# Rijeka Airport Transfer Guide (RJK) Practical guide to getting from Rijeka Airport (on Krk island) to Rijeka city, Krk Town, Opatija, and the Kvarner Gulf. Real pricing, limited bus options, and what to expect. **Airport:** RJK **City:** Rijeka **Country:** Croatia **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/rjk **Last updated:** 2026-03-11 --- ## Main Guide ### Quick answer Rijeka Airport is not in Rijeka. It sits on Krk island, connected to the mainland by the Krk Bridge, about 30 km from Rijeka city center. The drive to Rijeka takes 30-40 minutes. Public transport from the airport is very limited and largely impractical. A taxi to Rijeka costs 35-50 EUR. Pre-booked transfers to Rijeka run 30-50 EUR. If you are staying on Krk island itself, Krk Town is only about 20 km away and costs 20-35 EUR by transfer. Opatija is 45-65 EUR. For most travelers, a taxi or pre-booked transfer is the only realistic option from this airport. 👉 AirportTransferPortal offers fixed-price transfers on this route, which removes uncertainty on arrival. --- ### What actually happens after landing Rijeka Airport (IATA: RJK) is a small regional airport on the northern part of Krk island. It is not a major hub — it serves primarily seasonal charter and low-cost flights during the warmer months, with reduced operations in winter. The terminal is small and basic. Immigration and baggage claim are handled quickly. There is a small cafe and car rental counter, but the facilities are minimal compared to larger Croatian airports. The airport's island location defines your transport situation. The only road connection is via the Krk Bridge back to the mainland, and from there you drive north to Rijeka or south to Opatija and the Kvarner coast. Krk island itself is accessible by road in all directions from the airport. --- ### Transport options explained honestly **Public bus:** This is where Rijeka Airport differs significantly from Split or Dubrovnik. There is no dedicated, reliable airport bus service connecting the airport to Rijeka or Krk Town on a regular schedule. Occasional bus connections exist but they are infrequent, do not meet most flights, and require checking very specific timetables. For practical purposes, most travelers should not plan on using a bus from this airport. **Taxis** are available outside the terminal and can be arranged through the airport. To Rijeka city center: 35-50 EUR. To Krk Town: 15-25 EUR. To Opatija: 50-70 EUR. The cars are metered. During quiet periods outside summer, fewer taxis are waiting — it is advisable to have the number of a local taxi company saved in case none are at the rank. **Pre-booked private transfers** are the most reliable option at this airport. A driver meets you in arrivals at the confirmed time, regardless of whether any taxis happen to be queuing outside. Pricing: Rijeka 30-50 EUR, Krk Town 20-35 EUR, Opatija 45-65 EUR, Pula 80-110 EUR. **Rental cars** are available at the terminal. Krk island has excellent roads and driving around the Kvarner Gulf region is straightforward. If you plan to explore the area — the island's beaches, Opatija's promenade, or the Učka mountain road — a rental car is a very practical choice from this airport. **Note for Krk island travelers:** if you are staying anywhere on Krk island, you are already on the island when you land. The airport is in the north of the island, and most destinations (Krk Town, Baška, Punat, Malinska) are a short drive away. --- ### Realistic pricing expectations To Rijeka city center (30 km): 35-50 EUR by taxi, 30-50 EUR by transfer. To Opatija (40 km from airport): 50-70 EUR by taxi, 45-65 EUR by transfer. To Krk Town (20 km): 15-25 EUR by taxi, 20-35 EUR by transfer. To Baška / south Krk (35 km): 30-45 EUR by transfer. To Malinska (10 km): 15-20 EUR by transfer. One of the closest towns to the airport. To Punat (20 km): 20-30 EUR by transfer. To Cres island: You would need to get to the ferry port in Valbiska on Krk island (about 12 km from the airport, around 20 EUR by transfer), then take the ferry to Merag on Cres. To Pula (130 km): 80-110 EUR by transfer. A long drive but sometimes the only option if Pula Airport is not serving your destination. To Zagreb (170 km): 130-180 EUR by transfer or take a bus from Rijeka. --- ### Late night arrivals Rijeka Airport has limited nighttime operations compared to the major Dalmatian airports. Summer charter flights do sometimes arrive in the evening. Taxis at the airport late at night may be very scarce. During quieter periods, you could exit arrivals to find no taxis waiting at all. Pre-booking a transfer is especially important at this airport for evening or late-night