Quick answer
Split Airport (officially Resnik Airport) is 24 km west of Split city center, near the town of Kaštela. The drive to Split takes around 25-35 minutes. Airport bus line 37 connects the airport to the city bus terminal for around 5 EUR per person and runs every 20-30 minutes. Taxis cost 35-50 EUR to Split and pre-booked transfers run 30-50 EUR. Trogir is only 6 km from the airport — taxis there cost just 10-15 EUR. There is no rail connection. Croatia uses the Euro.
What actually happens after landing
Split Airport has a relatively modern terminal that was expanded ahead of the Croatian tourism boom. It handles summer crowds adequately, though arrival halls get busy when several flights land close together during July and August.
EU and Schengen passport holders pass through quickly. Croatia joined the Schengen Area in 2023, so arrivals from other Schengen countries face no passport control. Non-EU travelers should allow 15-25 minutes during peak season.
Baggage claim is straightforward. Once through arrivals you enter a hall with car rental desks, an ATM, a small cafe, and a tourist information counter. The exit leads directly to the pickup and transport area outside.
Transport options explained honestly
The downside: it drops you at the bus terminal, not your hotel. With heavy luggage, you then need to navigate Split on foot or take a local bus or taxi for the last stretch.
Taxis queue outside the terminal. Fares are metered but airport trips have a fixed starting rate. Expect 35-50 EUR to central Split, depending on your exact destination and traffic. The cars are air-conditioned and modern.
Pre-booked private transfers offer a driver in arrivals holding your name, going directly to your accommodation. Prices to Split city center run 30-50 EUR — competitive with or slightly below taxi rates, with the added benefit of certainty and no taxi queue. For Trogir, transfers run 15-25 EUR.
Trogir note: Trogir is exceptional value from this airport. At just 6 km away, a taxi costs 10-15 EUR and a transfer 15-20 EUR. If you are staying in Trogir or its islands, Split Airport is an excellent gateway.
Rental cars are available at the terminal. Driving in Split itself is not recommended — the Old Town (Diocletian's Palace area) is largely car-free, and parking is expensive and limited. However, for exploring the Dalmatian islands, national parks, and coastal villages, a car is very useful.
Realistic pricing expectations
To Split city center / Old Town (24 km): 5 EUR by bus 37, 35-50 EUR by taxi, 30-50 EUR by transfer.
To Trogir (6 km): 10-15 EUR by taxi, 15-25 EUR by transfer. One of the cheapest airport-to-destination trips in Croatia.
To Kaštela / Solin (10-15 km): 20-30 EUR by taxi, 18-28 EUR by transfer.
To Makarska (65 km): 70-100 EUR by transfer. No shuttle service covers this route.
To Omiš (35 km): 45-65 EUR by transfer.
To Hvar ferry port in Split (26 km): 35-50 EUR by taxi or transfer. The ferry to Hvar town runs from Split's ferry terminal — your transfer should go to the Stari Grad or Hvar Town ferry departure point.
To Šibenik (80 km): 90-120 EUR by transfer.
To Dubrovnik (230 km): Not practical by taxi. A transfer runs 250-350 EUR. Most people fly or take a bus.
Getting to Hvar from Split Airport
Hvar is an island, so there is no direct road transfer. The standard route from Split Airport goes like this:
1. Take a transfer or taxi to Split's Stari Grad ferry port (about 26 km from the airport, 30-40 minutes). 2. Take a car ferry to Stari Grad on Hvar island (about 2 hours). If you are a foot passenger, the faster catamaran to Hvar Town runs from Split's central ferry terminal.
Alternatively, book a door-to-ferry transfer that takes you directly to the appropriate port. Confirm whether you want the car ferry (Stari Grad) or the passenger catamaran (Hvar Town) when you book.
Journey time from plane landing to Hvar: allow 3-4 hours including the ferry, longer in peak summer when ferries fill up.
Late night arrivals
Summer flights into Split arrive until late evening, and some charter services land past midnight. The airport stays open for scheduled flights.
Bus line 37 has a reduced schedule in the evenings. For flights landing after 10 PM, check the specific timetable — the last bus may have departed. Do not assume the bus will be running for late arrivals without verifying.
Taxis are available after night flights, though fewer cars are waiting than during peak afternoon hours. For late arrivals, a pre-booked transfer is the most reliable option — the driver tracks your flight and is there regardless of delay.
Families and luggage
Bus line 37 has luggage space but can get crowded in summer. With children and multiple large bags, it is not comfortable. A standard taxi or transfer is more practical for families.
Child car seats are not routinely provided by Croatian taxi drivers. If you need one, request it when pre-booking a transfer. Alternatively, bring a compact travel seat.
Split's Old Town (Diocletian's Palace area) involves stone streets and some steps. Hotel and apartment drop-offs in the historic center are typically near the edge of the pedestrian zone — expect a short walk with luggage.
Where you meet the driver
For pre-booked transfers, drivers wait in the arrivals area just beyond the exit from baggage claim, holding name signs. The terminal is compact and easy to navigate.
The taxi rank is directly outside the terminal. During busy summer periods, an attendant manages the queue.
Bus line 37 departs from the clearly marked bus stop outside the terminal. Schedules are posted at the stop and available online.
Decision helper
Choose a taxi if: you want door-to-door service without pre-booking, you are in a group of up to three, and you do not want to deal with the bus schedule.
Choose a pre-booked transfer if: you are traveling with family, arriving late, going to Trogir or a coastal town, or want the simplest arrival possible with a confirmed price.
Choose a rental car if: you plan to explore the Dalmatian coast and interior — the roads outside Split are excellent and the scenery rewards having your own vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Split Airport from Split city center?
24 km. The drive takes 25-35 minutes depending on traffic, slightly longer in peak summer.
How do I get from Split Airport to Hvar?
There is no direct route since Hvar is an island. Take a transfer or taxi to Split's ferry terminal (about 30 minutes), then a car ferry to Stari Grad (2 hours) or a passenger catamaran to Hvar Town (1 hour). Allow 3-4 hours total from landing.
Is Trogir close to Split Airport?
Very close — only 6 km. A taxi costs 10-15 EUR and takes about 10 minutes. It is one of the most affordable airport transfers in Croatia.
Does the bus from Split Airport go to the ferry port?
Bus line 37 goes to Split's main bus terminal, which is adjacent to the ferry terminal. From there you can walk to the ferry port in a few minutes.
Is there an Uber in Split?
Uber operates in Split but with limited drivers and unreliable availability, especially at the airport. It exists as an option but should not be relied upon as your primary plan.
How much is a taxi from Split Airport to Makarska?
Makarska is 65 km from the airport. Expect 70-100 EUR for a taxi or transfer. There is no direct bus service from the airport to Makarska.
What currency does Croatia use?
Euro (EUR). Croatia switched from the Croatian Kuna in January 2023.
Split Airport is well-positioned for exploring Dalmatia. The 24 km to Split city center is covered efficiently by bus or transfer, and the proximity to Trogir makes it an excellent airport for that destination in particular. For island destinations like Hvar, plan the ferry leg in advance — the journey adds time but the arrival by sea is part of the experience.