Split Airport (SPU) is the main arrival airport for central Dalmatia and one of Croatia’s busiest summer gateways. The airport sits near Kaštel Štafilić, around 20 km west of Split city centre, with direct road access to the Adriatic coast and the A1 motorway network.

More than 20 international and Croatian rental suppliers operate at Split Airport, with most desks located inside or directly beside the arrivals area. Follow the airport signs marked “Rent a Car / Najam vozila” after baggage claim.

To collect a rental vehicle, most suppliers require:

  • a valid driving licence

  • passport or national ID

  • a credit card in the main driver’s name

  • booking confirmation

Drivers using licences written in non-Latin alphabets may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Why Rent a Car at Split Airport?

Picking up a car directly at Split Airport is usually the easiest option for travellers planning to explore Dalmatia beyond Split itself. The airport sits close to several of Croatia’s most popular coastal and inland driving routes.

Nearby destinations include:

  • Trogir — around 10–15 minutes west of the airport

  • Split city centre — roughly 30 minutes east depending on traffic

  • Krka National Park — accessible via the A1 motorway in around 1–1.5 hours

  • Plitvice Lakes National Park — approximately 2.5–3 hours inland

  • Dubrovnik — reachable via the coastal D8 route or the faster A1 motorway and Pelješac Bridge connection

Airport pickup works especially well if:

  • your road trip begins immediately after landing

  • you plan a one-way coastal route through Croatia

  • you’re travelling to towns less well connected by public transport

  • or you need a larger vehicle, SUV or automatic transmission car, which are easier to find at SPU than at smaller city branches

Travellers staying entirely inside Split for several days may find it easier to delay the rental until leaving the city, since the historic centre is largely pedestrian-only and parking can be limited during summer.

For broader Croatia-wide rental advice, routes and driving rules, see the Croatia car rental guide.

Where Are the Rental Desks at Split Airport?

Car rental desks at Split Airport are located inside or directly beside the arrivals area. After collecting baggage, follow the airport signage marked “Najam vozila / Rent a Car” to reach the rental counters.

Most major international brands — including Sixt, Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget and Europcar — operate directly from the airport terminal area. Several Croatian suppliers also serve Split Airport either through on-site desks or nearby shuttle collection points. The official Split Airport rental directory is the best source for checking which suppliers currently operate on-site.

Some lower-cost providers use nearby off-airport lots connected by shuttle transfers. These rentals can occasionally be cheaper, but pickup may take longer than collecting directly from an in-terminal desk. If arriving late at night, always check your booking confirmation carefully for:

  • pickup instructions

  • desk opening hours

  • shuttle details

  • and after-hours procedures

Travellers arriving outside normal operating hours should confirm late-arrival policies directly with the supplier before flying.

Which Suppliers Operate at Split Airport?

Split Airport hosts a mix of international rental chains and Croatian regional operators.

International Brands

  • Sixt — Large airport fleet with compact cars, SUVs and premium vehicles

  • Enterprise / Alamo / National — Shared airport operations with international one-way coverage

  • Hertz — Major international operator with airport and city coverage

  • Avis & Budget — Widely available at SPU and other Croatian destinations

  • Europcar — Strong selection of family cars and estate vehicles

Croatian and Regional Suppliers

  • Nova Rent a Car — Croatian operator with airport and city branches

  • Carwiz — Regional supplier often competing on economy pricing

  • Avax Rent a Car — Dalmatia-focused operator serving coastal routes and cross-border trips

International chains are often better for multi-country or one-way European itineraries, while Croatian suppliers may offer more competitive local pricing on smaller vehicles.

What Car Types Are Available at Split Airport?

Split Airport fleets follow the standard European pattern, with economy and compact cars making up most of the inventory.

Economy & Compact Cars

Examples: Fiat 500, Renault Clio, VW Polo

The most popular category for coastal Croatia. Smaller cars are easier to park in Split, Trogir and Dubrovnik, and work well for couples or short road trips.

Mid-Size Cars

Examples: VW Golf, Ford Focus

A comfortable option for longer coastal drives with extra luggage space.