arrivals. Do not assume transport will be available outside of peak daytime hours without making arrangements in advance. --- ### Families and luggage With no practical bus option, families are looking at taxis or pre-booked transfers. Request a minivan if traveling with a large family, multiple suitcases, or a stroller. Car seats are not standard in Croatian taxis — specify your needs at booking time when using a transfer service. Krk island itself is family-friendly with calm beaches and clear water. The short transfer distances to most island destinations make arrivals straightforward for families. --- ### Where you meet the driver For pre-booked transfers, drivers wait in the arrivals area at this small terminal. With limited passenger volume, finding your driver with a name sign is straightforward. The taxi area is directly outside the terminal exit. During peak season, several taxis may be waiting. During the shoulder season or for early morning arrivals, there may be none — which is why pre-booking is recommended. --- ### Decision helper **Choose a pre-booked transfer if:** you are arriving outside peak daytime hours, you are traveling with family or heavy luggage, or you simply want the certainty of a confirmed vehicle at a confirmed price. This is the recommended default for most travelers at Rijeka Airport. **Choose a taxi if:** you are arriving during a busy summer afternoon when taxis are likely to be at the rank, you are flexible on price, and you do not need a child seat. **Choose a rental car if:** you plan to spend time exploring Krk island, the Kvarner Gulf, or the wider region. The roads are good and having your own vehicle unlocks a great deal. **Choose the bus if:** you have considerable flexibility, some local knowledge, and are happy to wait and potentially walk. For most travelers, this option is not practical. 👉 This is the lowest-friction option after a long flight. --- ### Summary Rijeka Airport is a small, seasonal airport that serves the Kvarner Gulf region well in summer. Its island location means public transport options are genuinely poor compared to the major Croatian airports. If you are heading to Krk, you are already there when you land. If heading to Rijeka, Opatija, or beyond, plan your transfer in advance — ideally by pre-booking rather than hoping taxis are waiting. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: Is Rijeka Airport actually on Krk island?** Yes. Rijeka Airport (RJK) is located on the northern part of Krk island, connected to the Croatian mainland by the Krk Bridge. It is about 30 km from Rijeka city center. **Q: Is there a bus from Rijeka Airport to Rijeka city?** There is no regular airport shuttle bus. Some public bus routes exist in the area but they do not reliably meet flights. For most travelers, a taxi or pre-booked transfer is the only practical option. **Q: How much is a taxi from Rijeka Airport to Krk Town?** Krk Town is about 20 km from the airport. A taxi costs 15-25 EUR. You are already on the island when you land, so this is a short and affordable transfer. **Q: How do I get from Rijeka Airport to Opatija?** Opatija is about 40 km from the airport. You cross back over the Krk Bridge to the mainland and drive north along the coast. A taxi costs 50-70 EUR and a pre-booked transfer runs 45-65 EUR. The drive takes about 40-50 minutes. **Q: How do I get to Cres island from Rijeka Airport?** Take a transfer or taxi to the Valbiska ferry port on Krk island (about 12 km, around 20 EUR). From Valbiska, a car ferry runs to Merag on Cres island. The crossing takes about 20 minutes. **Q: Does Uber operate at Rijeka Airport?** Uber has very limited presence in the Rijeka and Krk area. It is not a reliable option at this airport. A taxi or pre-booked transfer is the practical choice. --- ## Additional Guides ### Arriving at Rijeka Airport Late at Night **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/rjk/late-night Rijeka Airport operates primarily as a seasonal airport, with most traffic concentrated in the summer months. Late-night arrivals do occur — charter operators in particular use later slots. Here is what to expect when you arrive outside daytime hours. ## The airport at night The terminal at Rijeka Airport is small. For a late arriving flight, the immigration and baggage claim process is typically quick. The facilities are basic — there is no large 24-hour food and beverage operation, and most services close after the last scheduled arrival. The ATM in the terminal should be accessible, but do not count on any shops or cafes being open. ## Taxi availability late at night This is the most important point for late arrivals at