Compare car hire at Split Airport with major providers, pickup tips and driving routes along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast.
Split Airport (SPU) is the main gateway to Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, located about 25 km west of Split city near Trogir. It’s a busy seasonal airport, especially in summer, with a large concentration of car hire providers serving tourists heading along the coast or inland.
If you plan to explore beyond Split — including coastal towns, national parks, or ferry ports — hiring a car here is often the most flexible option.
Flights from Ireland
Direct flights from Dublin to Split operate seasonally, mainly during the summer months with airlines such as Ryanair and Aer Lingus.
Flight time for direct services is around 3 hours, making Split a relatively accessible Mediterranean destination from Ireland.
Car hire companies at Split Airport
Car hire desks are located both inside the arrivals hall and in a row of rental offices just outside the terminal. During summer, many providers operate from external cabins opposite the airport building, with vehicles parked in large nearby lots.
- Hertz – Desk inside arrivals with vehicles in the main airport car park
- Avis / Budget – Terminal-based desks with cars located nearby
- Europcar – On-site desk with vehicles in the airport parking area
- Sixt – Located in arrivals with a large fleet parked close to the terminal
- Enterprise / Alamo – Available at the airport with nearby vehicle collection
- ORYX / Active / Last Minute – Popular Croatian providers with desks in the external rental zone
Because of the high number of operators, the rental area can feel busy, particularly during peak arrival waves in July and August.
Pickup process at Split Airport
Arriving passengers will find several rental desks inside the terminal, but many bookings — especially with local companies — are handled in the external rental zone just outside.
After completing paperwork, you’ll usually walk across the road or along a marked path to reach the main rental car parks. These are open-air lots with vehicles grouped by provider, often within a few minutes’ walk of the terminal.
One key detail at Split is that queues can build quickly during peak summer hours. It’s not unusual to wait 20–40 minutes at busy times, particularly if multiple flights land together. Booking in advance and having documents ready speeds things up.
Before leaving, it’s worth checking the car carefully and noting any marks, as high turnover during summer can lead to minor wear and tear between rentals.
Best cars to rent at Split Airport
The Dalmatian coast offers a mix of coastal highways, narrow old-town streets, and mountainous inland routes, so your choice of car can make a noticeable difference.
- Economy cars – Ideal for city use and short coastal drives; easy to park in busy areas like Split and Trogir
- Compact cars – A strong all-round option for coastal travel between towns
- Family cars – Better suited for longer journeys or travelling with luggage
- SUVs – Useful for inland routes or trips to national parks with varied terrain
- Convertibles – Popular for scenic coastal driving during summer months
Parking in historic centres can be limited, so smaller cars are often more practical if you plan to visit multiple towns.
Driving from Split Airport
The airport sits just off the D8 coastal road, which connects major destinations along the Adriatic coast.
- Split city centre – around 30–40 minutes depending on traffic
- Trogir – around 10 minutes
- Šibenik – around 1 hour
- Makarska – around 1–1.5 hours along the coastal route
Traffic can be heavy during summer, especially along the coastal road between the airport and Split.
Fuel, tolls and driving tips in Croatia
Driving in Croatia is generally straightforward, but there are a few practical considerations.
- Main motorways use tolls, payable by card or cash
- Fuel stations are frequent along coastal and main inland routes
- Coastal roads can be narrow and busy in peak season
- Parking in tourist areas is often limited and paid
If you plan to use motorways regularly, keeping a card accessible makes toll payments quicker.
Official information
FAQs – Car hire Split Airport
Is car hire available at Split Airport?
Yes, there are many international and local providers operating at the airport.
Where do I collect my rental car?
Vehicles are usually collected from nearby outdoor car parks within walking distance.
Do I need a shuttle to collect my car?
No, most rental areas are a short walk from the terminal.
How far is Split city from the airport?
It takes around 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.
Are there queues for car hire in summer?
Yes, wait times can increase significantly during peak season.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, but manual vehicles are more common and often cheaper.
Is driving along the coast easy?
Yes, but roads can be busy and narrow in places during summer.
Are there toll roads in Croatia?
Yes, motorways operate a toll system payable at toll booths.
Is parking easy in Split?
Parking can be limited and busy, especially in the old town and during peak season.
What documents are required to rent a car?
A valid driving licence, passport, and credit card in the main driver’s name are required.
