Ferries Rab

Traveling by ferry to Rab is affordable and you can take advantage of several standard discounts available year-round. Depending on the ferry company you choose, various categories of passengers are eligible for reduced fares:

• Children: infants and toddlers (usually under 1 to 3 years old, depending on the route) travel for free but still require an issued ticket. Children aged 3 to 12 generally receive a 50% discount on passenger tickets.
• Island Residents: if you are a permanent resident of Rab or neighboring islands, you are entitled to significant discounts on both passenger tickets and vehicle transport upon showing an official island resident card (Otočna iskaznica).
• Seniors & Students: certain lines offer reduced rates for students and seniors (over 60 or 65 years old), though these are primarily available on public state lines and catamarans.

Rab island is well-connected to the Croatian mainland and neighboring islands in the Kvarner Gulf. The routes are operated by standard car ferries (which transport both passengers and vehicles) and fast catamarans (for foot passengers only). 

Routes from mainland Croatia

Stinica - Rab ferry

The ferry route from Stinica to Mišnjak, on the southern side of Rab island, takes around 15-20 min and operates year-round, with around 10 daily departures in the off-season and more than 20 in the high season. It is a car ferry, so you can travel with a car, motorcycle, bicycle, van or campervan.

This route is operated by Rapska plovidba and is ideal if you are driving from Rijeka, Zagreb, Zadar, Plitvice or the northern Dalmatian coast.

Ferry routes from Krk island

Valbiska - Rab ferry

The ferry from Valbiska, on Krk island, to Lopar, in northern Rab, runs year-round and is operated by Jadrolinija. The crossing takes around 1 hr 20 min and usually runs twice daily in winter and up to 4 times daily in summer. 

This is a car ferry, so it is suitable if you are traveling with a vehicle. It is also a convenient route if you are starting from Krk island, Rijeka Airport or the wider Kvarner region. 

Ferry routes from Pag island and Rijeka

Novalja - Rab catamaran

The Novalja - Rab route connects Pag island with Rab island by passenger catamaran. The crossing usually takes around 45 min, making it a practical island-hopping option between Pag and Rab.

The route is only available for foot passengers. It arrives at Rab town port, which is the most central arrival point on the island.

Rijeka - Rab island ferry

The Rijeka - Rab ferry connection is part of Jadrolinija’s passenger catamaran line between Rijeka, Rab and Novalja. The crossing from Rijeka to Rab usually takes place daily all year round and lasts about 1 hr 45 min.

This is a passenger-only catamaran, so vehicles are not allowed. The ferry arrives at Rab town port.

Rab island is served mainly by Jadrolinija and Rapska plovidba.

• Jadrolinija: Croatia’s national shipping company operates the Valbiska (Krk) - Lopar car ferry and the Rijeka - Rab - Novalja (Pag) catamaran. Jadrolinija uses conventional ferries on vehicle routes and catamarans / high-speed vessels on passenger-only lines.
• Rapska plovidba: this local, Rab-based company operates the Stinica - Mišnjak car ferry. Its ferries Četiri zvonika, Barbat and Sveti Marin serve the route, with a crossing time of under 18 min.

How much luggage can you take on the ferry to Rab island?

Luggage rules depend on the operator and vessel type.

• Jadrolinija: on their passenger catamarans, the standard free luggage allowance is up to 20 kg per person. The luggage is typically stored in designated racks near the entrance of the passenger salon. For extra luggage, an extra fee of €5 is charged. On their car ferries (like the Valbiska - Lopar line), enforcement is very relaxed for foot passengers carrying standard travel bags, and there are no restrictions for those inside vehicles. 
• Rapska plovidba: if you are a foot passenger, you can bring up to 20 kg of luggage for free. Officially, additional weight up to 100 kg is permitted but can be subject to small per-kilogram surcharges at the crew's discretion if the vessel is crowded. If you are traveling by car, your luggage stays inside your vehicle with no extra charges or weight limits. 

How long is the ferry ride to Rab island?

The ferry ride to Rab island takes from about 15-20 min to about 2 hr, depending on your departure port and vessel type.

Which is the fastest route to Rab island?

The fastest route is Stinica - Mišnjak, with a short crossing of about 15-20 min. This is also the most convenient route if you are driving to Rab from mainland Croatia.

If you are a foot passenger departing from an island, the Novalja (Pag) - Rab catamaran is your fastest option, taking around 45 to 55 min. 

What is the cheapest ferry route to Rab island?

The cheapest ferry route to Rab is the Stinica - Mišnjak line. A standard one-way passenger ticket costs around €3 to €4.50, depending on the season. Vehicle fares are added separately and vary by season and vehicle type.

