Split Parking Guide 2026: Garages & Apartments

Split Parking Guide: Your 2026 Strategy for a Stress-Free Visit

Welcome to Split, the vibrant heart of the Dalmatian coast. While its ancient Roman palace and stunning seaside promenade are easily explored on foot, arriving by car presents a modern challenge: parking. The city's narrow streets, a bustling center, and a surge of summer visitors can make finding a parking spot a daunting task. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of your options, from paid street parking and secure garages to the ultimate convenience—an apartment with its own private parking space.

Understanding Split's Parking System

Split's public parking is managed by the city company Split Parking d.o.o. and is primarily organized into a zone-based system. The closer you are to the historic center (Diocletian's Palace and the Riva), the more expensive and restrictive the parking becomes.

Street Parking Zones Explained (Zone 1, 2, 3, 4)

Street parking is marked with colored lines and signs indicating the zone. Prices can be higher during the peak tourist season (June 1st - September 30th).

• Zone 1 (Red Zone): This is the most central and expensive zone, covering the immediate vicinity of the Old Town. Parking is typically limited to a maximum of 2 hours.

Price: Approx. €2.00 - €2.50 per hour. Operating Hours: Mon-Fri 07:00-21:00, Sat 07:00-14:00. Often free on Sundays and public holidays.

• Zone 2 (Yellow Zone): Surrounding Zone 1, this area offers a slightly cheaper alternative and is still within a 5-15 minute walk to the center. Maximum stay is generally longer than Zone 1.

Price: Approx. €1.50 - €2.00 per hour. Operating Hours: Mon-Fri 07:00-21:00, Sat 07:00-14:00.

• Zone 3 (Green Zone): Located in residential areas further from the center, such as parts of Bačvice, Gripe, and Lovret. This is a more economical option if you don't mind a 15-25 minute walk.

Price: Approx. €1.00 per hour, or a daily ticket for around €10.00. Operating Hours: Mon-Fri 07:00-19:00, Sat 07:00-14:00.

• Zone 4 (Blue Zone): These are long-term parking lots, often on the city's periphery. They are the cheapest option for all-day parking.

Price: Primarily offers daily tickets (around €5-€8 per day) or weekly tickets. Location Example: Street parking around the Poljud Stadium.

How to Pay for Street Parking in Split

You have several convenient options for paying:

1. Parking Meters: Look for automated machines on the street. They accept coins (EUR) and some newer machines accept contactless card payments. You must display the printed ticket clearly on your dashboard. 2. SMS Payment: This is the most common method used by locals. Send an SMS with your license plate number (no spaces, e.g., ST1234AB) to the specific number displayed on the parking sign for your zone. You will receive a confirmation SMS. Zone 1: 708211 Zone 2: 708212 Zone 3: 708213 3. Mobile Apps: Apps like Bmove are widely used in Croatia. You can register your vehicle and credit card to easily pay for and extend your parking session remotely.

Best Public Parking Garages and Lots in Split

For those seeking more security and guaranteed availability, public garages and managed lots are the best choice. They are more expensive than street parking but offer peace of mind, especially for overnight stays.

| Parking Garage/Lot | Type | Price/Hour (approx.) | Price/Day (approx.) | Distance to Diocletian's Palace | Rating (Google) | |------------------------|--------|----------------------|---------------------|---------------------------------|-----------------| | Garaža Stari Pazar | Garage | €3.00 - €4.00 | €35.00 - €40.00 | 400m (5-min walk) | 4.1★ | | Garaža Svačićeva | Garage | €2.50 - €3.00 | €30.00 | 800m (10-min walk) | 4.3★ | | ACI Marina Split | Lot | €4.00 | N/A (hourly only) | 1.1km (15-min walk) | 4.5★ | | Riva Parking Lot | Lot | €3.50 - €4.50 | €45.00 | 50m (1-min walk) | 3.9★ | | Split City Parking | Lot | €1.50 | €15.00 | 1.5km (20-min walk) | 4.0★ |

