Car Rental Split

Car rental in Split typically starts from around €16–25/day in the off-season for a small economy car, rising to €40–70/day during the summer months. Most travellers collect their vehicle either at Split Airport (SPU), around 24 km west of the city, or from a downtown branch near the ferry port and main bus station. You’ll need a valid driving licence, passport or ID, and a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit. Debit cards are accepted less frequently, especially by international suppliers.

What Should You Remember Before Booking?

Key Takeaways

• Split rentals are most useful for day trips and coastal road travel, not for driving inside the Old Town.

• Split Airport (SPU) offers the widest vehicle selection and is the easiest pickup point for immediate road trips.

• Croatian rental fleets are still dominated by manual-transmission vehicles; automatics are more expensive and sell out earlier.

• One-way fees, ferry permissions and insurance excess amounts are the most commonly overlooked extra costs.

• Summer demand between May and September can create vehicle shortages, especially for SUVs, automatics and larger family cars.

Why rent a car in Split?

Split works best as a base for exploring central Dalmatia rather than as a city to drive through every day. The historic centre around Diocletian’s Palace is largely pedestrian-only, with narrow streets and limited parking close to the Old Town.

A rental car becomes useful once you leave the city. Within about an hour, you can reach:

• Trogir — UNESCO-listed island town around 30 minutes west along the coast

• Krka National Park — famous for waterfalls and walking trails, roughly an hour north via the A1 motorway

Longer drives open up much more of the Adriatic coast:

• Makarska Riviera — around 1.5–2 hours south

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

• Dubrovnik — usually around 3.5–4.5 hours depending on route and traffic

Split is also Croatia’s main ferry gateway for the central Dalmatian islands. Jadrolinija ferries connect the city with Brač, Hvar, Vis and Korčula, and having a car becomes especially useful once you arrive on larger islands such as Brač or Hvar.

Buses cover many of the same routes, but schedules are fixed and summer services can become crowded. For couples, families or travellers planning multiple stops, renting a car often offers far more flexibility for coastal drives, national parks and island connections.

Where should you pick up your rental — airport or city?

Split has three main pickup locations: Split Airport (SPU), downtown branches near the ferry port and Riva, and smaller ferry-port pickup points. The best option depends on when you actually plan to start driving.

Split Airport (SPU)

Split Airport in Kaštela is the main rental hub for central Dalmatia and usually offers the widest vehicle choice, especially for SUVs, automatics and larger family cars. It makes the most sense if you plan to leave Split immediately for destinations such as Krka National Park, Plitvice Lakes or the Makarska Riviera.

For detailed information on terminal pickup, see our Split Airport rental page.

Downtown Split

City-centre rental branches around the Riva, ferry terminal and main bus station are useful if you plan to spend a few days inside Split before beginning your road trip. This avoids paying for parking while staying near the Old Town, where traffic and parking can be frustrating during summer.

Ferry Port Pickup

Some suppliers also operate near Split’s ferry port, which can be practical for travellers arriving from islands such as Hvar or Brač. Availability is more limited here, so booking ahead becomes especially important during peak season.

If your route is airport → road trip → return flight, airport pickup is usually simplest. If Split itself is your first stop, collecting the car later from a city branch can make the stay much easier.

What car type works best in Split?

Most rental cars in Split fall into four practical categories, and the best choice depends more on your route than on the city itself.

Compact Hatchback

Examples: Fiat 500, VW Polo, Hyundai i10/i20

Small hatchbacks are the easiest option for Split itself. They fit better into tight parking spaces, handle narrow streets comfortably, and cost the least to rent and fuel. Ideal for couples travelling light or anyone mainly doing short coastal drives.

Mid-Size Estate or Compact SUV

Examples: Hyundai i30 Estate, Suzuki Vitara, VW T-Cross

This is the most balanced option for central Dalmatia road trips. You get extra luggage space and better comfort for drives to Krka National Park, Plitvice Lakes, Dubrovnik or the Makarska Riviera, without making parking dramatically harder in towns.

Full SUV

Examples: VW Tiguan, Škoda Kodiaq

Worth considering mainly for larger groups, families with heavy luggage, or travellers planning longer inland drives through mountainous areas of Bosnia & Herzegovina or northern Montenegro. For standard Croatian coastal routes, a smaller car is usually enough.

Convertible

Convertibles are heavily marketed along the Adriatic coast, but summer driving in Dalmatia often means strong sun, traffic and limited parking. In practice, good air-conditioning usually matters more than open-top driving during July and August.

Manual gearboxes still dominate Croatian rental fleets and are normally cheaper than automatics. Automatic cars carry a noticeable premium — often around €10–20 extra per day in peak season — and availability becomes limited quickly during summer. If you prefer automatic, reserve it when booking rather than trying to upgrade at the desk.

Which suppliers operate in Split?

Split’s rental market falls into three broad groups: international airport brands, Croatian regional operators, and smaller downtown companies focused on city pickups and short-term hires.

