Overview
Croatia packs a lot into one slim Adriatic country: walled medieval cities, more than a thousand islands, pine-fringed coves and eight national parks. For UK travellers it is an easy hop, with most flights from London taking under three hours. This hub covers every Croatian airport we fly to, so you can compare routes from across the UK in one place and find cheap flights to Croatia whatever your starting city.
Best time to fly to Croatia
The coast is at its best in late spring and early autumn. May, June and September bring warm seas, long days and thinner crowds than the July and August peak, when temperatures often reach the mid-30s Celsius and demand is highest. Winter flying is limited mainly to Zagreb, which stays well connected year-round. See the When to book chart above for how fares move through the year.
Main gateway cities & airports
Split (SPU) and Dubrovnik (DBV) are the busiest arrival points for the Dalmatian coast and islands. Zagreb (ZAG) is the year-round gateway to the capital and inland Croatia, while Pula (PUY) and Zadar (ZAD) serve Istria and northern Dalmatia. Rijeka (RJK) is a smaller seasonal option. Most coastal airports are compact and lie 20 to 30 minutes from their city centres by shuttle bus or taxi.
Airlines and routes
From roughly April to October you will find direct flights from the UK on British Airways, easyJet, Jet2.com, Ryanair, Wizz Air and TUI, from London Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted plus many regional airports such as Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Leeds Bradford. Croatia Airlines, the national carrier, links London with Zagreb. Outside summer many coastal routes pause, so you may need a connecting flight via a European hub. Flights from London to Split or Dubrovnik take about 2 hours 30 minutes; from Manchester, closer to 2 hours 45.
Popular places to visit in Croatia
- Dubrovnik: the marble-paved Old Town and its mighty sea walls, best walked early before the cruise crowds arrive.
- Split: a living Roman palace at its heart, with lively bars, markets and ferries out to the islands.
- Hvar: lavender fields, a smart harbour scene and some of the sunniest weather in the country.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park: turquoise lakes and waterfalls linked by timber walkways, an easy trip from Zagreb or Zadar.
- Rovinj: Istria's prettiest coastal town, all pastel houses, seafood konobas and Venetian charm.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Croatia
- Be flexible with your arrival airport: flying into Zadar or Pula and driving down the coast can undercut peak fares into Split or Dubrovnik.
- Travel in the shoulder months of May, June, September or early October for lower fares and a quieter coast.
- Compare midweek departures, which are often cheaper than Friday and Saturday flights, and set a price alert.
- Book early for July and August, when seats on direct routes sell out fastest; use the price charts on this page to time it.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Croatia is in the Schengen area, so your passport should be less than 10 years old and valid for at least three months after you leave. Croatia uses the euro, and cards are widely accepted, though some cash is handy for markets and island ferries. For summer travel, booking two to four months ahead is sensible: check the When to book chart above before you commit.