Note: Prices are estimates for the high season (2026) and are subject to change. Always check the current rates upon arrival.*

• Garaža Stari Pazar: Located right next to the Green Market and a short walk from the Silver Gate of the palace. It's extremely convenient but fills up quickly. Open 24/7.
• Garaža Svačićeva: A modern underground garage offering a good balance of price and location. It's a reliable option when lots closer to the Riva are full. Open 24/7.
• ACI Marina Split: Situated on the west side of the harbor, this is a great option if you are exploring the Marjan Park side of the city. The walk to the Riva is scenic. This is one of the most expensive hourly options.

Where Can I Find Free Parking in Split?

Finding free parking near Split's center is nearly impossible, especially in summer. However, with some patience and a willingness to walk, you can find free spots in residential neighborhoods further from the Old Town.

• Marjan Park: Some streets on the slopes of Marjan Hill offer free parking, but they are narrow, steep, and highly coveted by locals. It's a 15-25 minute scenic walk to the center from here.
• Žnjan and Trstenik: These eastern neighborhoods have more modern apartment buildings and wider streets with free public parking spaces. It's about a 3-4 km walk to the center, or you can use a local bus (lines 8, 17) or a ride-sharing service.
• Križine: Located east of Bačvice beach, this area has some free street parking. It's a solid option if you plan on spending time at the city's popular beaches.

Insider Tip: If you find a free spot in a residential area, be respectful. Do not block driveways or entrances, and ensure you are parked in a legitimate, unmarked space. White lines indicate a valid parking spot.

The Smart Choice: Booking an Apartment with Parking

For a truly hassle-free vacation in Split, the single best decision you can make is to book accommodation that includes a private parking spot. This eliminates daily stress, saves money on expensive garage fees, and gives you the freedom to take day trips without worrying about finding a spot when you return.

Why You Should Prioritize Apartments with Parking

1. Cost Savings: A private spot included with your rental can save you €20-€40 per day compared to using a public garage. 2. Guaranteed Availability: No more circling the block for 30 minutes. Your spot is always waiting for you. 3. Security: Most private parking is in a secure garage or a reserved private lot, protecting your vehicle from theft or damage. 4. Convenience: Unload your luggage directly at your building without having to haul it from a distant parking lot.

Best Neighborhoods for Apartments with Parking

The Old Town is a pedestrian-only zone, so you won't find apartments with on-site parking there. Instead, focus on these nearby neighborhoods:

• Meje & Varoš: Located on the southern slopes of Marjan hill, these charming areas are a 5-15 minute walk to the Riva. Many villas and modern apartments here offer private garages.
• Bačvice: Famous for its sandy beach, this neighborhood has a mix of older buildings and new constructions, many of which provide underground parking.
• Žnjan: A newer, modern district along the coast with wide boulevards and many apartment buildings constructed with mandatory underground garages. It's further from the center but well-connected by bus and ideal for families.
• Gripe & Firule: Residential areas just east of the Old Town. They offer a more local feel and are a great place to find apartments with dedicated parking within a 15-20 minute walk of the center.

When booking, use filters on platforms like Booking.com, Airbnb, and Vrbo to show only properties with 'Parking' available. Always confirm with the host whether the parking is on-site, in a garage, or a reserved outdoor space.

Insider Tips for Stress-Free Parking in Split

• Arrive Early or Late: If you must hunt for street parking, your best chances are before 09:00 or after 19:00 when locals have left for work or day-trippers have gone home.
• Use a Smaller Car: If renting a car, opt for a compact model. It will make navigating Split's narrow streets and fitting into tight parking spaces significantly easier.
• Pay for an Extra Hour: When paying for street parking, consider adding an extra hour to your planned time. It's a small price for the peace of mind of not having to rush back.
• Understand Towing: If you are parked illegally, especially in a spot reserved for residents or disabled persons, your car will likely be towed. The impound lot (pauk) is located at Pujanke ul. 71, and recovering your vehicle is an expensive and time-consuming process.