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.

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Split Car Hire Guide: Where To Collect, What To Watch For, And How To Save

Renting a car in Split is one of the easiest ways to explore the Dalmatian coast at your own pace, from Trogir and Omiš to Krka National Park and (with a ferry) the islands. For travellers from the United Kingdom, driving is straightforward but different in a few key ways: Croatia drives on the right, most hire cars are manual unless you book an automatic early, and summer demand can push prices up quickly. Airport pick-up tends to offer the widest choice and longer opening hours, while city-centre pick-up can be more convenient if you are staying in Split and want to avoid airport queues. Always check the fuel policy (full-to-full is usually best), understand the excess and deposit on your payment card, and photograph the vehicle at collection and return.

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Split Airport (SPU) – Resnik/Kastela

The main hub for car hire in the region. Rental desks are located in/near the terminal building, with vehicles typically in adjacent car parks. Ideal for immediate onward travel to Trogir, Šibenik or the A1 motorway. Pros: biggest fleet, longest hours, strong competition. Cons: peak-season queues, airport surcharges on some rates, and busy roads around flight banks.

Split City Centre (around the Old Town/Riva)

Convenient if you arrive by coach, ferry or train and only want a car for day trips. Advantages: easy access from central accommodation, no need to return to the airport. Disadvantages: limited parking, narrow streets, potential access restrictions, and shorter opening hours than the airport.

Split Ferry Port (Trajektna Luka Split)

Popular for travellers connecting to islands or arriving from other Croatian cities by sea. Advantages: walkable from central hotels and ideal for multi-modal trips. Disadvantages: traffic congestion in summer, limited nearby parking for paperwork/inspection, and higher risk of delays if you need to catch a sailing.

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What do you need to rent a car in Split?

Renting a car in Split is quite convenient, but there can be some specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Form of ID: A valid physical national photo ID is required (Japan renters in Japan; France renters in France; Croatia renters in Croatia).
Driving licence: Main and additional drivers must present a full, original physical driving licence with no major endorsements. Minimum holding period varies by vehicle and location: commonly at least 1 year, sometimes 2–5 years; in some cases the exact requirement (e.g. 1–2 years or ‘refer to full terms’) must be checked in the detailed rental conditions or with customer service.
Notes: In certain cases the minimum licence holding period is not fixed and is stated as 1–2 years or ‘please refer to Full Rental Terms & Conditions – driving licence part for details or contact customer service’.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are generally required. Accepted brands (vary by offer) include Visa, MasterCard, JCB, AMEX, Diners Club, Discover and UnionPay. Some offers also accept debit cards and/or cash; some require two credit cards or a separate deposit card. Please check your specific offer to confirm whether cash, debit cards or multiple cards are allowed.
Age requirements: Standard eligible driver ages across offers range from 18–99, with many locations limiting the maximum age to 65–80 and sometimes 70–75. Young driver surcharges commonly apply where the driver is between 18–22, 18–24 or 21–25, and are charged per day or per rental (for example: ‘$11.80 per day’, ‘$14.75 per day; $44.25 capped for your rental’, ‘$47.20 per lease’). In several offers, both young and senior drivers (e.g. 70+ or 75+) may incur an additional fee, which is described in the young/old driver reference for that specific offer.

Driving licence: Main and additional drivers must present a full, original physical driving licence with no major endorsements. Licence must usually be held for at least 1 year, and for some offers 2–5 years, while a few state that the exact minimum must be checked in the full rental terms or with customer service. Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + IDP (issued under the 1949 Convention, A6 booklet, matching vehicle category)
• Taiwan driving licence + official Japanese translation
• Original Swiss / German / French / Belgian / Monaco / Slovenia / Taiwan licence + official Japanese translation
or
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (translation only; original licence must be presented)
• EU/EEA driving licence (valid across EU/EEA, Switzerland and the UK)
• Hong Kong driving licence in China + IDP (1949 Convention) for specified Japan offers.
Notes: For Japan: translations for Swiss, German, French, Belgian, Monaco and Taiwan licences must be issued by JAF, ALADDIN, ADAC or an embassy/consulate. For some Croatia offers: driver’s licence, passport and IDP must be issued in the same country. For several offers, the exact minimum licence holding period is stated in the detailed rental terms and should be confirmed with customer service.
Form of ID: A valid passport is required for foreign renters.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are generally required. Accepted brands (vary by country and offer) include Visa, MasterCard, JCB, AMEX, Diners Club, Discover and UnionPay. Some French and Croatian offers also accept debit cards and/or deposit cards; a few Japan offers permit cash. A small number of offers list card brands but do not specify accepted payment tools, so you should check the exact payment conditions for your chosen offer.
Age requirements: Standard eligible driver ages across offers range from 18–99, with many locations limiting the maximum age to 65–80 and sometimes 70–75. Young driver surcharges commonly apply where the driver is between 18–22, 18–24 or 21–25, and are charged per day or per rental (for example: ‘$11.80 per day’, ‘$14.75 per day; $44.25 capped for your rental’, ‘$47.20 per lease’). In several offers, both young and senior drivers (e.g. 70+ or 75+) may incur an additional fee, which is described in the young/old driver reference for that specific offer.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Split Airport (SPU)

