The final report about Autonapul ending will be published on this web until 2026, October 20.
 

Carsharing to Croatia: from Olomouc through Austria and Slovenia there and back

Holidays often bring unexpected discoveries and joyful experiences. Pavel took his first long road trip across Europe with his mom and brother to Croatia - and thanks to Autonapul carsharing, they enjoyed a comfortable, flexible, and safe car vacation.

He’s never longed for exotic, faraway destinations, but even going just one or two countries away gave him memories as rich as those made thousands of kilometers from home. Here’s how Autonapul made it happen.

“While planning our vacation, I realized that no matter where we go, we want to see everything. We’re not the type to relax in one place or one resort for long. We’re after an active holiday with things we want to see and experience firsthand,” Pavel says of his trip with a shared car from Autonapul.

How much does a carsharing vacation cost? Pavel’s experience

They traveled as three adults for a one-week holiday. Prices include fuel.

Shared carPrice
Škoda Fabia Combi17,125 CZK
Renault Arkana20,581 CZK
Hyundai i30 Combi20,581 CZK
Toyota Corolla Combi23,049 CZK
Škoda Octavia Combi23,049 CZK

When planning a trip, their main considerations are:

  1. how reliable and comfortable the chosen mode of transport is,
  2. how easy it makes visiting planned places along the way,
  3. how complex the travel logistics will be,
  4. and how much the journey will cost.

They had often taken plane trips in the past, but this year they wanted to try a road trip by car. Thanks to this year’s holiday with a shared car, they discovered how much confidence and freedom carsharing gives them.

Why carsharing is ideal for a road trip abroad

They first agreed to head to the seaside town of Poreč, Croatia, where they would spend most of their vacation. Then came the question of how to get there.

They gradually ruled out:

  • bus travel, which they found too uncomfortable over long distances,
  • train travel, as since 2024 the yellow train company had canceled its Croatia route; trains also don’t guarantee peace and quiet in shared compartments, and trips to interesting places around the destination would be complicated,
  • a rental car, as Pavel once had a negative experience - his reservation was canceled last minute, and no replacement was offered.

They went with a car from Autonapul carsharing. Unlike other services, Autonapul has grown from the ground up as a cooperative with a community spirit, not a corporate one - and gives the confidence of a reliable partner with a high-quality, well-maintained fleet.

With a car, they were able to:

  • stop anywhere something caught their eye,
  • break up the journey overnight in Austria and visit Lake Hallstatt,
  • take a detour in Slovenia to see Lake Bled and explore several small coastal towns.

None of that would’ve been possible by train or bus.

Peace of mind and predictable costs made the trip more enjoyable

“The most important thing for us was knowing the car would be there, in 100% technical condition, and that we could use the online calculator to estimate the cost in advance. The customer support at Autonapul was great too - they advised me to buy the Austrian highway vignette ahead of time. And not only did they suggest it, but they actually bought it for us without charging extra. That saved us and other drivers around 400 CZK in fees,” Pavel explains.

He also shared how he searched for a trustworthy car rental before the trip. He found it surprisingly hard - rental agencies have complex rules, private car owners are often a question mark in terms of vehicle condition, and most require special approval for international travel. With Autonapul, none of that’s an issue. You book a car in the system, pick it up contact-free, and go. No complications, no worries.

The per-kilometer rate is the same in the Czech Republic and abroad, regardless of fuel prices. Where CCS cards don’t work, you pay with your own card, upload the fuel receipt, and Autonapul deducts the amount from your invoice. Easy and fair.

The trip went exactly as planned - the advantages clearly outweighed the slightly higher cost

“If we only looked at the money, the car was a little more expensive than the train. But just a little. Add in the comfort and freedom that you don’t get with a train, and the price difference disappears. Thanks to Autonapul, the holiday went just as we imagined,” says Pavel.

Highlights of traveling with a shared Autonapul car:

  • vehicle in 100% technical condition
  • freedom to plan your own route and stops
  • easy transport around your destination
  • comfort and privacy of your “own” car (no transfers or noisy crowds)
  • free cancellation up to the last minute

Try Autonapul carsharing - rent a car without commitment

“I clearly remember what went through my head when I was deciding between buying a car and using carsharing. I chose shared cars, and I’m more and more convinced it was the right decision. I understand that the refundable 5,000 CZK deposit to join Autonapul might make people hesitate. But if you consider that it gives you **a virtual box of keys to 90 cars, all regularly serviced, with no need to worry about inspections, toll stickers, or seasonal tires - the value is more than fair,” Pavel says confidently.

Own car or carsharing? Pavel chose the smarter option

Pavel once considered buying a car. But he did the math. He would have spent hundreds of thousands of crowns for a safe, reliable car that would serve him well for years. But the car would lose a big chunk of its value right after purchase - and with more kilometers, it would just cost more and more. Instead, he invested his money where it mattered more: in housing. Autonapul turned out to be a win-win that saves both money and public space - no need to park an extra car. Looking ahead, he hopes to see more electric cars available for city trips.

For anyone still unsure, Pavel has one message:

“Registration is completely non-binding. There’s no problem trying carsharing for a few weeks and then canceling. But almost no one does that which says it all. It doesn’t matter if you take a car once every few months for half an hour, once a year for a month, or every few days. You can rent anything from a small city car to a 9-seater minibus. Try out an electric vehicle or drive a sleek Octavia to a business meeting. The options and the money you save are priceless.”

Look at cars and parking zones in your city.