Renting a Car at Split Airport

Split Airport (SPU) serves Croatia's second city and the Dalmatian Coast — a stunning stretch of Adriatic shoreline, medieval walled towns, national parks, and islands. A rental car opens up Krka National Park, the walled city of Trogir, and the drive north to the Plitvice Lakes.

Prices from €20/day. Croatian motorways (A1, A6) are well-maintained; coastal and island roads can be narrow. Note: Dalmatian islands cannot be accessed by car without taking a car ferry (usually prohibited by rental providers).

Which Car Rental Companies Operate at SPU?

  • Europcar
  • Sixt
  • Hertz
  • Avis
  • Budget

Additional options are available through DiscoverCars and RentalCars.com, which aggregate independent local operators alongside the major brands — often at the lowest rates.

How to Pick Up Your Car at Split Airport

1
Collect Your Luggage

Follow signs to baggage reclaim in the arrivals hall.

2
Find the Car Rental Desks

Rental desks are in the arrivals hall — follow 'Car Rental / Auto a Noleggio / Autonoleggio' signs after customs.

3
Present Your Documents

You need: booking confirmation, valid driving licence (≥1 year), passport or ID card, and the credit card used to book.

4
Inspect the Car

Walk around the car with the agent before signing. Photograph any existing damage.

5
Drive Away

Follow airport exit signs toward the city. Your sat-nav or phone maps will guide you from there.

What Documents Do You Need?

  • Valid driving licence — held for at least 1 year. EU licences accepted without translation throughout the EU/EEA.
  • Passport or national identity card.
  • Credit card in the primary driver's name for the security deposit (debit cards rarely accepted).
  • Non-EU licence holders may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if the licence is not in Latin script.

Young Driver Rules at Split Airport

Drivers aged 18–24 can rent from most providers but typically pay a Young Driver Surcharge of €10–€25/day. The minimum rental age is usually 18, though some providers require 21 or 25 for premium vehicle categories.

Tips for Renting at SPU

  • Book Krka National Park entry in advance online — numbers are capped in summer.
  • The coastal road (D8 Jadranska magistrala) is breathtaking but narrow and slow — allow twice the motorway time.
  • Trogir is 30 min from the airport and a better base than Split city if you want to explore northward.
  • Headlights must be on at all times Oct–Mar.
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Getting from Split Airport to Split City Centre

With a rental car, driving from Split Airport to Split city centre takes approximately 30 min (25 km). Follow the airport exit signs toward the city — sat-nav or Google Maps will route you from there. Parking in the centre varies; check our tips above for the best options.

Driving in Croatia

Croatia uses right-hand traffic. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, 130 km/h on motorways. Blood alcohol limit: 0.05%. Motorway tolls apply. Headlights on at all times Oct–Mar. Currency: Euro (€).

Nearby Destinations Worth Driving To

  • Krka National Park — 65 km, 1 hr. Waterfalls you can swim beneath in a canyon — one of Croatia's most spectacular parks.
  • Trogir — 30 km, 30 min. A tiny walled island city with a UNESCO-listed medieval centre — a 30-minute drive from Split Airport.
  • Dubrovnik — 230 km, 3 hr. The Pearl of the Adriatic — but the drive down the coast is as rewarding as the destination.
  • Plitvice Lakes — 230 km, 2.5 hr. Croatia's most famous national park — turquoise cascading lakes in a limestone canyon.

For more planning help, read our car rental tips guide and find out which fees to watch for when you collect your vehicle.