Renting a Car at Split Airport
Last updated: April 2026
Split Airport (SPU) is Croatia's second-busiest, located 25 km west of Split near the town of Kaštela. The modern terminal has rental desks in the arrivals hall — Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, and Croatian operators ORYX and Last Minute Rent share the space. Split is the starting point for the Croatian Adriatic coast — from Makarska to Dubrovnik — and the national parks of Krka and Plitvice.
🎯 Quick Tip
ORYX Rent a Car is Croatia's best domestic operator — newer fleet, transparent pricing, and easy one-way rentals between Split and Dubrovnik (the most popular route on the Croatian coast). Book directly on their website for the best rates.
Compare Prices at SPU
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Airport Pickup Tips
SPU's rental desks are in the arrivals area — a compact space. Present passport, EU license or IDP, credit card. Croatian operators accept international licenses. If planning to cross into Bosnia (Mostar day trip) or Montenegro (Kotor), confirm cross-border insurance. The green insurance card (Zelena karta) is required for Bosnia/Montenegro. Pickup: 10-15 minutes.
Dalmatian coast roads have stone walls on both sides — check mirrors and passenger-side panels. SPU fleet cars drive the D8 coastal road which has aggressive speed bumps. Check the undercarriage and test brakes. Croatian coastal salt air corrodes exposed metal — look at the wheel arches.
For detailed guidance, see our pre-drive checklist.
Explore Split by Car
Split is the perfect base for exploring Dalmatia by car. Drive along the coastal road to the ancient city of Trogir, the dramatic Krka waterfalls, and the Makarska Riviera's stunning pebble beaches.
Top drive from Split: Krka National Park and Trogir — a full-day loop
Getting from Split Airport to the City
SPU is 25 km west of Split center. Take the D8 coast road or A1 motorway (20-30 min). For Dubrovnik, D8 coast (3.5 hours) or A1 motorway (3 hours). For Plitvice Lakes, A1 north (3 hours). For Krka National Park, A1 north to Skradin exit (1 hour). For Makarska, D8 south (1 hour). For Mostar (Bosnia), cross at Metković (2 hours).
ORYX and Last Minute Rent operate from Kaštela, near SPU, with free transfers. ORYX is Croatia's premium operator with the newest fleet and best customer service ratings. They offer hassle-free one-way returns between any Croatian airport or city.
What to Know Before Driving from SPU
Croatia drives on the right. Motorway limit: 130 km/h. The A1 is tolled (Split-Zagreb approximately €25). The D8 coast road has 90 km/h limit on open sections, 50 km/h through villages. Croatian police use radar extensively on the D8. Parking in Split's historic Diocletian Palace area is prohibited — use the Lora or Sukoišan lots. Ferry to the islands departs from Split harbor.
The D8 is the main coastal road linking Split to Dubrovnik. It's scenic but winding and slow (3.5 hours for 230 km). The alternative is the A1 motorway inland, which is faster but misses the views. For the best experience, take the A1 one way and the D8 the other. Croatia requires headlights on at all times.
Fuel Stations Near SPU
INA and Petrol stations are on the D8 and A1 near SPU. Fuel: Eurosuper 95 approximately €1.55/L, diesel €1.50/L. The INA at the SPU airport junction is the closest. Fill up before Dubrovnik-bound drives — the D8 south has fewer stations. Bosnian fuel (accessible at Metković border) is cheaper by €0.10-0.15/L.
Local Driving Tip
Split's Diocletian Palace area has virtually no parking — use the Sukoišan garage east of the old town (15 kuna/hour) and walk 5 minutes in. The A1 to Zagreb is well-maintained but expensive at roughly 200 kuna for the full 4-hour drive.