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!
Daytrip은 전 세계 14,800+ 개 도시를 경험할 수 있는 가장 편리한 방법입니다.
모든 여행자는 자신이 방문하는 국가의 문화에 대한 진정한 통찰을 받을 자격이 있습니다. 그리고 지구상의 모든 놀라운 장소는 방문하고 감상할 가치가 있습니다. 우리는 독특한 현지 지식과 진정한 인간적 연결이 다른 문화를 진정으로 이해하는 데 있어 대체할 수 없다고 믿습니다.
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.
가는 길에 이 명소들을 방문하세요
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Rastoke is an idyllic Croatian village most known for its 18th century flour mills and traditional homes. Undiscovered Croatian village
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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
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High on a hilltop above Bribir, this archaeological site offers an uninterrupted timeline of Dalmatian civilization across thousands of years. Croatia's Ancient Troy
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Overflowing with natural beauty, Croatia's seventh national park is also the only one where you can swim! Seven Stunning Scenes
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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
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this little island is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. The Stone Beauty
"Was able to communicate with driver through WhatsApp which is truly great. Driver came on time and was helpful in answering questions about Croatia which is a plus point. This is the first time we are using daytrip app to arrange for transfer. And we are not disappointed. "
Kee Meng T.
Singapore
2024년 9월 26일
"We had an amazing experience with Jakov. He was extremely helpful, careful, happy, and super informative! We are so glad we chose this option and so glad we had him as a driver. We would highly recommend this option to our friends and family."
Debbi R.
Canada
2024년 9월 26일
"Stjepan was excellent and we had a great trip. He was polite, helpful and informative- also a good sense of humour! Thank you Lyn & Emily V. 😊
"
Lyn V.
Australia
2024년 9월 8일
"Marco & Ivan are very good drivers and their cars are in good & clean conditions. Also appreciate the complimentary drinks of water for each passenger. Well done and good job Daytrip team. MANY THANKS for taking care of our journey "
LEE WAH S.
Malaysia
2024년 6월 12일
"Great day. Driver was excellent and very engaging and enjoyable. We had a memorable day. Highest Recommendation.
"
David W.
United States
2024년 6월 3일
"We had Dejan K as a driver from Zagreb to Split with stops at Sibenik and Trogir.
Dejan was a very good driver. He picked us up on time, communicated well in English, answered all questions and told us of highlights enroute. He was flexible in timings at the stops."
Michael S.
Canada
2024년 5월 22일
"I was very pleased with the service. The driver was on time, the car was immaculate, and the ride was easy. Alan offered to stop if we needed a break and was very courteous. We arrived without incident and were delighted. Thank you!"
Joe C.
United States
2023년 9월 18일
"Milijan was great, stopping at a few extra little photo opportunity places along the way. Very knowledgeable and very friendly and wanted us to have a good experience on our trip.
Thank you Milijan."
Mark B.
Australia
2023년 9월 11일
"We had very good experience. Our driver Sime D. was very nice and helped us a lot. We deeply appreciated the good trip he gave us. Besides, your company replied me very fast. Thank you again."
Hsin-I H.
Taiwan (Republic of China)
2023년 8월 19일
"Hi everything was a great experience. Will recommend to my friends and use your services on future trips"
Larry A.
United States
2023년 8월 17일
"A long trip due to traffic conditions in zagreb and outer areas. Slaven was a good driver and stopped at a picturesque spot about an hr from Split to get beautiful photos.
This was our 3rd trip in Europe with my day trip and we highly recommended them."
Gregory A.
Australia
2023년 5월 23일
"We were very happy our driver was great and very helpful.
Everything went to plan.
Regards Valerie and Greg"
Valerie T.
United Kingdom
2023년 5월 7일
"Best driver ever! Beautiful trip. Dude was smart and knowledgeable. He made the drive enjoyable and educational!"
jocelyn s.
United States
2022년 10월 18일
"Darko was an amazing driver! He is passionate about his job and it shows in the way he handled us all day. He is one of the BEST!
"
Lisa S.
United States
2022년 10월 10일
"We were pleased with our driver Andrea from Zagreb to Split. He was a careful and safe driver. He also gave us short breaks when needed. The ride was very comfortable and provided us with water and treats which is great. He spoke very good English and we were able to communicate with him with no problems. He also gave us the history of the country which he was very knowledgeable of and we appreciated that he gave us information about the places/towns we visited during our trip. It was a long journey but it was worth it as we were able to see the countryside of Croatia.
Overall, we were satisfied with the car service from Zagreb to Split. And will definitely use Daytrip again in our future travels and will recommend your company as well with our family and friends."
Michael M.
United States
2022년 10월 5일
"We enjoyed our drive from Zagreb to Split very much. Darko was very pleasant and knowledgeable, and we learned a lot during our drive. The drive with Darko was convenient for us, it felt safe. "
Robert Y.
United States
2022년 9월 23일
"Again can’t say enough about our drivers Marijo and Ivan. They were both courteous and enjoyable. Ivan informed us that our wine tour wasn’t open due to being Sunday was able to come up with another enjoyable stop.
We were on a very limited time so it was nice to have drivers who were prompt and so very helpful when we arrived at our destination! Thank you for your great service! Ray, Patti and my two sisters!"
Raymond (Joe) D.
United States
2022년 7월 21일
"Just returned, both trips were very good - drivers on time, courteous etc. I would highly recommend to others and would use your services again. Thomislav was particularly entertaining and we all learned about Croatia during our drive."
Alyson S.
Canada
2022년 7월 7일
"The trip was perfect. Luka was amazing and accommodating! He made the drive better than we could of imagined. "
Scott R.
United States
2022년 6월 15일
"The trip with Darko was EXCELLENT!
He is a careful and very good driver, we felt very safe in his hands.
He is also easy-going and very pleasant company."
