Renting a car in Split is straightforward if you book through an international company or local agency, but the process and costs differ depending on where you rent and what you're driving

Split has car rental desks at the airport, in the city centre, and online through companies you may already know. You'll need a valid driver's licence (your home country's licence is accepted), a passport or ID, and a credit card in your own name to find the booking. Most rental companies require you to be at least 21 years old, though some charge extra for drivers under 25. The rental agreement itself is straightforward: you collect the car, inspect it for damage, drive it, and return it on time with a full tank.

The real differences come down to insurance, fuel policy, and what happens if something goes wrong. A dent you didn't cause, a tyre puncture, or a delayed return can cost you money if your rental agreement doesn't cover it. Understanding what you're actually paying for before you hand over your credit card details saves frustration and unexpected charges.

Key Takeaways

  • Split airport and city-centre rental desks let you collect a car the same day, but booking online in advance is usually cheaper than walking up to the counter.
  • Your home country's driving licence is valid in Croatia, but an International Driving Permit is not required and does not reduce your insurance cost.
  • Collision damage waiver (CDW) insurance is optional but strongly recommended, as it limits what you pay if the car is damaged or stolen.
  • Fuel policy varies: some rentals include a full tank and expect you to return it full, while others charge per litre used, so confirm this before you drive away.
  • Tolls on Croatian motorways are charged by distance and paid at toll booths or automatically if you rent a car with an electronic toll device.

Where to rent a car in Split

The airport rental desks are in the arrivals hall and include Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Europcar, plus several local companies. Collecting a car here takes 15 to 30 minutes once you've completed the paperwork. City-centre rental offices are on or near the Riva (the waterfront promenade) and in the Bačvice area; these are useful if you're already in Split and want to rent for a day trip or onward travel.

Online booking through the rental company's website or through comparison sites like Rentalcars.com or Kayak usually shows lower daily rates than booking at the desk. The catch is that you're committing to a specific collection time and date; if you're late, you may lose the booking or pay a late fee. Book at least a few days ahead if you want the best price, though availability is usually good even in summer.

Local companies like Oryx, Thrifty, and smaller independent agencies often undercut the big international names on price, especially for longer rentals. Read the reviews on Google or TripAdvisor before booking a local company, because service quality and insurance terms vary more than they do with Hertz or Avis.

What documents and requirements you need

You must have a valid driving licence from your home country. The UK, US, Australian, Canadian, and EU licences are all accepted without question. Your licence must have been held for at least one year (some companies require two years for drivers under 25). Bring the physical card or booklet, not a digital copy.

You'll also need a passport or national ID card and a credit card in your own name. The credit card is used to place a hold for the security deposit (usually €500 to €1,500 depending on the car category); the money is not charged unless you damage the car or break the rental terms. Debit cards are sometimes accepted but less reliably, so use a credit card if you have one.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required in Croatia and does not reduce your insurance premium or give you any legal advantage. If you have one, you can bring it, but it's not necessary. Drivers under 25 will pay a young driver surcharge (typically €15 to €25 per day) regardless of experience or insurance held in their home country.

Insurance and damage liability

Every rental car comes with basic third-party liability insurance, which covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property. This is mandatory by Croatian law and is included in your rental price. What it does not cover is damage to the rental car itself.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance limits what you pay if the car is damaged, stolen, or vandalised. With CDW, you typically pay a small excess (€300 to €500) if there's a claim; without it, you're liable for the full repair cost, which can easily exceed €2,000 for a dent or broken windscreen. CDW costs €10 to €20 per day depending on the car. Most rental companies offer it as an optional add-on at booking or at the desk.

Check whether your personal car insurance or credit card already covers rental car damage. Some premium credit cards and comprehensive car insurance policies include rental car coverage; if yours does, you may not need to buy CDW from the rental company. Read the small print, because many policies exclude damage from certain causes (like driving on unpaved roads) or have a high excess.

Windscreen and tyre damage is sometimes excluded from CDW or covered only with a higher excess. Ask the rental company whether these are covered before you sign. If you're driving in summer and worried about punctures on rural roads, it's worth paying for full coverage.

Fuel, tolls, and running costs

Most Split rental companies use a "full-to-full" fuel policy: you collect the car with a full tank and must return it full. You pay for the fuel you use at local petrol station prices, which are roughly €1.20 to €1.40 per litre depending on the grade and current market. Some companies charge a refuelling fee (€10 to €20) if you return the car empty, so it's cheaper to fill up yourself at a petrol station before returning it.

