Car Hire at Split Airport

Airport travel guide

The second-most-populous Croatian city, Split is a true Adriatic metropolis and tourist hub. The capital city of the historic Dalmatia region, it is as famous for its idyllic beaches as it is for magnificent history and architecture. Whether you spend days exploring all that Split has to offer or use the city as the base to travel to nearby islands and nature attractions, you’re all but guaranteed to have a good time. Here’s our pick of attractions in and around Split:

• Diocletian’s Palace. Named after the Roman emperor who ordered it to be built in the 4th century, it is not a single palace, but rather an architectural complex and embodiment of Split’s glorious history. History lovers will marvel at Jupiter’s Temple or the Egyptian Sphinxes which were sent to the emperor while fans of the Game of Thrones will recognize many sights that appeared in the series. The main attraction of the city, Diocletian’s Palace can be quite crowded with visitors — especially during the summer months — but the experience is, nonetheless, worth it.
• Beaches. There are plenty of amazing beaches in Dalmatia, and while you can find relatively empty and wild coastal stretches by driving up or down the coast, you don’t need to leave the city to visit other less secluded, but equally idyllic, spots. Popular with visitors and locals alike, beaches like Bene, Bačvice, Kašjuni, and Žnjan are all within a very short drive of the city centre.
• Šibenik. If you ever grow tired of all the unstoppable energy, busy sites, and crazy nightlife of Split, the town of Šibenik is the right place to recharge your batteries. Similar to Split in many ways, only smaller and calmer, it is great for a leisurely stroll among its cathedrals and palaces or a visit to one of its waterfront restaurants. Should you decide you miss Split, after all, you can easily turn back —  it’s still waiting for you only an hour’s drive to the east.
• Makarska. Famous for its outstanding beaches, the resort town of Makarska offers so much more to do than just lying on the beach and soaking up the sun (although there’s that, too). The right place for those who are yearning for something more active, it offers parasailing, scuba diving, whitewater rafting, hiking in the nearby Biokovo Mountains, and plenty of other challenging entertainment. Located just 88 km (54 miles) from Split near the border with Montenegro, Makarska takes one hour to reach by car. 

Top international routes

• London
• Munich
• Frankfurt
• Manchester
• Vienna
• Helsinki

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 hire car

• Small cars - starting at £4 per day
• Medium cars - starting at £5 per day
• SUVs - starting at £5 per day
• Station wagons - starting at £7 per day
• Large cars - starting at £6 per day
• Premium cars - starting at £34 per day
• Convertibles - starting at £47 per day
• People Carriers - starting at £21 per day

Car hire 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 petrol 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 hires

• 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.