Last updated: March 2026
Split is Croatia's second city and the gateway to the Dalmatian coast, islands, and hinterland. While the historic core around Diocletian's Palace is explored on foot, a rental car opens up the extraordinary coastline, national parks, and mountain-backed villages that make this region one of Europe's finest driving destinations. Summer is peak season, so book your car well in advance.
Split Airport (SPU), also known as Kaštela Airport, is located 25 km west of the city center between Kaštela and Trogir. All major international rental companies are represented, along with reliable local operators like Nova Rentacar and Fleet. The airport is connected to Split by bus (line 37, 30 min), but there is no rail link. Rental rates in Croatia are moderate by European standards and highly seasonal — July and August command premium prices, while May, June, and September offer much better deals with equally good weather.
The Adriatic Highway (Jadranska Magistrala / D8) running along the coast is one of Europe's most scenic routes. From Split, drive south toward Makarska (65 km) for stunning views of the Biokovo mountain range plunging into the turquoise Adriatic. Continue south to Dubrovnik (230 km, 3.5 hours) through the dramatic Neretva Delta. Note that the route passes briefly through Bosnia & Herzegovina near Neum — carry your passport and confirm your rental car's insurance covers Bosnia.
Taking your rental car on a Jadrolinija ferry to the islands is a Croatian road trip essential. Brač (50 min ferry) has the famous Zlatni Rat beach and quiet inland villages. Hvar (2 hr catamaran, or drive to Drvenik and take the shorter Sućuraj ferry) offers lavender fields, vineyards, and chic harbor towns. Vis (2.5 hr ferry) is the most remote and unspoiled, with military tunnels, natural caves, and exceptional seafood. Always book ferry tickets in advance for July and August, especially for car spots.
Croatian roads have improved dramatically since EU accession. The A1 motorway from Split to Zagreb features long tunnels through the Dinaric Alps, including the 5.7 km Sveti Rok tunnel. Tolls on the A1 are around €25 for the full Split-Zagreb run. Speed limits are 130 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on main roads, and 50 km/h in towns. Croatia uses the kuna-to-euro converted pricing (joined the Eurozone in 2023), so all tolls and fuel are in euros.
Fuel costs around €1.50-€1.65 per liter. Headlights must be on at all times while driving (day and night) from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March. The blood alcohol limit is a strict 0.5 g/l (0.0 for drivers under 24). Roadside police checks are common, especially on the coastal road in summer.
Summer parking in Split is notoriously difficult. The old town area has almost no public car parking, and surrounding streets fill early. Your best options are the Mall of Split or City Center One parking garages east of the city center, which offer affordable all-day rates and are connected by bus. Alternatively, park at the Lora area west of the center near the ACI marina. Never park illegally — Split's parking enforcement is vigilant and towing is swift. If staying at a hotel or apartment, confirm parking availability before booking.
You can pick up a rental car at these airports near Split:
| Zone | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 (Diocletian's Palace area) | €3.00-€4.00/hr | Very limited on-street parking near the palace. Maximum 1-2 hours. Pay via mParking SMS system or meters. |
| Zone 2 (Bačvice / Firule) | €1.50-€2.50/hr | Slightly further from the old town. More availability but still fills up in summer. Pay via app or meters. |
| Mall of Split / City Center One | €5-€8/day | Shopping mall garages east of the city offer affordable all-day parking. Take bus 37 to the center. Free first 2-3 hours with purchases. |
Traffic note: Split's old town around Diocletian's Palace is entirely pedestrian, and the surrounding streets are narrow and congested in summer. The Riva waterfront promenade is car-free. The main coastal road through Split (Ulica Domovinskog rata) gets heavy traffic during summer tourist season. The A1 motorway connecting Split to Zagreb is modern and well-maintained but has tolls. Croatian drivers can be aggressive overtakers on two-lane roads. Island ferry traffic causes periodic congestion around the port area, especially early morning when ferries to Brač, Hvar, and Vis depart. Parking in summer is genuinely challenging — arrive early or use peripheral parking.
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A UNESCO World Heritage island town with a remarkably preserved Romanesque-Gothic old town, a 13th-century cathedral, and a compact waterfront lined with restaurants. Connected to the mainland by bridges.
A former pirate stronghold where the Cetina River meets the sea. Famous for zip-lining over the canyon, rafting on the river, and a dramatic gorge drive inland to Radmanove Mlinice restaurant.
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