For foot passengers coming from Rijeka or Pag, the catamaran can also be cost-effective because it arrives directly at Rab town and avoids road transfers to Stinica or Valbiska.

Bringing your own vehicle to Rab island is simple and highly recommended if you want to explore the island’s hidden sandy bays at your own pace. Both conventional car ferry routes, Stinica to Mišnjak and Valbiska (Krk) to Lopar, are specifically built to handle cars, motorcycles, bicycles, campervans, and larger trailers.

Please note that fast catamarans (like the line from Rijeka) do not have vehicle decks and are strictly for foot passengers.

How much does it cost to bring my car to Rab island?

Vehicle ticket prices vary by the length of your car and whether you are traveling during the low season or the peak summer months.

• On the Stinica - Mišnjak route (Rapska Plovidba): for a standard car under 5 m in length, a one-way ticket costs around €12 in the low season and increases to roughly €15 during the high season.
• On the Valbiska - Lopar route (Jadrolinija): because this crossing is longer, a one-way ticket for a standard car up to 5 m costs around €20 in the low season and goes up to about €30 in the high season.

Can I take my campervan on the ferry to Rab island?

Yes, campervans and motorhomes are usually accepted on the Stinica - Mišnjak and Valbiska - Lopar car ferries, provided there is space and the vehicle is booked or declared correctly.

• From Stinica: one-way prices for a standard campervan up to 5 m range from €20 (low season) to €23 (high season). If your motorhome is between 5 and 7 m long, the price ranges between €23 and €30.
• From Valbiska (Krk): a one-way ticket for a campervan up to 5 m costs around €40 in the low season and €52 in the high season. For larger motorhomes between 5 and 7 m, expect to pay between €50 and €60.

Services on ferries to Rab island are practical, especially on the short car-ferry crossings. Expect simple passenger areas, open decks and basic seating.

Are there cabins on ferries to Rab island?

There are no cabins on the regular domestic ferry and catamaran routes to Rab island. Crossings are short, so cabins are not needed.

What type of seats can you book?

On the Stinica - Mišnjak and Valbiska - Lopar car ferries, seating is usually unreserved. You can choose between air-conditioned indoor salons with comfortable plastic or padded seating, or head up to the open-air passenger decks to enjoy the sea breeze.

On the Rijeka - Rab - Novalja catamaran, airplane-type lounge seats inside a fully enclosed, climate-controlled cabin are standard. These seats are included in your passenger ticket but are not individually numbered or reserved.

Are the ferries accessible?

Accessibility depends on the vessel and port infrastructure. The larger Jadrolinija vessels and the modern catamarans usually feature step-free passenger salons, accessible restroom facilities, and clear boarding ramps.

The smaller shuttle ferries on the short Stinica - Mišnjak line are easily accessible on the main vehicle deck level, though accessing the upper passenger salons may require navigating steep marine stairs. 

If you have reduced mobility, it is best to contact the ferry company when booking and arrive early, especially if you are traveling with a vehicle. Ferry companies increasingly provide accessibility support, but available facilities vary by vessel.

Can you take pets on the ferry to Rab island?

Yes, pets are usually allowed for free on ferries to Rab island, subject to operator rules.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

• On car ferries: dogs must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle while in public areas, or remain inside your vehicle for the duration of the short crossing. They are generally permitted on the open-air passenger decks but are strictly forbidden inside the enclosed passenger salons.
• On catamarans: smaller pets can travel inside the main passenger cabin if they are kept inside an appropriate travel carrier (up to 7 kg). Larger dogs must stay out on the open deck areas in designated crates, or on a leash/muzzle in specific external zones assigned by the crew.

Is there Wi-Fi on ferries to Rab island?

Free public Wi-Fi is available on select Jadrolinija catamarans and larger car ferries, though connection speeds can fluctuate as the vessel moves between the island and mainland. On the short 20-min Rapska Plovidba shuttle, Wi-Fi is generally not provided, but you will maintain excellent mobile network coverage throughout the crossing. 

Is there entertainment on the ferries?

Entertainment options are minimal due to the brief journey times. Catamarans usually feature television screens in the main salon showing local programming or route maps. Most vessels also feature small coffee bars or vending machines where you can grab a quick espresso, cold drink, or snack. 

Booking your ferry tickets to Rab island is simple. By planning ahead, you secure your spot on key regional routes without navigating complex localized schedules.

