always your friend to get around in Croatia, I am sorry to say. Not only are they likely to overcharge you for the sheer hell of it, but you’ll also find yourself taking a rather scenic trip to get to wherever you plan on going. Okay, we all love some scenery, but there is a time and place.

The good news is that taxis are not your only option, thanks to the wonder that is the Uber service and the honest Uber drivers in Croatia.

Uber was launched in Croatia in 2015, and since then, this reliable app-controlled sensation has allowed people to travel without going a long way around (and paying a tidy sum as a result).

Of course, taxi drivers in Croatia don’t like your Uber driver; in fact, cab drivers loathe Uber and have campaigned for them to be shut down, but so far, Uber remains – and is a good option for short rides, I recommend using this app as in my experience it has always been cheaper than taking a taxi.

Since its launch, Uber Croatia has more than 2000 drivers, hoping the number will increase over the next few years. That means that you’re never going to have big wait times for your car to arrive – though it’s not available Croatia-wide as yet.

Even though Uber doesn’t cover the whole of Croatia, it still does pretty well, and it has more than 120,000 local registered users – plus the score of tourists who use it during the summer months.

Is Uber Available In Croatia? Yes. And No.

As we mentioned, Uber doesn’t yet cover the whole country, but it covers the main popular destinations on the Croatian coast that I am sure are already on your itinerary. Uber currently operates in these big cities:

• Zagreb
• Zadar
• Rijeka
• Split
• Šibenik
• Dubrovnik – including Dubrovnik Old Town

Uber does not yet work in Istria.

There is also UberSelect on offer, which allows you to choose a more comfortable and larger vehicle if you want to, for a slightly higher cost. This is good if you have a large family, for instance.

How Does Croatian Uber Work

If you’ve never used Uber before, it’s all pretty straightforward. You first download the app to your device and then log in with a new Uber account.

Before you tap your way to an Uber ride, you’ll need to be online. Uber requires an internet connection to work, so you’ll want to sort out your mobile data beforehand.

One practical solution is Airalo. It’s an eSIM service that lets you swiftly download a local data plan directly to your smartphone. What’s excellent about Airalo is its affordability and that it’s operational in Croatia, among over 200 other countries.

I’ve personally found it to be a lifesaver on my travels through Turkey, Croatia, and the UK. It’s worth considering for a stress-free, connected travel experience in Croatia to avoid those pesky roaming fees. But you can explore other options, such as asking your mobile provider for their roaming rates. 

You can attach your credit card or an existing PayPal account to pay for your journeys, so you don’t need to carry cash with you and pay the driver directly, and no need to change cash to euro either. But you can also use cash if you prefer that.

Regular Uber journeys are cheaper than cab rides, especially considering the higher prices taxis often (over) charge. This makes it easier to budget.

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Using Uber In Croatia Vs. Taxis

I know I have already taken a few jabs at Croatian cab drivers. #SorryNotSorry. Every year, we locals are so ashamed when we hear of them charging people 100€ to go 10 mins and the like. And then, guess what? The following summer comes, and they are back at it, year after year—sneaky buggers.

Like this year (2024), when a Norwegian man paid for a taxi in Split, the driver did not let him out of the car. Instead, before he let him take his bags, he demanded another 200 euros—read it here.

Is Uber better than local taxis in Croatia?

Yes!

Heading out in Croatia and deciding between a taxi or an Uber? Here’s the deal. Taxis are pretty much everywhere in major cities and towns.

You can flag one down on the road and be on your way in no time. Super convenient, right? But keep your wits about you—some taxi drivers might spot a tourist from a mile away and crank up the price. They might say it’s by the meter, but sometimes that “taxi meter” seems to run faster than a sprinter on race day.

Now, hailing a taxi has its perks. You see one, you wave, you get in, and boom, you’re off. Very efficient. No staring at your phone, tapping your foot, waiting for an Uber that’s still several minutes out because they’re caught in traffic or dropping off another rider.

However, the wait for an Uber may be worth it when it comes to language barriers. You set your destination on the app, eliminating the need to try to explain where you’re headed to the driver, minimizing the chance of any mixups. 

In the end, whether you go old school with a taxi service or modern with an Uber, Croatia’s got you covered. Just remember, knowledge is power—and in this case, it keeps a few more kuna in your pocket!

Cost Of An Uber Ride In Croatia 

To give you an idea of how affordable Uber is, let’s check out a few regular journeys you might take during your time in Croatia, with prices included.

• Zagreb Airport to City Centre – 12 euro
• Dubrovnik Airport to City Centre – 24 euro
• Zadar Airport to City Centre – 20 euro
• Split Airport to City Centre – 30 euro

If you’re traveling around cities, there is a fixed rate involved. This is 1 euro as your starting fare, regardless of where you are traveling to, and then an extra 0.5 euro per kilometer.

The minimum amount for an Uber journey is 1.5 euros; if you opt for the UberSelect service, then your price increases to 0.6 euros per kilometer, on top of the starting rate. There are no extra costs per passenger; you pay for the ride regardless of whether you are alone or in a group.

What About Uber Eats Croatia?

Unfortunately, Uber Eats is not available in Croatia. However, there are other food delivery apps to use, depending on your location. Two that we use are Glovo and Wolt; both provide food delivery services that work the same way as Uber Eats.

Tips For Using Uber In Croatia

1. Download The Uber App Before Travel

In case you run into internet issues upon arrival in Croatia, having the app already downloaded on your phone is handy.

2. Have An eSIM Card

To make sure communication with your driver and access to the app is readily available, have an eSIM card. WiFi and data is not always available, so this is the best way to ensure connectivity at all times. 

3. Check The Completion Of The Ride Before Exiting

Before getting out of the vehicle, open the Uber app to ensure the ride has been marked as completed and paid.

4. Avoid Uber During Peak Times

Prices tend to increase during peak times, so consider using Uber during weekdays or earlier on the weekends.

5. Schedule Ahead Of Time

Consider scheduling an Uber ahead of time if you know some of your concrete travel plans (i.e. airport drop offs). You can schedule up to 90 days in advance and set a date, time and pick up location.

Uber In Croatia FAQs 

Uber has undoubtedly turned travel in Croatia on its head and made it easier for you to see the country. While taxi drivers might not like it, most locals and tourists certainly do!