Split

Private car transfer
from Zagreb to Split

Door-to-door
in 4 h 10 min
From ...
per seat
Comfortable
car
One way
Cancel for free 24 hours before departure
Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2024
Excellent
trustpilot-stars

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Zagreb.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 4 h 10 min.

  • Optional sight-seeing
  • Clean, comfortable car
  • Professional driver
  • Bottled water
  • Child seats
  • Prepared for handicapped
  • Smoke-free
  • Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Split.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage
In total
  • 414 km
  • 4 h 10 min

Overview: Car trip from Zagreb to Split

If you're planning a car trip from Zagreb to Split, you've likely experienced all the things to do in Zagreb.

Zagreb's beautiful parks, colorful architecture, bustling entertainment, and vibrant local life make it a popular travel destination. Yet what makes it even more attractive is its eclectic mix of old-world attractions, like galleries and museums, and modern attractions, like contemporary cafes and exciting street food festivals.

But Split in Croatia might be even better, and we don't say this lightly since we know how spectacular Zagreb is. This seaside city in Croatia has some of the best gastronomy, theater, film, music festivals, and exhibitions in the country. Like Zagreb, it also offers much entertainment, outdoor activities, and historical attractions that will have you thirsting for a second look. It will be hard to say goodbye once Split has its hooks in you.

Take a comfortable door-to-door car ride from Zagreb to Split with a private car service like Daytrip and you'll arrive ready to explore. Talk with your driver to get local insights on the best things to do when you get to Split. Along the way stop for sightseeing to further enrich your trip. Visit the UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes to marvel at its extraordinary interconnected lakes and waterfalls. Or immerse yourself in Adriatic culture at Sibenik, another UNESCO World Heritage Site that's the oldest Croatian-founded town in the country.

About Split

Split became a city 17 centuries ago after Roman Emperor Diocletian built himself a palace near Salona, an established Roman city at the time, on the peninsula. Although Solana is no more, the palace still stands. The city of Split formed around this lavish residence, with thousands of travelers flocking to the growing city then and now.

Like other European cities, Split has immense charm thanks to its rich tradition, magnificent natural beauty, evocative cultural heritage, and immersive history. If you plan on visiting Split, you'll find it on Croatia's Adriatic Coast on the Split peninsula. It's a city that's surrounded by the sea and bordered by remarkable mountains, with Mosar on the northeast and Kozjak on the northwest. Besides mountains, Split is also well known for Marjan Hill, which rises on the west side of the awe-inspiring peninsula, and numerous islands surround it, such as Hvar, Solta, Ciovo, and Brac.

Geography aside, Split is a history enthusiast's wonderland. This city was built layers upon layers of history since the Middle Ages. A simple walk through its streets will reveal ancient tales and inspire a traveler to learn more. You'll find Romanesque churches, Baroque facades, ancient buildings, Renaissance homes, bustling nightlife, and many eateries serving traditional cuisine.

As if that wasn't enough, Split's incredibly friendly and lively atmosphere is the cherry on top. No matter where you go in Split, you'll be met by friendly faces and many outdoor activities, wineries, festivals, concerts, and gourmet experiences.

From Zagreb to Split: Travel tips

It's no secret that Zagreb and Split are two of the most exciting places to visit in Europe if you're after a lively atmosphere and bustling nightlife. Follow these travel tips for your trip from Zagreb to Split to ensure a smooth experience.

Give yourself enough time

What's the point of traveling to Split if you don't have enough time to enjoy it fully? Technically, you could make a day trip to Split to see the city's highlights, but if you want to truly immerse yourself in the culture and local way of life, you'll need a minimum of two to three days.

And don't count your travel day. You'll want to take advantage of the amazing sightseeing opportunities on the way when you travel with Daytrip. If you don't set aside enough time, you might be disappointed.

Book with a private car service

Driving a rental is all fun and games until you get lost, struggle to navigate the roads, or misinterpret the road rules. So avoid the hassle and book a ride from Zagreb to Split with Daytrip.

Your English-speaking driver will expertly navigate the roads and get you to Split safely. And along the way you can talk to them to get local insights about what to do in Split and how to enjoy the sightseeing stops you have planned! Nice right?

Timing is important

The drive from Zagreb to Split can take four to five hours, depending on the route chosen, the time of year, the traffic, and any sightseeing stops. Leave early to avoid congestion and give yourself time to visit places you're excited to see while still enjoying a leisurely drive. With Daytrip, you can set your pick-up time to suit your needs, but we recommend leaving early enough in the day to accomplish everything you've set out to achieve.

How to get from Zagreb to Split

Deciding how to get from Zagreb and Split is an important part of your holiday planning. The distance between is about 254 miles (409 km), so the transportation option you choose will affect how quickly you get to Split and how many things you can see and do.

To help you decide, we're sharing the best ways to get from Zagreb to Split below.

From Zagreb to Split by train

There's only one direct train a day from Zagreb to Split. It departs Zagreb at 3:18 PM and arrives in Split at 9:53 PM. Because the train departs in the afternoon, you'll unfortunately miss out on much of the route's beauty after the sun sets. And since you arrive in Split late, you're essentially wasting a precious day.

