Car Rental at Split Airport

Airport travel guide

The second-largest city in Croatia and the capital of the historic region of Dalmatia, Split is one of the most interesting destinations in the country. In addition to beautiful beaches, it also offers impressive history and access to some of Croatia’s most idyllic islands. These are six of the most interesting attractions in and around it:

• Diocletian’s Palace. Formerly home to many classical civilizations, Croatia has no shortage of historical landmarks, and Diocletian’s Palace is one of the most impressive. Named after a Roman emperor who both was born and died in the area, the palace complex is a world heritage site that includes not just the main building itself, but also St. Duje’s Cathedral (said to be the oldest in the world), Jupiter Temple (which predates Christianity), and four impressive gates.
• Marjan. One of the nicest natural landmarks in Split, Marjan is a 174-meter (571 feet) high hill towering over the rest of the coastal city that provides wonderful views of the buildings and sea below. Man-made development is forbidden on Marjan. The forested area is known as the ‘Lungs of the City’ by the locals.
• Krka National Park. Named after the swift river of the same name, Krka National Park is one of the most beautiful protected areas in the country. Primarily known for its stunning waterfalls, the park also boasts lakes, hiking trails, and the island monastery of Visovac. Animal species native to the park include griffon vulture, long-fingered bat, and European otter. Krka National Park is 80 km (50 miles) northwest of Split and can be reached in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
• Hvar, Brač, and Šolta. Split is near a number of beautiful islands, most of which can be easily accessed by boat. Three of the nearest ones are Hvar, Brač, and Šolta, all of which offer beautiful beaches; historic, well-preserved cities; and hidden natural wonders in equal measure (the two former ones are more popular and busy while the latter is smaller and more relaxed). Some ferry companies permit taking a rental car with you while others do not — look this up in advance and also make sure to ask your rental car supplier if they permit it.
• Trogir.  This small, often-overlooked historical city, which sits just 27km west of Split, makes a great day trip destination. Since 1997, Trogir has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site on account of its numerous, well-preserved Venetian buildings. Exploring Trogir feels like venturing back in time. Its narrow cobbled streets twist and turn and open to reveal grand piazzas filled with well-heeled crowds sipping coffee and indulging in traditional fare. The Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral of St. Lawrence sits in the center of the old town. It is possible to climb to the top of its bell tower for sweeping vistas over the city.
• Omiš. Go the other direction, and you’ll soon end up in Omiš, another pleasant coastal town that’s just a 40-minute drive southeast of Split. One of the most popular city escapes with Split natives and increasingly popular with foreign visitors as well, Omiš attracts visitors with its spectacular backdrop of coastal cliffs, two well-preserved fortresses, relaxed atmosphere, and, of course, beaches.

Top international routes

• Zagreb
• Amsterdam
• London
• Munich
• Rome
• Frankfurt
• Dusseldorf
• Vienna
• Berlin
• Hamburg

Main airlines

Croatia Airlines, easyJet, Scandinavian Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Volotea, and Wizz Air

Terminals

There’s a single three-story terminal. Construction of a new terminal is currently under way, as are other airport development projects.

Location

Split Airport is about 24 km (15 miles) outside the city of Split. Ivana Pavla II, Zbora narodne garde, and Poljička cesta are the main streets connecting the airport to the city.

Most popular types of rental car

• Small cars - from $9 per day
• Medium cars - from $11 per day
• SUVs - from $11 per day
• Station wagons - from $15 per day
• Large cars - from $14 per day
• Premium cars - from $81 per day
• Convertibles - from $65 per day
• Vans - from $38 per day

Car rental desks

Most are in the arrivals hall on the first floor of the airport.

Services and facilities

You’ll find a coffee bar, a cafeteria, a restaurant, a shop, and a first aid room. The lost and found service is in the arrivals hall and operates daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Many of the airport facilities are friendly to travelers with reduced mobility. There’s a marked place in the passenger terminal equipped with a telephone, where you can request help from airport staff. You can find more information on the airport's official website.

Nearest gas station

Petrol, located at Knežine Bb, 21216, is on the way to Split city center. It can be reached in about five minutes and is open 24/7. There are many other gas stations near Split Airport and in the city of Split.

Popular one-way rentals

• Dubrovnik (241 km / 149 mi). Considered to be one of the most picturesque places on the Adriatic Sea, the whole of the city of Dubrovnik has the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A place of truly special atmosphere, it is home to a beautiful old town and impressive city walls.
• Zagreb (381 km / 236 mi). The capital city, Zagreb is located in the northwestern part of the country and has a very different atmosphere than the coastal cities of Croatia - it is more Central European than Mediterranean in character. Zagreb boasts a well-preserved architecture and many interesting museums.
• Pula (491 km / 305 mi). Pula is the capital of Istria, a peninsula and a unique historic region home to both Croatian and Italian influences. In addition to many beautiful beaches, the region also has an impressive Roman amphitheater and the scenic islands of Brijuni.
• Venice (615 km / 382 mi). One of the most famous cities in Europe (and, indeed, the world), Venice is a destination like no other. Although it’s best explored on foot or by gondola, you can drive to mainland Venice, park your car there, and head to discover the many world-famous landmarks that the sinking city can offer. To go from Split to Venice, you’ll have to cross two international borders, so ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it.
• Zadar (129 km / 80 mi). Located in Northern Dalmatia just a short ride from Pula, Zadar is another picturesque coastal town that blends impressive history and beautiful architecture with many amazing beaches.
• Sarajevo (255 km / 158 mi). The capital of neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo suffered heavily during the war in the 1990s, but has since reinvented itself as a safe and fascinating travel destination. The mountainous city is home to varied religious architecture, unique atmosphere and impressive nearby nature areas. Before going, make sure your rental car provider permits it. Also, check whether you need a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina.