Finding cheap flights to Croatia doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right tools and a bit of planning, you can save hundreds of dollars on your trip. Croatia is rapidly becoming a popular destination for tourists, so getting a good deal on flights is essential.
Book at the right time
Timing is everything in booking flights for Croatia. The general rule is to book flights 2-3 months in advance if you’re traveling during the low season (fall and winter). If you’re visiting during the summer, when Croatia is buzzing with tourists, booking 4-6 months ahead is a smart move.
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Avoid booking flights too early, though. Airlines don’t offer the best deals a year in advance. Waiting until you’re within the 6-month window is typically the sweet spot for getting a lower price.
Sign up for flight alerts
Another great way to score cheap flights is to sign up for flight alerts. Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak will notify you if prices drop for routes to Croatia. Travel hacking tools like Scott’s Cheap Flights or Airfarewatchdog can also alert you about sales and mistake fares, which can be a great opportunity.
Use flight comparison tools
Flight comparison tools are essential for finding the best deals to Croatia. Skyscanner, Momondo, and Google Flights can help you compare prices across multiple airlines. This saves time and ensures you’re seeing the most up-to-date fares available.
Use the “search everywhere” feature on Skyscanner to find which airport near you has the cheapest flights. Adding some flexibility with your departure city can sometimes drop fares significantly.
Consider flying into neighboring countries

If flights to Croatia are too expensive, don’t worry. Try searching for flights into nearby countries like Italy, Slovenia, or Austria. From there, you can book a budget airline or take a bus or train to Croatia. This is sometimes cheaper than flying directly to Croatian destinations, especially in the peak season.
Popular nearby airports
Some airports to consider include Venice (Italy), Ljubljana (Slovenia), and Budapest (Hungary). Flying into one of these destinations and taking a regional flight or train into Zagreb or Split can cut your costs.
Be flexible with travel dates
Flight prices can vary greatly depending on the day of the week. If possible, avoid traveling on weekends and opt for mid-week flights. Prices are often cheaper on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays for international flights.
Play around with your travel dates to find the best price. The more flexible you are with your schedule, the more likely you’ll snag a deal.
Don’t forget about budget airlines
Croatia is well connected by several budget airlines. Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air all have routes to major Croatian cities like Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik. These low-cost carriers can often be much cheaper than traditional airlines, though you’ll need to watch for extra fees like luggage, seat selection, and check-in fees.
Regional airlines can also offer affordable flights from nearby European countries to Croatia. Norwegian Air often has good deals, especially for routes from Scandinavian countries or the UK.

Opt for a longer layover if it’s cheaper
A longer layover can save you some serious cash. If you’re flexible with your time, adding an 8-12 hour layover in cities like London, Paris, or Munich can drop your ticket price significantly. Plus, you can take that extra time to explore a new city during your layover instead of just sitting in the airport.

Some airlines even offer free stopovers for a few days at no extra cost, giving you the chance to explore two destinations for the price of one.
Check nearby departure airports
If your hometown’s airport doesn’t offer direct or affordable flights to Croatia, expand your search to nearby cities. For example, if you’re based in New York, look for flights out of Newark, Philadelphia, or even Washington, D.C. Sometimes, nearby airports can have big fare differences, even for the same destination.
Book one-way tickets on different airlines
One-way tickets from different airlines can sometimes be cheaper than round-trip flights. Instead of booking a return flight with the same carrier, look at other options for the return leg of your trip. Providers like Norwegian or EasyJet might have cheaper options.

This strategy can be particularly useful when flying during peak season, as schedules and prices can vary widely.
Search in incognito mode
Flight comparison websites store your search data through cookies. If you’re checking prices repeatedly, you might notice that fares start creeping up. To avoid this, always search for flights in “incognito” or “private” mode. This way, the websites won’t know you’ve already looked, and they’ll show the lowest price available.
Look at local airlines
While some of the bigger airlines serve Croatia, don’t overlook the regional and local carriers. Croatia Airlines is the country’s main airline and often has good deals, especially if you’re flying within Europe or between cities in Croatia.

Check for flash sales. These can come up suddenly and offer massive discounts for Croatian domestic or European routes, making them a smart option for getting to and around the country.
Consider alternative route options
Don’t forget that Croatia is well connected to European hubs. If direct flights to Croatia seem expensive, consider flying to a major European city first and then connecting on a smaller regional flight or even taking a train or bus into Croatia.
Popular transit cities like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Vienna have frequent flights to Croatia, and connecting through these cities can sometimes save you money.
Travel during the off-season
Croatia gets crowded during the summer months (June to August), and this is when ticket prices shoot up. If you can, plan your trip for the shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October). The weather is still great, but flight prices will be much lower, and you won’t have to deal with massive crowds.
Use frequent flyer miles
Don’t forget about miles and points! If you travel often, make sure you’re collecting frequent flyer miles. Most major airlines have partnership agreements, so even if you’re not flying with them directly, you can still earn miles to apply toward a future trip.
Award tickets or upgrades through miles can slash the cost of your flight to Croatia, especially if you’re flying during peak times.
Final thoughts
Croatia is an amazing destination, and getting there doesn’t have to break the bank. By booking at the right time, using flight comparison tools, and considering flexible travel options, you can find great deals on flights. With a little planning and patience, you’ll be exploring Croatia’s beautiful coastlines and islands without overspending.
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