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).