The 7 Cheapest Airports to Fly Into Croatia in 2025

Jon Miksis Jon Miksis clock Updated September 16, 2025 tourism Things to Do in Europe
by Flora Backup
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Planning a trip to Croatia but want to save on airfare? With its stunning coastlines, charming old towns, and endless islands to explore, Croatia is a dream destination—and it doesn’t have to come with a massive price tag. I’ve been to Croatia several times and visited 66 countries around the world, so I know a thing or two about finding those budget-friendly flights.

For this article, I researched the cheapest flight routes to Croatia in 2025 using trusted sites like Going, Skyscanner, Hopper, and Google Flights. Here are the seven most affordable airports to fly into, making it easier than ever to experience Croatia’s beauty without breaking the bank. Let’s dive in and get you one step closer to exploring the magic of the Adriatic on a budget!

#1 tip to find cheap flights to Croatia

Looking for cheap flights to Croatia? Before diving into all the top cities and airports to fly to, I want to share a quick tip on how to save money on airfare.

For the past 3 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to get amazing flight deals. All you have to do is enter your home airport and where you want to go, and from there, they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals. And the coolest part? It’s 100% FREE! In 2024, I’ve saved thousands of dollars from their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $459 roundtrip fare from Boston to Zagreb.

There’s a free and a premium version – the free one has pretty much everything you’ll need. Though if you’re like me and travel a lot, it’s worth upgrading to the paid version for $49 per year. I recommend signing up for the free trial (you can cancel at any time) to try it for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!

Now without further ado, here are the best Croatia flights in 2025.

Cheap destinations to fly into Croatia from the United States
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Cheapest Places to Fly to in Croatia in 2025

Below are the cheapest flights to Croatia from the US and around the world.

1. Zadar Airport (ZAD)

  • 🏠 Location: About 5 miles from Zadar’s old town
  • 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Major hub for Ryanair and other budget carriers
  • ✈️ Best Airlines: Ryanair, easyJet, Lufthansa
  • 🧠 Pro Tip: Use Zadar as a jumping-off point to explore multiple islands and national parks in one trip

Zadar is one of the most wallet-friendly airports to fly into Croatia, especially for those coming from Europe. Roundtrip fares from cities like London, Berlin, and Rome often land between $60–$130, thanks to frequent deals from budget carriers. This compact airport is easy to navigate and gets you into the heart of coastal Croatia fast.

Spring and fall are the best times to fly in, particularly between April and June or September to October. These months bring lower prices, fewer crowds, and ideal temperatures for outdoor exploring. Once you land, you’re close to Plitvice Lakes, Krka National Park, and island ferries heading to places like Dugi Otok or Ugljan.

Fun fact: Zadar’s airport is one of the few in Croatia where you can land and reach five national parks in under two hours. It’s a nature lover’s dream starting point.

Zadar's diverse attractions attract visitors.
Zadar’s diverse attractions attract visitors.

Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel this year…so I couldn’t recommend it more!


2. Zagreb Airport (ZAG)

  • 🏠 Location: 10 miles southeast of Zagreb city center
  • 💰 Why It’s Cheap: High competition from European and international carriers
  • ✈️ Best Airlines: Croatia Airlines, Lufthansa, Ryanair
  • 🧠 Pro Tip: Book flights during April, May, or October for the lowest prices and best sightseeing weather

Zagreb Airport is often the cheapest way to enter Croatia from the United States or major European cities. You’ll frequently find roundtrip flights from NYC, Chicago, or Frankfurt in the $450–$650 range depending on the season. The airport is well-connected and rarely overcrowded, making it a solid option for budget-conscious travelers.

Zagreb is the perfect base for exploring central Croatia. Spend time in the city’s charming Upper Town, visit the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships, or hop a bus to Plitvice Lakes, which is only two hours away. You’re also connected to other regions via train or cheap domestic flights.

When deciding where to fly into Croatia, consider Zagreb for its strong links to other regions in the country.
When deciding where to fly into Croatia, consider Zagreb for its strong links to other regions in the country.

