Car Hire at Pula Airport

Pula Airport Car Hire – Complete Traveler’s Guide

Renting a car at Pula Airport (PUY) is the easiest and most flexible way to explore Croatia’s gorgeous Istrian peninsula — from ancient Roman sites and crystal-clear beaches to charming hilltop towns and national parks. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer Adriatic road trip, having your own vehicle allows you to travel at your own pace and reach places far beyond the usual tourist routes.

This complete guide explains everything you need to know about car hire at Pula Airport: rental companies, driving rules, prices, insurance, payment options, pickup tips, and the best routes.
Let’s begin. 👇

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Why Rent a Car at Pula Airport? 🚘

Pula Airport is small, efficient, and easy to navigate. Car rental desks are located directly inside the arrivals area, making the process smooth even during peak season.

Here are the top benefits of renting directly at PUY:

✨ Convenient pickup/drop-off right outside the terminal
✨ Fast access to Pula (10–15 minutes)
✨ Freedom to explore Istria: Rovinj, Poreč, Motovun, Premantura
✨ More affordable prices compared to city-centre rentals
✨ Better availability of SUVs, automatics, and family cars

For travellers who want maximum flexibility, renting a car is the smartest choice.

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Car Rental Companies at Pula Airport 🧳

Most international and local brands operate at PUY.

Company	Type	Location	Notes
Hertz	International	Terminal desk	Wide range of cars
Avis / Budget	International	Terminal desk	Good for long-term rentals
Sixt	International	Outside terminal	Large SUV selection
Enterprise / Alamo	International	Terminal desk	Modern fleet
Europcar	International	Terminal desk	Good automatic choices
Nova Rent a Car	Local Croatian	Meet & Greet	Competitive prices
FLEET Rent a Car	Local Croatian	On-site office	Good for economy cars

💡 Tip: Local companies often have lower prices, while international brands typically offer better insurance conditions.

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Average Car Rental Prices at Pula Airport 💶

Prices vary depending on the season. Here’s an overview:

Average Daily Rental Prices

Car Type	Low Season (€)	Mid Season (€)	High Season (€)
Economy	14–25	25–45	55–90
Compact	20–30	35–55	65–110
SUV	35–50	60–90	120–180
Automatic	30–45	50–75	90–150
Premium	70–110	120–180	200–300

Peak season in Croatia is June – September, when demand is highest and prices increase dramatically.

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What Documents You Need to Rent a Car at Pula Airport 📄

Prepare these documents at pick-up:

✔️ Valid driver’s license
✔️ Passport or EU national ID
✔️ Credit card in the main driver’s name
✔️ Booking confirmation (digital or printed)

Do you need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
➡️ Required for non-EU licences in many cases (USA, UK, Australia often accepted, but some companies insist on IDP).
It’s best to obtain one before travelling.

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Car Rental Requirements at PUY 🚦

• Minimum age: 21–23 depending on company
• Young driver surcharge: Usually applies to drivers under 25
• Driving experience required: 1 year minimum
• UK & US drivers: Licenses are accepted, but some suppliers prefer IDP

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Insurance Options Explained 🛡️

Croatia has standard European insurance rules. Here’s what you can expect:

Included as standard:

• Third-Party Liability Insurance
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) with deductible
• Theft Protection (TP)

Optional add-ons:

• Super CDW / Full Cover → reduces deductible to €0
• Windscreen & tire protection → recommended on rural roads
• Cross-border insurance → needed if you plan to visit Slovenia or Italy

💡 Tip: Istria has many narrow rural roads — upgrading to full insurance is strongly recommended.

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Fuel Policies at Pula Airport ⛽

Most companies use Full-to-Full, which is best for travellers:

Fuel Policy	Description	Recommendation
Full-to-Full	Pick up full, return full	✔ Best, transparent
Same-to-Same	Return at same level	OK, but less precise
Prepaid Fuel	Pay upfront	❌ Avoid – expensive

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Driving in Pula & Istria — What You Should Know 🛣️

Driving in Istria is generally easy and enjoyable. Roads are well-maintained, fuel stations are frequent, and traffic is moderate outside of peak July/August.

Speed Limits:

• 50 km/h – cities
• 90 km/h – rural roads
• 130 km/h – highways

Important Rules:

• Headlights required during winter months
• Zero-tolerance policy for alcohol for inexperienced drivers
• Parking in city centres is mostly restricted or paid

Parking in Pula:

There are several public parking areas near the Arena and old town. Avoid entering narrow historic streets where access may be restricted.

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Distances from Pula Airport to Popular Destinations 🗺️

Destination	Distance	Driving Time
Pula city centre	8 km	10–15 min
Rovinj	39 km	35–45 min
Poreč	55 km	45–55 min
Medulin	14 km	15–20 min
Motovun	68 km	1 hr 10 min
Opatija	97 km	1 hr 20 min

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Best Type of Car to Rent in Pula 🚙

Your choice depends on your travel plans:

Economy (Fiat 500, VW Polo)

Perfect for couples and city driving.

Compact (Golf, Focus)

Good balance of comfort and price.

SUV (T-Roc, Duster, Captur)

Best for hilltop towns and rural Istria roads.

Automatic

Highly recommended during peak season due to steep and narrow roads.

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How to Get the Best Car Rental Deal at Pula Airport 💡

🟢 Book online early — especially for July and August
🟢 Choose full-to-full fuel policy
🟢 Avoid picking up on Saturday afternoons (peak traffic)
🟢 Compare international vs local providers
🟢 Check mileage limits—most rentals offer unlimited mileage
🟢 Photograph the car during pick-up

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Top Scenic Drives Around Pula 🌅

1. Pula → Rovinj (Coastal Route)

A beautiful drive along the sea, perfect for sunset trips.

2. Istrian Hilltop Route

Motovun → Grožnjan → Buzet
Ideal for wine lovers and photographers.

3. Kamenjak Peninsula Nature Drive

Narrow but stunning roads with breathtaking beaches.

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Car Pick-Up Tips at Pula Airport ✔️

Follow these steps for a smooth experience:

1. After landing, follow the signs for Car Rental Desks.
2. Show your licence, passport, and credit card.
3. Review the contract carefully — check the deductible.
4. Inspect the car and photograph:
   • Scratches
   • Wheels
   • Windscreen
   • Fuel level
5. Confirm drop-off instructions.

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Car Return Process at Pula Airport 🔄

1. Follow signs for “Rent-a-Car Return”
2. Refill the tank nearby (petrol station is 5 minutes away)
3. Wait for inspection
4. Get a written confirmation
5. Check for deposit release on your bank card

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Is Renting a Car in Pula Worth It? ⭐

Absolutely — especially if you want to explore Istria beyond Pula.
Public transport is limited, taxis are expensive, and many beautiful spots are not reachable by bus.

With a rental car, you can discover:

🏝️ Hidden beaches
🍷 Wine routes
🏰 Medieval towns
🌅 Scenic coastal drives
🌲 National parks

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Final Tips Before Renting a Car at Pula Airport 📝

✔ Book early in summer (prices rise fast)
✔ Choose an SUV if you plan rural or hilltop town driving
✔ Check border crossing rules (Slovenia & Italy allowed with permission)
✔ Take full insurance to avoid stress
✔ Always return the car with a full tank