Croatia overview
With its extensive archipelago, clear blue seas, and the very diverse mainland, Croatia has a landscape as unique as its locals, offering visitors the opportunity to lose themselves in heavenly beauty and an atmospheric bliss unlike any other.
If you’re considering taking a cheap flight to Croatia, be prepared to experience the ‘Mediterranean as it once was’, magically enhanced with all the timeless landscapes glistening in the afterglow of the Adriatic Sea, sans the typical high-cost living of the Eurozone.
When is the best time to fly to Croatia?
Peak season:
During the months of July and August, Croatia’s drawcards - its islands - really come to life and attract thousands of visitors. This is also Croatia’s peak season, which means that the main cities such as Zagreb and Dubrovnik are at their busiest. You may want to consider flying to Croatia during the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn, which is when you’re more likely to book cheap flights and enjoy discounted rates at most hotels and resorts along the Adriatic coastline.
Off season:
Depending on where exactly you’re planning on going in Croatia, the off season can vary. Cities along the coast, such as Zagreb, experience off season during the months of January and February, but this is high season in the country’s ski resorts. Make sure that you book your flight tickets to Croatia well in advance if you’re planning a skiing holiday though since this will help you avoid the risk of overpaying for airline tickets and accommodation.
When is the best time to book a flight to Croatia?
Croatia’s shoulder season, which is during the country’s autumn and spring months, sees great temperatures that often usher in thinner crowds. This may mean that flight prices and accommodation rates drop as well, which will help you plan the cheapest flight to Croatia. Whichever way you decide to sway your vote in terms of seasonal traveling, always aim to book your flight at least two months in advance in order to ensure you get charged the best rates.
How long is the flight to Croatia?
Johannesburg to Zagreb 12 hours, 50 minutes
Johannesburg to Split 14 hours, 55 minutes
Johannesburg to Dubrovnik 14 hours, 20 minutes
Johannesburg to Zadar 15 hours, 25 minutes
Which airlines operate flights to Croatia?
South African Airways, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, Air France, Alitalia, and KLM all offer cheap flights to and from Croatia, and all of them have their own set of pros and cons. Some of these airlines offer much cheaper flights than their competitors, but they might not offer luxuries such as onboard entertainment and snacks during the fight, and they might be less comfortable in the long run. For South African tourists, the most comfortable and economical airlines are usually South African Airways and British Airways, but you can find great cheap flight deals to Croatia once you’ve determined your travel itinerary.
How to get from the airport to the city center?
Zagreb
As Croatia’s largest airport, the Zagreb Airport Pleso is where most tourists will arrive in the country. It is situated 12km from the city center and one of the best ways to get from the airport to the city center is via a pre-booked transfer. You may also want to consider renting a car from one of the car rental companies, but if you opt in to use the airport bus (which can be found parked outside of the arrivals terminal), keep in mind that the trip to the city center will take up to 30 minutes.
Split
From the Split International Airport, you may take the bus to get to the city center. This is one of the cheapest options, although it may take up to an hour since the bus stops at every bus station and may see you changing buses in order to get to the city center. For a more convenient option, tourists may opt to use the Croatia Airlines bus, which is affordable and runs directly to the city center, albeit it’s only available after every Croatia Airlines flight. The fastest way to get to the city center from the Split airport is via a taxi, which can be found outside the airport and will get you to the city center in roughly 30 minutes.
Dubrovnik
Getting from the Dubrovnik airport to the city center can be done in a number of ways. If you’re heading to the Old Town and don’t mind waiting for a bus, it’s advisable to use the Airport Bus service since its cheap and will get you to the heart of the city center. You may also make use of the buses, which travel between the airport and the city center. Alternatively, tourists may make use of the variety of taxis parked outside of the arrivals terminal at the airport.
Zadar
Zadar Airport provides a public transport system operating bus transfers to and from the airport to the city center. Buses depart on a regular basis after every Croatia Airlines flight, which means that this is probably your fastest and most affordable means of getting to the city center.