The Airport Is Closer Than You Think
Rijeka Airport (officially "Airport Rijeka" or RJK) sits on the island of Krk, connected to the mainland by a bridge. Despite the island location, it's only 30km from Opatija — about 30 minutes by car with no traffic. The airport is tiny (one terminal, one baggage carousel), so you'll be through arrivals in minutes.
Here are your four options, ranked from cheapest to most comfortable.
Option 1: Airport Shuttle Bus — €8
The cheapest option. An airport shuttle operates during the tourist season (roughly May to October), timed to match flight arrivals and departures. The bus runs to Opatija and Rijeka, stopping at several points along the way. Journey time is about 45 minutes to Opatija center.
The catch: it only runs when flights are scheduled. If your flight is delayed or you're arriving late, the shuttle may already be gone. Check the schedule on the airport's website before relying on this. Outside of summer, shuttle service is sporadic at best.
Option 2: Public Bus via Rijeka — €4-5
This is the option most travelers miss. Take the airport shuttle or bus to Rijeka's main bus station (about 30 minutes), then catch an Autotrans bus to Opatija (every 20 minutes, €2, 40 minutes). Total cost under €5. Total time: about 1.5 hours including the connection. Not the fastest, but incredibly cheap and you get to see Rijeka — Croatia's third-largest city and 2020 European Capital of Culture.
Only works well if buses align. Check schedules on autotrans.hr.
Option 3: Taxi — €40-50
Taxis wait outside arrivals. The ride to Opatija takes 25-30 minutes and costs €40-50 depending on traffic and the driver's mood. Make sure the meter is running, or agree on a price before getting in. Some drivers quote €60+ to unknowing tourists — don't pay more than €50.
Pro tip: download the Bolt app before you arrive. It works in Croatia and is typically 20-30% cheaper than airport taxis. Just make sure your phone has data (buy a Croatian SIM at the airport kiosk, €10 for 10GB).
Option 4: Rental Car — From €25/day
If you're planning day trips to Učka, Lovran, Pula, or inland Istria, renting a car at the airport makes sense. All the major companies are there: Sixt, Europcar, and local operators. Prices start around €25/day in shoulder season, €35-45 in July/August. Book online ahead of time — walk-up rates are always higher.
The drive from the airport to Opatija is pleasant — cross the Krk Bridge (dramatic views), join the highway briefly, and exit at Opatija. Well-signposted and hard to get lost. Parking in Opatija costs €1-2/hour; many hotels include parking.
Our Recommendation
If you're traveling light and it's summer: shuttle bus. If you're a group of 2-4 people: taxi or Bolt (split the cost and it's comparable to the shuttle). If you want freedom to explore the coast: rental car. The airport is small enough that any option is stress-free — this isn't a Heathrow-to-London situation.