Do you need a car in Split?
Yes — Split is the gateway to Dalmatia, and the city alone won't show you what the region is about. Krka and Plitvice national parks, the wine villages inland, the Riviera beaches at Omiš and Makarska, and historic Trogir are all a drive away, and no bus network covers that ground efficiently. Croatia drives on the right, just like Israel, which makes the adjustment easy, and an International Driving Permit is strongly recommended to avoid any issue at the rental counter or with police. If you're staying only in the old town and taking organized day trips to the islands, you can manage without a car — but for a real Dalmatian road trip, rent one.
- Rent a car to see Dalmatia beyond Split's old town — Krka, Plitvice, the Riviera coast, and Trogir all require your own wheels.
- Croatia drives on the right, same as Israel, and an International Driving Permit is strongly recommended for Israeli visitors, even though it isn't always legally mandatory.
- No vignette is needed in Croatia, but the A1 motorway toward Dubrovnik or Zagreb charges distance-based tolls at staffed booths.
- Split's old town — Diocletian's Palace — is fully walkable; skip the car if you're only staying in the city and doing organized island day trips.
Split is the gateway to Dalmatia — and the old town is walkable, parking isn't
Split's old town, built inside the walls of Diocletian's Roman palace, is compact, largely pedestrian, and made for walking — street parking near it is scarce and pricey, so plan to leave the car in a managed lot along the waterfront or edge of downtown and walk in. But Dalmatia's real highlights sit outside the city: Krka National Park with its waterfalls, and Plitvice National Park further north, are both a drive away, along with inland wine villages and the coastal towns of Omiš and Makarska on the Riviera. Without a car, these become expensive organized tours on someone else's schedule instead of your own day trips.
Driving side and the International Driving Permit
Croatia drives on the right, exactly like Israel, so the adjustment is minimal. An International Driving Permit isn't always strictly required for Israeli licence holders, but it's strongly recommended: rental companies and police in Croatia may ask for it, and turning up without one risks a refused rental or a voided insurance claim if you're stopped. Bring one to avoid any friction at the counter.
No vignette, but the A1 motorway charges tolls
Unlike some European countries, Croatia doesn't require a prepaid vignette sticker. Instead, the A1 motorway — the main route toward Dubrovnik in one direction and Zagreb in the other — charges distance-based tolls collected at staffed booths as you exit. Keep cash or a card ready; this is a pay-as-you-drive system, not a flat fee.
The islands work better without the car
Ferries from Split reach the islands of Hvar, Brač, and Vis, and while you can technically bring a car, it's rarely worth it. The better approach is to leave your rental parked in Split and go over as a foot passenger, then rent a scooter or use local transport once you're on the island. It's cheaper, avoids ferry vehicle queues, and the islands themselves are small enough not to need a full car.
Border crossings need advance paperwork
Day trips or longer routes from Split into Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mostar is a popular one) or Montenegro are common, but crossing an international border with a rental car isn't automatic. Confirm with the rental company in advance that cross-border travel is permitted, and make sure you're issued a green card for insurance — driving across without one can leave you uninsured on the other side.
