USEFUL INFORMATION FOR CYCLISTS
By bike on public transport in Croatia
Bikes can be transported by train, ferry, boat, plane and sometimes by bus.
By bike on a train
HŽ Putnički prijevoz (HŽ Passenger Transport Limited Liability Company) offers a possibility of transporting bicycles by train in Croatia and, as part of the international rail transport, to Slovenia, Austria, Hungary and Germany. Detailed information is available at www.hzpp.hr/prijevoz-bicikala.
For connecting different daily sections on the EuroVelo 8 route, the train from Zagreb to Split is convenient, with the following stops along the route: Ličko Lešće, Perušić, Gospić, Lovinac, Gračac, Perković, Kaštel Stari and Split, and via Karlovac, Rijeka too.
To reach coastal cities of Rijeci or Split from Zagreba on the EuroVelo 8 route, you can use cross-country trains with a bike transport wagon on the following railway lines:
- Zagreb GK – Karlovac – Duga Resa – Ogulin – Moravice – Rijeka → Zagreb GK
- Zagreb GK – Ogulin – Knin – Split → Zagreb GK
It is also possible to board bikes on international trains with a bike transport wagon on the following railway lines:
- Zagreb GK – Villach Hbf – Frankfurt Hbf → Zagreb GK
- Zagreb GK – Maribor – Beč → Zagreb GK
- Rijeka – Ljubljana → Rijeka
- Budapest Keleti – Zagreb GK – Ogulin – Split → Budapest Keleti
By bike on a bus
Most bus operating companies will transport your bike if there is enough space in the trunk, which means that the service is most often available off tourist season for individuals and small groups (2-3 people) and it is not possible to book it in advance.
By bike on a ship
Jadrolinija
The regular maritime transport of passengers and cargo by ships in five sailing areas (Rijeka, Zadar, Šibenik, Split and Dubrovnik) is performed by the national shipping company Jadrolinija. The list of ferry lines with their sailing areas, routes and detailed information on price is available at the following web site www.jadrolinija.hr/ponude/na-brodu/bicikli.
The following international ferry lines can be used to reach coastal cities on the EuroVelo 8 route such as Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik:
The regular maritime transport of passengers and cargo by ships in five sailing areas (Rijeka, Zadar, Šibenik, Split and Dubrovnik) is performed by the national shipping company Jadrolinija. The list of ferry lines with their sailing areas, routes and detailed information on price is available at the following web site www.jadrolinija.hr/ponude/na-brodu/bicikli.
The following international ferry lines can be used to reach coastal cities on the EuroVelo 8 route such as Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik:
- Zadar – Ancona
- Split – Stari Grad (Hvar) – Ancona
- Dubrovnik – Bari
Sailing between the islands of Rab and Pag
Bike transport is possible on the ship line from the island of Rab to Lun, Tovarnele on Pag island. For transport of a group of cyclists including 7 to 10 people and bikes, it is possible to order a special ship ride off timetable. Detailed information is available at www.rapska-plovidba.hr/rab-pag_hr.html.
Bike transport is possible on the ship line from the island of Rab to Lun, Tovarnele on Pag island. For transport of a group of cyclists including 7 to 10 people and bikes, it is possible to order a special ship ride off timetable. Detailed information is available at www.rapska-plovidba.hr/rab-pag_hr.html.
High speed craft line
Bike transport is possible on catamarans from Split to Dubrovnik (seasonal excursion express lines), and its availability must be checked prior to boarding. More information on this and other fast ship services is available at www.krilo.hr.
Bike transport is possible on catamarans from Split to Dubrovnik (seasonal excursion express lines), and its availability must be checked prior to boarding. More information on this and other fast ship services is available at www.krilo.hr.
