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Split Airport is between Kaštela and Trogir, west of Split. If you are going to the old town, Riva, ferry port, main bus station, or train station, take the airport bus when you have normal luggage and enough time.
Use a taxi or private transfer if you arrive late, travel with children, carry heavy bags, or need to reach your exact apartment door. Rent a car only if you are leaving Split for a wider road trip.
Split Airport is west of the city, between Kaštela and Trogir. For most visitors, the decision is simple: take the airport bus if you want the easiest public option, use a taxi or private transfer if you arrive late or carry heavy luggage, and rent a car only if you are leaving Split quickly for a road trip.
Quick recommendation
If you are staying near the old town, Riva, ferry port, bus station, or train station, the airport bus is usually the best balance of price and convenience. If your accommodation is up a hill, in Meje, Žnjan, Podstrana, or outside Split, a taxi or pre-booked transfer can save a lot of walking with bags.
For island connections, leave more time than you think you need. The airport road, city entrance, and ferry port can all slow down in July and August, especially on Saturdays.
Main options
Airport bus
The public airport route connects Split Airport with Split and Trogir. Promet Split lists the airport line as route 37, running between Split, the airport, and Trogir. Their airport page shows Split to airport travel time at about 50 minutes and airport to Trogir at about 10 minutes, but traffic can change this.
This is the option I would choose if:
- you arrive during the day or evening
- your luggage is manageable
- you are going to the old town, ferry port, bus station, or train station
- you do not need door-to-door transport
The main drawback is that the bus does not drop you at every hotel. You may still need to walk, take a city bus, or use a short taxi ride after reaching Split.
Taxi or app ride
A taxi is the simplest option when you are tired, arriving late, traveling with children, or staying outside the center. It is also better if your apartment is in a pedestrian-zone edge street where walking with luggage would be annoying.
Before getting in, confirm the approximate price or use an app where the fare is shown in advance. In high season, demand can rise quickly after several flights land close together.
Private transfer
A pre-booked transfer makes sense for families, groups, late arrivals, or villas outside Split. It usually costs more than the airport bus, but the driver waits for your flight and takes you directly to your address.
This is the most comfortable choice if you are going to Podstrana, Omiš, Kaštela, Trogir, or a marina rather than central Split.
Rental car
Do not rent a car just to visit Split. The old town is pedestrian, parking can be difficult, and the best central areas are easier on foot.
A car makes sense if Split is only your arrival point and you are continuing to national parks, inland Dalmatia, small coastal villages, or several islands and towns where buses would be slow.
Going straight to the ferry port
Many visitors land at Split Airport and continue to Brač, Hvar, Šolta, Vis, or Korčula. The ferry port is beside the main bus station and train station, just east of the Riva.
If your ferry is soon, use a taxi or transfer. If you have enough time, the airport bus is normally fine, but build in a buffer for baggage, ticket purchase, traffic, and finding the correct pier.
In summer, do not plan a tight airport-to-ferry connection unless you are comfortable missing it. Ferries and catamarans can be busy, and the port area is crowded when several departures overlap.
Where to stay if you arrive late
If you land late and leave for an island the next morning, stay near the ferry port, Bačvice, or the east side of the old town. That keeps the next morning simple.
If you are spending a few nights in Split, the best arrival areas are usually the old town, Varoš, Bačvice, and the Riva area. They are central enough that you can start exploring without another transfer.
Practical tips
- Check the latest airport bus timetable before your flight.
- Keep some buffer in July and August.
- Ask your accommodation for the closest car-accessible point if it is inside or near the old town.
- Do not assume every old-town street is reachable by taxi.
- For early flights, book transport the night before.
- If you are going to Trogir, the airport is much closer to Trogir than to central Split.