Getting to Bale: by car, bus and plane
You can reach Bale by road from Rovinj and Pula. If you fly to Pula without hiring a car, continue by bus or arrange a transfer to your accommodation.
Bale lies in south-western Istria, between Rovinj and Pula. When planning your journey, distinguish between the town and accommodation on the coast. The campsites and beaches are outside the old town, so the address matters for the final part of your trip. If you arrive by bus and are staying by the sea, arrange onward transport from the stop in town.
Driving from Zagreb, Rijeka, Slovenia and Italy
From Zagreb and Rijeka, enter Istria through the Učka tunnel on the A8, part of the Istrian Y motorway network. At Kanfanar, you can leave the motorway for the D303 towards Rovinj, then take the D21 towards Bale. This brings you into town from the north without driving into Rovinj.
From Koper and Trieste, after entering Croatia take the A9 towards Pula. For the northern approach to Bale, use the Kanfanar exit and continue via the D303 and D21. The Vodnjan sjever exit offers another approach from the A9, via Vodnjan.
From Pula, take the D21 through Vodnjan to Bale. From Rovinj, use the road towards Bale without joining the motorway. Enter the exact address of your accommodation or car park in your navigation app, particularly if you are heading outside the town centre.
Taking the bus from Pula, Rovinj or Zagreb
Bale is a stop on the Pula–Rovinj bus route. Brioni buses from Pula travel through Vodnjan and Bale, and there is also a bus connection from Rovinj. Book your ticket to the Bale stop, which is close to the town centre.
Pula bus station is at Trg I. istarske brigade 1, and Rovinj bus station at Trg na lokvi 6. For a day trip, choose your return departure when booking so you know how much time you have in Bale.
A Zagreb–Bale service is also offered, departing from Zagreb bus station at Avenija Marina Držića 4. When planning a long-distance bus journey, look for a ticket to Bale first. If your chosen service ends in Pula or Rovinj, the onward journey to Bale will be a separate leg.
Getting from Pula Airport to Bale
Pula Airport is the nearest passenger airport for a trip to Bale. You can continue to your accommodation by hire car, taxi or a pre-booked transfer. Transport straight to your address is useful if you have luggage or are staying outside the town.
For travel by bus, the airport shuttle connects Pula Airport with Pula bus station. There, you change to a bus that stops in Bale. Allow time to collect your luggage at the airport, take the shuttle and change buses at the station. These are two separate journeys, so for an evening arrival choose an onward departure to Bale in advance or arrange a direct transfer.
Parking and reaching the old town
For a visit to the old town, you can use the Val de Godena, La Musa and Grote car parks. Their locations are shown on the Parking in Bale page. Walk from the car park towards the old streets and Trg Tomaso Bembo rather than directing your navigation app into the narrow passages between the houses.
When arriving with luggage at your accommodation in Bale, follow the address and access instructions from your host. The car park for visiting the old town may not be the same as the parking area for your accommodation.