SUVs & Crossovers

Examples: Hyundai Tucson, VW T-Cross, Dacia Duster

Popular for families, longer road trips and travellers carrying heavier luggage.

Estate / Station Wagons

Examples: Škoda Octavia Estate, VW Passat Estate

Useful for groups carrying multiple bags while still keeping motorway fuel economy reasonable.

Minivans & 7–9 Seaters

Examples: VW Caravelle or similar

Available at SPU, though numbers are limited during summer and advance booking is strongly recommended.

Automatic Cars

Manual transmission still dominates Croatian rental fleets. Automatic cars are available but become limited quickly during peak season, especially at short notice.

Electric & Hybrid Vehicles

Electric and hybrid availability is growing at Split Airport, with charging coverage strongest around Split, Zagreb and the A1 motorway corridor.

How Much Does Car Rental Cost at Split Airport?

Rental pricing at Split Airport depends mainly on:

  • season

  • booking lead time

  • vehicle type

  • and transmission choice

Summer demand between June and September pushes prices significantly higher, particularly for SUVs, automatic cars and larger family vehicles. Shoulder months such as May and late September usually offer a better balance between weather, pricing and availability.

Booking several months ahead is strongly recommended for summer travel.

Additional costs to factor into the final price include:

  • motorway tolls

  • fuel

  • insurance upgrades

  • additional drivers

  • child seats

  • ferry permissions

  • and one-way rental fees

Croatia uses the euro (EUR), including for toll roads, parking and rental payments.

How Does Pickup and Return Work?

Pickup Process

  1. Clear baggage claim and enter the arrivals area

  2. Follow signs to the rental counters or shuttle pickup area

  3. Present:

    • driving licence

    • passport or ID

    • booking confirmation

    • credit card in the main driver’s name

  4. Review the rental agreement carefully before signing

  5. Inspect the vehicle and photograph any existing damage

  6. Drive out towards Split, Trogir or the A1 motorway network

Returning the Car

Before returning:

  • refuel to the agreed fuel level

  • follow rental return signs at the airport

  • park in the supplier’s designated return area

  • complete the return inspection if staff are present

Many suppliers also allow after-hours returns through secure key-drop systems. Travellers returning outside business hours should photograph the vehicle thoroughly before leaving it.

Best Day Trips from Split Airport?

Split Airport works well as the starting point for a wider Dalmatian road trip.

Trogir
Around 10–15 minutes west of the airport. A UNESCO-listed coastal town and one of the easiest short drives from SPU.

Hvar
Reached via ferry connections from Split or Drvenik, depending on route and whether travelling with a vehicle.

Plitvice Lakes National Park
Approximately 2.5–3 hours north via the A1 motorway.

Dubrovnik
Usually around 3.5–4.5 hours south depending on route and traffic. Since the opening of the Pelješac Bridge, the route remains entirely inside Croatia.

Zagreb
Roughly 4–5 hours north via the A1 motorway corridor.

For longer one-way trips and coastal itineraries, Split Airport is one of the easiest rental pickup points in Croatia thanks to its motorway access and large supplier network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Croatia with a US driver’s licence?
Yes. U.S. visitors can generally drive in Croatia using a valid U.S. licence for short tourist stays. Carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside the licence is still recommended.

Can I drive a rental car from Split into Bosnia & Herzegovina or Montenegro?
Usually yes, but most suppliers require advance approval together with additional insurance or cross-border documentation. Always confirm this before booking.

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Croatia?
Most visitors using licences written in the Latin alphabet do not legally require an IDP for short stays, though some rental suppliers may still recommend it. Drivers using non-Latin licences should carry one.

Is the Pelješac Bridge free to cross?
Yes. The Pelješac Bridge is toll-free and allows drivers to travel between Split and Dubrovnik entirely within Croatian territory.

Can I return my rental car at Split Airport after hours?
Many major suppliers allow after-hours returns using secure drop boxes. Check the exact procedure in your booking confirmation.

Is Uber or Bolt available at Split Airport?
Yes. Both Uber and Bolt operate around Split Airport and central Split, especially during the tourist season.