Planning your trip to Pag, Croatia, can be straightforward if you know your options. Whether you prefer driving across the bridge from the mainland, taking a car ferry from Prizna, or flying into nearby airports like Zadar or Split, each mode of transport offers its own set of conveniences. Bus routes connect Pag to major cities, while Jadrolinija operates both car ferries and catamaran services. If you're traveling by train, Rijeka is your closest station, requiring a transfer. With so many ways to get there, it's vital to choose the best one for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Drive across the Pag bridge or take the car ferry from Prizna to Žigljen for easy access to Pag Island.
- Fly into Zadar Airport, the closest to Pag, with direct bus connections to Pag Town and Novalja.
- Use daily bus services from major Croatian cities like Zadar, Split, and Zagreb to reach Pag.
- Take the Jadrolinija car ferry or catamaran service for convenient ferry options to Pag from Prizna or Rijeka.
- No direct train to Pag; nearest train station is in Rijeka, with ferry transfers available to Pag.
Arriving by Car
To get to Pag Island by car, you can either drive across the bridge connecting it to the mainland or take the car ferry from Prizna to Žigljen. The ferry ride takes about 15 minutes and runs year-round with several daily services.
Once on the island, you can reach Pag town from the Pag bridge in approximately 45 minutes, covering around 70 kilometers.
There are several scenic routes to explore. From Rijeka, you can drive through Senj to Prizna to catch the ferry. Alternatively, from Zagreb, take the route via Posedarje or through Žuta Lokva and Senj to Prizna.
Don't forget to carry a valid license, vehicle registration, and a Green Card for insurance.
Flying to Pag
When flying to Pag, you'll find the closest airports are Zadar and Split, with Zadar being the nearest.
From Zadar Airport, you can easily take a bus directly to Pag Town or Novalja.
Alternatively, if you arrive at Split Airport, you'll need to catch a bus to Zadar first, then transfer to another bus heading to Pag.
Nearest Airports
For your trip to Pag, the most convenient airport is Zadar Airport, just 37km from the Pag bridge and 58km from Pag town. Zadar Airport offers a range of international and domestic flights, making it an ideal entry point.
Alternatively, you can consider Split Airport, located 140km from the Pag bridge, which is about a 90-minute drive. This scenic route is perfect if you enjoy captivating landscapes.
Another option is Rijeka Airport, especially convenient if you're visiting Istria or Rab island. From Rijeka, you can take a catamaran service directly to Novalja on Pag island.
These airports provide various entry points to Pag, ensuring flexibility in your travel plans.
Transport Options
Flying into one of the nearby airports, like Zadar or Split, sets the stage for your journey to Pag with convenient and scenic transport options.
Zadar Airport is closest, just 37 kilometers to the Pag bridge and 58 kilometers to Pag town.
Split Airport is a bit farther, around a 90-minute drive, but offers a beautiful motorway route.
Rijeka Airport is another choice, especially if you're visiting Istria or Rab.
Croatia Airlines connects these airports with major European cities, ensuring easy access.
Moreover, there's a catamaran service from Rijeka to Novalja on Pag island.
Be sure to check flight and catamaran schedules ahead of time to avoid delays, especially during festivals or peak seasons.
Bus Routes to Pag
Connecting Pag to major Croatian cities, daily bus services offer a convenient way to travel with journey times ranging from 1 to 5 hours.
Buses from Zadar to Pag Town take about 1 hour, while trips to Novalja are around 1.5 hours, operated mainly by Antonio Tours.
During the summer, you can find buses from Split to Pag Town and Novalja, with travel times of 4.5 and 5 hours respectively, run by Antonio Tours and Arriva.
If you're coming from Zagreb, daily services provide varying journey times, and details can be found on the Zagreb Bus Terminal website.
Note that there are no direct international bus routes to Pag, so you'll need to connect through Croatian cities like Zadar, Split, or Zagreb.
