Renting a car in Split means dealing with local rental companies, international chains, and a set of rules specific to Croatia that differ from what you might expect at home.

Split is Croatia's second-largest city and the main gateway to the Dalmatian coast. Most rental desks sit at Split Airport (Aerodrom Split) or in the city centre near the waterfront. You will need a valid driver's license from your home country, an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in Latin characters, a passport, and a credit card in your own name to find the booking. The rental company will place a hold on your card—usually €500 to €1,500 depending on the car category—which releases when you return the vehicle undamaged.

Driving in Split itself is congested and parking is tight, so many visitors rent only when leaving the city for the islands or the Dalmatian hinterland. If you plan to stay in Split proper, taxis, local buses, and walking cover most needs. If you are heading to Hvar, Brač, or Vis, you will need to drive to a ferry port—Hvar and Brač ferries depart from Split itself, while Vis ferries leave from Bol on Brač island.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is required if your home license uses non-Latin characters; obtain it before you travel, as Croatian rental companies will not issue one.
  • Rental companies charge a damage deposit (usually €500–€1,500) held on your credit card; you must return the car with a full tank and no new damage to recover it.
  • Third-party liability insurance is mandatory by Croatian law and included in most quotes, but collision and theft coverage are optional add-ons that cost extra.
  • Driving in Croatia requires headlights on at all times, a reflective vest in the car, and a warning triangle; rental companies provide these, but check before you leave the lot.
  • Fuel is sold by the litre and costs roughly 1.20–1.40 EUR per litre; most rentals require you to return the car with a full tank or pay a refill fee at inflated rates.

What documents and permits you need to rent

Your home country driver's license is valid in Croatia if it is in Latin characters and has not expired. If your license uses Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese, or any other script, you must carry an International Driving Permit alongside it. The IDP is not a separate license—it is a translation booklet issued by your home country's automobile association or transport authority. You cannot obtain one in Croatia, so explore at least two weeks before you travel. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) issues them; in the UK, the Post Office handles applications; in Australia, the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) issues them. Costs vary by country but typically fall between $15 and $30 USD.

You will also need your passport and a credit card in your own name. Rental companies do not accept debit cards or cards held by someone else, even if that person is travelling with you. If you are under 25, expect to pay a young driver surcharge—usually €5 to €15 per day—and some companies will not rent to drivers under 21 at all. Check the rental company's age policy before you book.

Insurance requirements and what they actually cover

Third-party liability insurance is mandatory in Croatia and is included in nearly every rental quote you will see. This covers damage you cause to other vehicles, property, or people. It does not cover damage to the car you are renting. Collision coverage (also called Damage Waiver or Loss Damage Waiver) is optional and costs €10 to €20 per day. It reduces or eliminates your financial responsibility if the rental car is damaged in an accident, though most policies include a deductible of €500 to €1,000 that you still pay.

Theft coverage is separate and costs €5 to €10 per day. Without it, you are liable for the full replacement value of the car if it is stolen. Many credit card companies offer rental car coverage if you charge the entire rental to that card—check your card's benefits before you book, as buying coverage through the rental company may be redundant. Always read the fine print: some policies exclude damage from off-road driving, gravel roads, or driving outside Croatia, and all policies exclude damage from drunk driving or violation of traffic laws.

Rental company options: airport, city centre, and online booking

Split Airport has desks for Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, and several local companies. City centre locations (near the Riva waterfront) include Hertz, Avis, and smaller operators like Oryx and Thrifty. Online booking through Rentalcars.com, Kayak, or Costco Travel (if you are a member) often shows lower rates than booking direct, because aggregator sites bundle deals from multiple companies. However, read the cancellation and modification terms carefully—some third-party bookings charge fees to change dates or car type, while direct bookings with the rental company may allow free changes.

Local companies are often cheaper than international chains but may have older vehicles or less predictable customer service. International chains offer consistency and English-speaking staff, which matters if something goes wrong. Book at least one week in advance during peak season (June to September); prices rise sharply in July and August, and popular car categories sell out. If you are renting in shoulder season (April, May, September, October), you have more flexibility and lower rates.

What happens when you pick up and return the car

Arrive 30 minutes early. The rental agent will ask you to inspect the car for existing damage—dents, scratches, missing trim, interior stains—and will document any they find on the rental agreement. Take photos or video of the entire car (all four sides, interior, dashboard, mirrors, lights) before you drive away. This protects you if the company tries to charge you for damage that existed before you rented it. Check that the spare tyre, jack, warning triangle, reflective vests, and headlight bulbs are present; you are responsible for returning them.