Rijeka Airport: taxis are not guaranteed to be waiting outside when you land. At Split or Dubrovnik airports, there is a reliable taxi ecosystem. Rijeka Airport is smaller and more seasonal. Outside of the afternoon peak in high summer, the number of waiting taxis drops significantly. For a flight landing at 11 PM, there may be a handful of taxis — or there may be none. If you plan to take a taxi late at night, have a local taxi company's phone number saved before you land. Calling for a car is more reliable than hoping one is at the rank. ## Why pre-booking matters even more here A pre-booked transfer at Rijeka Airport is not just a convenience — for late evening arrivals, it is a genuine safety net. The driver is committed to your flight, tracks the arrival time, and is in the terminal when you come through. There is no scenario where you stand outside a dark, quiet terminal with your luggage and no transport. The drive to Rijeka at night takes about 25-30 minutes with no traffic. To Krk Town, it is about 20 minutes. The roads are well-lit through the Krk Bridge section and quiet after midnight. ## Arriving in Rijeka late Rijeka is a working port city, not primarily a tourist resort. It is quieter than Split or Dubrovnik in the evenings. The main city center and port area are safe and navigable late at night, but it is not the kind of place where you can easily improvise accommodation or change plans at midnight. Have your hotel address confirmed, a local contact number, and your transfer arranged before you land. ## Arriving on Krk island late If you are staying on Krk island, the situation is slightly simpler — you are already on the island when you land. A pre-booked transfer to Krk Town, Malinska, or Baška is a short drive on quiet roads. Island taxi drivers often know the flight schedule and may be at the airport even late in the evening during peak season, but this is not guaranteed. ## Practical tips for late arrivals Pre-book your transfer. This is the strongest single recommendation for Rijeka Airport at any hour, and especially so for evening arrivals. Have euros in cash. Card acceptance is common but having cash ensures you can pay regardless. Save your accommodation address and host number offline. The Krk Bridge area has decent mobile coverage, but having offline backup information is good practice. --- ### Rijeka Airport: Taxi or Private Transfer? **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/rjk/taxi-vs-transfer Rijeka Airport is unusual among Croatian airports in that the bus option is effectively off the table for most travelers. The choice here is narrower: taxi or pre-booked private transfer. Here is how they compare. ## Why there is no practical bus Split and Dubrovnik airports have dedicated bus services that run regularly and meet most flights. Rijeka Airport does not. The airport is on Krk island, and while bus routes exist in the wider area, no regular scheduled service reliably connects the terminal to Rijeka city or Krk Town in a way that meets incoming flights. There are reports of occasional public bus connections, but these require local knowledge, are infrequent, and do not make practical sense for most arriving travelers with luggage. This guide will not pretend a bus option exists when it does not reliably serve travelers. ## Airport taxis Taxis are available outside the terminal during the summer season. Rijeka Airport handles a moderate volume of seasonal traffic, and in peak summer (July-August) taxis are usually at the rank when flights arrive. Fares to common destinations: - Rijeka city: 35-50 EUR - Krk Town: 15-25 EUR - Opatija: 50-70 EUR - Malinska: 15-20 EUR The advantages: no advance booking required, immediate departure once you have your luggage. The disadvantages: outside peak season, or for early morning and late evening arrivals, the taxi rank may have very few or no cars waiting. Rijeka Airport does not have the consistent taxi availability that Split or Dubrovnik do. This is a meaningful difference. ## Pre-booked private transfer A driver assigned to your specific flight waits in the arrivals hall with your name. This is particularly valuable at Rijeka Airport because: 1. Taxi availability is not guaranteed, especially outside summer peak hours. 2. The airport serves a mix of destinations — Rijeka, multiple Krk island towns, Opatija, and beyond — and your driver can be briefed on your exact destination and route in advance. 