International Brands at Split Airport (SPU)

Most major international suppliers operate directly from Split Airport, usually with desks inside or adjacent to the arrivals area.

• Sixt — Large airport fleet ranging from small city cars to SUVs and premium vehicles

• Europcar — Strong selection of compact, estate and family cars

• Avis — Airport and city-centre presence in Split

• Hertz — International operator with airport coverage across Croatia

• Alamo & Enterprise — Shared airport operations with additional city locations near the ferry-port area

Croatian and Regional Operators

Several Croatian companies compete heavily on pricing and one-way rentals within Dalmatia.

• Nova Rent a Car — Established Croatian supplier with airport and downtown Split coverage

• Avax Rent a Car — Dalmatia-focused operator commonly used for coastal and cross-border trips

• Lutar — Local Croatian company with strong downtown presence and smaller fleet options

Some suppliers operate directly from the airport terminal, while others use nearby shuttle lots or Meet & Greet handovers. The official Split Airport rental list is the best source for checking which companies currently operate on-site at SPU.

A Note on Cheap Car Hire in Split

The cheapest rates in Split are often small manual-transmission cars rented through local operators. These can look significantly cheaper upfront, but may come with:

• higher credit-card deposit holds

• stricter fuel policies

• limited mileage conditions

• or larger insurance excess amounts

When comparing prices, it’s worth looking beyond the headline daily rate and checking the total deposit, fuel policy and insurance terms before booking.

What's the pickup process at Split Airport (SPU)?

Split Airport (SPU) sits near Kaštela, around 24 km west of central Split. Most major rental suppliers operate directly from the airport arrivals area, with vehicle pickup zones signposted outside the terminal.

Step-by-Step Pickup Process

1. Clear arrivals and head to the rental desks
   After baggage claim and customs, follow the airport signs to the rental counters inside or near the arrivals hall.

2. Present your documents
   Most suppliers require:

• a valid driving licence

• passport or national ID

• a credit card in the main driver’s name

• booking confirmation

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

4. Review the rental agreement carefully
   Before signing, check:

• fuel policy (full-to-full is usually best)

• insurance coverage and CDW excess

• mileage rules

• cross-border permissions if planning trips into Bosnia & Herzegovina or Montenegro

5. Collect the vehicle
   Most airport-based suppliers park cars within a short walk of the terminal. Some lower-cost or regional operators may use nearby shuttle lots instead.

6. Inspect the car before leaving
   Photograph all visible damage, wheels and windscreen before driving away. Make sure any existing scratches or dents are recorded on the contract.

Split Airport Transport Note

Travellers not collecting a rental car at the airport can use the Platanus airport shuttle or local Promet bus services connecting Split, Kaštela and Trogir. The official Split Airport transport page is the best source for current schedules and transport updates.

If you’re picking up a rental directly at SPU, you can simply drive out towards Split, the A1 motorway or the coastal D8 road immediately after collection.

What driving rules apply in Split?

A few local driving rules matter more than others when using a rental car in Split and along the Dalmatian coast.

Split Old Town Is Pedestrian-Only

The historic centre around Diocletian’s Palace is effectively closed to normal traffic. Streets inside the Old Town are narrow, pedestrian-heavy and controlled by restricted-access rules. It is far easier to park outside the centre and explore on foot.

Parking Zones in Split

Central Split uses a zoned paid-parking system, with prices generally increasing closer to the Old Town and waterfront. Parking around the Riva and ferry-port area becomes extremely limited during summer. Travellers staying for the day often use larger parking areas slightly outside the centre to avoid congestion and high hourly rates.

Driving the D8 Coastal Road

The D8 Adriatic Highway between Split and Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s most scenic drives, but also one of its busiest during summer. Expect slower traffic through coastal towns, especially in July and August, and allow more time than navigation apps may initially estimate.

A1 Motorway

The A1 motorway connects Split with Zagreb and inland Croatia. It is significantly faster than the coastal road for long-distance driving, but operates as a toll motorway with pay-as-you-go pricing.

Standard Croatian Speed Limits

Unless signposted otherwise:

• 50 km/h in towns and built-up areas

• 90 km/h on rural roads

• 110 km/h on expressways

• 130 km/h on motorways

Alcohol Limits

Croatia’s standard blood-alcohol limit is 0.5 g/L for most adult drivers. Stricter rules apply to some younger and professional drivers. Rental agreements normally make the driver fully responsible for any traffic fines or violations.

Headlights

Dipped headlights or daytime running lights are required during daytime driving in winter months, typically from late autumn through the end of March.

Child Seat Rules

Children under 12 are generally not permitted in the front passenger seat, and younger children must use appropriate child restraints. Rental companies offer child seats as an optional extra, usually charged per day.

Cross-Border Driving

Since the opening of the Pelješac Bridge, drivers travelling between Split and Dubrovnik no longer need to cross through Bosnia & Herzegovina. However, if you plan to drive into Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro or Serbia, most rental companies require advance approval together with additional insurance or cross-border documentation.

