Petroni Rental company category:Standard
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Petroni RijekaRijekaView map
Hiring a campervan in Rijeka starts your trip at the head of the Kvarner Gulf, where the wooded mountains of Gorski Kotar drop almost straight into the sea. Croatia's largest port, the city is the natural gateway to the islands: a bridge links Krk to the mainland, then ferries lead to Cres, Lošinj and Rab. To the west, the Opatija Riviera stretches along the foot of Mount Učka; to the east, the motorway to Zagreb climbs towards the fir forests of Risnjak National Park.
Our partner company Petroni handles departures here, and our other departure cities, from Krk and Pula down to Dubrovnik, open the way to one-way trips along the coast.
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Where to pick up your vehicle in Rijeka?
Road trip ideas
Road trips from Rijeka
1 Cres and Lošinj, returning via Krk
- Rijeka
- Opatija
- Brestova
- Cres
- Osor
- Mali Lošinj
- Veli Lošinj
- Valbiska
- Vrbnik
- Rijeka
Along the coastal road through Opatija and Lovran, you reach the port of Brestova, where a ferry crosses to Porozina, at the northern tip of Cres. The island then unrolls a ridge road between sheep pastures and dry-stone walls to the town of Cres, then Osor, where a swing bridge separates it from Lošinj. Mali Lošinj and Veli Lošinj, harbours lined with sea captains' houses, mark the end of the road.
The return takes the ferry from Merag to Valbiska, on Krk: Vrbnik, perched on its cliff above the sea, comes just before the bridge back to the mainland.
- Distance
- about 300 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Campervan or camper van
2 The Crikvenica Riviera, Senj and the island of Rab
- Rijeka
- Bakar
- Crikvenica
- Novi Vinodolski
- Senj
- Stinica
- Rab
- Lopar
- Rijeka
Heading south-east, the coastal road passes above Bakar, a small town clinging to the slopes of its bay, then follows the beaches of Crikvenica and Novi Vinodolski, where the Vinodol wine valley meets the sea. After Senj and its Nehaj fortress, a short ferry crossing from Stinica leads to Rab: the old town and its four bell towers lined up on a ridge, then the sandy beaches of Lopar.
You come back along the same coast or, depending on the season, on the ferry from Lopar to Valbiska, on Krk.
- Distance
- about 260 km
- Recommended vehicle
- All types of motorhomes
3 Lakes and forests of Gorski Kotar
- Rijeka
- Fužine
- Lokve
- Delnice
- Crni Lug
- Skrad
- Brod na Kupi
- Rijeka
Half an hour from the sea, the Zagreb motorway climbs into the fir forests of Gorski Kotar. Fužine and its Lake Bajer, then Lokve and the Lokvarka cave, lead to Delnice and Crni Lug, the entrance to Risnjak National Park, home to bears, wolves and lynx. The road comes back down via Skrad and the Zeleni Vir waterfall to the valley of the Kupa, the river forming the border with Slovenia, before returning to Rijeka.
- Distance
- about 200 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Campervan, camper van or compact motorhome
Weather and seasons
When to go in Rijeka?
Best time
May, June and September
May to June, September
highs 21 to 27 °C, lows 13 to 18 °C
The best months to set off from Rijeka: long days, the sea at around 22 to 23 °C in June and September, and island ferries without the summer queues. May, cooler for swimming, is perfect for hiking on Učka or in Risnjak; September sometimes brings heavy thundery showers.
High season
July and August
July to August
highs 29 °C, lows 20 °C
Peak season in the Kvarner: heat, little rain and full campsites on the islands. The ferries to Cres and Rab are packed at weekends and the coastal road gets busy. Leave early in the morning, book your pitches and save the cool forests of Gorski Kotar for the hottest days.
March, April and October
March to April, October
highs 13 to 19 °C, lows 6 to 12 °C
A mild but wet shoulder season: October is one of the rainiest months in the gulf, and the bora still blows regularly in March. On the islands, many campsites only open in spring and close in autumn; the Opatija Riviera, sheltered by Učka, remains pleasant for short stages.
