A Guide to Parking in Split, Croatia (2026)

Navigating Split by Car: A Complete Parking Guide for 2026

Split, the vibrant heart of the Dalmatian coast, is a city built around the magnificent Diocletian's Palace, a 1,700-year-old Roman structure. While its ancient, narrow streets are a UNESCO World Heritage marvel, they present a significant challenge for modern drivers. Finding a parking spot in Split, particularly from June to September, can be a test of patience. However, with the right knowledge, you can navigate the city's parking system like a local.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of Split's parking zones, the best paid garages, options for free parking, and crucial tips to ensure your visit is smooth and stress-free.

Understanding Split's Parking Zones

Split's public parking is managed by the company 'Split Parking' and is organized into four distinct zones, easily identifiable by color-coded signs. The closer you get to the historic center and the Riva promenade, the more restrictive and expensive the parking becomes.

Zone 1 (Red Zone): The Core Center

• Location: The streets immediately surrounding the Diocletian's Palace pedestrian area and the Riva.
• Price: Approximately €2.50 - €3.00 per hour.
• Time Limit: Maximum stay is typically 2 hours. This zone is designed for short-term stops, not for all-day parking.
• Operating Hours: Enforcement is usually from 07:00 to 21:00 on weekdays and 07:00 to 14:00 on Saturdays. It's often free outside these hours and on Sundays, but always double-check the signage.
• Best For: Quickly dropping someone off, running a brief errand near the Old Town.

Zone 2 (Yellow Zone): The Buffer Area

• Location: Surrounding Zone 1, within a 5-15 minute walk of the city center. This includes areas like Varoš and parts of Bačvice.
• Price: Approximately €1.50 - €2.00 per hour.
• Time Limit: Maximum stay is often longer than Zone 1, sometimes up to 4-5 hours, or unlimited with a daily ticket purchase.
• Operating Hours: Similar to Zone 1, typically 07:00-21:00 on weekdays and 07:00-14:00 on Saturdays.
• Best For: Visitors who want to park for several hours and are willing to walk a short distance.

Zone 3 (Green Zone): Residential Parking

• Location: Further out in residential neighborhoods like Gripe, Bol, and parts of the Marjan peninsula.
• Price: The most affordable street option, around €1.00 per hour.
• Time Limit: Often unlimited, with daily tickets available for around €10-€12.
• Operating Hours: Shorter enforcement hours, typically 07:00 to 19:00 on weekdays only.
• Best For: All-day parking if you're comfortable with a 15-25 minute walk or a short bus/taxi ride to the center.

Zone 4 (White Zone): The Outskirts

• Location: The furthest zones from the city center, often near beaches like Žnjan or in outer residential districts.
• Price: Often free of charge or a very low flat daily rate in summer.
• Time Limit: Unlimited.
• Operating Hours: May have seasonal paid enforcement, especially near popular beaches.
• Best For: Budget-conscious travelers staying for multiple days who don't mind using public transport to reach the Old Town.

Top Paid Parking Garages & Lots in Split

For guaranteed safety and convenience, especially for overnight parking, a dedicated garage or secured lot is your best bet. While more expensive than street parking, they offer peace of mind and are often located in strategic positions.

| Name | Price/Hour & Day | Rating | Distance from Diocletian's Palace | |--------------------------|-----------------------------|--------|-----------------------------------| | Parking Garage Sukoišan | €2.00 / €20.00 | 4.2★ | 1.1 km | | Joker Centar Garage | First 3 hours free, then €1.50 | 4.5★ | 1.5 km | | ACI Marina Split | €3.50 / €30.00 | 4.1★ | 1.2 km | | Stari Plac Parking Lot | €1.50 / €15.00 | 3.8★ | 900 m | | Riva Parking Lot | €4.00 (no daily rate) | 3.5★ | 150 m |

Detailed Garage Reviews

• Parking Garage Sukoišan: This is a large, multi-storey public garage located next to the main local bus station. It's a reliable option with plenty of spaces. The ~15-minute walk to the Old Town is downhill, which means the return is uphill. It’s a great balance of price and proximity.