3. Pricing is confirmed before you travel, with no surprises at the end. Transfer pricing is competitive with taxis for most routes: - Rijeka: 30-50 EUR - Krk Town: 20-35 EUR - Opatija: 45-65 EUR ## Price comparison **Solo traveler to Rijeka:** - Bus: Not reliably available - Taxi: 35-50 EUR - Transfer: 30-50 EUR **Couple to Krk Town:** - Bus: Not reliably available - Taxi: 15-25 EUR - Transfer: 20-35 EUR **Family of four to Opatija:** - Bus: Not reliably available - Taxi: 50-70 EUR (may need a second car for large group) - Transfer minivan: 55-75 EUR with confirmed space for all passengers and luggage ## The practical recommendation For daytime arrivals in peak summer: taxis are usually available and the spontaneous approach works. Go with whichever option you prefer. For evening arrivals, early morning flights, shoulder season travel (May-June, September-October), or winter operations: pre-book a transfer. The alternative of emerging from a quiet terminal and finding no taxis waiting is a real scenario at Rijeka Airport, not a theoretical one. For families, or anyone going to a less central destination like Baška or a smaller Krk island village: pre-booking is the simpler, more certain approach regardless of the season. --- ### Getting from Rijeka Airport with Kids and Family **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/rjk/family-and-kids Rijeka Airport is a small, manageable terminal that families pass through quickly. The main considerations for arriving with children are transport capacity, car seats, and the absence of a reliable bus service that makes a taxi or pre-booked transfer essential. ## The airport with children The terminal at Rijeka Airport is compact. The walk from the gate to the exit is short. Restrooms are available in the arrivals area. The airport does not have extensive family facilities — it is a small regional airport — but it is clean and the process from landing to exit is fast. In summer, the outside temperature can be hot. Have water and sun protection ready, particularly for the walk between the terminal and your vehicle. ## No bus means transfer or taxi For families at most airports, the bus is a reasonable budget option once children are old enough. At Rijeka Airport, there is no reliable airport bus service. This simplifies the decision: you are taking a taxi or a pre-booked transfer. For families, a pre-booked transfer is the better choice. You can specify the vehicle size, request a car seat, confirm the destination in detail, and have everything arranged before you land. Arriving with tired children to find no taxis at the rank is the scenario you want to avoid. ## Car seats Croatian law requires appropriate restraints for children under 150 cm. Croatian taxi drivers do not routinely carry car seats and you should not assume one will be available. When pre-booking a transfer, specify your child's age and weight and request an appropriate car seat. Most professional transfer services can accommodate this with advance notice. Alternatively, bring a travel car seat for your trip — it ensures you have one for rental cars and local taxis throughout your stay in Croatia, not just the airport journey. ## Vehicle size A standard taxi sedan fits four passengers with moderate luggage. A family of four with multiple large suitcases and a stroller will be crowded. Request a minivan at booking time if your group or luggage volume warrants it. For larger families or groups, confirm the vehicle capacity in advance. A minivan transfer typically carries up to 7 passengers and has adequate luggage space. ## Krk island — you are already there If your destination is anywhere on Krk island, you have a significant advantage: you landed on the island. Krk is popular with families for its calm, shallow beaches, crystal-clear water, and relatively uncrowded feel compared to the Dalmatian islands in peak summer. Krk Town is about 20 km from the airport — a straightforward 20-minute drive. Malinska is even closer at about 10 km. Baška, at the southern end of the island, is 35 km and about 35-40 minutes. ## Getting to Opatija with a family Opatija is a traditional resort town on the Kvarner Bay, about 40 km from the airport. It is known for elegant Belle Époque hotels, a seafront promenade (Lungomare), and calm water — all well-suited to family holidays. The drive from the airport crosses the Krk Bridge and follows the coast north. A transfer to Opatija for a family of four runs 45-65 EUR. Hotels in Opatija generally have conventional vehicle access, making the arrival at your accommodation simple. ## Getting to Rijeka city with a family Rijeka is a working port city rather than a beach resort. It has its own attractions but is less commonly the primary family destination — more often a transit point. If you are staying in Rijeka or passing through, the 30 km transfer from the airport takes 30-40 minutes and costs 