Quick Answer: Best Transfer Options
Being a tour guide, travelers always ask me about the best ways to get to and from Split Airport. Here’s my honest recommendation: the airport shuttle bus offers the best balance of cost, convenience, and reliability for most visitors.
Quick Comparison:
Shuttle Bus: €8, 30 minutes, direct to Split Bus Station (5-minute walk to ferry port)
Taxi/Uber: €30-55, 30-40 minutes, door-to-door convenience
Private Transfer: €40-90, meet-and-greet service, ideal for families/groups
Car Rental: €25-70/day, maximum flexibility for exploring Dalmatia
Public Bus 37: €2.50-4, 40-60 minutes with stops, budget travelers only
The rest of this guide breaks down each option so you can choose what fits your budget, schedule, and luggage situation.
Airport Location & Key Distances
Split Airport (officially Zračna luka Split, code SPU) sits in Kaštela town, 20 kilometers northwest of Split city center—not actually in Split itself.
Distances from the airport:
Split City Center: 20 km (30-45 minutes depending on traffic)
Diocletian’s Palace: 22 km (40 minutes)
Split Ferry Port: 23 km (35-40 minutes)
Trogir Old Town: 5 km (10 minutes)
Split Main Bus Station: 20 km (30 minutes direct shuttle)
Why this matters: Trogir is significantly closer to the airport than Split. If you’re island-hopping or doing day trips, consider basing yourself in Trogir—it’s cheaper, less crowded, and you’ll save time and money on airport transfers.
The airport handles both domestic and international flights in a single modern terminal with clear English signage throughout. Car rental desks, ATMs, and the shuttle bus pickup are all immediately accessible upon exiting baggage claim.
Airport Shuttle Bus (Best Value)
The official airport shuttle operated by Pleso Transport is what I recommend to 80% of travelers.
Why it’s the best option:
Price: €8 per person one-way
Journey time: 30 minutes direct (no intermediate stops)
Frequency: Departs 20-30 minutes after each flight arrival
Reliability: Coordinated with flight schedules, never missed
Luggage: Adequate storage for standard bags
Destination: Split Main Bus Station (Platform 5)
How it works:
Exit baggage claim and follow “Bus” signs outside the terminal. The Pleso Transport desk is visible immediately. Buy tickets online in advance at plesoprijevoz.hr or pay the driver (cash only, exact change appreciated).
Buses wait until most passengers from your flight have boarded. They won’t leave you behind if you’re delayed at baggage claim.
For departures: Buses leave Split Bus Station 90 minutes before your scheduled flight time. Platform 5 is clearly marked.
Ferry connections: Split Ferry Port is a 5-minute walk from the bus station. If you’re catching a ferry to Hvar, Brač, or other islands, this shuttle is perfect.
The catch: If your flight arrives very late (after 23:00) or very early (before 06:00), shuttle service may not align with your schedule. In those cases, use taxis or pre-book private transfers.
Public Bus Route 37 (Budget Option)
Route 37 is Split’s public bus connecting the airport to the city via Kaštela towns.
The reality:
Price: €2.50-4 (cheapest option)
Journey time: 40-60 minutes with multiple stops
Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes (weekdays), every 30 minutes (weekends)
Operating hours: 04:00-23:45 daily
Why I rarely recommend it:
Limited luggage space—you’ll struggle with large bags. Multiple stops through Kaštela neighborhoods before reaching Split suburbs. Final stop (Sukoišan) isn’t near Split center—you’ll need another bus or 20-minute walk. No air conditioning in older buses during summer heat.
When it makes sense:
You’re staying in Kaštela or Trogir (closer stops). You’re an extreme budget traveler with small bags. You have time to spare and want to see local neighborhoods.
How to catch it: Exit the terminal and walk to the main road opposite the airport building. Bus stops are marked. Pay the driver cash or use the Promet Split mobile app.
Taxis & Official Rates
Split Airport maintains official taxi stands with published rates to prevent overcharging tourists.
Official 2025 rates:
Split City Center: €45-55
Trogir: €22
Split Ferry Port: €50-60
Omiš: €85
Split Suburbs: €40-65
Van surcharge: +30%
How it works:
Exit the terminal and follow “Taxi” signs to the official taxi rank directly outside. Drivers must use meters and provide receipts. Rates are posted at the taxi stand.
Important: Only use taxis from the official rank. Ignore anyone approaching you inside the terminal offering “special deals”—these are unlicensed drivers who overcharge.
When taxis make sense: Late-night/early-morning flights when shuttles don’t run. You have excessive luggage. You’re traveling with elderly family or young children. Your accommodation is in Split suburbs not served well by public transport.
Uber & Bolt Ride-Sharing
Both Uber and Bolt operate at Split Airport, with Bolt being more popular locally.
Bolt pricing (2025):
Economy: €26-30 to Split center
Comfort: €30-35 (spacious vehicles)
Van (1-6 passengers): €35-40
Base rate: €1.37 + €0.76/km + €0.09/minute
Uber pricing:
Standard: €30-40 to Split center
Comfort/Premium: €40-50
Advantages over taxis:
Upfront pricing (no surprises). Cashless payment. Driver ratings and accountability. Often 20-30% cheaper than official taxis.