When you return the car, it must have a full tank of fuel. If the tank is not full, the rental company will refill it and charge you—typically €1.80 to €2.50 per litre, which is 30 to 50 percent higher than the pump price. Return the car clean; excessive dirt or damage to the interior may incur a cleaning fee of €50 to €150. The agent will inspect the car again, compare it to the photos from pickup, and release your damage deposit within 3 to 7 business days. If the company finds damage you did not report, they will charge your credit card after you have left.

Croatian traffic laws and what you must carry in the car

Driving in Croatia requires headlights on at all times, day and night. This is a legal requirement, not a suggestion. You must carry a reflective safety vest (one per passenger is safest), a warning triangle, and a first-aid kit. Rental companies provide these, but confirm they are in the car before you leave the lot. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers. Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on regional roads, and 130 km/h on motorways (highways). Speeding fines start at 300 kuna (roughly €40 USD) and increase steeply; the police can issue fines on the spot and may impound the car if you are significantly over the limit.

Drink-driving is illegal; the blood alcohol limit is 0.05 percent, lower than in many other countries. Driving under the influence voids your insurance and can result in arrest. Parking in Split is metered in the city centre; use the parking app EasyPark or buy tickets from kiosks. Parking violations result in fines of 100 to 500 kuna (€13 to €67 USD). If you are stopped by police, have your passport, driver's license, rental agreement, and proof of insurance ready. Police are professional and English-speaking in tourist areas.

Fuel, tolls, and driving to the islands and beyond

Fuel costs roughly 1.20 to 1.40 EUR per litre and is sold by the litre at petrol stations throughout Croatia. Most rental cars use diesel (dizel) or petrol (benzin); confirm which before you leave the rental lot. Motorways in Croatia are toll roads. You will receive a ticket when you enter and pay when you exit; tolls are calculated by distance and vehicle type. A small car from Split to Dubrovnik (220 km) costs roughly 110 kuna (€15 USD). Some rental companies offer a pre-paid toll pass; ask whether this is cheaper than paying at the exit booth.

If you are driving to the islands, ferries depart from Split (to Hvar and Brač), Bol on Brač (to Vis), and other coastal towns. You cannot drive a rental car onto a ferry without the rental company's written permission—most companies prohibit it because of salt water damage and liability. Instead, park the car at the ferry terminal (paid parking) or in a nearby lot, and take the passenger ferry. This is cheaper and simpler than trying to negotiate island driving with a rental company.

Common problems and how to handle them

The most frequent issue is damage disputes. If the rental company claims you caused damage you did not cause, your photos and video from pickup are your only defence. Always take them before you drive away. If the company charges your card after you have left, contact them in writing (email) within 30 days and dispute the charge with your credit card company if they do not respond. Keep your rental agreement and all receipts.

Breakdowns are rare with modern rental cars, but if yours fails, call the rental company's roadside information number (on your rental agreement). Do not call a private mechanic; the rental company will not reimburse you. If you are in an accident, do not admit fault or sign anything except a police report. Call the rental company when ready and report the damage. Take photos, get the other driver's details and insurance information, and file a police report (required for insurance claims). The rental company will guide you through the claims process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if my license is in English?

No. If your license is in English (or any Latin-character language) and is not expired, it is valid in Croatia without an IDP. The IDP is required only if your home license uses non-Latin characters such as Cyrillic, Arabic, or Chinese.

Can I drive a rental car onto a ferry to the islands?

Most rental companies prohibit it because ferries expose cars to salt water and the company cannot control damage. Park the car at the ferry terminal and take the passenger ferry instead. This is cheaper and avoids disputes with the rental company.

What happens if I return the car with an empty tank?

The rental company will refill it and charge your credit card at a rate 30 to 50 percent higher than the pump price—typically €1.80 to €2.50 per litre. Always return the car with a full tank to avoid this fee.

Is it safe to drive in Split and on Croatian roads?

Yes. Roads are well-maintained, signage is clear, and police enforce traffic laws consistently. Driving in Split city centre is congested and parking is difficult, so consider using taxis or buses within the city. Outside Split, roads are safe and driving is straightforward.

What should I do if I am in a minor accident?

Call the rental company when ready and report the damage. Take photos of all damage, get the other driver's contact and insurance details, and file a police report (required for insurance claims). Do not admit fault or sign anything except the police report. The rental company will handle the insurance claim.