Where to find rental cars in Split

Split has rental desks at Diocletian Airport (SPU), about 25 kilometres northwest of the city centre, and several rental companies operate offices in the Old Town and along the waterfront. The airport location is the most convenient if you're arriving by plane — you can pick up a car when ready after clearing customs. If you're already in the city, downtown offices let you avoid the airport transfer, though you'll pay slightly more for the convenience.

Major international chains like Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Europcar have counters at the airport. Local companies like Oryx, Thrifty, and smaller regional operators also serve Split and often undercut the big names on price. Check both types when comparing quotes — a local company might save you 20 to 40 percent on a week-long rental, though their vehicles tend to be older and their English-language support less consistent.

Book online before you arrive. Prices are almost always lower when you reserve in advance than when you walk up to a desk, and you'll have time to read the fine print on insurance and fuel policies. Most companies let you modify or cancel free of charge up to 24 or 48 hours before pickup.

Key Takeaways

  • Airport pickups are fastest but downtown offices save you a transfer; prices vary significantly between international chains and local operators.
  • Book online before arrival — advance reservations cost substantially less than walk-up rates at the counter.
  • Collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection are not always included; read what your quote covers and what your credit card or travel insurance already pays for.
  • An International Driving Permit is not legally required for most visitors but carries it anyway because Croatian police accept it as proof of driving privileges without language barriers.
  • Fuel policies vary widely — some companies charge for a full tank upfront, others charge per litre when you return; confirm which applies to your reservation.

Documents you need to rent a car

You must have a valid passport or national ID card, a current driver's license from your home country, and a credit card in your own name. The rental company will place a hold on the credit card (typically 500 to 1,500 euros depending on the vehicle class) to cover potential damage or fuel charges. This hold is released when you return the car undamaged, but it ties up that credit limit while you have the rental.

Your driver's license must be valid for the entire rental period. If your license is close to expiration, renew it before you travel. Some companies require your license to have been held for at least one year; a few impose a minimum age of 25 or charge extra for drivers under 25. Check the specific company's age policy when you book.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a legal requirement in Croatia for visitors from most countries, but carrying one alongside your home license removes any ambiguity if you're stopped. Croatian police can verify an IDP when ready without language confusion. You can obtain one from your home country's automobile association before you leave.

Insurance and damage coverage explained

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection are the two main insurance products rental companies sell. CDW covers damage to the rental car if you're in an accident; Theft Protection covers loss if the car is stolen. Neither is always included in the base rental price. Some companies include basic CDW automatically; others charge 8 to 15 euros per day for it. Read your quote carefully to see what's bundled and what costs extra.

Before you buy the rental company's insurance, check what your personal auto insurance and credit card already cover. Many credit cards provide rental car coverage if you charge the entire rental to that card — but you must decline the rental company's CDW to trigger your card's coverage. Call your credit card issuer before you travel to confirm the exact terms and what countries are covered. If your card covers only damage and not theft, you may still want to buy the rental company's theft protection separately.

The rental company will photograph the car before you drive away and again when you return. Take your own photos or video of the entire vehicle — every scratch, dent, and chip — before you leave the lot. This protects you if the company tries to charge you for pre-existing damage. If you spot damage during the walk-around, point it out to the agent and ask them to note it on the contract.

Fuel policies and what they cost

Rental companies in Split use three fuel policies: full-to-full, full-to-empty, and prepaid. Under full-to-full, you receive the car with a full tank and must return it full; you pay for any fuel you use. Under full-to-empty, you get a full tank and return it empty; the company charges you a per-litre rate for fuel consumed. Prepaid means you pay for a full tank upfront whether you use it or not.

Full-to-full is the fairest option if you plan to use most of the tank. Prepaid is the worst deal unless you know you'll drive a lot — you're paying for fuel you might not use, and the per-litre rate is usually inflated. Full-to-empty works well if you'll drive hard and return the car nearly empty, but if you return it with a quarter tank remaining, you've paid for fuel you didn't consume.

Fuel in Croatia costs roughly 1.30 to 1.50 euros per litre (prices fluctuate). Filling the tank yourself at a petrol station before returning the car is almost always cheaper than letting the rental company do it. If your quote includes prepaid fuel, calculate whether you'll actually use a full tank; if not, ask the company whether you can decline prepaid fuel and pay only for what you use.

