Split Airport to City Centre Guide 2026: All Options

Your Definitive 2026 Guide: Getting from Split Airport to the City Centre

Welcome to Split! You've just landed at Split Airport (SPU), also known as Zračna luka Resnik, and the historic charm of Diocletian's Palace and the sparkling Adriatic are calling. But first, you need to cover the 24 kilometers (about 15 miles) between the airport and the city center. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of every transportation option for 2026, complete with prices, travel times, and insider tips to ensure your arrival in Split is smooth, efficient, and budget-friendly.

Transport Options at a Glance

To help you decide quickly, here is a summary of the primary methods for getting into Split. Each has its own balance of cost, speed, and convenience.

| Transport Method | Est. Price (2026) | Travel Time | Frequency | Best For | |---------------------------|-------------------|-----------------|----------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Airport Shuttle Bus | €8 per person | 30-40 mins | Aligned w/ flights | Solo travelers, couples, budget & convenience | | Local Public Bus (#37)| €3 per person | 50-60 mins | Every 20-30 mins | Ultra-budget travelers, light packers | | Official Taxi | €45 - €55 | 25-30 mins | On-demand | Speed, direct drop-off, heavy luggage | | Ride-Sharing (Uber/Bolt)| €40 - €50 | 25-30 mins | On-demand (app) | App users, price transparency | | Private Transfer | €50 - €70 | 25-30 mins | Pre-booked | Families, groups, stress-free arrival | | Car Rental | From €30/day | 25-30 mins+ | Pre-booked | Day trips, exploring the Dalmatian coast |

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Option 1: The Official Airport Shuttle Bus (Pleso Prijevoz)

This is the most popular and balanced option for most travelers. It perfectly blends cost-effectiveness with convenience, dropping you right at the heart of Split's transport hub.

• Operator: Pleso Prijevoz
• Estimated Price (2026): €8 one-way per person.
• Travel Time: 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Destination: Split Central Bus Station (Autobusni Kolodvor Split), located right next to the ferry port and train station, and a 10-minute walk from Diocletian's Palace.

How to Use the Shuttle Bus

1. Finding the Bus: After exiting the baggage claim area, walk straight out of the terminal building. The white Pleso Prijevoz buses are clearly marked and parked just to the right. 2. Buying Tickets: You have three options for purchasing tickets: Online: Book in advance on the official Pleso Prijevoz website. This is highly recommended during peak season (June-August) to guarantee a seat. Kiosk: There is a small sales kiosk located right by the bus stop. * Driver: You can often buy a ticket directly from the driver with cash (Euros) or sometimes by card, space permitting. 3. Schedule: The shuttle bus schedule is not fixed but is timed to coincide with flight arrivals. Generally, a bus departs approximately 30 minutes after a scheduled flight lands. You will rarely wait long for a bus.

Insider Tip: The bus has ample under-carriage storage for large suitcases, making it ideal for those with lots of luggage. The drop-off point is perfect if you are catching a ferry to Hvar, Brač, or Vis, as the port is less than 100 meters away.

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Option 2: The Local Public Bus (Promet Split Line #37)

For the true budget-conscious traveler, local bus line #37 is the undisputed cheapest way to get to Split. However, this saving comes with a trade-off in convenience.

• Operator: Promet Split
• Estimated Price (2026): ~€3 one-way per person.
• Travel Time: 50-60 minutes, as it makes numerous stops.
• Destination: Sukoišan Bus Terminal, a local station about 1.5 km (a 15-20 minute walk) from the Old Town.

How to Use the Local Bus

1. Finding the Bus Stop: This is the tricky part. You must exit the airport terminal, cross the parking lot, and walk up to the main road (Cesta dr. Franje Tuđmana). The bus stop is located on the opposite side of this busy road. It is a simple covered shelter. 2. Buying Tickets: You buy your ticket directly from the driver. Crucially, you must pay in cash (Euros). Try to have small bills or exact change, as drivers may not have change for large notes. 3. The Journey: The bus runs between Trogir and Split, so the airport is just one stop along its route. It will be marked with the number 37. The journey is longer due to the many local stops. 4. Arrival Point: This bus does not go to the main bus station by the port. It terminates at the Sukoišan bus station. From here, you will need to walk 15-20 minutes, take another local bus, or grab a short-haul taxi/Uber to reach the Riva or your accommodation in the Old Town.

Insider Tip: This option is best for backpackers or those with very light luggage due to the walk required from the airport terminal to the bus stop and from the Sukoišan station into the city center.

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Option 3: Taxi and Ride-Sharing (Uber/Bolt)

For those prioritizing speed and door-to-door convenience, a taxi or a ride-sharing service is the best choice. It's the fastest way to get directly to your hotel or apartment, especially after a long flight.

Official Airport Taxis

• Estimated Price (2026): €45 - €55
• Travel Time: 25-30 minutes
• Location: The official taxi rank is located immediately outside the terminal exit. You can't miss it.
• Payment: Most accept both cash (EUR) and credit cards, but it's always wise to confirm before starting your journey.

Pros: Always available, no need to book. Regulated and safe. Cons: Usually the most expensive option.

Ride-Sharing (Uber & Bolt)

• Estimated Price (2026): €40 - €50 (can vary with demand)
• Travel Time: 25-30 minutes
• Location: Follow the in-app instructions for the designated pickup point, which is typically in the main parking area just a short walk from the terminal exit.

Pros: Often slightly cheaper than taxis, payment is handled seamlessly through the app. Cons: Prices can surge during peak arrival times or bad weather. You need a working phone with data to book.

Insider Tip: During the peak summer months of July and August, traffic along the coastal road can be heavy, especially in the afternoon. A 25-minute journey can sometimes stretch to 45 minutes. Check Google Maps for live traffic before choosing this option if you're in a hurry.

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Option 4: Pre-Booked Private Transfer

For the ultimate in stress-free travel, especially for families or larger groups, a pre-booked transfer is an excellent choice. Your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall, ready to help with your luggage.

• Estimated Price (2026): €50 - €70 for a standard car, more for a minivan.
• Travel Time: 25-30 minutes.
• Booking: Book online in advance through numerous providers like Welcome Pickups, Suntransfers, or local Split-based transfer companies.

Pros:

• Meet & Greet: A driver will be waiting with your name on a sign.
• Fixed Price: The price is agreed upon and paid in advance, so there are no surprises.
• Vehicle Choice: You can book a vehicle large enough for your group and all your luggage.
• Flight Monitoring: Companies monitor your flight and will adjust pickup time for delays.

Insider Tip: If you're traveling in a group of 3 or 4, the cost per person for a private transfer can be very close to the shuttle bus price, offering significantly more comfort and convenience for a small premium.

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Option 5: Car Rental

If your Croatian itinerary includes exploring beyond Split, such as visiting Krka National Park, the Makarska Riviera, or Plitvice Lakes, renting a car directly from the airport is a practical choice.

• Rental Agencies: All major international and local agencies have desks in the airport terminal, including Sixt, Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Nova Rent a Car.
• Estimated Price (2026): Prices vary wildly by season but expect from €30/day for a small car in the shoulder season to €70+/day in peak summer.
• Booking: It is essential to book your rental car far in advance for summer travel, as demand is extremely high and prices skyrocket for last-minute bookings.

Insider Tip: Parking within Split's city center is notoriously difficult and expensive. Ensure your accommodation has a dedicated parking spot before choosing to rent a car. If you only plan to explore Split for the first few days, consider taking the shuttle into the city and renting a car from a downtown office later.