3. Split Airport (SPU)

  • 🏠 Location: Kaštel Štafilić, about 15 miles west of Split
  • 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Popular with budget airlines flying along the Adriatic
  • ✈️ Best Airlines: easyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair
  • 🧠 Pro Tip: Visit in shoulder months like May, June, or late September to avoid crowds and get flight deals

If you’re heading to Croatia for the coast, Split Airport is one of the smartest places to land without overspending. Roundtrip flights from cities like London, Rome, or Vienna often fall between $70–$150, especially with budget carriers during the shoulder seasons. The airport is easy to navigate and well-connected to nearby cities and islands.

Split is packed with things to do. You can wander the narrow stone streets of Diocletian’s Palace, catch a sunset from Marjan Hill, or take a quick ferry to island escapes like Hvar and Brač. Trogir, a beautifully preserved medieval town, is just half an hour away, and Krka National Park is close enough for a refreshing day trip.

Fun fact: During summer, Split becomes one of the busiest airports in Croatia, with seasonal routes popping up all across Europe to keep up with demand.

For travelers looking to explore beyond Split, the city serves as a gateway to several noteworthy destinations.
For travelers looking to explore beyond Split, the city serves as a gateway to several noteworthy destinations.

4. Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)

  • 🏠 Location: About 10 miles from Dubrovnik’s Old Town
  • 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Frequent flights from budget carriers across Europe
  • ✈️ Best Airlines: easyJet, Jet2.com, Norwegian Air Shuttle
  • 🧠 Pro Tip: Watch for flash sales on Jet2.com and Norwegian, especially mid-week flights into DBV

Dubrovnik Airport is a surprisingly budget-friendly way to reach Croatia’s southern coast. Roundtrip flights from European cities like London, Amsterdam, or Oslo typically range from $80–$160, especially when booked a month or two ahead. The airport is small and efficient, which means less time in transit and more time exploring.

For the best mix of price and experience, visit in May or October. The weather is still warm, the Adriatic is swimmable, and you’ll avoid the dense summer crowds. Once you land, you’re minutes from walking Dubrovnik’s famous city walls, relaxing on Banje Beach, or catching a ferry to nearby islands like Lokrum or Mljet.

Fun fact: Dubrovnik Airport can handle long-haul flights despite its size, and it often receives charter planes directly from the UK during peak travel months.

Dubrovnik is often acknowledged as the optimal choice for arriving in Croatia due to its blend of historical charm and scenic beauty.
Dubrovnik is often acknowledged as the optimal choice for arriving in Croatia due to its blend of historical charm and scenic beauty.

5. Pula Airport (PUY)

  • 🏠 Location: About 4 miles from Pula city center
  • 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Seasonal budget airline service to and from Western Europe
  • ✈️ Best Airlines: Ryanair, easyJet, Lufthansa
  • 🧠 Pro Tip: Look for flights in May, June, or September for the best mix of weather and low fares

Pula Airport is a solid choice for travelers exploring Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula on a budget. Flights from cities like Berlin, Brussels, or Milan can dip as low as $60–$130 roundtrip, particularly during the shoulder season. It’s a small airport, so arrivals and departures are usually quick and hassle-free.

The city of Pula offers more than just cheap access. You’ll find Roman ruins, a stunning amphitheater, and chilled-out beaches that feel far removed from Croatia’s busier hubs. The charming town of Rovinj is just a short drive away and makes for a great weekend stay or day trip.

Fun fact: Pula Airport used to be a military airbase, which explains why it has more runway space than most airports of its size and can handle larger planes during peak season.

When contemplating the most budget-friendly entry point to Croatia, Pula often ranks at the top.
When contemplating the most budget-friendly entry point to Croatia, Pula often ranks at the top.

