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. 👇
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
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 |
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.
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 |
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.
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
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.
Car Pick-Up Tips at Pula Airport ✔️
Follow these steps for a smooth experience:
- After landing, follow the signs for Car Rental Desks.
- Show your licence, passport, and credit card.
- Review the contract carefully — check the deductible.
- Inspect the car and photograph:
- Scratches
- Wheels
- Windscreen
- Fuel level
- Confirm drop-off instructions.
Car Return Process at Pula Airport 🔄
- Follow signs for “Rent-a-Car Return”
- Refill the tank nearby (petrol station is 5 minutes away)
- Wait for inspection
- Get a written confirmation
- Check for deposit release on your bank card
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
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
