Private car transfer from Budapest to Split

Your adventure begins after the Buda Castle moves from a dominating landmark to a speck in your rearview mirror. As the concrete jungle thins out, the lush countryside opens up. A sprawling flatland peppered with traditional farmyards and rustic villages sits between the sloping edges of the once-volcanic hotbed.

After crossing the Croatian border, hills in the distance slowly fade, and vibrant greenery surrounds you, from thick forests to sprawling fields. You'll know you're approaching the Dalmatian coast when salty sea air flows through your window and the northern green hills transform into desert-like mounts, sitting beneath the beating Mediterranean sun.

Split's iconic tree-lined promenade, hugging the glimmering baby blue waters, marks the end of this once-in-a-lifetime trip. But on such an extensive and action-packed road, you need the correct mode of transportation to arrive in the vacation spirit. So, sit back, relax, pour yourself a drink, and get ready for an insight into traveling from Budapest to Split in 2024!

Early Spilt

The Greeks were the first group to establish a permanent settlement in Split. After crossing the Adriatic Sea, the Aspalathos colony reached the region in the 2nd century BC. However, the town's origins stem from Emperor Diocletian, head of the Roman army, when he built the lavish Diocletian's Palace in 293 AD.

After the Roman Empire collapsed in 476 AD, Split fell under the control of several kingdoms, including Napoleon and the Byzantine Empire, for centuries. But during that period, the Venetian Empire was its most influential ruler when Split saw significant developments in architecture, trade, and culture influenced by its styles.

Modern Split

In the 20th century, Split escaped notable damage during World War II from Allied bombing. Although it was under the communist regime of Yugoslavia, it fell in 1991 and became part of the newly formed Croatian kingdom.

Today, Split mixes its rich medieval past and the distinctive communist era. The Old Town remains the city's heart, where various shops, restaurants, and residences reside within its ancient walls. The lively energy, views of the sea, and humid air create a vacation spirit you can't replicate anywhere else on the planet. Even when you venture from its historic quarter, you'll discover hidden coves and traditional cafes where you can indulge in your personal slice of heaven!

• Language: Croatian
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Climate: Mediterranean
• Plug types: C and F

Pack for the weather

During the warmer months of the year, you'll experience a sun-drenched drive from Budapest to Split. However, the sun's rays can penetrate the glass and burn the skin. So remember to pack a light bag with sun protection items such as sunscreen, sunhats, and glasses.

In the winter, you'll pass through freezing temperatures and possibly a blanket of white snow. If you plan on stopping to break up the 7-hour trip, you'll need an umbrella, waterproof clothing, and quality shoes with plenty of grip.

Explore the fantastic sights

Many sights en route from Budapest to Split appear to be from a fantasy film (and they do plenty of filming for fantasies in both countries). It's hard to believe they're in Eastern Europe's sprawling countryside until you see them for yourself.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is unquestionably the highlight of the journey. Over 115 square miles of land consist of gushing waterfalls, dense woodlands, and weaving boardwalks to admire every stunning vista. However, you shouldn't overlook the lesser-known Krka National Park and the gorgeously preserved town of Trogir!

Sample the local flavors

Hungary and Croatia both have delicious yet underrated food scenes. Although you can find vegetarian products and dishes, they primarily consist of hearty soups and heavy meats.

Pick up some local products at the Central Market in Budapest and stop en route for a picnic with a view. Or consider stopping in Zagreb to sit at one of the endless traditional restaurants dotted along Tkalciceva Street. On a 7-hour voyage, you'll need to refuel at some point!

Fly from Budapest to Split

The first thing you should know about getting a plane from Budapest to Split is that no direct flights are available as of 2024. However, if you're keen on a flight, you have two options.

The most convenient is to book a flight with Ryanair and fly from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport to Zadar Airport. Here, you can catch a 20-minute bus to the city center before swapping to a direct bus from Zadar to Split with Arriva. Alternatively, you can book an indirect plane with layovers in Vienna through Austrian Airways.

• Overall journey price: $65-$130 (€60-€120)
• Overall journey duration: 5-7 hours
• First/last direct departure: 6:00 AM–10:40 PM

Bus from Budapest to Split

The bus is the most popular way for locals and tourists to travel from Budapest to Split. It's the cheapest way to travel between the two cities and one of the only direct travel methods.