6. Rijeka Airport (RJK)

  • 🏠 Location: On Krk Island, about 16 miles from central Rijeka
  • 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Light passenger traffic and strong seasonal service from low-cost carriers
  • ✈️ Best Airlines: Ryanair, Eurowings, Trade Air
  • 🧠 Pro Tip: Look for Ryanair’s summer routes, which often drop prices during weekend departures

Rijeka Airport offers a relaxed and scenic way to reach Croatia’s northern coast. Roundtrip fares from cities like Brussels, Stockholm, or Berlin often hover around $75–$140, especially during the summer months. Since it’s located on Krk Island, the approach gives you sweeping views of the Adriatic before you even touch down.

This airport is ideal if you’re planning to explore the Kvarner Gulf or head into Istria. Rijeka itself has a fun mix of gritty charm and culture, while nearby Opatija is known for its old-world elegance and seaside promenade. You can also hop over to Cres or Rab Island from here with ease.

Fun fact: Although it’s one of Croatia’s smallest international airports, RJK becomes a mini-hub during the summer thanks to a spike in charter flights and seasonal European connections.

When searching for the most affordable city to fly into in Croatia, Rijeka is a popular choice.
When searching for the most affordable city to fly into in Croatia, Rijeka is a popular choice.

7. Osijek Airport (OSI)

  • 🏠 Location: About 12 miles from the city of Osijek in the Slavonia region
  • 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Subsidized regional routes and low demand from major airlines
  • ✈️ Best Airlines: Wizz Air, Croatia Airlines
  • 🧠 Pro Tip: Wizz Air often offers deeply discounted fares mid-week, especially for roundtrips out of Vienna or Dortmund

Osijek Airport is one of the most budget-friendly entry points to eastern Croatia, especially if you’re coming from nearby European cities. Flights often fall between $60–$110 roundtrip, with most deals showing up during spring and fall. It’s a small, easygoing airport with short wait times and fast check-ins.

The Slavonia region is an underrated part of the country, filled with peaceful rivers, charming towns, and a strong local food culture. Osijek offers historic sites like the Tvrđa fortress and laid-back cafés along the Drava River. This airport is a great fit for travelers who want to see a more authentic side of Croatia without the beach resort crowds.

Fun fact: OSI is part of Croatia’s Essential Air Service network, which keeps flights affordable and consistent for smaller regions that are off the typical tourist radar.

When considering the most economical airport to fly into in Croatia, Osijek emerges as a leading option.
When considering the most economical airport to fly into in Croatia, Osijek emerges as a leading option.
In this extensive guide, we've examined top airports for Croatia travel, each providing distinct amenities, service, and travel quality.
In this extensive guide, we’ve examined top airports for Croatia travel, each providing distinct amenities, service, and travel quality.
The cheapest airports to fly into Croatia for all types of travelers
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Jon Miksis

About Jon Miksis

Award-winning Travel Writer • Founder of Global Viewpoint • 70+ countries visited • 10 Million+ readers

Since 2017, I’ve traveled 3–6 months a year, sharing detailed guides that have helped over 10 million readers travel smarter, deeper, and better. My work blends firsthand experiences — from U.S. road trips and cold-plunge cabins to Michelin-starred dining and business-class flights — with honest, independent reviews.

I’ve been hired by leading tourism boards in 7 countries across Europe, North America, and South America, as well as international travel brands. My travel tips and insights have been featured in Forbes, HuffPost, Yahoo Travel, and The Boston Globe. I’ve personally reviewed 500+ hotels, retreats, and flight experiences — and I never recommend a place I wouldn’t return to myself.

I also save $5–10K per year on airfare using flight tools and 10+ travel credit cards, and I’ve invested over $100K into personal development through transformational retreats and coaching since 2021.

When I’m not road-tripping across the Northeast or writing guides for Global Viewpoint, you’ll find me cold plunging in local lakes, sipping espresso in quiet cafes in Vienna, or chasing fall foliage across New England. I split my time between exploring the world and soaking up life in Boston, my lifelong home base. Some of my favorite places I keep going back to? Switzerland, Spain, Iceland, Italy, Greece, the Faroe Islands, Guatemala, California, Montana, Vermont, and coastal Maine in autumn.

See my latest adventures on Instagram and TikTok.

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