Croatia’s freight transport industry

Croatia’s freight transport industry

Croatia’s freight transport industry plays a vital role in connecting the country to European and global trade networks. Due to its strategic location on the Adriatic Sea and its proximity to Central and Eastern Europe, Croatia serves as a key transit and logistics hub in the region.

The industry is composed of several modes of transport, including road, rail, sea, and air. Among these, road freight is the dominant mode, handling the majority of domestic and international cargo. Croatia has a well-developed highway network that links major cities such as Zagreb, Split, and Rijeka with neighboring countries including Slovenia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. Croatian logistics companies are modern and increasingly aligned with EU standards, with a growing fleet of trucks and improved logistics infrastructure.

Rail freight in Croatia is undergoing modernization. The country’s railways are part of the TEN-T (Trans-European Transport Network), with investment projects aimed at improving the efficiency and speed of cargo transport. Efforts are being made to upgrade rail lines that connect to major ports and border crossings, especially the routes linking Rijeka to Zagreb and onward to Hungary. Despite this, rail transport still faces challenges such as outdated infrastructure and limited electrification in some areas.

The maritime freight sector is a major strength for Croatia. The Port of Rijeka is the country’s largest and most important seaport, handling significant volumes of container and bulk cargo. Other ports like Split, Zadar, and Ploče also contribute to maritime trade. The government, with support from EU funds, is investing heavily in port infrastructure to enhance capacity, reduce bottlenecks, and improve customs efficiency.

Air freight, although smaller in volume compared to other modes, is facilitated through airports in Zagreb, Split, and Rijeka. It is mainly used for time-sensitive goods and high-value cargo. The Zagreb Airport Cargo Center has seen steady growth due to increasing demand for express delivery and e-commerce logistics.

Croatia’s accession to the European Union in 2013 significantly boosted its freight transport sector. It led to the alignment of regulations, the removal of border controls within the Schengen Area (since 2023), and easier access to EU funding for infrastructure projects. Moreover, the country’s logistics and warehousing sectors have expanded in response to increasing foreign investment and growing regional trade.

Challenges facing the industry include bureaucratic inefficiencies, a shortage of skilled labor in logistics, and the need for digital transformation. However, Croatia’s freight transport industry continues to evolve, with a strong focus on sustainability, multimodal integration, and cross-border cooperation. As regional and global trade volumes grow, Croatia is poised to further strengthen its position as a strategic freight corridor between the Mediterranean and Central Europe.