Car Hire In Split, Croatia: Great Value Deals And A Practical UK Traveller’s Guide
Compare competitive prices, choose the best pick-up point (airport or city centre), and get straightforward advice on insurance, fuel policies and common fees for stress-free driving around Dalmatia.
Top Rental Cars to Explore Split and the Dalmatian Coast
Hand-picked vehicles for narrow Old Town lanes, scenic coastal drives and island ferry crossings around Split. Browse more popular options below.
Old Town & City
Small
5
2
AutoSplit's Diocletian's Palace district and surrounding streets are narrow, often one-way and notoriously short on parking. A small hatchback slips through tight medieval lanes with ease and slots into the smallest bays near the Riva. Fuel-efficient for stop-start city traffic, it keeps running costs low while giving you freedom to explore Varoš and Bačvice without hassle. An automatic gearbox is ideal for hill-hopping through the hilly centre.
Coastal & Island
Convertible
42AutoDriving the Dalmatian coastal road from Split to Omiš, or catching the ferry to Hvar and Brač, is best enjoyed with the roof down. A convertible turns every hairpin bend into a photo opportunity and the summer sea breeze keeps the cabin cool. Boot space is generous enough for a couple of suitcases, and the elevated seating helps on bumpy island roads. Perfect for couples chasing sunsets over the Adriatic.
Mountains & Day Trips
SUV
53AutoDay trips to Krka National Park, the Cetina River canyon or the Biokovo mountain range involve steep gradients, hairpin bends and occasional gravel tracks. A compact SUV offers the ground clearance and higher driving position needed for tackling uneven surfaces with confidence. It also handles motorway stretches towards Dubrovnik comfortably and carries a family of four with luggage for a long day out. Air-conditioning is essential for the hot interior valleys in July and August.
Choose Your Ride
Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.
Airport Pick-up: Maximum Choice And Fast Getaway
Hiring at Split Airport usually gives the best selection of vehicles (including family cars and automatics), longer opening hours and straightforward onward routes towards Trogir, the A1 and the coast. It can also be cost-effective thanks to strong competition between suppliers, though you may see airport surcharges and longer queues in July–August.
Fiat 500
41
2
Manual
Fiat 500
412Manual
Fiat 500
412Manual
Volkswagen T-cross
524Manual
Volkswagen T-cross
524ManualVolkswagen T-cross
524Manual
Fiat 500
412Manual
Fiat 500
412Manual
Fiat 500
412ManualCar Hire at Split Airport: Real Customer Reviews
Browse verified ratings and honest feedback from travellers who collected their rental cars at Split Airport (SPU) to plan your journey with confidence.
| Rental company | Rating | Avg. Daily Rate | Pickup Method/Distance | Security deposit | Accepts Debit Cards | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | 4.4 46667+ reviews | $313 | 7.3 mi from Split Downtown | $944 - $1,652 |
| |
 Best Overall | 4.2 201000+ reviews | $104 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $1,003 - $2,360 |
| |
| Best Overall | 4.1 185+ reviews | $81 | Walk to counter | $1,475 - $4,130 |
| |
| Best Overall | 3.9 30,000+ reviews | $20 | Walk to counter | $1,711 - $1,947 |
| |
| 3.7 6 reviews | $51 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $826 - $1,062 |
| |
| 3.2 1,900+ reviews | $22 | Walk to counter | $1,298 - $2,242 |
| |
 | 2.7 17,000+ reviews | $64 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $413 - $590 |
| |
| 2.7 25 reviews | $59 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $826 - $1,062 |
| |
 | 2.6 6600+ reviews | $19 | 7.2 mi from Split Downtown | $1,180 |
| |
 | 2.6 4 reviews | $24 | 7.4 mi from Split Downtown | - |
|
*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.
Platform Insights
Car Rental Expert Advice
By QEEQ Platform Expert Team
Expertise Metrics
Platform Recognition
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Booking Volume
Review Quality
10,000+ verified 5-star reviews
Market Experience
Data Authority
Expertise Verification
QEEQ data verified against local official data sources
Key Expert Insights
Platform Analysis
"Split Airport captures 40-45% of rentals, city centre 20-25%, and the port 15-20%, with 43 locations serving the area. Airport proximity and ferry connectivity drive the highest booking volumes."
Booking Patterns
"SUVs are the fastest-growing segment projected to lead by 2031, while mini cars remain most frequently booked. Revenue peaks at 65-70% in summer, with off-season growing double-digit."
