Ferries to Croatia from Italy
Select departure from “Italy” to compare all the ferry routes to Croatia from Italy
Ferries from Italy to Croatia
Planning to travel from Italy to Croatia by ferry? You’ve got some great options across the Adriatic Sea, with routes connecting Italy’s eastern coast to some of Croatia’s most popular seaside destinations. Whether you’re travelling with a car, motorhome, or on foot, there’s a ferry that fits your trip.
In short: Italy to Croatia by ferry
- Main departure ports: Ancona, Bari and Venice on the Italian coast.
- Popular destinations: Split, Zadar, Dubrovnik and the Istrian ports of Poreč, Rovinj and Pula.
- Travelling with a car? Choose the Ancona-Split or Bari-Dubrovnik routes. These ferries carry vehicles and run year-round.
- Foot passengers: Fast catamarans from Venice to Istria are ideal for day trips or short crossings – note they don’t take cars.
- Crossing times: From about 2-4 hours on fast ferries to overnight sailings of 10 to 12 hours on longer routes.
- Tip: Sailings are most frequent in summer, when extra departures and high-speed options are added.
Ferry map: Italy to Croatia routes and crossings
About the crossings between Italy and Croatia
Overview: how to choose your route
Ancona: best option if you’re travelling with a car
The Ancona–Split ferry is the most popular connection across the Adriatic. Several operators compete on this line, keeping prices reasonable and sailings frequent – especially in summer. There’s also an Ancona-Zadar service for travellers heading further north along the Dalmatian coast.
Bari: direct route to Dubrovnik
From Bari, ferries sail overnight to Dubrovnik, arriving near Croatia’s famous old town. This route is ideal if you’re touring southern Croatia or starting a road trip northwards along the coast.
Venice to Rovinj, Porec and Pula:
beautiful and fast, but for foot passengers only
Ferries from Venice head to Poreč, Rovinj, and Pula, offering a scenic and quick way to reach Istria. These are catamaran ferries for passengers and bicycles only, making them perfect for a day trip from Croatia to Venice or a foot passenger crossing in the other direction.
Tickets for ferries
How to use the ferry booking engine?
Simply enter your departure port, destination, and travel dates in the search box to compare ferry ticket prices between Italy and Croatia. If your plans are flexible, try adjusting your travel dates – prices can vary depending on the season and day of the week.
You’ll instantly see the available crossings, operators, sailing times, and fares, helping you find the best route and price for your trip across the Adriatic.
| Departure Port (Italy) | Arrival Port (Croatia) | Operator(s) | Vehicle transport | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ancona → Split | Split | Jadrolinija, SNAV, ANEK/Superfast | Yes | Most frequent route, ideal for car travellers |
| Ancona → Zadar | Zadar | Jadrolinija | Yes | Comfortable overnight sailings |
| Bari → Dubrovnik | Dubrovnik | Jadrolinija | Yes | Perfect for southern Croatia |
| Venice → Poreč / Rovinj / Pula | Istria region | Venezia Lines, Kompas | No | Passenger-only catamarans, great for day trips |
About the Adriatic Sea
The Adriatic Sea, a northern branch of the Mediterranean, separates Italy and Croatia by roughly 150 kilometers / 95 miles at its widest point. The crossing times range from 2 hours on fast catamarans to overnight sailings of 10–12 hours on larger ferries.
Travel tips for ferries between Croatia and Italy
- Book early in summer: Demand peaks in July and August, especially for Ancona–Split.
- Bring your vehicle documents: If travelling with a car or camper, ferry operators will require registration details.
- Overnight cabins: Many long routes offer cabins – a comfortable way to arrive rested in Croatia.
- Return trips: The same routes operate in both directions, ideal for round trips Italy ↔ Croatia.
- Why not turn your trip into a Mediterranean round journey and combine Croatia, Greece, and Italy in one unforgettable itinerary? On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about the ferries between Italy and Greece – and back again.
On board, route maps & visual impression of the trip
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- You are not the only one who wants to travel to Preko in Croatia =) It's worth your time and trip!
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- Ferries italy to croatia
What’s most relevant for 
UK travellers?
There’s no direct ferry from the UK to Croatia. Hence, most travellers reach Italy first – either by driving through France and northern Italy or by taking a ferry to France or Spain and continuing overland.
Standard overland route: Dover-Calais or Newhaven-Dieppe, then via Milan/Bologna to Ancona or Venice.
Longer sailing alternative: Some travellers sail Portsmouth-Bilbao/Santander and then drive east to Italy; it’s longer but makes for a relaxed, road-trip style journey.
Best crossings once in Italy
- Ancona-Split is the most practical and popular option for UK travellers. It carries cars and campers, runs year-round, and offers comfortable overnight sailings.
- Bari-Dubrovnik: great if you’re heading to the south of Croatia.
- Venice → Istria (Poreč/Rovinj/Pula) – passenger-only fast catamarans; ideal for foot passengers and cyclists exploring northern Croatia.
Post-Brexit travel rules (summary)
- Passport: required; ensure it’s valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay.
- Visa: UK citizens can visit Croatia visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Border checks: Ferries are international routes, so passport checks occur when boarding in Italy.
Driving tips
- Check your UK car insurance to ensure it covers driving in Italy and Croatia.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required depending on your licence and rental terms.
- For overnight crossings, book a cabin: it turns the journey into part of the holiday.
Recommended routes for UK visitors
- Fast & efficient: Dover → Calais → Ancona → Split – short Channel hop, straightforward motorway drive through northern Italy, then an overnight Adriatic ferry.
- Scenic road-trip: Portsmouth → Bilbao → Ancona → Split: relaxed Bay of Biscay crossing, then a panoramic drive across northern Spain & Italy before the Adriatic leg.
Tip: If your plans are flexible, shift dates by a day or two in our booking engine – it often reveals better prices and more cabin choices.
Additional information & travel tips
Travelling by ferry between Italy and Croatia is easy and popular, especially during the summer months. Since Croatia joined the Schengen Area in 2023, there are no longer routine passport checks for EU travellers, though you’ll still need to show a valid ID card or passport when boarding. Travellers from outside the EU should carry a valid passport (often valid at least three months beyond their stay) – check your country’s visa requirements before departure.
The Ancona–Split route is the most used and reliable crossing across the Adriatic. Operated by Jadrolinija and SNAV, it runs year-round with frequent overnight sailings of around 11 hours. It’s the best option if you’re travelling with a car, motorhome or camper.
For a more direct link to southern Croatia, the Bari–Dubrovnik ferry is a comfortable overnight alternative, while high-speed catamarans from Venice to Poreč, Rovinj and Pula are ideal for foot passengers and cyclists.
Useful tips before you sail
- Arrive early: For international sailings, check in at least two hours before departure to avoid delays.
- Be flexible: Prices and availability vary by season – shifting your travel dates can help you find better deals.
- Book a cabin: On overnight routes, cabins offer a comfortable and private way to travel – they often sell out in summer.
- Pet & accessibility info: Most ferries allow pets with proper documentation and offer special assistance if requested in advance.
- Check the season: Some fast catamarans from Venice to Istria only operate from spring to autumn.
With these tips and a bit of planning, your crossing between Italy and Croatia will be smooth sailing – whether you’re travelling for a quick getaway or a full Adriatic road trip.