Ferry Services
You've got several ferry options to reach Pag, including a frequent car ferry service from Prizna to Žigljen and a catamaran service from Rijeka to Novalja.
It's a good idea to check ticket purchase options and be aware of any seasonal schedule changes, especially during festivals.
Confirm current schedules to guarantee a smooth trip and avoid unexpected delays.
Major Ferry Routes
When planning your trip to Pag Island, you'll find several major ferry routes that offer convenient and frequent services from the mainland.
- Jadrolinija Car Ferry: This service runs 21 times daily from Prizna to Žigljen on Pag. The crossing takes about 15 minutes.
- Catamaran Service from Rijeka: This service connects foot passengers to Novalja on the northern part of Pag, taking around 2 hours and 40 minutes.
- Rapska Plovidba Ferry Line: Operating from Rab Town to Lun, this service runs several times a week year-round and daily in the summer.
Since there's no direct ferry from Split, take a bus to Zadar and then connect to a ferry to Pag.
Ticket Purchase Options
To guarantee a smooth journey to Pag Island, you can purchase ferry tickets online, at the terminals, or through authorized travel agencies.
Jadrolinija offers car ferry services with 21 daily crossings between the Prizna mainland port and the Žigljen port on Pag Island, lasting about 15 minutes.
For foot passengers, catamaran services run from Rijeka to Novalja on Pag Island, taking approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.
You can find schedules and fares for both services on the Jadrolinija website.
It's advisable to book in advance, especially during festivals and peak tourist seasons when delays are more likely. This guarantees you secure your spot and avoid potential wait times at the terminal.
Seasonal Schedule Changes
Ferry schedules to Pag Island often change seasonally, so it's crucial to check for updates before planning your trip. During the peak festival season, ferry services may experience delays or increased frequency.
Jadrolinija car ferry operates 21 daily crossings between Prizna and Žigljen, with a 15-minute crossing time.
Catamaran services offer seasonal routes from Rijeka to Novalja, taking approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Timetable changes: Confirm up-to-date ferry timetables as schedules vary throughout the year.
Festival season: Plan extra time or alternative routes to avoid potential delays during major festivals.
Always check schedules in advance to guarantee a smooth trip to Pag Island.
Catamaran Options
For a scenic and convenient journey to Pag Island, you can hop on a Jadrolinija catamaran from Rijeka.
This catamaran service takes you directly to Novalja, located on the northern end of Pag Island, in approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Although there are no direct catamaran services from other major airports or cities, this option is perfect for travelers arriving at Rijeka Airport who wish to avoid driving.
The catamaran service is seasonal, with increased frequency during the peak summer months, making it an excellent choice for summer visitors.
Train Connections
Although Pag Island itself isn't accessible by train, you can take a scenic rail journey to Rijeka and then easily connect to the island via Jadrolinija ferry services.
The nearest train station is in Rijeka, approximately 100 km from Pag Island. From there, you can transfer to Jadrolinija ferries for the crossing to Pag.
For train schedules and ticket information, visit the Croatian Railways (HŽ) website or call their customer service.
Travel to Rijeka by train: Enjoy a scenic route through Croatia.
Transfer to Jadrolinija ferries: Convenient connections from Rijeka.
Check schedules: Visit www.hznet.hr for up-to-date info.
Customer support: Call +385 (0)1 4573 283 for assistance.
Travel Tips
When planning your trip to Pag Island, keeping a few travel tips in mind will guarantee a smooth and enjoyable journey.
First, consider flying into Zadar Airport, as it's the closest to Pag, just 37 kilometers from the bridge. From there, driving takes roughly 55 minutes. Alternatively, Split Airport is another option, though it's a 90-minute drive.
Driving from Zagreb or Rijeka? Use the motorway for a straightforward route.
For a scenic option, take the Prizna to Žigljen ferry; it's a quick 15-minute crossing but check schedules, especially during festivals, as delays can occur.