The catch:
Summer peak pricing can exceed taxi rates. Pickup locations at the airport can be confusing—follow app directions carefully. Not available 24/7 (limited drivers after midnight).
My recommendation: Check both apps before booking. Prices fluctuate based on demand. Bolt usually wins on price; Uber has more premium vehicle options.
Private Transfer Services
Pre-booked private transfers offer meet-and-greet service with your name on a sign.
Typical pricing:
Standard car (1-3 passengers): €40-60
Premium sedan (1-4 passengers): €60-80
Minivan (5-8 passengers): €70-100
What’s included:
Flight monitoring for delays. Meet-and-greet with name sign. English-speaking drivers. Air-conditioned vehicles. Luggage assistance. Free cancellation (usually 24-48 hours notice).
When it’s worth it:
Traveling with family/group (cost per person drops significantly). First-time visitors who want stress-free arrival. Business travelers needing reliability. Late-night or early-morning flights. You have special requirements (child seats, wheelchair access).
Best booking platforms:
Private Airport Transfer – From €40, flexible cancellation
Local companies: Croatia Shuttle, Adriatic Shuttle – €50-100 range
Pro tip: For groups of 3+, private transfers cost about the same per person as the shuttle bus while offering door-to-door convenience.
Car Rental at the Airport
Split Airport hosts major international and local rental agencies in a dedicated center adjacent to the terminal—no shuttle required.
Available companies:
International: Sixt, Avis, Budget, Enterprise
Local: Last Minute, Avantcar, Oryx, Carwiz
Typical pricing (2025):
Economy: €25-40/day
Compact: €30-50/day
SUV: €45-70/day
Premium: €60-100/day
What’s included:
Unlimited mileage. Basic insurance. Second driver (often free). Cross-border EU travel. 24/7 roadside assistance.
When car rental makes sense:
You’re exploring beyond Split (Krka, Plitvice, Istria). Visiting multiple islands via ferry. Staying in rural areas or small towns. Road-tripping the Dalmatian coast. You’re in Croatia for 4+ days.
When to skip it:
Staying only in Split city (parking is expensive and difficult). Island-hopping by ferry (can’t take rental cars to most islands). Short 2-3 day visit. Budget traveler.
Requirements:
Valid international driving license. Credit card for deposit. Minimum age 21 (varies by company).
Tips:
Book 2-3 weeks in advance for summer visits (30-40% cheaper). Check fuel policy—most require return with full tank. Inspect vehicle before leaving and document any damage. Operating hours: 07:00-23:00 daily; after-hours returns available via key drop boxes.
Learn more about driving in Croatia and road trip itineraries.
Airport Parking Options
South Parking (Main): 900 spaces connected to terminal by pedestrian bridge.
Daily rate: €13
Weekly: €91
Two weeks: €182
North Parking (Kiss & Fly): Drop-off and short-term only.
Red Zone: 5 minutes free (drop-off)
Standard rate: €5/hour
CroParking Split (Off-site): Most economical for long-term parking.
€6/day with free shuttle service to airport
Best for extended trips (savings of €7/day vs. official parking)
Payment methods: Cash, credit cards, SMS payment at official lots.
Special Situations & Tips
Night flights and early departures:
Last shuttle: Approximately 23:00 (varies with flight schedules)
Last public bus: 23:45
Taxis/ride-sharing: Available 24/7
Early shuttles: Start 90 minutes before first flights
Peak season (June-August):
Increased demand for all transport. Higher taxi/ride-sharing prices. Longer shuttle wait times during cruise ship arrivals. Book private transfers and car rentals 2-3 weeks ahead.
Luggage and groups:
Shuttle bus: Standard luggage OK, limited space for oversized items
Public bus: Avoid with large bags
Taxis/private transfers: Best for multiple bags and groups
Accessibility:
Shuttle buses have wheelchair-accessible vehicles (request when booking). Taxis can arrange accessible vehicles with advance notice. Terminal has full accessibility with elevators and ramps.
Money-Saving Strategies
Book shuttle tickets online in advance for guaranteed seats. Compare Bolt and Uber before booking—prices fluctuate. Travel in groups of 3+—private transfers become cost-effective. Consider Trogir as your base—5 km from airport vs. 20 km. Combine transport: shuttle to Split, then local bus/walk to final destination. Off-peak travel (April-May, September-October) has better prices and less demand.
Reality check: The €5-10 you save taking public bus instead of the shuttle costs you 30+ minutes and significant hassle. Your time is valuable—choose accordingly.
Essential Contact Info
Airport Information:
General info: +385 21 203 506
Website: split-airport.hr
Lost and found: Terminal information desk
Transportation contacts:
Pleso Transport (Shuttle): +385 99 711 8889
Road assistance (HAK): +385 1 987
Useful apps:
Moovit: Real-time public transport
Uber/Bolt: Ride-sharing
Google Maps: Navigation
Book your transfers:
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