Rijeka Airport

Imagine your journey beginning not in a bustling metropolis, but on a sunny island where the runway seems to rise directly from the azure waters of the Adriatic. Rijeka Airport is a unique aerial gateway to the Kvarner Gulf, where instead of the usual hustle and bustle, you are greeted by a fresh sea breeze and the relaxed atmosphere of a Mediterranean resort. Located on the golden island of Krk, this compact aviation hub allows tourists to instantly switch into holiday mode, bypassing long transfers and queues.

The main feature of Rijeka Airport is its unique location. It is situated atop the island of Krk, providing breathtaking views during landing: the aircraft flies over picturesque bays and the islands of the archipelago, offering passengers an unforgettable aerial tour before even touching the ground. Thanks to the terminal's compactness, all procedures—from passport control to baggage claim—are completed surprisingly quickly here, which is especially valuable for families with children and those eager to reach the seaside.

Another significant advantage is its strategic proximity to key tourist destinations. The airport serves as an ideal starting point not only for visiting Rijeka itself but also for traveling across the Istrian peninsula, the Opatija Riviera, and the neighboring islands of Cres and Lošinj. An interesting fact: the local wind rose sometimes impacts airport operations—the famous Croatian "Bura" wind can be particularly strong here, requiring high skill from pilots and sometimes turning the landing into a true adventure.

• Official Website: www.rijeka-airport.hr
• Information Desk Phone: +385 51 842 132
• Address: Hamec 1, 51513, Omišalj, Croatia (the airport is located on the island of Krk, serving the city of Rijeka)
• Email: information@rijeka-airport.hr
• Social Media: Current links to the airport's official social media pages can be found on their website.
• Lost & Found: For questions regarding lost or damaged luggage, please contact +385 51 842 018 or via email: lost-found@rijeka-airport.hr.
• Passenger Support: For general information and passenger assistance, it is recommended to use the main information desk phone number or email address.

Rijeka Airport (RJK) is conveniently located not in the city itself, but on the picturesque island of Krk, approximately 27 km from the center of Rijeka. There are several ways to get from the airport to the city and back, suitable for any budget and travel style.

Public Transport is the most economical option. Dedicated shuttle buses run between the airport and Rijeka's main bus station (Žabica). Their schedule is usually synchronized with flight arrival and departure times, which is very convenient for tourists. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes. This is an excellent choice for those traveling light and wishing to save money.

Taxi and Transfers offer greater comfort and speed. The taxi rank is located directly outside the arrivals terminal exit. The trip to the center of Rijeka will take about 30 minutes, but the cost will be significantly higher than the bus. To secure a fixed price and ensure a guaranteed meet-and-greet, especially if you are arriving late at night or with large luggage, it is recommended to book a private transfer in advance.

Car Rental is the ideal option for those planning to explore not only Rijeka but also the Kvarner Gulf coast, the Istrian peninsula, or other beauties of Croatia. There are offices of several international and local rental companies at the airport. The road to Rijeka crosses the Krk Bridge, the toll for which is currently free of charge. For those driving to the airport, short-term and long-term parking is available.

When planning your trip, it is also useful to consider other airports in the region. Depending on your route and flight availability, Pula Airport (PUY), located 62 km away, or the country's largest Zagreb International Airport (ZAG), which is about 130 km away, may be convenient. Other nearby options include Ljubljana Airport (LJU) in Slovenia and Trieste Airport (TRS) in Italy.

Rijeka Airport (RJK) is a compact and convenient aviation hub characterized by a simple and clear structure. There is only one passenger terminal here, serving both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, navigating the airport is very easy, and you won't have to worry about transferring between terminals—all services are located in one building.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The building is divided into two main zones: Arrivals (Dolasci) and Departures (Odlasci). The arrivals hall houses passport control counters for flights from outside the Schengen area, baggage reclaim belts, and customs control. Immediately after exiting into the public area, you will find car rental offices, an information desk, and the exit to taxis and buses.

The departure zone includes check-in counters, a security screening point, and a small waiting area. Since the airport is not overcrowded, check-in and security procedures usually take no more than 20-30 minutes. However, during the peak tourist season (July-August), it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance, approximately 2 hours before departure, to avoid potential queues.

After passing security control, passengers enter the secure area, where there is a small Duty-Free shop and a café. The boarding gates are located right here, and finding the correct one is effortless. Navigation throughout the terminal is simplified by clear signs in Croatian and English, so getting lost is practically impossible.

The history of Rijeka Airport (RJK) is a vivid example of how an infrastructure project can stimulate the development of an entire region. The air harbor was officially opened in May 1970. An interesting fact: the airport is not located in Rijeka itself, but on the neighboring island of Krk. This decision was made due to the difficult mountainous terrain around the city, which did not allow for the construction of a runway of the necessary length. Initially, the airport was intended to serve the growing tourist flows on the Kvarner Gulf coast and the important port city of Rijeka.