Best Day Trips from Split

The strongest reason to rent a car in Split is the range of day trips you can comfortably reach along the Dalmatian coast and inland Croatia.

Trogir
Around 30 minutes west of Split (approx. 27 km via the D8)

Trogir is one of the easiest half-day drives from Split. The UNESCO-listed Old Town sits on a small island linked by bridges, with larger parking areas located outside the historic centre.

Krka National Park
Around 1–1.25 hours north of Split (approx. 85 km)

Krka National Park is known for waterfalls, walking trails and river viewpoints. The fastest route follows the A1 motorway before connecting to local park roads. Entry pricing changes seasonally, so it’s best to check the official Krka National Park website before travelling.

Plitvice Lakes National Park
Around 2.5–3 hours north of Split (approx. 245 km)

Plitvice Lakes is one of Croatia’s most popular inland destinations and works best as an early-start day trip. During peak summer months, timed-entry tickets are commonly used and morning arrival is strongly recommended.

Hvar and Brač
Reached via Jadrolinija ferry connections from Split ferry port

Travellers can either:

• drive a rental car onto selected car ferries

• or travel by passenger catamaran and rent locally on the island

Some rental companies charge additional ferry fees or require advance approval before taking vehicles onto ferries, so it’s important to confirm ferry rules with the supplier before departure.

Dubrovnik
Usually around 3.5–4.5 hours south depending on route and traffic

Drivers can either:

• follow the scenic but slower D8 Adriatic coastal road

• or combine the faster A1 motorway with the Pelješac Bridge route

Since the opening of the Pelješac Bridge, the journey between Split and Dubrovnik no longer requires crossing through Bosnia & Herzegovina.

One-Way Road Trips
Many travellers collect a car in Split and return it in Dubrovnik or Zagreb instead of looping back. One-way rentals are widely available across Croatia, though additional fees vary significantly depending on supplier, route and season.

Seasonality Matters
Demand for rental cars in Split rises sharply between May and September, especially for:

• automatic cars

• SUVs

• larger family vehicles

• and airport pickups

Availability becomes more of a problem than pricing during peak summer weeks, so booking early is strongly recommended.

Car Rental Split FAQs

Is it worth hiring a car in Split?
For day trips and onward travel, yes. For staying entirely inside Split itself, usually no. The Old Town around Diocletian’s Palace is largely pedestrian-only, parking near the centre is limited and paid, and most major sights are walkable.

A rental car becomes useful once you leave the city for places such as:

• Krka National Park

• Trogir

• Plitvice Lakes

• Dubrovnik

• Brač or Hvar via ferry

If your plans stay mainly within Split, taxis, ferries and the local Promet bus network are usually enough.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Split?
Small economy cars in Split can start from around €16–25/day outside peak season, while summer prices are significantly higher. SUVs, automatic cars and larger family vehicles cost more, especially between May and September.

When comparing prices, check:

• insurance excess amounts

• fuel policy

• mileage limits

• one-way fees

• ferry permissions

The cheapest advertised rate is not always the cheapest final booking.

Where should I pick up my rental car in Split — airport or city?
If you’re arriving by air and driving immediately, Split Airport (SPU) is usually the easiest pickup point.

If you plan to stay in Split for a few days before starting your road trip, a downtown branch near the ferry port or Riva can be more convenient and avoids returning to the airport unnecessarily.

Can I rent a car in Split without a credit card?
Some local suppliers may accept debit cards or reduced-deposit rentals, but most international brands require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit. Deposit holds can be substantial depending on the vehicle category and insurance coverage selected.

Can I take a Split rental car on a ferry to Hvar or Brač?
Usually yes, particularly on domestic Jadrolinija ferry routes. However, many suppliers require advance approval and some charge additional ferry fees. Always confirm ferry permission before booking ferry tickets or boarding with the vehicle.

Can I drive a Split rental car one-way to Dubrovnik or Zagreb?
Yes. One-way rentals between Split, Dubrovnik and Zagreb are widely available across Croatia. Extra charges vary significantly depending on supplier, season and route distance.

What’s the minimum age to rent a car in Split?
Most Croatian rental suppliers require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with additional surcharges often applying to drivers under 25. Premium vehicle categories may require drivers to be older and to have held a licence for a minimum period.

Is there a shuttle from Split Airport to the city?
Yes. Split Airport is connected to the city by airport shuttle buses, local Promet buses and taxis. Current schedules and transport updates are listed on the official Split Airport transport page.

Bottom Line

A car rental in Split makes the biggest difference once you leave the city itself. Inside the historic centre, driving is inconvenient and parking is limited. But for exploring national parks, the Dalmatian coast, ferry-connected islands and longer road trips through Croatia, a rental car adds flexibility that public transport often cannot match.

The most important things to check before booking are:

• deposit and insurance terms

• ferry permissions

• one-way rental fees

• and pickup location convenience

Once those details are sorted, Split becomes one of the easiest bases in Croatia for building a wider Adriatic road trip.