Winter
November to February
November to February
highs 9 to 14 °C, lows 3 to 8 °C
Winter stays mild by the water, but November is the wettest month of the year and Gorski Kotar, just above the city, is often snowbound. In February, the Rijeka Carnival, one of the largest in Europe, livens up the streets: a winter departure calls for a heated vehicle and a campsite open all year.
Climate in Rijeka, month by month
Most pleasant months: July to August.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9 °C | 3 °C | 220 mm | 5 h/day | 13 °C |
| Feb | 11 °C | 4 °C | 210 mm | 6 h/day | 12 °C |
| Mar | 13 °C | 6 °C | 215 mm | 8 h/day | 12 °C |
| Apr | 17 °C | 9 °C | 166 mm | 10 h/day | 14 °C |
| May | 21 °C | 13 °C | 189 mm | 11 h/day | 18 °C |
| Jun | 27 °C | 18 °C | 105 mm | 13 h/day | 22 °C |
| Jul | 29 °C | 20 °C | 86 mm | 13 h/day | 25 °C |
| Aug | 29 °C | 20 °C | 86 mm | 12 h/day | 25 °C |
| Sep | 24 °C | 16 °C | 243 mm | 10 h/day | 23 °C |
| Oct | 19 °C | 12 °C | 305 mm | 8 h/day | 20 °C |
| Nov | 14 °C | 8 °C | 349 mm | 6 h/day | 17 °C |
| Dec | 11 °C | 5 °C | 241 mm | 5 h/day | 15 °C |
Averages 2016–2025 computed from Open-Meteo data (ERA5 reanalysis).
Practical tips
Everything to know before hitting the road
Parking in Rijeka
Rijeka rises in tiers on steep slopes between the port and Trsat hill, with narrow streets and few spaces for a tall vehicle. Do your shopping at the out-of-town shopping centres before leaving, then visit the Korzo, the City Clock Tower and Trsat Castle on foot or by bus, leaving the motorhome outside the centre.
Kvarner ferries in summer
The car ferries serving Cres and Rab charge according to vehicle length and run timetables that change with the season. In July and August, queues form from early morning at Brestova, Valbiska and Stinica: arrive well before departure, especially on Saturdays, and check the operator's timetable the day before.
The bora on the Krk bridge
This cold north-easterly wind, rushing down from the mountains, blows mainly from autumn to spring. It can close the Krk bridge to high-sided vehicles and makes the coast between Bakar and Senj, known for its gusts, dangerous. Road bulletins from HAK, the Croatian automobile club, report closures in real time: wait for the episode to end rather than forcing your way through.
Tolls around Rijeka
The A6 motorway to Zagreb, through Gorski Kotar, and the Učka tunnel towards Istria are tolled, with a rate based on the vehicle category; the Krk bridge, however, has been toll-free since 2020. The payment system on Croatian motorways is changing: check the rules in force before you leave.
What travellers ask
Your questions about a road trip in Rijeka
Where can I pick up a campervan in Rijeka?
Petroni, our partner company, has a depot in Rijeka. The exact address and the time of the handover appointment are given in your booking confirmation. Allow time for the vehicle presentation and the check-in inspection, then stock up the cupboards before heading for the islands, where supermarkets are scarcer and more expensive than in town.
How much does it cost to hire a campervan in Rijeka?
The price depends on the season, the length of hire, the type of vehicle and any return to another city, July and August being the most sought-after months in the Kvarner. Run a search with your dates to see real offers, mandatory fees included, then add the island ferries, tolls and campsites to your budget.
Can I do a one-way trip from Rijeka?
Yes: our partners also have departures from nearby Krk and Pula, as well as from Zagreb, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. Driving down from Rijeka to Split or Dubrovnik lets you follow the whole Croatian coast without retracing your steps. Enter the return city when searching: only the offers that accept it are shown, with any one-way fees included.
How do I reach the Kvarner islands by motorhome?
Krk is linked to the mainland by a bridge, half an hour's drive from Rijeka. For Cres and Lošinj, there are two ferries: from Brestova, on the Istrian coast, or from Valbiska, on Krk. Rab is reached by the ferry from Stinica, south of Senj. Motorhomes board without difficulty; just check that the offer conditions do not restrict crossings.
