Split car rental guide
Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Split
The best car rental companies in Split are Sixt, Hertz, Avis. Prices start from €24/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 21, and airport pickup adds about 12%.
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Ranked comparison
Top 10 rental companies in Split
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
#1
Sixt
Editor’s pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€26/day
all-in estimate
View Sixt deal
#2
Hertz
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€27/day
all-in estimate
View Hertz deal
#3
Avis
Top ratedFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€25/day
all-in estimate
View Avis deal
#4
Budget
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€23/day
all-in estimate
View Budget deal
#5
Alamo
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€24/day
all-in estimate
View Alamo deal
#6
Europcar
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€24/day
all-in estimate
View Europcar deal
#7
Enterprise
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€28/day
all-in estimate
View Enterprise deal
#8
National
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€29/day
all-in estimate
View National deal
#9
Split Rent a Car
Local pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €200Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€20/day
base rate
View Split Rent a Car deal
Prices are indicative market estimates · Last checked 2026-07-21 · 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Price guide
Prices by car type in Split
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | €24 | Fiat Panda | 4 |
| Compact | €29 | Volkswagen Polo | 4 |
| SUV | €46 | Dacia Duster | 5 |
| Minivan (7-seat) | €62 | Opel Zafira | 7 |
| Convertible | €89 | Fiat 500 Cabrio | 4 |
Pickup locations
Where to pick up a car in Split
Airport — Split Airport (SPU)
Split Airport sits about 20–25 minutes west of the city near Kaštela, and every major agency runs a desk in or beside the terminal — a free shuttle bridges the short walk to the rental compound during peak summer schedules.
Downtown — Split city center
Downtown desks near the ferry port and Riva promenade suit travelers arriving by ferry from the islands (Hvar, Brač, Vis) who only need a car once they are ready to head up the Dalmatian coast.
Fees
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Airport surcharge | ~12% of base rate | SPU airport pickup |
| Young-driver fee (21–24) | €12–25/day | Drivers under 25 |
| Additional driver | €6–10/day | Per extra driver |
| Cross-border fee (to Bosnia/Montenegro) | €30–70 | Driving beyond Croatia, incl. green card insurance |
| Toll transponder / manual toll cash | €15–40 total | A1 motorway Split–Zagreb/Dubrovnik |
| Refundable deposit | €200–500 | Standard hold at pickup |
Local intelligence
Things to know before renting in Split
- Split Airport (SPU) sits roughly 20–25 minutes from the city center along the coastal road, with nearly every major rental brand operating a desk inside or beside the terminal.
- The A1 motorway connecting Split to Zagreb and south to Dubrovnik is tolled — expect €15–40 total in tolls depending on distance, payable by cash, card, or a prepaid ENC transponder.
- Split's Diocletian's Palace old town is a pedestrian-only UNESCO site with no vehicle access — park at Sukoišan or the Obala garage near the port and walk in.
- Renting to cross into Bosnia and Herzegovina (e.g. for the Neum corridor or Mostar) or Montenegro requires green card insurance, typically a €30–70 add-on that must be arranged before departure.
- Ferries to Hvar, Brač, Vis and Korčula depart from Split's main port daily — many visitors rent a car only after island-hopping, once they're ready to explore inland Dalmatia.
- Peak season (July–August) sees rental prices roughly double and fleets sell out early — booking 4–6 weeks ahead is standard advice from local agencies.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Split
Do you need a car in Split?
Not for the old town itself, which is pedestrian-only and easily walkable. A car becomes valuable for exploring the wider Dalmatian coast, national parks like Krka, or driving south toward Dubrovnik.
Is it better to rent a car at Split Airport or in the city?
Renting at the airport is more convenient if you're heading straight out of the city, since nearly every agency has a desk there. Renting downtown suits travelers who arrive by ferry from the islands and only need wheels afterward.
Can you drive from Split into Bosnia or Montenegro with a rental car?
Yes, but you need green card insurance for cross-border coverage, usually a €30–70 add-on arranged in advance. Not all economy bookings include it by default, so confirm with the agency before crossing.
Are there tolls between Split and Dubrovnik?
Yes — the A1 motorway is tolled, and a one-way trip typically costs €15–25 depending on how far you go. Tolls can be paid by cash, card, or a prepaid transponder.
Where do you park near Diocletian's Palace in Split?
The old town itself bans vehicles, so most visitors use the Obala garage near the ferry port or paid lots at Sukoišan, then walk the short distance into the historic center.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Split for summer?
For July and August, local agencies recommend booking 4–6 weeks ahead — prices roughly double in peak season and popular categories like SUVs and convertibles sell out first.
What is the cheapest car type in Split?
Economy cars like a Fiat Panda start around €24/day. For groups heading to the islands together, a 7-seat minivan starts around €62/day.
Nearby trips
