From Riga to Croatia by car – Travel notes, food and more

The Ultimate Road Trip: Driving from Latvia to Croatia’s Sun-Drenched Shores

Having shared numerous tales of our Croatian adventures, it’s a time to tell about some of these journeys itself – the road trips from Latvia. While we’ve embraced flying in recent years, for a long time, the car was our chariot of choice for reaching the Adriatic. And judging by the countless Baltic and Polish number plates we’ve spotted in Croatian car parks, we’re certainly not alone. If you’re dreaming of a flexible, adventure-filled holiday, this guide is for you.

Plotting Your Course: The Classic Route

After much trial and some errors, our trusted route has become Riga → Warsaw (Poland) → Bratislava (Slovakia) → Graz (Austria) → Maribor (Slovenia) → Zagreb (Croatia). This is also the default suggestion from Google Maps and for good reason – it’s well-maintained and scenic. While some prefer a path through the Czech Republic, be warned that overnight stops there (and especially in Austria) can put a significant dent in your budget.

Once you cross into Croatia, the real magic begins. Your next move depends entirely on your dream destination. A word to the wise: Croatia is a wonderfully long, narrow country stretching down the coast. While a brilliant motorway runs the length of it, progress slows to a picturesque crawl once you exit for the coastal roads, so factor this into your plans.

Croatia’s Coastal Gems: Where to Aim For

I’d argue that for holidaymakers there are three superstar regions to target, each with its own unique charm:

Central Dalmatia: The vibrant heart of the coast, centred around the ancient city of Split and the stunning UNESCO gem of Trogir, plus countless charming seaside villages.
Southern Dalmatia: The crown jewel for many, featuring the legendary walled city of Dubrovnik, the beautiful Pelješac peninsula, and the lush island of Korčula.
The North: Encompassing the Istrian Peninsula and the island of Krk, this area feels almost Italian, with hilltop towns, truffles, and a rugged coastline.

The Adventure Begins: Riga to the Polish Border

We used to have a tradition of driving through Poland by night, but the country’s fantastic road improvements now make daytime driving a breeze. That said, a nocturnal start still has its perks, allowing you to knock out a mammoth first leg. On our first day, we always aimed for at least 1200 kilometres.

Realistically, the journey from Riga to Warsaw alone takes a solid ten hours. Setting off around midnight sees you arriving in the Polish capital just in time for a mid-morning coffee. From there, you’ve still got a long haul ahead – around 500 kilometres (a good 6-7 hours) to reach a sensible stopping point in Slovakia. Remember to build in time for pit stops. You’ll need to eat, stretch your legs, and break up the journey.
Our top tip? Pack a thermos of hot water and some instant soups. It’s a lifesaver for a quick, warm meal on the go and saves you from a diet of purely service station crisps. We’d typically treat ourselves to one proper meal at a Polish roadside restaurant for a late breakfast or lunch.

Overnight Stop One: A Well-Earned Rest in Slovakia

After over 1000 kilometres on the road, a proper bed is non-negotiable, especially when travelling with children. We always found a cosy guesthouse or hotel tucked away just off the motorway, usually between Žilina and Trenčín.

Crucial Motorway Tip: Don’t forget the vignettes! Both Slovakia and Austria require them for motorway travel. While physical checks aren’t constant, getting caught without one will land you a hefty fine. The brilliant news is that you can now buy your Slovak e-vignette online in advance with a card or PayPal.

Austrian Vignette (10-day minimum): ~€9.60
Slovak Vignette (10 days): €15.80

A note for the curious: a Czech vignette is slightly cheaper at €12.50 for 10 days, but the higher cost of stopping there usually negates the saving. These prices may have risen as everything else in recent years.

The Final Leg: Slovakia to the Croatian Border

This section is practically a straight shot down smooth motorways. Google might suggest a route through Hungary, but I can’t recommend it – we found the roads monotonous and the drive lacking the scenic charm of the Slovak-Austrian-Slovenian alternative.

Since it only takes about seven to nine hours to reach Zagreb from Slovakia, there’s no need for a frantic, pre-dawn departure. Enjoy a leisurely hotel breakfast and a final coffee. The simple truth is, unless your target is Istria or Krk, you’re unlikely to get much further than Zagreb that day anyway.

Headed for Istria or Krk? You can bypass Zagreb, cutting through Slovenia towards Rijeka. Be prepared for a longer driving day, totalling up to 10 hours.

Overnight Stop Two: Gateway to the Coast in Zagreb

If you’re destined for Central or Southern Dalmatia, Zagreb is the perfect place to pause. The city and its outskirts are packed with well-priced hotels. A crucial piece of advice for the summer season: book your accommodation well in advance! Zagreb, and indeed every popular spot in Croatia, gets incredibly busy. Securing your room months before you travel is the key to a stress-free start to your coastal holiday.

Now, the motorway part of your adventure is over. All that’s left is to point your car south and follow the sun to the sparkling Adriatic Sea. The best part of your journey is about to begin.