Border crossings Slovenia - Croatia by car

Croatia is one of the most popular destinations for holidaymakers from Europe. The country offers a fascinating combination of mountains and sea. Many travellers choose to go there on holiday by car. This way you can travel around the country and visit more cities or holiday regions.

Coming from the north and west of Europe you will pass through Slovenia. The question arises, which border crossings to Croatia are best suited to arrive at your desired holiday destination?

We have taken a closer look at the border between the two countries. In the following, we have collected tips and information about the border crossings to Croatia. One thing in advance: the border crossing you choose depends on your journey’s direction.

The landlocked country Slovenia

The small country of Slovenia lies in the heart of Europe. Slovenia borders Austria, Italy, Croatia, and Hungary. The capital called Ljubljana is in the centre.

Due to its location, Slovenia is an important transit country for holidaymakers from the EU. Passing through makes it possible to travel to the popular destination Croatia.

Before you cross the border by car, there is one thing you should bear in mind above all: to drive on the motorways and expressways, you need a digital vignette. You can

purchase this easily and quickly in an online shop before your journey. You can buy the Slovenia vignette online here.

The border Slovenia-Croatia at a glance

Many travellers drive through Slovenia to get to the popular destination Croatia.

The national border separates the national territory of Croatia and Slovenia. With a length of almost 670 km, it is the longest state border among the neighbouring EU countries. Due to its length, travellers have a variety of options to cross the border.

Before deciding which border crossing to use, there are several factors to consider. Where will your trip start? Where in Croatia will it end? When and where could you encounter waiting times and traffic jams at the border? Where should you expect controls?

Most holidaymakers enter via Austria. However, the border between Slovenia and Italy is also important for entry.

Image File name: Border Slovenia Croatia at a glance.jpeg

Image Title: Many travellers drive through Slovenia to reach the popular destination Croatia.

Image Description: The national border separates the national territory of Croatia and Slovenia. With a length of almost 670 km, it is the longest state border among the neighbouring EU countries.

Image Caption: Most holidaymakers enter the country via Austria. However, the border between Slovenia and Croatia is also important for entry.

International border crossings from Slovenia and Croatia

First, we will provide information on the international border crossings to Croatia. Starting with the crossings in the west near the coast, we will work our way east and inland. There are a total of 42 border crossings that are relevant for tourism and other types of border traffic.

There are a total of eight international border crossings that are open 24 hours. We will describe these in more detail in the following list according to the current status (2023).

Border crossing Kaštel

The border to Kaštel leads into the well-known coastal region of Istria. This border crossing is very popular among tourists because of its convenient starting position. Therefore, traffic jams occur frequently at this border.

From the Slovenian town of Koper, you take the E751 motorway towards Kaštel.

Border crossing Plovanija

Another border that leads into the Istrian region is Plovanija. Since the border is not far from the border crossing at Kaštel, this one is often used to avoid traffic jams.

The Slovenian A1 motorway takes you directly to the border crossing in Plovanija.

Border crossing Rupa

The border in Rupa is perfect for travelling to the holiday region of Kvarner Bay. The route is particularly suitable for travellers who have planned a stay in the port city of Rijeka.

Border crossing Pasjak

Another option as a travel route to the Kvarner Bay region is the border in Pasjak. This is only a few minutes away from the border in Rupa, so it is a good alternative option. The Pasjak border crossing is also suitable for tourists who want to travel to the east coast of Istria.

Border crossing Jurovski Brod

The border in Jurovski Brod leads into the region of Kvarner Bay and Dalmatia. This border crossing is more of an insider tip because Jurovski Brod is a smaller village. It is less frequented than other border crossings, which is why a relaxed journey can be ensured.

To get to the border, you take a country road from Novo Mesto to Karlovac. You can reach the Slovenian city and leave the Croatian city via the motorways.

Border crossing Bregana

The border crossing Bregana is known for separating the two capitals. Bregana is a main border crossing that leads to Dalmatia and inland Croatia.

From Ljubljana, you take the A2 motorway for about an hour to the border in Bregana. After that, you can reach Zagreb in just half an hour via the E70. If you continue driving on the E70 from Zagreb, you can reach Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Border crossing Macelj

Another popular border is in the town of Macelj. This main border crossing is popular for travel routes to Dalmatia and inland Croatia. Macelj is north of the capital Zagreb. You can reach Zagreb in just under two hours.

Border crossing Dubrava Krizovljanska

To get to Dalmatia or inland Croatia, you can also cross the border in Dubrava Krizovljanska. Just under 50 km from the border in Macelj, this is a good alternative option.

Dubravaz Krizovljanska is a nearby village and has become an official Schengen external border with its petrol station.

Other border crossings Slovenia - Croatia

In addition to the international border crossings between Slovenia and Croatia mentioned above, there are several other smaller border crossings. The following is a small selection of popular border crossings.

Border crossing Lupinjak

Near the border in Lupinjak is the well-known Slovenian spa in Rogaska Slatina. From Zagreb, the border can be reached in about an hour via the E59.

Border crossing Buzet

The border crossing Buzet also leads to Istria, as do the Kaštel and Plovanija crossings. However, this one is much smaller than the international border crossings.

Border crossing Dragonja

Near Buzet is the border to Dragonja. This border crossing is very small but still manned by police.

Border crossing Maribor

The border to Maribor is a popular route for travellers. From Zagreb, you can easily drive to Maribor. Via the Slovenian A9, you can reach Graz in Austria in just one hour.

Schengen area

If a country has joined the Schengen Agreement, border controls are no longer carried out on entry for EU members. EU citizens only need to carry a valid passport or identity card.

The Schengen area consists of 27 EU countries. Free and unrestricted movement of persons is possible in Schengen countries. Due to an EU agreement, joint border controls are exercised.

Croatia also joined the Schengen Agreement in 2023. Therefore, border controls are no longer carried out between Croatia and Slovenia. Before that, there were partly different entry regulations for Slovenians, Austrians and for citizens from other countries.

Border controls Croatia and Slovenia

Despite the Schengen Agreement, Slovenians are considering random border controls at the country's border with Croatia.

Many migrants arrive on the Gold Coast of Croatia. Some EU politicians have expressed fears of increased illegal border crossings. A vote is to be held soon on whether controls should continue to be carried out for the return journey from Croatia.

Vignette checks in Slovenia are not only carried out at border crossings but also on the road via cameras or toll enforcement.

Border crossings Croatia - Slovenia

In the media, you have surely seen photos and videos of crowded Croatian border crossings. At the national borders of the popular holiday destination Croatia, you can now expect fewer traffic jams, border officials and delays during the week.

Nevertheless, you still must expect longer waiting times, especially on weekends or during holidays. It is therefore advisable to check the information online before travelling.

Live webcam

To enquire about the situation at the borders, you can access online webcams. This way you can prepare yourself for the upcoming border crossing.

As further alternatives, you can check Google Maps or the messages of the ÖAMTC to see whether traffic jams or delays are to be expected.

Current waiting times

Especially in the summer months, many travellers are on their way to Croatia for their holidays. As a result, delays and traffic jams can occur more frequently. Waiting times depend on your travel period and travel day.

As has been illustrated, there are many border crossings, most of which are not too far apart. This gives you the chance to use an alternative route in the high season with the options mentioned above.