Europe > Croatia > Split (SPU)
The Car or no Car advice for Split can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Split ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Split ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Split?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
📍 Getting Around Split — the Reality
Split is dense, coastal, and human-scaled.
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The old town is tightly packed
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Major sights cluster around the harbour
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Traffic outside the centre can be heavy
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Parking near the centre is limited and expensive
Driving adds friction rather than convenience within the city.
🚶♂️ A City Built for Walking
Split’s historic heart strongly favours pedestrians.
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Diocletian’s Palace forms the core of the city
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Narrow streets, squares, and cafés dominate
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Waterfront promenades are fully walkable
Most visitors spend the bulk of their time on foot.
⛴️ Ferries Matter More Than Roads
Split is as much a port city as a city break destination.
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Frequent ferries to Hvar, Brač, Šolta, and Vis
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Day trips and island hopping don’t require a car
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Passenger travel is simpler and cheaper without a vehicle
Taking a car onto ferries is expensive and rarely worthwhile.
🚌 Public Transport and Taxis
For trips beyond walking range:
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Local buses cover most neighbourhoods
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Services are frequent and inexpensive
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Taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely available
These options cover almost all urban travel needs.
🚗 When Renting a Car Makes Sense
A rental car becomes useful if you’re heading inland.
A car is helpful for:
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Visiting Krka National Park
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Exploring the Dalmatian hinterland
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Small villages and viewpoints away from the coast
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Multi-day road trips
Public transport to these areas exists, but it’s slower and less flexible.
⚠️ Practical Considerations
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Summer traffic congestion is real
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Old town access is restricted
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Parking can be frustrating
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Rental availability is good but seasonal
Many visitors rent a car only for part of their stay.
🌿 Visiting Krka & Plitvice National Parks from Split
🚗 By Rental Car: Maximum Freedom
Renting a car from Split gives you the most flexibility when visiting both Krka National Park and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Krka is the easier and closer option, making it an ideal independent day trip where you can arrive early, avoid peak crowds, and combine the visit with nearby towns or scenic viewpoints. Plitvice, being much further north, still works by car, but it’s a long day and requires an early start. The advantage is complete control over timing and stops along the way. 🚙🌄
🚌 Guided Tour Buses: Simple and Stress-Free
For many visitors, guided tour buses are the most straightforward way to visit these parks, particularly Plitvice Lakes. Tours handle transport, park entry logistics, and timing, which is valuable given how busy Plitvice can be. You’ll usually have a set number of hours inside the park, making the experience structured but efficient. Guided tours to Krka are also popular and work well if you want a relaxed, no-planning day out. 🧭🚌
🚍 Scheduled Coaches: Possible but Demanding
There are scheduled intercity coaches from Split to Plitvice, and they do operate daily, but this option requires careful timetable planning. The journey is long, and return options can limit your time in the park, making it a tiring day. For Krka, public buses to nearby towns can work, but you’ll still need to plan local transfers. This option suits confident, time-flexible travellers rather than those looking for convenience. ⏱️🚏
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Conclusion: should you rent a car in Split?
No for the city — maybe for inland Dalmatia.
Split itself is best experienced on foot, by bus, and by ferry. A car only starts to make sense if your plans go well beyond the coast.