A few companies offer a "fuel included" option where you pay a fixed amount upfront for unlimited fuel; this is useful if you're doing a lot of driving but usually costs more than the full-to-full option if you drive moderately.

Croatian motorways (autoceste) use a toll system based on distance. Tolls range from €2 to €15 depending on the route; for example, Split to Dubrovnik (about 220 km) costs roughly €15 to €18. You pay at toll booths with cash or card. Many rental cars come with an electronic toll device (vinjeta) that deducts tolls automatically; check whether this is included in your rental or if you need to buy a vinjeta separately (they cost €5 to €30 depending on validity period).

Driving rules and what happens if you break them

Speed limits in Croatia are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on regional roads, and 130 km/h on motorways. Police conduct regular speed checks, especially on motorways and near towns. Fines for speeding start at around €40 for minor excess and rise steeply; 20 km/h over the limit costs roughly €120, and 40 km/h over costs €400 or more. The rental company will pass the fine to you if you're caught.

Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day. Drink-driving limits are strict (0.05% blood alcohol), and random breath tests are common. If you're stopped and fail a test, the car will be impounded and you'll face criminal charges.

Parking in Split city centre is metered and costs €1 to €2 per hour; many hotels offer free parking for guests. If you park illegally, your car may be clamped or towed, and you'll pay a release fee of €100 to €200 plus towing costs. Check with your hotel or rental company about safe parking before you drive into the centre.

Common hidden costs and how to avoid them

Late return fees are charged by the hour or day if you don't return the car on time. Even 30 minutes late can trigger a charge of €30 to €50. Set a phone reminder for your return time and allow extra time for traffic, especially if you're returning to the airport during peak hours.

Cleaning fees are charged if the car is returned dirty inside or out. A light dust won't trigger a charge, but mud, food, or stains will. Rinse the car at a self-service wash station (€5 to €10) before returning it if you've been driving on rural roads.

Excess mileage charges explore if you exceed the daily or total mileage limit set in your contract. Most unlimited-mileage rentals don't have this problem, but budget rentals sometimes cap mileage at 100 to 200 km per day. Check your contract and calculate whether you'll exceed the limit before you sign.

One-way rental fees are charged if you collect the car in Split and return it elsewhere (like Dubrovnik or Zagreb). These fees vary widely, from €50 to €300, depending on distance. If you're planning a one-way trip, ask for the one-way fee upfront rather than discovering it at the desk.

Booking tips and what to check before you confirm

Book your rental at least three to five days ahead to see the full range of prices and car types. Prices drop significantly if you book in advance rather than at the desk. Compare the total cost including insurance, tolls, and any surcharges across at least two websites before committing.

Read the rental agreement carefully before you sign. Check the fuel policy, mileage limits, insurance excess, and cancellation terms. If something is unclear, ask the rental agent to explain it in writing on the contract itself.

Take photos or video of the car's exterior and interior before you drive away, including the odometer reading and fuel gauge. This protects you if the rental company later claims you caused damage that was already there. Many rental companies now do this digitally on a tablet at handover, but a photo on your phone is also valid.

Confirm the exact return location and time. If you're returning to the airport, allow at least 90 minutes before your flight to account for traffic and the return process. If you're returning to a city-centre office, confirm the opening hours, because some close in the evening or on Sundays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a rental car from Split to other countries like Bosnia or Montenegro?

Yes, but you need written permission from the rental company and the car must have a green card (international insurance certificate). Most companies allow travel to neighbouring countries for an extra fee of €10 to €30. Some exclude Bosnia or require you to buy additional coverage. Ask when you book, because not all companies allow it.

What happens if I get a parking fine or speeding ticket while driving a rental car?

The rental company will be notified and will charge you the fine plus an administrative fee of €20 to €50. You'll receive a bill by post or email weeks later. Pay it promptly, because unpaid fines can prevent you from renting again or entering Croatia in future.

Is an International Driving Permit required to rent a car in Split?

No. Your home country's driving licence is sufficient. An IDP is not required by Croatian law and does not reduce your insurance cost or give you any advantage with rental companies.

What should I do if the rental car breaks down or has an accident?

Call the rental company's emergency number when ready (it's on your rental agreement and key fob). Do not attempt repairs yourself. If there's an accident, call the police non-emergency line (192) and get a written report. Take photos of the damage and contact details of any other vehicles involved. Report the incident to the rental company within 24 hours.

Can I rent a car if I have an expired driving licence?

No. Your licence must be valid and current. If it's expired, you cannot legally drive in Croatia, and the rental company will refuse to rent to you. Renew your licence before you travel.