Although multiple bus groups operate between the cities, Flixbus is the most convenient option. Only a few buses run directly from Budapest to Split. But if you purchase an indirect service with this budget-friendly firm, you can book everything in one sitting without researching times and departure points with other companies.

• Cheapest/average ticket price: $54-$69 (€49-€6)
• Fastest/average bus duration: 10 hours, 40 minutes; 11 hours, 35 minutes
• First/last bus departure: 8:00 AM–11:59 PM

Train from Budapest to Split

Due to the cost and extensive duration, the train is not a popular mode of transport from Budapest to Split. However, you'll find many backpackers and interrail users on this line connecting from other cities. Therefore, carriages can feel crowded in the summer, and it's best to book your tickets with Adria InterCity early to guarantee a seat.

An upside to traveling by train is exploring cities and attractions en route. Night trains during the summer are the only direct services available, so you'll likely change at Sopron, Graz, or Zagreb if traveling during the day. However, this is something to consider if traveling as a family or with oversized luggage.

• Cheapest/average ticket price: $54-$108 (€49-€99)
• Average travel duration: 15 hours and 3 minutes
• First/last departure: 12:40 PM–6:45 PM

Daytrip from Budapest to Split

Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the most comfortable and convenient way to travel from Budapest to Split. In addition to traveling directly between the cities, an English-speaking driver will pick you up from wherever and whenever you please in Budapest before taking you on a scenic tour through Eastern Europe.

But why admire the natural wonders you can step into? Our optional sightseeing packages allow you to visit landmarks that most travelers overlook on their tour from Budapest to Split. Plitvice Lakes National Park is arguably Europe's most exquisite natural paradise. Just make sure you book tickets for this UNESCO World Heritage Site well in advance! Or you can sip on exquisite local wines at Bibich Winery before your professional driver gets you back on the road and whisks you to southern Croatia.

• Seats from: $169 (€156)
• Door-to-door Duration: 7 hours
• Santatized, smoke-free vehicle
• Equipped for pets, children, and those with limited mobility
• 24/7 English-speaking customer service
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departure

Lose yourself in Diocletian's Palace

Diocletian's Palace is the beating heart of Split and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Built in the 4th century AD by the Roman Emperor Diocletian, the ancient site is now a historical ruin. But it's also a living part of the city, with shops, cafes, and residences integrated within its ancient walls.

The Peristyle Square, with its impressive columns and arches, is a central gathering spot. Also, the setting houses the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, one of the world's oldest Catholic cathedrals.

Explore Marjan

If Diocletian's Palace was the city's heart, Marjan is the city's lungs. This urban oasis sits just a short walk from downtown, where you'll uncover hidden coves, sprawling beaches, woody trails, and even cycle lanes.

If you're feeling active, climb to the top for stunning panoramic city vistas and views of the surrounding hills. You can reward yourself with an iced coffee at one of the cozy cafes here, standing proudly above the cityscape.

Roam the Riva Promenade

You can easily lose track of time relaxing along the Riva Promenade. It's the most iconic spot in Split, where palm trees release a vacation vibe while the countless restaurants create a buzzing atmosphere.

Many seats face towards the sea, which provides the ideal opportunity to recharge from exploring and sightseeing. In the evening, the warm air and the bright lights will leave you drunk on wanderlust before you step inside a bar!

Hit the beaches

Not all of Dalmatia's coast beaches are white sandy powder. Many have rocky shores, so research before you arrive to avoid disappointment.

Although not all beaches have sand, each one offers captivating views fit enough for the celebrities visiting this coastline. Bacvice Beach is one of the most popular ones in the city due to its proximity to the old town and soft surface. But if you want to uncover some quieter spots, consider visiting:

• Ovcice Beach
• Kaštelet Beach
• Kasjuni Beach
• Firule Beach

Along with fewer tourists, you'll get more pleasant weather. The average daily temperature of 71° Fahrenheit is warm enough to stay outside from dusk until dawn. Yet you can still enjoy walking tours or hikes in nearby national parks without being scorched by the heat in July or August.

You may be surprised to discover that the Dalmatian coast isn't as cheap as the rest of Croatia. Hotels, bars, and restaurants cost more than the capital city. But by visiting from late March to early June, you'll find exclusive discounts that establishments offer to attract more customers!