Split Airport (IATA code: SPU) is the second most important airport in Croatia after Zagreb and represents the main gateway to central Dalmatia. Located 24 km from Split city center, in the town of Kaštela, this modern airport handles over 3.5 million passengers annually, with a significant peak during the summer season.
Its strategic location makes it the ideal arrival point for visiting not only Split but also other popular destinations along the Dalmatian coast. The airport is 15 km from Trogir (20 minutes by car), 57 km from Makarska (50 minutes by car), and 87 km from Šibenik (about 1 hour by car). The nearest airports are Zadar (ZAD) about 130 km away and Dubrovnik (DBV) about 230 km away.
Completely renovated in 2019, the airport offers modern facilities and all essential services to handle the intense tourist traffic that characterizes this region of Croatia, particularly popular for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and cultural heritage.
Road transport is the main solution for reaching Split city center from the airport, with an average travel time of 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. During the high tourist season (June-September), it’s advisable to allow more time due to congestion on coastal roads. Several transportation options are available to suit every need and budget.
The bus service operated by Pleso Prijevoz and the local company Promet Split represents the most economical way to reach the city center. The buses are synchronized with flight arrivals and depart directly from the terminal exit. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes to arrive at Split’s main bus station, located next to the harbor and Diocletian’s Palace.
The ticket costs about 40 Croatian kuna (approximately 5 euros) and can be purchased directly from the driver. During high season, buses run frequently, with departures approximately every 30 minutes. The service operates from early morning until late evening, covering all arriving flights.
Official taxis are available at the arrivals terminal exit and offer a faster and more comfortable service compared to buses. The journey time is about 30 minutes to reach the city center, depending on traffic. Fares are regulated, with an average price of around 300-350 kuna (40-45 euros) for the airport-center route.
It’s possible to book a taxi in advance through various local companies such as Cammeo or Uber, often at more advantageous rates compared to taxis available directly at the airport. Many hotels in Split also offer private transfer services for their guests, generally at competitive prices compared to regular taxis.
An alternative to TAXIs is to book in advance a private transfer to or from Split Airport airport. A driver will pick you up at the airport arrivals (thus avoiding taxi queues), at your hotel or wherever you prefer, to take you to the desired address.
It is the best solution if you do not want to waste time, do not want to use public transport, have a lot of luggage or are travelling in a group. To book a private transfer to or from Split Airport airport visit this site.
Car rental is a very popular option, especially for those intending to explore the Dalmatian coast and surrounding areas. Numerous international companies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar) and local ones (Nova, Oryx) are present at the airport, with counters located in the arrivals area.
The journey time to the city center is about 30 minutes, but it’s important to consider that parking in Split can be difficult and expensive, especially in the historic center where traffic is limited. Car rental is particularly recommended for those planning excursions to Krka Falls (90 minutes), neighboring islands via ferry, or the Pelješac peninsula (2 hours and 30 minutes).
To rent a car in Croatia we always recommend comparing the rates of all companies with DiscoverCars because in our opinion it offers the best prices, allows cancellation up to 48 hours before rental and offers a very cheap comprehensive insurance policy.
Although there is no direct rail connection from the airport, it’s possible to take a bus or taxi to Split train station, located near the port. From here, trains connect Split with other Croatian cities such as Zagreb, with a journey time of about 6 hours. This option is rarely used by tourists for travel from the airport but can be useful for those intending to continue their journey toward the interior of the country.
Below you can see real-time departure and arrival times at Split Airport.
By entering the dates of your stay in the following form, you can check the rates and availability in real time of the facilities near theSplit Airport.
Below is a list of recommended hotels near Split Airport.
Below are the cheapest prices for car hire at at the split Airport, to book click here.
According to reviews by other travellers, the following are the best car rental companies at the split Airport. To compare rates click here.