Car Hire Split Airport (SPU)

You’ll find our Avis counter at Split Airport located in the main terminal building just after the  baggage claim area. Our Avis rental car collection is a short walk away in the airport parking just opposite the terminal exit.

Split International Airport (SPU) is the second most important airport in Croatia after the capital Zagreb and is regarded as the gateway to the Dalmatian coast.

First opened in 1966, it serves 74 destinations in 27 countries as well as domestic flights to Zagreb International Airport, Pula Airport, Zadar Airport and Dubrovnik Airport The airport has gone through a period of development and a brand new state of the art terminal was opened in 2019 offering passengers an enhanced travel experience with more shopping and leisure facilities.

The airport is located to the west of the city of Split with good road access via the coastal highway.

If you are driving in Croatia for the first time or have just arrived in Europe, make sure you familiarise yourself with Croatian driving rules before picking up your car. Some key road rules in Croatia include driving on the right and overtaking on the left. Be aware that cars must keep headlights lit throughout the day. This is applicable all year round. Mobile phones can only be used as a built-in audio device. It is forbidden to use headphones or earbuds.  There is a zero-tolerance alcohol policy for drivers under 25.

What are the age requirements for renting a car in Split?

The minimum age to rent a car with Avis in Split and the rest of Croatia is 21. Age restrictions also vary by vehicle and some selected car groups are not available to drivers under the age of 25.

There is currently no maximum age for hiring a rental car, so long as you have had a full, valid, licence for at least 1 year. Some additional steps may be required for those who are over the age of 75 on the date of the scheduled return. When you book, you’ll be told if there are any maximum age restrictions for the vehicle you request. If you’re not sure, please check your booking confirmation email – or call the reservations team. 

What documents do I need to hire a car in Croatia?

To hire a car in Split, Croatia, you just need to bring your:

• Driving licence
• The credit card used to make your booking (if it's a high value vehicle two payment cards must be provided, one of which needs to be a credit card),
• Proof of any discount (such as a frequent flyer or Avis Preferred 
• Photo ID for international rentals (such as a passport or driving licence) taken in the last 10 years.

Can I pick up my rental car in Split and return it to another location?

One-way car rental with Avis makes it easy to go from A to B without driving full circle. That means you can collect your Avis hire car from Split Airport and then return it to another Avis office whether that’s in Croatia or even another country in Europe. Many of our Avis locations offer a 24-hour drop-off facility, which makes a one-way car hire hassle-free and very user-friendly. Simply check out our many available one-way journeys and start planning your route. When you are ready to book, just specify your destination in the booking panel and we will arrange it for you.

Is it worth hiring a car in Split?

While the centre of Split is compact and easy to walk around on foot – especially the narrow streets of the old town and Riva Promenade which are pedestrianised – and the city has a good public transport network of buses, trains, ferries and bikes, you’ll want to hire a car to travel further afield. Renting a car at Split International Airport gives you the freedom of independent travel as well as the opportunity to plan a Dalmatian coast road trip.

The Avis team at Split Airport are experts on Split and the Adriatic Coastal area and can offer advice on the best routes to take and make your trip a smooth one from the moment you touch down.

What is parking like in Split?

Parking in central Split can be hard to come by in the summer months and it is best to plan ahead although there are some central car parks and on street parking which is chargeable.

 You can find out more about the zones and parking options from the city council.

From the Avis car park at Split Airport to the centre of Zadar is a drive of 22km which will take around 25min depending on the time of day. Head east from the airport and take Ivana Pavla II following signs to the centre of the city.

From the traditional and contemporary attractions of the city centre to the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea, the best of Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast is all within easy reach of Split Airport. In Split,  explore Vukovarska Street and revel in the world-class shopping malls, or visit the Roman ruins of Diocletian’s Palace - a Unesco World Heritage Site - where you can discover the ancient Dalmatian way of life.

A short drive away you’ll find the old-world neighbourhoods of Varos, Dobri, Lucac and Manus, which started developing around the city walls in the 16th century.

For pristine sands and stellar views over the Adriatic Sea, head to Bačvice, Split’s most popular beach. This Blue Flag-awarded stretch of coastline is regarded as one of the cleanest and best kept in Europe.

Split is the perfect base to explore Croatia with winding coastal roads and awe-inspiring mountain drives leading to some of Europe’s most beautiful locations.

Zadar

An hour and a half from Split is the ancient city of Zadar. It’s a spectacle of Roman ruins, medieval churches and fascinating museums, and is the perfect place to dine al fresco and escape the summer crowds. The city’s most popular attractions are the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation, which uses the power of nature to create a spectacle of light and sound.

Krka National Park

Just an hour’s drive away from Split you can enjoy the natural beauty of Krka National Park. With some 800 species of flora and fauna, thriving wildlife and a collection of 17 waterfalls, this is a dream destination for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Makarska

Do as the locals do and take the hour-long drive from Split to the charming old town of Makarska, which rests at the foot of Mount Biokovo. With its pebble beaches and quintessentially Mediterranean