How to book ferry tickets to Rab on Ferryhopper

You can book your passenger and vehicle tickets to Rab in just a few clicks:

1. Select your path: enter your departure point (e.g., Rijeka, Novalja, or Valbiska), choose your dates, and specify the number of passengers and vehicles.
2. Input details: add names, ages, and if applicable, your exact vehicle type and registration details to ensure accurate fare calculation.
3. Apply discounts: select any eligible discounts (such as child or resident rates). Ferryhopper automatically updates the price.
4. Instant checkout: complete your payment securely via card, PayPal, or digital wallet.

Your electronic tickets will be sent straight to your email and stored safely inside the Ferryhopper app.

Do I need to print my ticket?

For routes operated by Jadrolinija, you do not need to print your ticket. You can simply show your digital e-ticket or QR code on your smartphone or tablet to the crew when boarding.

However, for the short mainland shuttle operated by Rapska Plovidba (Stinica - Mišnjak), you’ll have to book the tickets at the port terminal kiosk.

You can easily catch a ferry or a high-speed catamaran to Rab island, a stunning destination nestled in Croatia's Kvarner Gulf. Depending on whether you are traveling with a car or island-hopping on foot, you can sail directly to the island from the mainland port of Stinica, the major port city of Rijeka, or from neighboring islands like Krk and Pag. 

Best time to book

For summer travel, especially from late June to early September, book your Rab ferry tickets at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance if you are using the Valbiska - Lopar route or the Rijeka - Rab catamaran.

The Stinica - Mišnjak ferry has frequent departures, but summer vehicle queues can still build up. If you are driving in July or August, early morning and late evening crossings are often easier than midday sailings.

Arrival time at the port

For the Stinica - Mišnjak ferry, arrive 45-60 min in advance if you are traveling by car, especially on weekends and peak summer dates. Boarding can work on a first-come, first-served basis, so being at the port early helps you avoid missing your preferred sailing.

For Valbiska - Lopar, arrive at least 60 min before departure with a vehicle. For the Rijeka - Rab - Novalja catamaran, foot passengers should still allow enough time (15-30 min) for ticket checks and boarding.

Bicycles on Rab ferries

Rab is known as an island of sports and cycling, and bringing your bike along is incredibly simple. Both car ferry routes (Stinica and Valbiska) readily accept bicycles for a small additional fee (usually around €2 to €6).

If you are taking the fast catamarans, keep in mind that bicycle space is strictly limited. Jadrolinija allows a small number of bikes on the Rijeka - Rab - Novalja line, but you must select a bicycle ticket during your booking to secure one of the few spots on the stern racks.

How many ports does Rab island have?

Rab island has 3 main ferry ports used by regular services:

• Mišnjak: the main car-ferry port for mainland Croatia
• Lopar: the car-ferry port for Krk island
• Rab town port: the passenger port for catamaran services to Rijeka and Novalja

Several ferry information sources list Rab, Lopar and Mišnjak as the island’s ferry ports.

Where are Rab island’s ports?

Mišnjak port is on the southern end of Rab island. It is the arrival point for the Stinica ferry and the best port if you are bringing a car from the mainland.

Lopar port is on the northern side of Rab island. It connects Rab with Valbiska on Krk island and is useful if you are traveling from Krk or Rijeka Airport.

Rab town port is in the main town of Rab on the southwestern coast. It is served by the passenger catamaran from Rijeka and Novalja, so it is the most central arrival point if you are traveling without a car.

How to get to Rab island ports

To/From Mišnjak Port

• By Car: if you are arriving from mainland cities like Zagreb, Rijeka, or Zadar, you will take the scenic coastal D8 highway (Adriatic Highway) to the Stinica mainland terminal, load onto the ferry, and drive right off into Mišnjak. From Mišnjak, the main island road (D105) connects you directly to Rab Town in about 15 minutes.
• By Bus: local buses coordinate with certain ferry arrivals, but they are infrequent. If you cross as a foot passenger to Mišnjak, it is best to have a taxi pre-arranged, as ride-sharing services are limited here.

To/From Lopar Port

• By Car: from the northern mainland, you drive across the Krk Bridge (Krčki most) onto Krk island, head south via road D102 to the Valbiska terminal, and sail directly into Lopar. Once you roll off the ferry, you are right by Lopar’s famous sandy resorts.
• By Public Transport: local island buses connect Lopar Port to the rest of the island's villages and Rab Town daily, making it relatively easy for foot passengers arriving from Krk.

To/From Rab Town Port

• On Foot: because the catamaran dock is located directly at the edge of the historic old town, you can easily walk straight off the boat and into your accommodation, local restaurants, or scooter rental shops.
• By Bus & Taxi: the main island bus station is within easy walking distance (about 10 min) from the pier, allowing you to catch standard island buses to Lopar, Kampor, or Supetarska Draga. Taxis are also readily available right outside the port area.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Rab, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.