Planning a trip to Rab, Croatia, involves multiple travel options, making it essential to choose the best route for you. You can fly into nearby airports like Rijeka, Zadar, or Zagreb, each offering various connections. Renting a car provides flexibility for discovering Rab's hidden gems, while ferry services ensure seamless island access. If you prefer public transport, buses from Rijeka and Zagreb are reliable alternatives. Curious about the most efficient way to traverse this stunning destination? Let's delve into the detailed steps to guarantee your journey is smooth and enjoyable.
Key Takeaways
- Fly to Rijeka, Zadar, or Zagreb airports; Rijeka offers direct UK flights.
- Rent a car at the airport to explore Rab Island and its remote attractions.
- Take a car ferry from Stinica to Misnjak (18 minutes) or Valbiska to Lopar (80 minutes).
- Use bus services from Rijeka (3 hours) or Zagreb (4.5-5.5 hours) to Rab Town.
- Book ferry tickets with Jadrolinija, Rapska Plovidba, or G&V Line Iadera for various routes to Rab.
Airports Near Rab
Wondering which airports are closest to Rab Island? Rijeka Airport is your best bet, located just 93 km from the Jablanac ferry port and 26 km from the Valbiska ferry port.
If you're flying from the UK, Ryanair and easyJet offer direct flights to Rijeka, making it a convenient option.
Zadar Airport is another possibility, situated 132 km from the Jablanac ferry port.
For more frequent UK flights, consider Zagreb Airport, which, while slightly further, offers better flight availability.
Furthermore, Pula Airport provides a viable alternative with more UK flight options than Rijeka.
Each airport offers a different balance of proximity and flight availability, giving you flexibility in planning your trip to Rab Island.
Car Rentals
Once you've landed at one of the nearby airports, renting a car is the easiest way to explore Rab Island at your own pace.
Popular car rental companies have desks at Rijeka, Zadar, and Zagreb airports, making it convenient to pick up a vehicle upon arrival.
The drive from Zagreb to Rab is only slightly longer than from Zadar or Rijeka, offering flexibility for those traveling from the capital.
Renting a car is highly recommended to fully enjoy Rab's remote beaches, charming villages, and unique attractions.
Car ferries from Valbiska on Krk Island to Lopar on Rab, as well as from Stinica on the mainland to Misnjak on Rab, allow you to bring your rental car directly to the island.
Ferries to Rab
To reach Rab Island, you can take advantage of several efficient ferry and catamaran services connecting it to the mainland and nearby islands. Jadrolinija, Rapska Plovidba, and G&V Line Iadera offer both car ferries and passenger catamarans. The car ferry from Stinica on the mainland to Mišnjak on Rab takes 18 minutes, while the ferry from Valbiska on Krk Island to Lopar on Rab takes 80 minutes. Catamaran services provide seasonal connections between Rab and ports in Rijeka, Novalja, and Zadar, with journey times ranging from 55 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes. Passenger-only boat services also operate between Rab Town and Lun on Pag Island.
| Route | Duration |
|---|---|
| Stinica to Mišnjak | 18 minutes |
| Valbiska to Lopar | 80 minutes |
| Rab to Rijeka | 55 minutes |
| Rab to Novalja | 1 hour |
| Rab to Zadar | 1 hour 40 minutes |
Public Transport Options
When planning your trip to Rab, you'll find several public transport options to ponder.
You can take buses from Zagreb to Rab, enjoy seasonal catamaran services from Zadar, or use local bus lines operated by Kristofor travel to discover the island.
While these options provide essential connections, they may not offer the flexibility needed for a thorough visit.
Bus Routes to Rab
Travelers can easily reach Rab Town by taking one of the several daily bus routes from Rijeka or Zagreb.
The journey from Rijeka to Rab Town takes around 3 hours and offers a direct connection, making it a convenient option.
If you're traveling from Zagreb, expect a journey time of 4.5 to 5.5 hours, including a transfer in Senj.
Buses provide a reliable alternative to driving, especially for those without a rental car.
For schedules and ticket information, visit www.buscroatia.com. This website offers detailed information to help plan your trip.
Utilizing the bus services is a practical choice to experience the beauty of Rab Island without the need to navigate the roads yourself.
Ferry Connections Available
Getting to Rab Island by ferry is straightforward, with multiple connections operated by Rapska plovidba dd, Jadrolinija, and G&V Line Iadera.
