Getting around · Split · Croatia
Getting around Split
Public transport, passes, airport connections and when a car makes sense.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Berthold Werner, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Split's old town and the Riva are pedestrian, and the main bus station, train station and ferry port are clustered together just east of the palace. Promet Split buses cover the city, Solin, Klis and the coast towards Trogir and Podstrana, while Jadrolinija and other operators run ferries and catamarans to the islands. Not for Split itself, where the old town is pedestrian and parking is scarce and expensive.
Key facts
- Main way around
- Walking
- Airports
- SPU
- Need a car?
- Sometimes
Ways to get around
Walking
The palace, the Riva, Varoš, Marjan's Vidilica viewpoint and Bačvice are all within about 20 minutes' walk of each other.
Bus
Promet Split city and suburban buses run to the outer districts, Solin, Klis, Trogir and Podstrana; regional coaches leave from the main bus station by the port.
Buy tickets from kiosks or the driver, and check which fare zone your destination is in.
Ferry
Jadrolinija car ferries and passenger catamarans from Split's harbour serve Brač, Šolta, Hvar, Vis and other islands, with more frequent services in summer.
Buy catamaran tickets ahead in July and August, when popular sailings sell out.
Boat
Tourist boats and speedboats from the Riva offer day trips to the islands, the Blue Cave on Biševo and nearby coves.
Taxi
Taxis and ride-hailing apps operate in Split and are handy for the airport and late nights.
Cycling
A bike is the best way around Marjan's flat seaside road; rentals are available in the city.
From the airport
Split Airport (SPU) is at Kaštela, about 25 km west of the city and 6 km from Trogir. An airport shuttle bus links it with the main bus station by the ferry port in about 30–40 minutes, Promet Split's local buses are slower but cheaper, and a taxi takes about 30 minutes in normal traffic.
Do you need a car?
Not for Split itself, where the old town is pedestrian and parking is scarce and expensive. A car is useful for Krka, Plitvice and inland villages, but buses and boats cover Trogir, Omiš and the islands.
Reaching the day trips
| Destination | Travel time | How |
|---|---|---|
| Trogir | About 30–45 minutes by bus or boat | Promet Split bus or seasonal boat from the Riva |
| Krka National Park | About 1–1.5 hours by car or bus | Car, tour or bus to Skradin or Lozovac |
| Hvar Town | About 1 hour by catamaran | Catamaran from Split harbour |
| Bol and Zlatni Rat, Brač | About 1.5–2 hours by ferry and bus | Ferry to Supetar and bus, or seasonal catamaran to Bol |
| Omiš and the Cetina river | About 30–45 minutes by bus | Promet Split or regional bus |
| Plitvice Lakes National Park | About 3–3.5 hours each way by car or bus | Car, organised tour or bus |
Questions travellers ask
+Do you need a car in Split?
Not for Split itself, where the old town is pedestrian and parking is scarce and expensive. A car is useful for Krka, Plitvice and inland villages, but buses and boats cover Trogir, Omiš and the islands.
+How do you get from the airport to Split?
Split Airport (SPU) is at Kaštela, about 25 km west of the city and 6 km from Trogir. An airport shuttle bus links it with the main bus station by the ferry port in about 30–40 minutes, Promet Split's local buses are slower but cheaper, and a taxi takes about 30 minutes in normal traffic.
+What is the best way to get around Split?
Walking: The palace, the Riva, Varoš, Marjan's Vidilica viewpoint and Bačvice are all within about 20 minutes' walk of each other.