Driving in Split: Parking, Roads & Local Tips

Q: Where is the M.A.C.K. Rent a Car office in Split?

The M.A.C.K. Rent a Car office is located in Hotel Park Split, just minutes from Bačvice Beach, the ferry port, and Split Old Town. It's easily accessible on foot from most central hotels, apartments, and guesthouses in the city.

Planning to drive in Split? With a little preparation, it can be one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to explore the Dalmatian coast. Here's what visitors should know before getting behind the wheel.

Mar 10, 2026 ~3 min read Local tips

Split is a vibrant city with a historic center, beautiful coastline, and plenty of nearby destinations worth visiting. While driving inside the city is generally straightforward, there are a few things visitors should know before arriving.

Parking in Split

The historic center of Split, including the famous Diocletian's Palace, is largely pedestrian-only. This means cars are not permitted inside the Old Town area — which is actually one of the reasons the city is so pleasant to explore on foot.

There are several public parking zones located around the city center, making it easy to park and continue on foot. Parking in Split is organized into zones, with prices depending on location and time of year.

Zone 1 — City center

Higher price

Closest to Old Town and the Riva. Fills quickly in summer — arrive early.

Zone 2 — Mid-range

Moderate price

A short walk from the center. Good balance of convenience and cost.

Zone 3 — Outskirts

Lower price

Further out but free or inexpensive. Best if you're staying near the edges of the city.

Summer tip

Parking near the city center fills up very quickly from June through September. Many travelers prefer to rent a car for day trips only, rather than driving daily in the city.

Split's streets quickly give way to some of Croatia's most beautiful coastal roads

Convenient Car Rental Location in Split

Our M.A.C.K. Rent a Car office is located in Hotel Park Split, in a very convenient part of the city. Guests can easily access nearby parking areas, and it's simple to connect to the main roads that lead out of Split toward the coast and surrounding towns.

This makes it a great starting point if you're planning to explore beyond the city — you can settle in first, walk around the Old Town at your leisure, and collect your car when you're ready to start your road trip. Read more about why picking up in Split city center is easier than the airport.

Parking zones in Split are clearly marked — Zone 1 is closest to Old Town, Zone 3 is furthest

Driving Outside Split

Once you leave the city center, driving becomes much easier and incredibly scenic. The Dalmatian coast is renowned for its beautiful roads, and many of the region's most popular destinations are just a short drive away. See our full guide to the best day trips from Split by car.

Trogir — 30 minutes A charming UNESCO-protected town with medieval architecture and a lovely seaside promenade. Easy half-day trip.
Omiš — 40 minutes Famous for its dramatic river canyon, Cetina River rafting, and adventure activities just outside the city.
Krka National Park — 1 hour One of Croatia's most beautiful national parks — stunning waterfalls, wooden boardwalks, and lush scenery.
Makarska Riviera — 1 hour A series of beautiful beaches along the coast beneath the dramatic Biokovo mountain range.

Having your own car allows you to explore these places at your own pace, without relying on tours or public transport schedules. Not sure if you need a car at all? See our honest guide: do you need a car in Split?

The Dalmatian coast roads are some of the most scenic in Europe

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive into Split Old Town?

No. The historic center including Diocletian's Palace is pedestrian-only. Vehicles are not permitted inside the Old Town zone. There are public parking areas around the perimeter of the center where you can leave your car and continue on foot.

Is parking expensive in Split?

Parking costs vary by zone and time of year. Areas closest to the city center are the most expensive and fill up quickly during the busy summer months (June–September). Zones further from the center are more affordable. Many travelers prefer to use their car mainly for day trips and walk within the city.

Are the roads in Split easy to drive on?

Yes, generally. Main roads around Split and along the coast are well-maintained. Inside the city, some streets can be narrow and busy during peak hours. Once outside the city, the coastal roads open up and driving becomes much more relaxed and scenic. Smaller island roads may be narrow, so keep that in mind when choosing your vehicle size.

Where is the M.A.C.K. Rent a Car office in Split?

Our office is located in Hotel Park Split, just minutes from Bačvice Beach, the ferry port, and Split Old Town. It's easily accessible on foot from most central hotels, apartments, and guesthouses in the city.

Do I need a navigation app when driving around Split?

It's strongly recommended. Navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze are very helpful for finding parking zones, avoiding restricted areas, and planning routes to destinations along the coast. Signal coverage across Dalmatia is generally good, even on coastal roads.