Split is the car hire capital of the Dalmatian coast — and for good reason. It has the most competitive hire prices in Croatia, the best airport for supplier choice, and sits perfectly in the middle of the coast between Dubrovnik (4 hrs south) and the Istrian Peninsula (4 hrs north). Diocletian's Palace — a living Roman emperor's palace now filled with restaurants, bars and apartments — is the city's extraordinary centrepiece.

Pick-up locations

Split Airport (SPU): 25km west of the city. Car hire desks in arrivals — the most competitive pricing on the Dalmatian coast. All major suppliers represented plus several Croatian companies.
Split city centre: Several suppliers have city centre offices near the ferry port. Convenient if arriving by ferry, but slightly higher rates than the airport.

Driving tips for Split

  • The old town of Split is pedestrianised — park at the Gripe or Sukoišan car parks and walk to Diocletian's Palace.
  • The A1 motorway connects Split to Zagreb (4 hrs, tolls apply) — fast, well-maintained and the best way to reach Plitvice Lakes.
  • The coastal D8 road south toward Makarska and Dubrovnik is spectacular but slower — allow 4+ hours to Dubrovnik.
  • Summer traffic on the D8 (particularly around Makarska and Omiš) is very heavy July–August — travel early morning or evening.
  • The Cetina River canyon near Omiš is only 30km from Split but feels completely remote — a spectacular detour.

Best drives from Split

  • Plitvice Lakes National Park (2 hrs) — UNESCO waterfalls and lakes. Take the A1 north then exit at Karlovac direction. Arrive before 9am in summer.
  • Makarska Riviera (1 hr) — the most beautiful stretch of coast between Split and Dubrovnik. Biokovo mountain as the dramatic backdrop.
  • Trogir (30 min) — a tiny UNESCO island city connected by bridge. Medieval streets, cathedral and one of Croatia's most photogenic town squares.
  • Krka National Park (1 hr) — waterfalls you can swim beneath (at permitted spots). Smaller and less crowded than Plitvice.
Island tip: Most Croatian islands are accessible by ferry from Split (Brač, Hvar, Vis, Korčula). Check with your hire company whether the vehicle can go on the ferry — some companies permit it with advance notice and a supplement.