Customer Pain Points
"Insurance confusion affects approximately 32% of customers regarding CDW versus full coverage distinctions, with cross-border and F-road coverage misunderstandings being common issues."
Data Sources
- QEEQ internal booking databse
- KAYAK Split Car Rental Data
- Split Airport Official
- 6Wresearch Croatia Vehicle Rental Market Report
- KAYAK Split Car Rental Data
- HAK Croatian Auto Club
- Consumer Review Analysis - Industry Standards
Road Trips
One-way rental routes starting from Split
Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Split
Popular Self-Drive Routes & Day Trips From Split
Recommended Scenic Routes:
Split to Dubrovnik via the Adriatic Coast (D8) and Pelješac Bridge
A classic Dalmatian drive hugging the Adriatic with sea views, historic towns and island panoramas. The Pelješac Bridge route helps avoid border formalities at Neum and keeps the journey straightforward, especially in peak season.
Split to Krka National Park via Šibenik
Combine a UNESCO-listed coastal city with one of Croatia’s most accessible national parks. Drive to Šibenik for architecture and waterfront cafés, then continue inland to Krka for waterfalls and riverside walks.
Split to Imotski Lakes and Biokovo Skywalk
A varied inland route for travellers who want big landscapes beyond the coast. See the dramatic sinkhole lakes near Imotski, then head back towards the mountains for high-altitude views from Biokovo Nature Park (seasonal access).
Popular Short Trips (Half-Day to Full-Day):
Trogir Old Town (UNESCO) and Seafront Lunch
An easy, high-reward outing to a compact medieval island-town with Romanesque-Gothic architecture, palm-lined promenades and excellent seafood. Ideal if you want culture without a long drive.
Omiš and Cetina River Viewpoints
A quick coastal escape with mountain-meets-sea scenery. Explore the old town, stop at viewpoints above the Cetina canyon, and finish with a beach walk or a relaxed coffee by the harbour.
Klis Fortress and Traditional Konoba Dinner
Drive up to Klis for sweeping views over Split and the islands, then pair it with a hearty meal inland. A great choice for sunset and a dose of history close to the city.
Makarska Riviera Beach Hopping
Follow the coast south for clear water and postcard beaches backed by the Biokovo range. Stop at a couple of coves, stroll the promenade, and return to Split when the light turns golden.
Šibenik Old Town and Waterfront Evening
A rewarding city break for architecture lovers. Visit the old town lanes and the cathedral area, then enjoy an easy evening meal by the sea before heading back.
Car Hire Planning Tips for Driving Around Split
Check licence and ID requirements: Bring your driving licence and passport/ID. If your licence isn’t in Latin script, consider carrying an International Driving Permit to avoid pick-up issues.
Choose the right roads for your comfort level: The A1 motorway is faster and calmer; the D8 coastal road is slower but scenic. In summer, the D8 can be busy and parking in coastal towns fills early.
Plan parking before you arrive: Historic centres (Split, Trogir, Dubrovnik) have restricted access and limited spaces. Use official car parks and budget extra time to walk in.
Fuel up strategically: Motorway services are convenient but often pricier. Top up near larger towns (e.g., Split, Solin, Šibenik) before heading to remote areas like Biokovo or inland villages.
Start early to beat queues and heat: For Krka, Plitvice and popular beaches, leaving before 08:00–09:00 usually means easier parking and cooler walking conditions.
Understand insurance and deposits: Confirm what’s covered (CDW, theft, glass/tyres/undercarriage) and the deposit amount. Photograph the car at pick-up and drop-off, including wheels and any existing scratches.
Use offline maps and live traffic: Download offline maps for patchy coverage in mountains. Use live traffic for the D8 and Split ring-road at peak hours to avoid slowdowns.
Watch for seasonal access and local rules: Some mountain roads and park routes are seasonal or weather-dependent. In summer, carry water and avoid leaving valuables visible in the car at beach car parks.
Split, Croatia: Drive the Dalmatian Coast
From UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace to island-hopping adventures, discover everything you need to know about driving and car rental in Split-Dalmatia for an unforgettable Croatian road trip.
LANGUAGES
Croatian
CURRENCY
EUR
DRIVE ON
Right-hand side
COUNTRY CODE
+385
AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE
$57 per day
AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH
6-7 days
SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN
50 km/h
SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN
90-130 km/h
ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC
0.05%
AVERAGE GAS PRICE
$1.65/L
LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE
$1.45/L - $1.85/L
Driving in Split: UK Visitor FAQs
Everything British drivers need to know about licences, tolls, parking and island ferries when hiring a car in Split.
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