Hungary and Croatia Border Crossing

The border between Hungary and Croatia stretches over a length of 329 km and is located in the northeast of Croatia.

Importance of Border Crossings

Border crossings play a crucial role in the economic and social integration of the member states of the European Union. The border crossing between Hungary and Croatia is not only geographically significant but also plays a key role in passenger and freight transport. Its location in Central Europe and its connection to major motorways and transport routes make it a central hub for transit traffic between Hungary and Croatia as well as for east–west and west–east traffic. This border crossing affects commuters, tourists, economic integration, and has an impact on toll charges, border controls, and cooperation between the two countries.

Important Border Crossings

There are several border crossings connecting Hungary and Croatia. We have summarized the most important ones for you.

• Gorican I and II border crossing: located approx. 41 km east of Varaždin (Croatia) and connects the Hungarian holiday region around Lake Balaton (the largest bathing lake in Europe) with the holiday destinations on the Croatian coast
• Gola border crossing: located slightly south of the Croatian–Hungarian border crossing Gorican, 125 km east of Zagreb and 70 km from Varaždin.
• Terezino Polje border crossing: located near the town of Barcs on the Drava River (Hungary) and provides a connection to the Croatian cities of Virovitica and Bjelovar. From this border crossing, it takes approximately three hours to reach Budapest (distance of 250 km).
• Donji Miholjac border crossing: located 80 km east of the Terezino Polje border crossing and connects Croatia with Hungary. Near the border crossing are interesting Croatian destinations such as the city of Osijek, Papuk Nature Park, and Slavonski Brod. In addition, the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina is not far from this crossing (approx. 80 km).

Hungary

The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there are specific toll roads.

Hungary: Vignette requirement (or not?)

In Hungary, a vignette is mandatory for cars, car–trailer combinations, and motorhomes up to 3.5 t GVW. This is the so-called e-Matrica (Hungarian vignette), where the toll is checked electronically via the license plate. You should purchase the e-vignette online before your trip, as driving on a toll road without a valid vignette can result in fines.

Distance-based toll

You must pay a distance-based toll if your vehicle weighs more than 3.5 t GVW. This means that motorhomes, buses, and trucks have been required since January 2024 to pay an electronic, distance-based toll calculated via the HU-GO system (electronic toll collection). The distance-based toll replaces the vignette, so you no longer need a vignette.

Croatia

The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette in Croatia and whether there are specific toll roads.

Vignette requirement (or not?)

In Croatia, there is no vignette requirement; instead, a distance-based toll system applies.

Distance-based toll

As there is no vignette system in Croatia, the toll is calculated based on the kilometers driven and the vehicle class. If you are traveling to Croatia for your holiday, you must pay the distance-based toll. Tolls are paid at so-called toll stations located on the motorways. In some cases, you receive a ticket at the beginning of the toll road, which you pay when exiting the respective section. This ticket can be paid with cash, credit card, or debit card. Cashless payment using the Croatian Electronic Toll Collect System (ETC) is also possible. However, the transponder for this system must be installed in your vehicle in advance to allow toll calculation.

In addition, the introduction of a digital toll system with an e-vignette or toll box for barrier-free payment is planned for 2026.

The DMC team wishes you a pleasant journey!

We wish you a pleasant trip to Hungary and lots of enjoyment on your road trip. You can find more information about tolls in Hungary in our guide. Feel free to use our route planner to optimally plan your trip and have suitable toll products displayed. If you have any questions, you can contact us at any time via e-mail.