The following ship/ferry services on the EuroVelo 8 route in Croatia are available:
| No. | Section/part of EV8/th> | Ferry line - departure port | Ferry connection - incoming port | Duration of sailing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | A 1 - island route | Brestova | Porozina, island Cres | 20 min |
| 2. | A2 – island route | Merag, island Cres | Valbiska, island Krk | 20 min |
| 3. | A2 – island route | Valbiska, island Krk | Lopar, island Rab | 1 h 20 min |
| 4. | A3 – island route | Rab, island Rab | Lun (Tovarnele) island Pag | 30 min |
| 5. | G12 – main route | Zadar (Gaženica port) | Preko (island Ugljan) | 25 min |
| 6. | G12 – main route | Tkon (island Pašman) | Biograd N/M | 20 min |
| 7. | G18 – main route | Ploče | Trpanj (Pelješac peninsula) | 1 h |
| 8. | A8 – island route | Split | Vela Luka (island Korčula) | 2h 40 min -3h 30 min |
| 9. | A8- island route, island Korčulu | Orebić (Pelješac peninsula) | Dominče (island Korčula) | 15 min |
| 10. | Detour EV8 to NP Mljet | Prapratno (Pelješac peninsula) | Sobra (island Mljet) | 45 min |
By bike to a plane
If you are traveling by air, your bike is a special baggage and sports gear. Only packaged bicycles are transported on the flights of the Croatian national carrier Croatia Airlines. It is the traveller’s responsibility to take care of the packaging, and detailed information is available at www.croatiaairlines.com/hr/Informacije-o-putovanju/Prtljaga/Posebna-prtljaga-i-sportska-oprema.
Most foreign airlines flying to Croatian airports accept transport of bicycles packaged as special baggage.
Most foreign airlines flying to Croatian airports accept transport of bicycles packaged as special baggage.
Bridges on the EuroVelo 8 route in Croatia
| No. | EV8 section/ part | Bridge | Location | Year of construction | Length | Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | G1 Plovanija - Vrsar | Antenal Bridge | The mouth of the river Mirna | 1960s-2007 | 90 m | N/A |
| 2. | G11 Maslenica - Zadar | Maslenica Bridge | Novsko ždrilo | 1961-2005. | 315 m | 55 m |
| 3. | G11 Maslenica - Zadar | Zadar City Bridge (pedestrian) | Zadar | 1928-1962 | 152 m | N/A |
| 4. | G12 Zadar – Pakoštane | Ždrelac Bridge | Strait between the islands of Ugljan and Pašman | 1972 | 210 m | 16 m |
| 5. | G13 Pakoštane - Šibenik | Šibenik Bridge | The Šibenik Bay, the mouth of the river Krka | 1966 | 390 m | 40 m |
| 6. | G14 Šibenik - Kaštela | Morinj Bridge | The Morinj Bay between Brodarica and Žaborić | N/A | 321 m | 25 m |
| 7. | G16 Split - Makarska | Cetina Bridge in Omiš | The mouth of the river Cetina | N/A | 102 m | N/A |
| 8. | G17 Makarska - Ploče/Trpanj | Neretva Bridge in Ploče | The mouth of the river Neretva | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 9. | G19 Ston - Dubrovnik | DR. Franjo Tuđman Bridge | Ombla and Rijeka Dubrovačka, Dubrovnik | 2002 | 518 m | 50 m |
| 10. | A4 Povljana - Krneza | Pag Bridge | Ljubačka vrata | 1968 | 340 m | 28 m |
Bike-friendly accommodation facilities and offers in Croatia
The offer of accommodation tailored to the needs of cyclists and cycle tourists in Croatia meets almost all the traditional European criteria and standards for bike friendly facilities. The most important are:
- possible one-night stay for cycle tourists
- safe bicycle storage room
- bicycle rack/mount/hanger
- bicycle tools for basic repairs
- space for washing and drying of bike clothing and travel equipment
- Wi-Fi
- possible early breakfast, lunch package or the possibility to use the kitchen
- cyclists’ info-points with maps, guides, brochures and information about public transport, tourist agencies and other information (rent a bike and e-bike, bike services, bike shops etc.)
Camping in Croatia
Camping outside registered campsites in Croatia is strictly forbidden and punishable by law. Camping is allowed only inside registered campsites or in camper and caravan car parks. Information about campsites in Croatia can be found on the web site of the Croatian Camping Union (KUH) www.camping.hr.
