Pula Airport serves the southern tip of the Istrian Peninsula, famous for its Roman amphitheatre, one of the best preserved in the world, approximately 6 km from the city centre.
It is the main airport of Istria, with strong summer seasonal tourism linked to the peninsula's beaches.
How to get to Pula Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to PUY
Parking near Pula Airport
The parking is compact and located a short distance from the terminal.
Seasonal rate: €2 per hour with no ceiling from April 1 to October 31 (a multi-day stay during peak season can thus cost hundreds of euros); €0.50 per hour or €12 per day from November 1 to March 31.
How to get to Pula from PUY
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Pula Airport
Major car rental companies operate desks in the arrivals area, useful for exploring the Istrian peninsula beyond Pula.
Required documents: driver's license, passport, credit card, and generally the International Driving Permit.
Hotels near Pula Airport
The historic centre and the Arena
5 km from the airport: 15-20 minutes by taxi (about 20€) or 20-30 minutes by bus to the station (6.11€).
Best for: Travellers who want the Roman amphitheatre and the historic centre right outside the door, with no need for a car.
- Hotel Scaletta is a 5-minute walk from the Arena
- Hotel Milan has one of the city's most awarded fish restaurants, in the same building
- Historic buildings often have no lift
- Few rooms come with private parking included
Recommended hotels
- Hotel Milan Hotel with an attached fish restaurant, in the centre of Pula; the kitchen is the main reason many choose it over other hotels in the same bracket. View availability
- Hotel Scaletta 5 minutes' walk from the Roman Arena, in a historic building in the centre; buffet breakfast included and staff often singled out as a strong point. View availability
Verudela, the resort peninsula
About 5-6 km from the centre of Pula, 15-20 minutes by car from the airport.
Best for: Families and travellers after pools, a private beach and a spa without leaving the hotel.
- Grand Hotel Brioni has direct beach access amid the peninsula's pine woods
- Park Plaza Verudela has a water park, tennis courts and a mini-club for children
- A car or taxi is needed to reach the Arena and the historic centre in the evening
- The area is geared towards beach stays, with little to do on foot outside the resorts
Recommended hotels
- Grand Hotel Brioni Pula, A Radisson Collection Hotel On the coast of the Verudela peninsula, between pine woods and open sea, on the edge of Pula's historic and cultural centre; private beach and spa. View availability
- Park Plaza Verudela Pula 4-star resort on Verudela beach, with a water park and 15 tennis courts; Punta Verudela restaurant and a poolside bar. View availability
Pješčana Uvala, the quiet bay
About 3 km from the centre of Pula, 20 minutes from the airport.
Best for: Couples looking for a small, intimate boutique hotel, away from the crowds at the Arena.
- 20 metres from the sea, exclusive design and an in-house restaurant among the most highly regarded in the area
- A more intimate atmosphere than the big resorts of Verudela
- Small hotel: few rooms, fills up quickly on weekends
- No sandy beach in the immediate vicinity
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal handles strong summer traffic. From check-in to gate, the walk typically takes 10 minutes.
Security screening can lengthen during summer peaks: for international flights, allow 2–3 hours of advance time during peak season.
Map of Pula Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. What to see in Pula near the airport?
The Roman amphitheatre, among the best preserved in the world, just minutes from the city centre: convenient even for a long layover.
Q. Is it worth renting a car in Pula to explore Istria?
Yes, it's the most practical way to reach Rovinj and the other Istrian coastal towns, not all of which are well connected by public transport from the airport.
Q. Is the Croatian kuna still used in Istria?
No, since 1 January 2023 the euro has been the only official currency throughout Croatia, Istria included: old kuna banknotes and coins can no longer be used for everyday payments, although they remain exchangeable at the central bank for a transitional period.
Q. What to buy at Pula's duty free?
Istrian white truffle, one of the region's most prized culinary specialties, along with local olive oil and wines.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