• Joker Centar Garage: Located beneath a shopping mall, this is an excellent value proposition. The first three hours are free for shoppers, making it perfect for a shorter visit. For longer stays, the hourly rate is very competitive. It's a 20-minute walk or a short Uber ride to the center.

• ACI Marina Split: Situated on the west side of the harbor, this garage offers stunning views and is ideal if you're exploring the Marjan peninsula or catching a boat. It's secure but one of the pricier options. The walk to the Riva is scenic and takes about 15 minutes.

• Stari Plac Parking Lot: This is a large open-air lot on the site of an old football stadium. Its main advantage is its size and slightly lower price compared to garages closer to the center. It's a straightforward 10-12 minute walk to the western end of the Riva.

• Riva Parking Lot: You cannot get closer to the action. Located directly on the main promenade, this lot is extremely convenient but also the most expensive and hardest to find a spot in. It’s best used for very short-term parking if you're lucky enough to find an empty space.

How to Pay for Parking in Split

Paying for parking is a straightforward process with several modern options available.

Using Parking Apps

This is the easiest method for tourists. Download an app like Bmove or PayDo before you arrive. You can add your vehicle's license plate, link a credit card, and the app will use your phone's GPS to identify your parking zone. You can start, stop, and extend your parking session directly from your phone, receiving notifications before your time expires.

Paying by SMS

This is the traditional Croatian method. Each parking zone has a specific mobile number displayed on the signs. To pay, you send an SMS to that number with your car's license plate (with no spaces or dashes). For example, if your plate is `ST1234AB`, you text `ST1234AB` to the number shown for your zone. You will receive a confirmation SMS. A separate SMS must be sent for each hour you wish to park.

Paying at Parking Meters

Street-side parking meters are available in all zones. They accept coins (EUR) and some newer machines may accept contactless card payments. You enter your license plate number, pay for the desired duration, and take the printed ticket to display on your dashboard.

Where to Find Free Parking in Split

Finding free parking near Split's center is difficult but not impossible. It always involves a trade-off: your time and effort for your money.

• Marjan Park Hill: The streets on the slopes of Marjan Hill, such as Sustipanski put, have areas with free parking. However, be extremely careful to read the signs. Many spots are reserved for residents, and towing is common. The further up the hill you go, the better your chances. This option requires a 20-30 minute walk to the center.

• Žnjan and Trstenik Neighborhoods: These residential and beach areas, located about 3-4 km east of the Old Town, have numerous free street parking spots. From here, you can take a local bus (lines 8 or 17) or a 10-minute taxi/Uber ride to the center. This is the best strategy for those staying in Split for several days.

Parking Fines and Towing in Split

If you overstay your paid time or park illegally, you won't get a small ticket. Instead, you'll likely find a plastic-wrapped notice on your windshield for a 'dnevna karta' or 'daily ticket'.

• The 'Daily Ticket' Fine: This is essentially a fine equivalent to a full day's parking rate in that zone, which can range from €20 to €40. You can usually pay it online, at a post office, or at the Split Parking office.
• Towing (Pauk): In cases of serious violations (parking in a disabled spot, blocking traffic, or in a no-parking zone), your vehicle may be towed by the 'Pauk' service. Retrieving your car from the impound lot is an expensive and time-consuming process, costing upwards of €100.

Insider Tips for Stress-Free Parking

1. Arrive Early or Late: The best chance for finding street parking is before 09:00 or after 20:00, when locals have left for work or returned home. 2. Don't Drive in the Old Town: The Diocletian's Palace area is a pedestrian-only zone. Do not attempt to drive into it. The streets are impossibly narrow, and you will get stuck and fined. 3. Use Google Maps Street View: Before you leave your accommodation, use Street View to scout potential parking areas and familiarize yourself with the one-way streets. 4. Rent a Smaller Car: If you're renting a car for your Croatian trip, choose the smallest vehicle that suits your needs. It will make navigating tight streets and fitting into small parking spots infinitely easier. 5. Park and Ride: The most stress-free strategy is to park your car for free in a neighborhood like Žnjan or Trstenik and use the excellent local bus service or a ride-sharing app like Uber or Bolt to travel into the center.