A ticket costs between $25 and $50, and the trip takes between six and a half and eight and a half hours. Croatian Railways and Slovenian Railways are the two train lines that make this trip.

From Zagreb to Split by bus

Surprisingly, the bus is cheaper and faster than the train, so it's a popular choice for those traveling from Zagreb to Split on a budget. Flixbus is the most popular coachline that completes the trip between these two cities. The ticket prices range between $21 and $27 per seat.

The time it takes to travel by bus differs, but a direct trip can take less than five hours or more than eight. You also have more departure options than the train. A bus leaves the Zagreb bus station for Split's bus station every two hours daily. If you don't want to travel with Flixbus, there is Nomago and Arriva Croatia. However, no matter who you choose, expect a crowded coach, WiFi that doesn't quite work, and no stops – unless a transfer is planned.

Flight from Zagreb to Split

Flying from Zagreb to Split can be challenging, time-consuming, and expensive. There are only a handful of direct flights, so tickets can get expensive or sell out. And while the actual flight only takes 45 minutes, you need to factor in getting to and from the airport as well as the 2 hours for check-in and security. After all this, it comes out to be about the same as taking a private car but with more hassle.

If the direct flight is sold out, your trip could take six and a half hours to more than 14 hours. For example, Croatia Airlines offers a flight from Zagreb – ZAG to Brussels – BRU. After a lengthy stopover, you'll need to transfer from Brussels to Swiss Airlines and fly to Zurich – ZRH. Once in Zurich, Swiss Airlines will fly you to Split – SPU, but again, you'll encounter a stopover.

From Zagreb to Split by private car transfer with Daytrip

A private car transfer with Daytrip is the fastest, easiest, most comfortable, and most convenient way to travel from Zagreb to Split.

The drive only takes 3.5 hours, and when you travel with Daytrip, you'll be picked up at your door in Zagreb and dropped off at your accommodation in Split. You won't even have to worry about handling your luggage as we'll do it for you.

And unlike other car service rental agencies, with Daytrip you'll ride with a friendly and knowledgeable English-speaking driver. Although this driver is not a tour guide and does not offer tours, they can provide expert insights into your trip.

In addition, you can stop and sightsee along the way and plan the route you want to take and when you want to leave. Best of all, a trip starts at only 97 Euros per seat.

Things to do when you get to Split

Split has some of the best beaches on the Adriatic coast alongside ancient architecture, premium quality restaurants, and numerous attractions, so it's unsurprising that it's a year-round destination. Here are the best things to do when you get to Split!

Bačvice beach

You can't visit Split without setting foot on one of its beautiful beaches. If we have to recommend only one and you're strapped for time, you should visit Bačvice beach. This beach is easily within walking distance of the ferry terminal and main bus station in Split, so it's easy to get to and won't take you very long to find.

Enjoy the lively, sun-soaked atmosphere and friendly faces of other beachgoers. Not to mention, Bačvice beach offers some of the prettiest beachside views in Croatia. And if you get thirsty, pop into one of the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs that line this half-moon beach.

Split City Museum

Visit the Split City Museum for a dose of art and history. This museum can be found in the heart of the city. It houses a spectacular collection of weaponry and paintings in a 15th-century Gothic building with a striking facade.

Once you've seen the building, paintings, and weaponry, have a look at the old photographs, ancient maps, and documents found within the museum that will take you on a historical tour through the city's immersive past. Afterward, be sure to stop by a few of the permanent exhibitions.

Diocletian's palace

You will be hard-pressed to find another palace in Croatia as striking and grand as Diocletian's palace in Split. First built by Roman Emperor Diocletian, this extravagant palace is where Split began. Parts of the palace were repurposed and rebuilt in the centuries following the fall of the Roman Empire. The Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the oldest extant Catholic cathedral in the world, uses Diocletian's 4th-century mausoleum as its base, while its 12th-century bell tower soars above.

To make the palace even more attractive, most areas are free to roam. Just go through one of the four gates and begin your adventure.

When is the best time to visit Split?

Unlike many other European cities, Split experiences a mild climate all year long, which is good news for visitors. Summer is the high season, so generally, the best time to travel from Zagreb to Split to enjoy all the attractions, shopping, and activities Split offers is May to June and September to October.

These months provide the best sunny weather without scorching hot temperatures or rain storms. In addition, since these months are shoulder seasons, you'll get to enjoy cost savings on everything from transportation, museum and gallery tickets, and accommodation to food, festivals, and concerts. So what are you waiting for? It's time to visit!

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Zagreb to Split

There is a direct train from Zagreb to Split, but it is not the cheapest or most convenient way to travel. Unfortunately, if you choose to travel via the night train, which offers direct trips, you'll miss out on sightseeing stops and scenic views.
You can fly from Zagreb to Split with three airlines offering daily trips either directly to Split or via stopovers. However, these flights are incredibly expensive and can be time-consuming. Although the majority of flights offered are only six and a half hours long, there are outlying flights that can take over 14 hours to get you to Split.
Getting from Zagreb to Split can be challenging if you're unfamiliar with the roads from one city to the next. However, the trip is pretty straightforward as you will travel along the A1 the entire way. However, making a few stops along the way is recommended since the trip can take longer than four hours. Luckily, if you travel with a private car service like Daytrip, you won't need to worry about navigating and can sit back and relax while a private driver gets you where you need to be.
How long it takes to get from Zagreb to Split depends on how you travel between these two cities. Traveling by car takes four to five hours, while traveling by bus can take just under five hours or as long as eight. In addition, traveling by train takes six to eight hours, and flights take six and a half to 14 and a half hours.

Visit these sights on the way

Rastoke

Rastoke

Rastoke is an idyllic Croatian village most known for its 18th century flour mills and traditional homes.  Undiscovered Croatian village 

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvicka Jezera, or Plitvice Lakes, is a UNESCO listed National Park consisting of 16 lakes interconnected by over 90 waterfalls. Its breathtaking beauty makes it one of the most magnificent natural sights in all of Europe. Croatia's most beautiful natural wonder 

Rocca restaurant

Rocca restaurant

Stop by Rocca, situated a few steps from the Adriatic coast, for some authentic locally-grown food!  Great food along the coast 

Krka National Park

Krka National Park

Overflowing with natural beauty, Croatia's seventh national park is also the only one where you can swim! Seven Stunning Scenes 

Sibenik

Sibenik

Unlike cities like Trogir and Hvar, which were founded by outside conquerors, the UNESCO-listed town of Sibenik is the oldest Croatian-founded settlement. The Oldest Adriatic Gem 

Trogir

Trogir

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this little island is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe.  The Stone Beauty 

Why travelers love this route

Tripadvisor logo
4,800+ reviews
  • 4 reviews for this route
  • 1,928 travelers took this route with us
Oct 4, 2020

Private car Split to Zagreb

The car service was great and as promised. Adding the 2 hr stop at Plitvice Nat'l Park was perfect, just amazing scenery. And lunch at the restaurant near park entrance was a real treat for a traditional Croatian meal. We also thoroughly enjoyed our driver/guide Davor, he told us all about the history of the region and gave us great recommendations for places to go in Zagreb.... and he was right. We will definitely use the service again.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Marmcc63
Review author image

Marmcc63

Oct 4, 2020
Sep 23, 2018

Well worth it

Our trip experience could not have been made better. Marijo was the perfect & most professional choice of driver. His commentaries with regard to local information and history all along the way from Zagreb to Split provided us with further insight into the area and made the journey more enjoyable. The two hour stop at Pitivice Lakes was a must and quite an experience. I would highly recommend your services and will use them again next time in Europe.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Bob T
Review author image

Bob T

Sep 23, 2018
Aug 13, 2017

Great trip from Split to Zagreb

Can highly recommend this service. Its personalised and flexible to your needs. Our driver Darko was very helpful, friendly and informative.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler janalley
Review author image

janalley

Aug 13, 2017
May 16, 2017

Great service from Split to Zagreb, with additional visits to Plitvice Nat'l Park and Rastoke

First time using Daytrip and this company did not disappoint. From our last minute booking until the end of the trip, we were well cared for. We booked a transfer from Split, Croatia to the capital city of Zagreb, with a visit to Plitvice National Park which was our main reason for booking with this company. Dario was a pleasure...friendly, humorous and patient, especially when our visit to Plitvice took longer than we expected. He recommended a super restaurant for us in Rastoke, and went out of his way to help us with our luggage when we arrived in Zagreb, as we had to park a distance away from our apartment. I would not hesitate to use this company again, and highly recommend them.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Julie M
Review author image

Julie M

May 16, 2017

Vehicle options for this trip

Most popular

sedan

Sedan

Comparable to aVolkswagen Passat
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-3
  • 3x
  • 3x
  • Clean
  • Comfortable
  • Air conditioned
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Child seats
  • Pet friendly
  • Smoke-free
From ... per seatSelect

Best reviews

luxury sedan

Luxury sedan

Comparable to aMercedes Benz E-class
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-2
  • 2x
  • 2x
  • All standard sedan features
  • Luxurious vehicle
  • Chauffeur-style service
  • Extra amenities
From ... per seatSelect

More options

mpv

Compact MPV

Comparable to aVolkswagen Touran
Passengers and luggage
  • 4
  • 4x
  • 4x
From ... per seatSelect
van

Van

Comparable to aMercedes Vito
Passengers and luggage
  • 5-7
  • 7x
  • 7x
From ... per seatSelect

The Daytrip driver advantage

Daytrip driver
  • Local knowledge about the route from Zagreb to Split
    Including available sights:
  • English speaking*

    All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.

  • Safety first!

    We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.

World-class customer support

  • Available 24/7
  • Close relationship with drivers
  • Experts on the route from Zagreb to Split

Flexible cancellation policy

  • Cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before the trip!
  • Changes: Free up to 24 hours before the trip!

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

  • Big luggage
  • 29x21x11 inches
  • 74x53x28 cm
  • Small luggage
  • 22x14x9 inches
  • 56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 13,700+ cities around the world.

Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.

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