30-50 EUR. ## Practical family tips Pre-book your transfer and specify all requirements — vehicle size, car seat, destination — before you fly. Rijeka Airport is not the place to improvise with young children. Krk island is an excellent family destination. The shallow Adriatic beaches, safe swimming conditions, and manageable scale make it one of the better family holiday spots in Croatia. The short airport-to-destination distance for island stays is a genuine advantage over airports further from the coast. --- ### How Much It Costs to Get from Rijeka Airport to the City **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/rjk/cost-to-city Rijeka Airport sits on Krk island, connected to the mainland by the Krk Bridge. All journeys to the mainland cross the bridge, which adds a consistent portion to the drive. Prices below are for taxi and pre-booked transfer — there is no reliable airport bus service. ## To Rijeka city center (30 km) - **Airport taxi:** 35-50 EUR. - **Pre-booked transfer:** 30-50 EUR. Drive time: 30-40 minutes. The route crosses the Krk Bridge and follows the coastal road north to Rijeka. ## To Opatija (40 km) - **Airport taxi:** 50-70 EUR. - **Pre-booked transfer:** 45-65 EUR. Drive time: 40-50 minutes. Opatija is just south of Rijeka along the Kvarner Bay coast. ## To Krk Town (20 km) - **Airport taxi:** 15-25 EUR. - **Pre-booked transfer:** 20-35 EUR. Drive time: 20-25 minutes. Krk Town is the main town on the island. You are already on Krk when you land — no bridge crossing needed. ## To Malinska (10 km) - **Airport taxi / transfer:** 15-20 EUR. Drive time: 10-15 minutes. Malinska is one of the nearest resort towns to the airport on Krk island. ## To Punat (20 km) - **Airport taxi / transfer:** 20-30 EUR. Drive time: 20-25 minutes. ## To Baška (35 km, south Krk) - **Pre-booked transfer:** 30-45 EUR. Drive time: 35-40 minutes. Baška is a popular beach resort at the southern tip of Krk island. ## To Valbiska ferry port (12 km, for Cres island) - **Airport taxi / transfer:** 15-20 EUR. Drive time: 15 minutes. From Valbiska, a car ferry runs to Merag on Cres island (about 20 minutes crossing). ## To Pula (130 km) - **Pre-booked transfer:** 80-110 EUR. Drive time: About 90 minutes via the Istrian highway. ## To Zagreb (170 km) - **Pre-booked transfer:** 130-180 EUR. Drive time: About 2 hours. Many travelers find it more practical to take a bus from Rijeka bus station to Zagreb. ## What affects the price **All mainland destinations** require crossing the Krk Bridge, which adds consistent time and distance. This is why prices to Rijeka are similar to prices to Krk Town despite Rijeka being a larger city — Krk Town is on the same island, avoiding the bridge detour back. **Opatija** is slightly further than Rijeka from the airport and prices are higher as a result. **Seasonal pricing** applies at some providers during the height of summer (July-August). Pre-booking locks in the price. **Group size** affects vehicle type. Standard sedans accommodate up to three passengers with luggage. Minivans for four or more passengers cost 10-20 EUR more. ## Best value by situation **Going to Krk island:** Transfer direct from airport (you are already on the island). Krk Town and Malinska are quick and affordable. **Going to Rijeka:** Taxi or transfer — no realistic bus alternative. **Going to Opatija:** Pre-booked transfer recommended; prices are higher than Rijeka due to greater distance. **Exploring the region:** A rental car from the airport terminal is worth considering if you plan to visit multiple destinations. --- ## Related Pages - [Main arrival guide](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/rjk) - [Late night arrivals](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/rjk/late-night) - [Taxi vs transfer](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/rjk/taxi-vs-transfer) - [Family & kids](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/rjk/family-and-kids) - [Cost to city](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/rjk/cost-to-city) --- ## Check before you land 👉 This route is actively served by AirportTransferPortal with fixed-price booking available before arrival. Check real vehicles and prices before your flight. Booking takes a few minutes and ensures someone is waiting when you arrive. --- ## Operational Note This guide reflects real operational conditions, pricing ranges, and traveler experience at Rijeka (RJK). Transfer availability is supported by AirportTransferPortal's verified supplier network. --- ## Attribution Published by AirportTransferPortal (airporttransferportal.com), a global airport transfer marketplace operated by Funny Tourism Ltd.