Split Airport (SPU) — officially Split Kaštela Airport — is Croatia's busiest summer airport and one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations. Car hire here is competitive, well-organised and the best-value on the Dalmatian coast. The airport sits 25km west of Split city centre and 4 hours north of Dubrovnik.

Terminal and pickup information

Split Airport has a single passenger terminal with car hire desks in the arrivals hall. All major international suppliers are present — Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget and Sixt — alongside Croatian companies including Oryx and Dollar. During peak summer (July–August) queues at the desks can be long — use online check-in if your supplier offers it, and keep all documents ready.

Tips for hiring at Split Airport

Book well in advance for summer: Split Airport is one of Europe's fastest-growing summer destinations. July and August hire cars sell out and prices can triple from off-peak rates. Book 6–8 weeks ahead for the best selection and pricing.
Insurance at the desk: Croatian rental desks are among the most aggressive in Europe for insurance upselling. A standalone excess waiver policy bought before travel covers the same risk at a fraction of the cost. See our insurance guide.
Fuel policy: Check before accepting the car — full-to-full is the fairest policy. Full-to-empty sounds convenient but you'll almost always overpay.
Consider local suppliers: Oryx, Dollar and other local Croatian companies often undercut the major brands by 20–30% with comparable service and fleet quality.

Tourist traps to avoid

  • Buying insurance at the desk without comparing — it's 2–3x the price of advance standalone cover
  • Agreeing to full-to-empty fuel policy — you'll pay inflated supplier fuel prices
  • Not photographing the car before departure — Croatia has one of Europe's higher rates of disputed damage claims
  • Booking Dubrovnik pickup when Split is 30–40% cheaper for the same car

Best drives from Split Airport

  • Split old town (25 min) — Diocletian's Palace, the Riva and the ferry port.
  • Trogir (15 min from airport) — closer than Split city — a perfect first stop for the UNESCO island town.
  • Plitvice Lakes (2 hrs) — take the A1 north immediately from the airport — no need to go into Split first.
  • Dubrovnik (4 hrs south) — the coastal D8 road is spectacular and far more scenic than any other route.