by croatiaweek
September 13, 2025
in
(Photo: Silverije/CC BY-SA 3.0)
Croatia’s state-owned motorway operator, Hrvatske autoceste (HAC), has reason to be satisfied with the summer season after closing the peak period in positive figures.
From January to the start of September, 55.1 million vehicles passed through HAC toll stations, representing a 4% increase compared to the same period last year.
The summer months mirrored this growth, with each month bringing notable gains.
June proved to be the standout month, with 7.7 million vehicles recorded – a jump of 10% year-on-year.
In July, more than nine million vehicles passed through, up 2%, while August, traditionally the busiest month, saw over 10 million vehicles – 3.5% more than in 2022.
Speaking to RTL Danas, HAC’s Director of Toll Collection, Ivan Ribičić, highlighted that the entire year so far has been in surplus.
“We had 60 million vehicles, which is two million more than last year. June brought 10% growth, July 2%, August 3%, and even at the beginning of September we had 60,000 more vehicles compared to the same period last year. We can be satisfied,” he said.
Ribičić pointed out that more people may be travelling in general, but also noted the importance of how Croatia presents itself abroad.
“Instead of being welcomed with reports about traffic chaos and high prices, visitors should be met with the story of Croatia – the country of Luka Modrić, the World Cup runners-up, and Nikola Tesla. Both the Prime Minister and the Minister stressed this for next year. This is a good opportunity and perhaps a lesson for the tourism sector to prepare even better,” he said.
Traffic jams and queues are seen as a natural part of the tourist season. “In winter, Austria also experiences queues, and in summer France and Italy have tailbacks stretching 50 kilometres.
Tourists know what to expect – they come for the sea, for safety, and to enjoy their holidays,” Ribičić explained.
With strong numbers across the board and a steady flow of satisfied visitors, HAC has every reason to view 2023 as a successful year.