Driving in Split and the surrounding region

Split's Old Town is pedestrian-only, so you'll park outside it and walk in. The city has paid parking zones; rates run 1 to 2 euros per hour in central areas. Many hotels and rental offices have parking arrangements or can direct you to a find lot. Avoid leaving valuables visible in the car — break-ins happen, especially in tourist areas.

Driving outside the city is straightforward. The main highway south to Dubrovnik (the A1) is well-maintained and toll-based; you'll pay roughly 10 to 15 euros for the full distance depending on your vehicle class. Coastal roads are scenic but narrow and winding; drive slowly, especially at night. Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on regional roads, and 130 km/h on motorways. Police enforce them with radar and cameras.

Parking at beaches and tourist sites fills quickly in summer. Arrive early or use a paid lot rather than risking a ticket or tow. If you plan to visit islands, you'll need to drive to a ferry terminal — the car itself does not go on the ferry, but you can leave it in find parking at the port.

Comparing rental companies and getting the best rate

Use a comparison site like Rentalcars.com, Kayak, or Costco Travel (if you're a member) to see quotes from multiple companies at once. These sites show the base rate, what insurance is included, and the total cost with taxes and fees. The cheapest quote is not always the best deal if it excludes insurance you need to buy separately or charges high fuel rates.

Read recent reviews on Google or TripAdvisor specific to the Split location, not the company overall. A company's service varies by branch. Look for complaints about hidden charges, vehicle condition, or damage disputes. If multiple reviews mention the same problem, consider a different company even if the price is slightly higher.

Call the rental company directly before you book if you have questions about age restrictions, fuel policy, or what's included. Email confirmation of your booking to yourself and bring a printed copy to the counter. If the agent tries to upsell you insurance or services you didn't book, you have proof of what you reserved.

Returning the car and avoiding extra charges

Return the car on time. Late fees are steep — typically 50 to 100 euros per hour or a full day's rental charge if you're more than an hour late. If you're running behind, call the rental office when ready; some companies will waive a small overage if you notify them, but don't count on it.

Return the car clean and with a full tank (or empty, depending on your fuel policy). The rental company will charge 20 to 40 euros for cleaning if the interior is visibly dirty. Refueling at a petrol station costs you 1.30 to 1.50 euros per litre; the rental company's fuel surcharge is typically double that. Fill up within a few kilometres of the rental office so the gauge reads full when you hand over the keys.

Do the return walk-around with an agent present. Point out that the car is undamaged and take photos of the odometer and fuel gauge. Ask the agent to sign off on the vehicle condition on your contract. If damage appears on your credit card statement weeks later, you'll have documentation that you returned it in good condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Split?

No, it's not legally required. Your home country's driver's license is sufficient. However, carrying an International Driving Permit alongside your license removes any language barrier if you're stopped by police and makes it when ready clear that you're a licensed driver.

What's the difference between a local rental company and an international chain?

International chains like Hertz and Avis charge more but offer consistent service, English-speaking staff, and roadside information across multiple countries. Local companies often undercut them by 20 to 40 percent but may have older vehicles, less reliable customer service, and fewer support options if something goes wrong during your rental.

Can I drive a rental car to other countries from Split?

Yes, but you must inform the rental company in advance. Driving to Bosnia, Montenegro, or other nearby countries is usually permitted, though some companies charge a cross-border fee (typically 15 to 30 euros) and require you to carry additional documentation like a Green Card (international motor insurance certificate). Always confirm the policy before you book.

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

The rental company will be notified and will charge your credit card for the fine plus an administrative fee (often 25 to 50 euros). Pay any fines promptly to avoid escalation. If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can contest it through Croatian traffic authorities, but the rental company will still charge you initially.

Is it cheaper to rent a car for a week or to book day-by-day?

Weekly rates are almost always cheaper per day than daily rates. If you need a car for five or more days, book it as a weekly rental even if you return it early — the weekly rate will be lower than five daily rates combined. Compare the exact total cost (including all fees and insurance) for both options before you decide.