Can I drive up Mount Učka in a motorhome?
Yes, via the Poklon pass road, which winds up from Opatija or Lovran into Učka Nature Park. Beyond the pass, the small road to Vojak, the highest point, topped by a stone tower with a view over the whole gulf, is narrow: a campervan gets through easily, while a large motorhome is better left at the Poklon car park.
Can I cross into Slovenia or Italy from Rijeka?
The Slovenian border is less than half an hour north of Rijeka, on the road to Ljubljana and Trieste, and all three countries belong to the Schengen area. Slovenian motorways require an electronic vignette, to be bought online. Above all, each rental company sets the permitted countries: check in the offer conditions that the insurance covers Slovenia and Italy.
Verified customer reviews
They rented in Rijeka with CoolDrive Nomad
4.3
818 reviews
a lot of information, it's precise, but maybe too many different emails. I've received too many different ones that I am getting lost.
C.
Croatia · Apr 2025
Trustpilot
Good provider
(anonymous)
Croatia · Oct 2022
Avis Vérifiés
First rental of this type of vehicle in a professional context where the rental must take place from France to Canada. Many questions and Cooldrive (Marlène) has been a valuable support in guiding my choices. Efficiency and responsiveness beforehand, and on-site a vehicle and service that met our expectations. No complaints. Great!
Alain L.
Canada · Oct 2025
Avis Vérifiés
Frequently asked questions
FAQ — Campervan and motorhome hire in Rijeka
What licence do I need for a motorhome hired in Rijeka?
A category B licence lets you drive campervans and motorhomes under 3.5 tonnes, which covers most rental vehicles. A licence issued outside the European Union may require an international driving permit as well. The minimum age and number of years of driving required are set by each rental company and shown in the offer conditions.
Where can I stay overnight with a motorhome around Rijeka?
Only on campsites and authorised places: sleeping in your vehicle elsewhere is banned in Croatia and fined, including in island beach car parks. The city itself has few, but campsites are plentiful around Opatija and Crikvenica, and on Krk, Cres, Lošinj and Rab, often by the water and under the pines.
How do I get to Rijeka from the airport?
Rijeka airport is not in the city but on the island of Krk, near Omišalj, half an hour's drive away via the bridge; its flights are mostly seasonal. Buses and taxis run to the centre. Many travellers also arrive via Zagreb airport, about two hours away by motorway, or via those of Trieste and Ljubljana. Let the rental company know your arrival time.
How many days should I plan from Rijeka?
Two or three days are enough for Gorski Kotar or for the island of Krk alone. A week allows the Cres and Lošinj loop returning via Krk, or the Crikvenica Riviera followed by Rab. With two weeks, you can combine the Kvarner islands, neighbouring Istria and, one way, the drive down to Dalmatia.
Do I need winter tyres to leave Rijeka?
For a departure between mid-November and mid-April, yes: Croatia then requires winter equipment, suitable tyres or chains, whenever the road is snowy or icy. The coast is almost always clear, but the Zagreb motorway and the Risnjak roads cross passes where snow is frequent. Ask the rental company what is provided.
When should I book a campervan in Rijeka?
Several months ahead for July and August: with a single partner company in the city, the number of vehicles is limited, and holidaymakers from Slovenia, Austria or Germany arrive by road in large numbers. For June and September, a few weeks are often enough; remember to book island campsites for the summer too.
About us
Why start a motorhome trip from Rijeka
Few departure points in Croatia put islands, a riviera of Belle Époque villas and forest-covered mountains all within an hour's drive. Krk, Cres, Lošinj and Rab each offer a different landscape, from stony plateaus swept by the bora to pine woods and sandy beaches, while Učka and Gorski Kotar bring cool air and hiking when the coast gets too hot.
Petroni, our partner company, handles departures here. Krk and Pula, less than 70 km away as the crow flies, then Zagreb, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik, other departure cities of our partners, make it easy to plan a one-way trip inland or along the Adriatic. With a warm sea in summer, shoulder seasons made for walking and a carnival that wakes up the winter, Rijeka suits a motorhome trip almost all year round.
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