Driving to Novalja, the complete guide

Flexible, family-friendly, perfect for couples and small groups, how to drive your own car to Novalja on the island of Pag.

Main routes

From Southern Germany/Munich: Munich → Salzburg (A8/A10) → Villach → Ljubljana (A2) → Rijeka (A1) → Krk Bridge or Prizna-Žigljen ferry → Novalja. About 720 km, 8.5–9.5 hours without breaks.

From Western Germany/Frankfurt/Cologne: Frankfurt → Munich → Salzburg → Villach → Rijeka → Novalja. About 1120–1320 km, 13–15 hours. Recommended: overnight stop in Slovenia or Bavaria.

From Vienna/Austria: Vienna → Graz (A2) → Maribor (SI) → Zagreb (HR) → Rijeka → Novalja. About 600 km, 7–8 hours.

Pag Bridge or ferry?

There are two ways onto the island of Pag: the Pag Bridge at the southern end (toll-free since EU entry 2013, 340 m long) or the Prizna–Žigljen ferry at the northern end (15 minutes, multiple crossings per hour). For Novalja the ferry is faster if you come from Rijeka, the bridge makes more sense if you approach from Zadar or southern Dalmatia.

Prizna–Žigljen Ferry: Departs every 30–60 minutes (more often in summer), no reservation needed, in peak season (July/August) weekend waits can be 1–2 hours. Price around 17–25 € per car + driver, plus surcharge per passenger. Operated by Jadrolinija.

Tolls along the way

You'll need a vignette or pay tolls in: Austria (vignette), Slovenia (vignette required), Croatia (toll on A1 motorway to Rijeka/Zadar, around 20–30 € depending on distance). Vignettes are sold at fuel stations before the border or digitally (Austria: e-vignette).

Parking in Novalja

Many of our accommodations in Novalja have free parking directly at the villa or apartment. We confirm this at booking. In the town centre, public parking is paid (about 1–2 €/hour daytime, usually free at night). At Zrce Beach there's a large car park (paid, around 5–10 € per day in peak season).