Rijeka is unfortunately more of a transport hub and port city than a destination in itself. Still, if you have time to spare between connections, it can be filled by a stroll along the pedestrianized Korzo (look for the large clock), or a visit to a museum such as the maritime museum. The stunning National Theatre building (similar to the one in Zagreb and Budapest) occupies a prominent location in the city. For a little exercise, climb the stairs to Trsat to visit its recently-restored fortress and several historic churches.

By car

Travellers heading from Zagreb (185 km) should take the A1 to Bosiljevo and then take the A6 to Rijeka. Portions of the A6 are currently being converted into a 4-6 lane motorway. The unfinished sections should be completed by 2008.

Travellers from Trieste (76 km) should take A7 upon entering Croatia at Rupa border crossing.

Travellers from Žuta Lokva and then proceed via Crikvenica to Rijeka.

By plane

Zračna luka Rijeka - Rijeka airport is situated on the nearby island of Krk, around 17 km from the railway station in Rijeka.

• Croatia Airlines flies between London (Heathrow) and Rijeka.
• EasyJet flies from Rijeka to London (Luton) and Bristol.
• Hapag-Lloyd Express connects Rijeka with Bonn/Cologne, Hannover, Leipzig, Munich and Stuttgart.
• Norwegian connects Rijeka with Oslo.

There is no designated bus service from the airport into Rijeka, so an expensive taxi fare may be your only option if you cannot board one of the many buses operating from Krk into Rijeka.

Incidentally, there are regular bus services from Rijeka into Zagreb Airport for connections there. The Croatia Airlines website has more information.

By train

Rijeka has been an important railhead since its early days as one of the major ports of the Austro-Hungarian empire, and is connected with direct services to other major cities in Croatia (Zagreb, Osijek) as well as twice daily services to Ljubljana in Slovenia, and one train via Zagreb each day to Budapest. Services to Pula by train are possible, though as the two cities are not connected in Croatia by rail (the connection is now in Slovenia), a designated bus is timed to take you that part of the journey.

The Railway station is located in 5 Krešimirova Street, at the northern edge of the town area. Information on rail services is available on the information counter, or on the telephone +385 (0)60 333-44-44. You can buy tickets or make reservations at the station ticket-office (+385 (0)51 21-33-33). The railway station has a leftluggage department (garderoba) open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Luggage safekeeping is charged 10 kn. There is also a tourism information office in the station building, but is open odd hours - although there is a large map at the front of the station building. There is also an ATM at the station.

The Croatian Railways website contains good information on train times and prices, and there is also some information for travel Rijeka-Ljubljana on the Slovenian Railways site.

By bus

Rijeka is connected by bus with bigger cities in Croatia, Slovenia and elsewhere in Europe. The busy bus terminal is located in the city centre at the foot of the imposing Capuchin church, on Trg Žabica. You can find good information on timetable and fares at the Autotrans office (which also sells tickets), at Žabica 1 or by telephone +385 (0)60 30-20-10. Timetable is also available on the company's website [1]. There is a left-luggage office next to the newspaper and cigarette stand, open from 5:30 am till 10:30 pm (the latest of all the transport modes in Rijeka). Luggage safekeeping is charged 9 kn.

By ship

As one of the largest ports of the Austro-Hungarian empire, and the largest port in Croatia, ships play an important role in the life of Rijeka.

Of best use to travellers from Rijeka is the Jadrolinija ferry service. The state-owned company operates small vessels to the nearby islands, as well as large car-carrying ferries down the Adriatic Coast to Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik before travelling to Bari in Italy. Ferries operate the year round, and are more frequent in the summer months. The passenger terminal is located in the city center, and on the waterfront just near the Jadrolinija office building (where one buys tickets on the ground floor) is a left-luggage office.

Most of Rijeka is accessible on foot, and traffic is actually banned on Korzo in the heart of the city. For those a little away from the city or tired, an efficient local bus network operates operating in a single-direction, circular movement around the central city area, and fanning out in all directions. The bus to Trsat (#1) is probrably the most useful for tourists, and a good alternative to the 538 stair climb to the top of the mountain. Rijeka also has cheap and well organized Taxi service, they will get you anywhere in the city for approx. 10 Euro or less.

Rijeka has many large shopping centres as well as numerous small and medium stores for everyone's taste. Rijeka Tower is one of the newest and largest shopping malls in this part of Europe.

There are numerous restaurants offering domestic and international food. There are also many fast-food restaurants, some of them being opened 24 hours.

Let's say that wherever you go in Rijeka, you will find a place to drink and relax. There are hundreds of bars and caffes across the city. Something different to mention are two ships in the harbour (city center) with bars, casino, and a night club.