A car trip from Gdańsk to Croatia in 2026 is significantly more expensive than a year ago. On average, costs have increased by 12-22%, calculated Bankier. The main reasons are the rise in fuel prices and the increase in toll road costs in the countries along the route and in Croatia itself.
The calculations are based on dozens of routes from four cities in Poland — Warszawa, Wrocław, Gdańsk, and Kraków — to two popular destinations: Zadar and Split
Two main routes were compared: through the Czech Republic, Austria, and Slovenia, as well as through the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. The calculations assume a two-week trip (round trip). Fuel consumption is calculated for the popular car Kia Sportage with an average consumption of 7.5 liters per 100 km.
The fuel prices are based on the maximum prices at gas stations in Poland for the weekend of May 16-17, 2026. Prices may change in the summer. The country also has a program to reduce fuel prices with limits on excise duties and VAT.
Additionally, average fuel prices in European countries based on e-petrol data were used. For the return journey, prices in Chorwacja were taken into account. Since in the transit countries — Czechy, Austria, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Hungary — gasoline is more expensive than in Poland and Chorwacja, gas stations there may increase the overall cost of the trip.
The route from Gdańsk is the most expensive in terms of fuel
The distance for a trip from Gdańsk to Croatia is about 1550–1650 km one way
Fuel expenses:
- to Zadar: approximately 1540–1560 PLN
- to Split: approximately 1650–1670 PLN
A trip to Croatia by car from different cities in Poland varies significantly in cost. The most expensive route is from Gdańsk — due to the long distance and fuel consumption. The trip from Warsaw is cheaper, while the most economical option turns out to be departing from Kraków, where the distance is shorter and fuel consumption is lower. As a result, the difference in total cost between Gdańsk and Kraków can amount to several hundred zlotys.
Toll roads along the way
During the trip, you need to consider toll payments in several countries
Poland:
- A1 (Gdańsk – Toruń): about 29.90 PLN one way
Czech Republic / Slovakia / Hungary / Austria / Slovenia
- total toll package for a round trip: approximately 280–310 PLN (depending on the chosen route)
You can choose the route through: Czechy, Austria, and Słowenia or Czechy, Słowacja, and Węgry. Both options are similar in cost but differ in travel time.
In Croatia itself, there are also toll highways, and payment is made at entry/exit points
Expenses:
- to Zadar: about 100–107 PLN one way
- to Split: about 140–142 PLN one way
Total cost of the trip from Gdańsk
To Zadar (round trip): approximately 2100–2110 PLN
To Split (round trip): approximately 2300–2305 PLN
The trip from Gdańsk to Croatia by car has noticeably become more expensive due to rising fuel prices and toll roads. The main expenses still come from gasoline, while traveling on the roads of different countries adds several hundred zlotys to the budget
Driving to Croatia: how much does the trip cost, fuel and tolls