Split City Centre

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.

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Car 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	Key Advantages
Best Overall	4.4 46667+ reviews	$313	7.3 mi from Split Downtown	$944 - $1,652	●Friendly professional staff excellent service ●Clean well-maintained cars provided ●Quick easy pickup and return process
Best Overall	4.2 201000+ reviews	$104	In terminal, Walk to counter	$1,003 - $2,360	●Easy online booking process ●Competitive travel prices ●Wide hotel selection available
Best Overall	4.1 185+ reviews	$81	Walk to counter	$1,475 - $4,130	●Eco-friendly cleaning products ●Quick delivery service ●Great customer service
Best Overall	3.9 30,000+ reviews	$20	Walk to counter	$1,711 - $1,947	●Perfect service experience ●Excellent professional staff ●Great price value
	3.7 6 reviews	$51	In terminal, Walk to counter	$826 - $1,062	●Friendly and helpful staff ●Smooth pick-up experience ●Excellent overall service
	3.2 1,900+ reviews	$22	Walk to counter	$1,298 - $2,242	●Friendly and helpful staff ●Quick and efficient service ●Smooth pick-up and return
	2.7 17,000+ reviews	$64	In terminal, Walk to counter	$413 - $590	●Smooth pickup and return process ●Reasonable pricing when available ●Standard rental service maintained
	2.7 25 reviews	$59	In terminal, Walk to counter	$826 - $1,062	●Friendly and helpful staff ●Easy pick-up and drop-off ●Clean and quality vehicles
	2.6 6600+ reviews	$19	7.2 mi from Split Downtown	$1,180	●Friendly and helpful staff ●Good price for car rental ●Smooth pickup and return
	2.6 4 reviews	$24	7.4 mi from Split Downtown	-	●Standard airport pickup process ●Reasonable vehicle pricing

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental

Last updated: Jul. 17 2026

Essential Rental Hub

Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full breakdown.

Your Guide to Fuelling in Croatia

Learn how to refuel your rental car in Croatia with this comprehensive guide. From finding stations to payment methods, we've got you covered for a hassle-free experience.

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Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

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 database
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

SplitDubrovnik

From

$69.00

Popular Self-Drive Routes & Day Trips From Split

Recommended Scenic Routes:

Split to Dubrovnik via the Adriatic Coast (D8) and Pelješac Bridge

Coastal road trip3 h 30 min–4 h 30 min (one way, depending on traffic and stops)

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.

Omiš, Makarska, Ploče, Pelješac Bridge viewpoint area, Ston

Split to Krka National Park via Šibenik

Nature & heritage loop1 h 15 min–1 h 45 min (one way to Krka, depending on entrance used)

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.

Trogir, Šibenik Old Town, St. James Cathedral (Šibenik), Krka National Park (Lozovac entrance), Skradin

Split to Imotski Lakes and Biokovo Skywalk

Inland viewpoints & geology1 h 30 min–2 h 30 min (one way, depending on stops and route)

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).

Zelengrad/Prgomet countryside pull-offs, Imotski, Blue Lake (Modro jezero), Red Lake (Crveno jezero), Biokovo Skywalk (Ravlića kuk)

Popular Short Trips (Half-Day to Full-Day):

Trogir Old Town (UNESCO) and Seafront Lunch

35–55 min driving each way (from central Split, traffic dependent)

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

35–60 min driving each way

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

20–35 min driving each way

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

1 h–1 h 30 min driving each way (depending on beach stops)

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

1 h–1 h 20 min driving each way

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.

Can I use my UK driving licence in Croatia, or do I need an International Driving Permit?

Your UK photocard licence is accepted in Croatia for stays up to 12 months, so no IDP is legally required. A handful of desks at Split Airport still ask for an IDP (1968 Convention) if your licence isn't in Latin script — not an issue for UK holders. Bring your photocard plus passport; the old paper counterpart is no longer needed. If you passed your test fairly recently, double-check the rental's minimum-experience clause, as most Croatian companies insist the licence has been held for at least one to two years.

