Split Airport is manageable for families. The main considerations are transport capacity, car seats, and getting through Split's Old Town once you arrive.
Car seats
Croatian rules require children under 150 cm to travel in a suitable child restraint, with an exception for children between 135 and 150 cm who may use the vehicle seat belt on the rear seat if it fits them. The airport website does not list car seats at its taxi stand, so do not count on one being available there.
If you need a car seat, pre-book a private transfer and specify the child's age and weight at the time of booking. The provider can fit the appropriate seat. Alternatively, bring a travel car seat from home for the full duration of your trip.
Vehicle size and luggage
A family of four with two large suitcases, hand luggage, and a stroller will be tight in a regular sedan. Request a larger vehicle or minivan transfer at booking to ensure there is space for everything.
Promet Split's bus line 37 is the public option, but loading a stroller and managing children on a bus is more awkward than a direct transfer. The airport's shuttle bus to Split main bus station is listed on the airport website; check its schedule there.
Getting to Trogir with a family
Trogir is 6 km from the airport. Confirm the exact taxi or transfer fare with the driver or provider. Ask your accommodation about vehicle drop-off, since the historic center has stone streets.
Getting to Split Old Town with a family
Diocletian's Palace area is largely pedestrianized. Taxis and transfers drop off at the nearest accessible point to your accommodation, and from there you walk through stone-paved alleys with your luggage. A compact or foldable stroller is much easier to manage than a full-size pram.
Before booking accommodation inside the old town, ask your host about the vehicle drop-off point, walking distance, and whether there are steps between the road and your apartment.
Getting to the Hvar ferry with a family
Jadrolinija's car ferry from Split to Stari Grad takes about 2 hours (110 to 120 minutes depending on the document), and Jadrolinija asks you to be at the pier at least 45 minutes before departure, 60 minutes in season. The catamaran to Hvar Town takes about 65 minutes on its 2026 timetable. Check the current timetable for your date and book the crossing in advance in summer.
Practical family tips
Pre-book your transfer and request a minivan if your group or luggage volume warrants it, so you do not discover at the end of a travel day that the standard car does not fit everything. Mention the number of children, their ages and any stroller when you book.
Sources (checked 2026-10-17)
- Croatian child restraint rule (children under 150 cm, 135-150 cm exception): https://vukovarsko-srijemska-policija.gov.hr/UserDocsImages/PU_VS/Akcije/ROADPOL/Autosjedalica%20uvijek%20i%20bez%20iznimke!.pdf
- Airport location, distance to Split and Trogir, taxis near the main terminal, shuttle bus to Split main bus station, Promet app tickets: https://www.split-airport.hr/to-from-the-airport/
- Split - Stari Grad car ferry 635 timetable and crossing time (110 minutes in the 2026 timetable): https://www.jadrolinija.hr/download/0bfd435eacd0acfe37d300cd90b8b949
- Split - Stari Grad car ferry crossing time (120 minutes) and advice to be at the pier 45 minutes before departure, 60 in season: https://www.jadrolinija.hr/hr/putovanje/split_-_stari_grad_hvar
- Split - Hvar catamaran line 641 (2026 timetable, daily, 65 minutes between 10:10 and 11:15): https://www.jadrolinija.hr/download/d46ad107eee286d5dc26d36685620098
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a car seat in a Split Airport taxi?
The airport website does not list car seats at its taxi stand. Pre-book a transfer and request a car seat, specifying your child's age and weight, or bring a travel car seat from home.
Is Split Airport easy to navigate with a stroller?
We could not confirm stroller facilities from an official source. The difficult part is usually Split's old town, where stone streets and some steps make large strollers hard to use. A compact or umbrella stroller works better.
How do I get my family to Hvar from Split Airport?
Take a transfer or taxi to the ferry port in Split, then a Jadrolinija car ferry to Stari Grad (110 to 120 minutes) or the catamaran to Hvar Town (about 65 minutes on the 2026 timetable). Book the crossing in advance during peak summer and check which port your ferry uses.
Is there a family-friendly area near Split Airport to stay?
Trogir is 6 km from the airport and is a quieter base for many families. The airport itself is in the town of Kaštela, so Kaštela is another option between the airport and Split.