A key stage in the airport's history was the construction of the Krk Bridge, completed in 1980. Prior to this, getting from the island to the mainland was only possible by ferry, which significantly complicated logistics. The appearance of the bridge made the airport much more accessible and contributed to its further development. In its first decades of operation, it served as an important hub for domestic flights within Yugoslavia, and after Croatia gained independence, it received international airport status.

A real boom in development occurred in the early 2000s, when budget airlines entered the European market. Rijeka Airport became one of the first points in Croatia to attract low-cost carriers. This led to a multiple increase in passenger traffic, especially during the summer season. To meet modern standards and serve a larger number of tourists, the terminal and infrastructure have been modernized repeatedly. Although Rijeka Airport is not among the largest in the country by traffic volume, it has set records as one of the fastest-growing during peak tourist seasons.

Today, Rijeka Airport continues to play a strategic role in the tourism industry of the Northern Adriatic. It serves as a gateway for thousands of travelers heading to the resorts of Krk Island, the Opatija Riviera, and other popular places in the region. Its history is a journey from a modest regional airfield to a modern international gateway that makes an invaluable contribution to the economy and accessibility of Kvarner.

Rijeka Airport (RJK) offers its passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the terminal is well-organized. Here you will find a café-bar where you can have coffee and a snack, as well as a restaurant offering more substantial meals. After passing security control, passengers have access to a Duty-Free shop featuring a standard assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, tobacco products, and souvenirs.

For those who wish to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. If you need to recharge your electronic devices, look for special stands or power outlets in the waiting halls. For travelers who value enhanced comfort, the airport features a VIP lounge, where you can relax in a quiet atmosphere away from the main terminal bustle.

Currency exchange offices and ATMs are located in the airport building, making it easy to handle financial matters upon arrival or before departure. In case of need, there is a first aid station in the terminal ready to assist passengers.

Rijeka Airport cares for passengers with special needs. For travelers with children, there are mother and child rooms equipped with changing tables. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on comprehensive assistance: from accompaniment through the terminal to boarding the aircraft. It is recommended to book this service in advance through your airline at least 48 hours before departure.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, many accommodation options can be found in nearby towns and in Rijeka itself. There are no specialized business centers or conference halls for large events at the airport, but the VIP lounge may be suitable for small business meetings.

Rijeka Airport is a small and mostly seasonal hub, so dining options here are quite limited and focused on basic needs. Do not expect a wide variety of restaurants as found in major international hubs. The main options are concentrated in the main terminal building.

There is a café-bar operating in the airport's public area (landside), before security control. Here you can enjoy coffee, tea, juices, or other beverages, as well as grab a quick snack with a sandwich, pastry, or salad. This is the main dining point suitable for passing time before flight check-in. Sometimes, after passing security (airside), a small kiosk with drinks and packaged snacks may be open, but its availability and assortment depend on the season and flight schedule.

Although there are no specialized restaurants with local cuisine at the airport, you can find some Croatian products in the café. For example, try pastries like burek or strudel, or order a local beverage to experience a taste of Croatia before departure. This is an excellent option for a quick snack, but not for a full lunch or dinner.

Options for passengers with specific dietary requirements (such as Halal, vegetarian, or vegan meals) are practically absent here. The selection may be limited to a simple salad without dressing or fruit. If you adhere to a strict diet, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you. Prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city.

The opening hours of catering establishments are directly linked to the flight schedule. The café opens a few hours before the first flight and closes after the departure of the last one. Thus, if you have a night flight, it is better to eat in advance. For a full lunch or dinner, we recommend visiting one of the numerous restaurants in Rijeka itself or in the nearby resort towns.

Traveling through Rijeka Airport, located on the picturesque island of Krk near the mainland of Croatia, usually proceeds smoothly and without unnecessary stress. To ensure your trip begins and ends as comfortably as possible, make use of our tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Rijeka Airport (RJK) is relatively small, but during the peak tourist season (from June to September), it can get quite busy. We recommend arriving 2-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight and print or save your boarding pass to your phone in advance. If you are traveling with luggage, it will need to be dropped off at your airline's check-in counter.

Security Control and Hand Luggage. Standard rules for hand luggage apply: liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml each must be packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. During screening, be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics from your bag. To speed up the process, prepare everything necessary in advance.

Seat Selection and Transfers. If your airline allows seat selection and you want to enjoy stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and islands, choose a window seat. An aisle seat is suitable for those who wish to be able to stand up freely during the flight. Since Rijeka Airport is not a major transit hub, connecting flights are rare here. If you do have a transfer planned, ensure your luggage is checked through to your final destination.

Customs Control. For tourists arriving from non-EU countries, the "Green" and "Red" channel system applies. If you have no goods to declare, feel free to go through the "Green" channel. Otherwise, you must use the "Red" channel. For travelers within the EU, there is effectively no customs control.

Savings and Unforeseen Situations. To save money, book your transfer from the airport in advance—shuttle buses are usually significantly cheaper than taxis. You can also bring an empty water bottle and fill it after passing security control. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline's representative at the airport. Under EU rules (Regulation EC 261/2004), for lengthy delays, you are entitled to drinks, meals, and sometimes hotel accommodation at the carrier's expense.