They drive on the right — what trips up British drivers most around Split?

Beyond staying right, the biggest catches are roundabouts (give way to traffic already on them, flowing anti-clockwise) and the narrow coastal D8 Adriatic Highway, full of blind bends and tight overtakes by impatient locals. Dipped headlights must be on day and night from late October to late March. Hand-held mobile use is banned outright, even at lights, with on-the-spot fines of around €130. Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on rural roads and 130 km/h on motorways, all enforced by fixed and mobile cameras.

How do motorway tolls work on the A1 from Split to Zagreb?

The A1 is Croatia's main tolled motorway and the full Split–Zagreb run costs around €25–28 one way for a standard car. Take a ticket at the entry barrier and pay when leaving — cash (euros), contactless card and Apple/Google Pay all work at staffed booths and most automated lanes. For a single round trip an ENC electronic tag isn't worth the deposit, but it gives a 10–21% discount if you're touring for two-plus weeks. Expect serious queues at Lučko (Zagreb) and the Sveti Rok tunnel on summer Saturdays — set off before 7am.

Where can I park in Split's Old Town without getting clamped or towed?

You cannot drive into Diocletian's Palace at all — it's fully pedestrianised. Park in the Zone 1 (red) bays around the Riva and Trg Republike for €3/hour, payable by SMS, the AutoPark app or street meters, with a one-hour maximum stay. For longer visits use the Sukoišan multi-storey or the large car park by the ferry port (Gat sv. Duje) at roughly €1.50/hour or €15/day. Wardens are notoriously aggressive in July and August, and tow trucks remove offending cars within 30 minutes; retrieval costs around €100 plus the fine.

Can I take the hire car on the ferry to Hvar or Brač?

Yes, Jadrolinija runs car ferries from Split port to Supetar on Brač (50 min) and Stari Grad on Hvar (around 2 hr) year-round, but you must tell the rental company in advance and get written permission. Many include the Croatian islands by default; others charge a €30–50 administration fee. A standard car costs roughly €40–60 return depending on length, plus passenger tickets. In July and August, book a vehicle space online days ahead — drive-up slots sell out by mid-morning, though foot passengers can normally just turn up.

I'm 22 — how much extra will the young driver fee actually cost me?

Most Split agencies rent from age 21 with a young-driver surcharge of €8–15 per day for drivers aged 21–24, usually capped at around €100–150 per rental. You'll also need to have held your licence for at least one year, often two for larger SUVs or premium cars. Expect a heftier credit-card pre-authorisation too — typically €1,000–1,500 versus around €500 for over-25s. Budget brands such as Last Minute and Oryx occasionally waive the fee on basic economy models when booked through aggregators like DiscoverCars or Rentalcars, so compare before paying full price.

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Car Hire In Split, Croatia: Great Value Deals And A Practical UK Traveller’s Guide

What do you need to rent a car in Split?

Top Rental Cars to Explore Split and the Dalmatian Coast

Small

Convertible

SUV

Choose Your Ride

Airport Pick-up: Maximum Choice And Fast Getaway

Fiat 500

Fiat 500

Fiat 500

Volkswagen T-cross

Volkswagen T-cross

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Fiat 500

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Car Hire at Split Airport: Real Customer Reviews

Car Rental Expert Advice

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Booking Volume

Review Quality

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

Booking Patterns

Customer Pain Points

Data Sources

One-way rental routes starting from Split

Popular Self-Drive Routes & Day Trips From Split

Recommended Scenic Routes:

Split to Dubrovnik via the Adriatic Coast (D8) and Pelješac Bridge

Split to Krka National Park via Šibenik

Split to Imotski Lakes and Biokovo Skywalk

Popular Short Trips (Half-Day to Full-Day):

Trogir Old Town (UNESCO) and Seafront Lunch

Omiš and Cetina River Viewpoints

Klis Fortress and Traditional Konoba Dinner

Makarska Riviera Beach Hopping

Šibenik Old Town and Waterfront Evening

Car Hire Planning Tips for Driving Around Split

Split, Croatia: Drive the Dalmatian Coast

Driving in Split: UK Visitor FAQs

Global Coverage

Best Rates

24/7 Customer Services

Exclusive Features

QEEQ Platform Awards

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2023

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2022

Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

Business Excellence Awards 2024

The Magellan Awards in Car hire Service Category

The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road

Recommended by our customers

Popular Car hire Stores