The ferry from Stinica on the mainland to Misnjak on Rab takes just 18 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option.
Another route from Valbiska on Krk to Lopar on Rab takes 80 minutes.
For a longer journey, Jadrolinija offers a daily catamaran from Rijeka to Rab Town, taking 1 hour and 40 minutes.
In the summer, G&V Line Iadera runs catamarans from Rijeka to Lopar via Krk Town and from Zadar to Lopar via Novalja on Pag.
Furthermore, Rapska Plovida provides a small boat route from Rab Town to Lun on Pag with several weekly sailings.
Local Transport Services
Public transport on Rab Island, managed by Kristofor travel, offers frequent bus services that conveniently connect Rab Town with other parts of the island. These buses are a reliable way to get around, especially if you're not arriving by car.
For cyclists, Rab boasts over 100 km of bike trails, providing an excellent way to traverse the island's scenic routes.
Moreover, a passenger boat line operates between Lun on Pag Island and Rab port three times a week year-round, with daily service during the high season.
Detailed bus schedules and bike trail maps are available online, making it easy to plan your journey.
While public transport is convenient, driving offers greater flexibility for island discovery.
Driving Directions
To drive from Zagreb to Rab, take the E71 road to Žuta Lokva, then connect to the D23 and E65 roads leading to the Stinica ferry port. This route covers about 220 kilometers.
From Rijeka, drive approximately 120 kilometers to Valbiska on Krk Island and take the ferry to Lopar on Rab.
If you're coming from Zadar, follow the E65/E71 to the Stinica ferry port, then take the D405 road to the Mišnjak-Stinica ferry crossing to Rab.
The Stinica to Mišnjak ferry operates four times daily and takes about 15 minutes.
The Valbiska to Lopar ferry also runs four times a day during the season and takes 80 minutes.
Local Transportation
When you arrive in Rab, you'll find several options for getting around the island.
You can take advantage of the frequent ferry and boat services, or use the local buses and shuttles for convenient travel.
If you prefer more flexibility, consider renting a car to traverse the island at your own pace.
Ferry and Boat Services
Several ferry and boat services make it easy for you to travel between Rab Island and the mainland or nearby islands. Jadrolinija operates daily car ferry services between Valbiska on Krk Island and Lopar on Rab, taking around 80 minutes. Rapska Plovidba runs a shorter, 15-minute car ferry service between Stinica on the mainland and Mišnjak on Rab, with several crossings per day. Smaller boats also connect Rab Town with Lun on Pag Island several times a week year-round and daily during peak season.
| Service Provider | Route |
|---|---|
| Jadrolinija | Valbiska (Krk) to Lopar (Rab) |
| Rapska Plovidba | Stinica (mainland) to Mišnjak (Rab) |
| Smaller Boats | Rab Town to Lun (Pag) |
These options guarantee you can conveniently reach your destination.
Buses and Shuttles
After arriving on Rab Island, you'll find local buses and shuttles are a convenient way to uncover the island without needing a car.
Kristofor travel operates frequent local bus lines connecting Rab Town with other parts of the island. These buses serve as a practical alternative to driving, especially for those who didn't arrive with a vehicle.
Detailed bus schedules are available online, making it easy to plan your trips around the island. Public transport options provide a reliable way to get around, ensuring you can traverse Rab's scenic spots comfortably.
If you're looking to combine transportation with some exercise, over 100 km of bike trails are also available for use.
Car Rentals Options
Renting a car on Rab Island offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore its hidden gems at your own pace.
Several car rental agencies operate on the island, providing a range of vehicles from compact cars to larger SUVs. You can find rental offices near the ferry port, in the town of Rab, and at major hotels.
Booking in advance online can save you time and sometimes money. Most agencies require a valid driver's license and a credit card for the deposit.
Driving on Rab is straightforward, with well-maintained roads and clear signage. Parking is available in most tourist spots, but it can get crowded during peak seasons, so plan accordingly.
Travel Tips
When planning your trip to Rab, consider flying into Zagreb Airport for more frequent flight options from the UK. Although Rijeka Airport is closer, its direct flights from the UK are limited.
Once in Croatia, renting a car is highly recommended. This gives you the maximum flexibility to discover Rab, as public transport options are scarce.
To reach Rab, you can drive to Valbiska or Stinica and take a car ferry, which offers direct access year-round. Unlike the seasonal catamaran service, car ferries are reliable and accommodate vehicles, making them the best choice for travel.
