10 tips on how to save money on car rental in Croatia
TIPS&TRICKS
Planning a vacation in Croatia? Before you hit the road, explore these 10 money-saving tips for optimizing your travel budget. Check the best 10 money-saving tips when renting a car in Croatia from avoiding hidden fees to finding the cheapest deal that is perfect for you.
"How to" guide about saving money when renting a car in Croatia:
- Compare fuel prices online and save money.
- Check if an additional driver's fee is charged.
- If traveling outside Croatia, check if cross border fee is applied.
- Looking to visit Croatian islands? Check if FIT fee is charged.
- Check long-term rental deals if staying more than one month.
- Don't rent when the car rental offices are closed!
- Select the best car hire companies in Croatia and keep track of their discounts.
- Choose a vehicle with a low fuel consumption.
- Choose a manual shifter!
- Book early or last minute.
- Visit Croatia in the off-peak season.
- Don't book at the airport if there is a surcharge.
Compare fuel prices online and save money.
The first thing you must know about fuel prices in Croatia is to avoid gas stations on highways because they have the biggest prices. Staying away from highway gas pumps and searching online for the cheapest gas station that is on your route can save you anywhere from 5,00 € to 20,00 € for each fuel tank (depending on the size of the tank and the selected fuel). Here are some great websites for comparing and finding the best fuel prices in Croatia:
Check if the car rental company charges an extra fee for additional drivers.
If you plan to have more than one driver, try to negotiate so you don't pay the additional driver fee. Some car rental companies do not charge additional drivers fee so try to find them.
If you plan to travel abroad Croatia, check if cross border fee is charged.
Almost every car rental company will bill you an extra amount for a cross-border fee. You can expect to pay anywhere around 45,00 € for a cross-border fee. It's worth checking the exact price for a cross-border fee because some car rental companies charge them by day and others have a fixed price for the entire rental.
When traveling to Croatian islands be sure to verify if FIT (Ferry / Island / Transit permission) fee is charged.
Looking to visit some of the beautiful islands in Croatia? Check the pricing and verify if FIT fee is applied. This fee is something that most car rental companies will give you for free so you can try to negotiate.
If you plan to stay longer than one month (30 days) in Croatia be sure to check long-term rental deals.
If visiting Croatia for more than 30 days, long-term rental deals can save you up to 50% of the price. Before making the decision, check with the rental company if they have long-term rentals available in the period of the year when you are planning to travel.
If possible rent only when offices are open, otherwise car rental companies charge a out of hours fee.
How about saving around 50,00 € by only choosing to rent the vehicle during the rental station working hours? Most car rental companies charge around 25,00 € for a out of hours pickup and 25,00 € for a out of hours drop-off fee. If it's not possible to pick up or return the vehicle during office working hours, try to find the nearest car rental office that is open and negotiate a better deal.
Find the best car rental companies by Google Reviews and keep track on their discounts.
When looking to save money you shouldn't neglect service quality and vehicle safety. Select top 3 car rental companies by checking their Google Reviews and then look at their Facebook and Instagram posts about discounts that they offered in the previous year. Be sure to track the same period and you can probably save up to 30%!
Choose a vehicle with a low fuel consumption. Sve money and the environment at the same time.
Make an eco-conscious and budget-friendly choice by selecting a vehicle with low fuel consumption. Save money and contribute to a greener travel experience simultaneously. To give you an estimate, let's say you are traveling from Zagreb to Split and then returning the vehicle in Zagreb. If you select a petrol vehicle that consumes 9 liters per 100 km suppose to a diesel vehicle that consumes 6 liters per 100 km, you will pay extra anywhere between 20,00 and 30,00 €.
Choose a manual shifter, all car rental companies in Croatia charge more for vehicles with automatic gearbox.
There is a big price difference when renting automatic vehicles. If you can drive a manual shifter you will automatically save at least 30% for the same vehicle (only with a manual shifter)!
Book early or last minute.
If you plan ahead and use early booking you can find some substantial discounts for car rental in Croatia. Secure the best prices before demand peaks and increase your travel budget.
If possible visit Croatia in the off-peak season!
To keep it short, everything is cheaper and there are no crowds in the off-peak season. Car rental companies formulate their prices based on the demand so you can save up to 30% by traveling during May, June, September, or October, and up to 50% for traveling anytime in November or April.
Skip the Airport Surcharge
Avoid unnecessary expenses by renting your vehicles in an office that charge airport fee. The best way to rent a vehicle at the airport is to find rent a car agency wich doesn't charge airport fee.