Slovenia–Croatia Border Crossing
Important Border Crossings
Depending on which holiday region in Croatia you plan to visit, different border crossings may be suitable. For trips to Istria, the crossing at Kaštel is frequently used. Travellers heading to the Kvarner Bay region often choose the crossings at Rupa, Pasjak, or Jurovski Brod. Those travelling to Dalmatia or inland Croatia commonly use the crossings at Bregana, Macelj, or Dubrava Križovljanska.
Border Crossing Gruskovje (SVN) – Macelj (HRV)
The Gruskovje – Macelj border crossing is located about 75 km north of Zagreb and is one of the main crossings between Slovenia and Croatia. It is especially used by travellers heading to Zagreb, Dalmatia, or inland Croatia. At this point, the Slovenian A4 motorway meets the Croatian A2 motorway, creating a direct connection between Maribor and Zagreb. This crossing is often slightly less congested while still providing a fast route to Zagreb and the Croatian interior.
Border Crossing Rupa (HRV)
Travellers heading to Croatia for a beach holiday often cross the border at Rupa, as the Croatian A7 motorway leads directly to the coast from this point. On the Slovenian side, the route initially runs along regional roads before quickly connecting to the A1 motorway towards Ljubljana and Maribor. Rupa is one of the most popular border crossings for travelling from Slovenia to the Croatian Kvarner Bay or the Istria region.
If there are significant delays at the Rupa border crossing, which is common during the summer months, the nearby Pasjak crossing offers a practical alternative route.
Slovenia
The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette in Slovenia and which toll sections must additionally be taken into account.
Vignette Requirement (or Not?)
If you plan to use Slovenian motorways and expressways during your journey, vehicles under 3.5 t GVW require an electronic vignette known as the E-Vinjeta. For vehicles with a higher permissible gross weight, the vignette requirement no longer applies; instead, a distance-based toll is charged. In addition, there are special toll sections where extra charges apply regardless of vehicle weight, such as when using the Karawanks Tunnel.
Distance-Based Toll
If your vehicle weighs more than 3.5 t GVW, you will need a DarsGo transmitter instead of a vignette to pay the distance-based toll. This toll is calculated based on the kilometres travelled, the number of axles, and the Euro emissions class, which indicates the level of pollutant emissions. Euro emission classes are divided into pollution classes 1 to 6, where class 1 represents a high level of emissions and class 6 represents a low level of emissions.
Croatia
The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette in Croatia and which toll sections must be considered.
Vignette Requirement (or Not?)
In Croatia, there is no vignette requirement. Instead, a distance-based toll system is used.
Distance-Based Toll
Since Croatia does not operate a vignette system, the toll fee is calculated based on the distance travelled on motorways and the vehicle category. If you travel to Croatia by car, you must therefore pay toll fees for the sections of motorway you use. These can be paid at toll stations located along the motorways. In some cases, you will receive a ticket when entering a toll road section, which must be paid when leaving that section. Payment is generally possible with cash as well as credit or debit cards. In addition, tolls can also be paid electronically via the Croatian Electronic Toll Collect system (ETC). For this system, a transponder must be installed in your vehicle beforehand so that the toll can be calculated automatically.
Furthermore, the introduction of a digital toll system with an e-vignette or toll box for barrier-free payment is planned for 2026.
Your Journey Starts Now!
Order your vignette conveniently online. This allows you to use vignette-required motorways comfortably. You can also find information about attractions in Slovenia in our guide. We wish you a pleasant journey.
