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Getting from Zagreb to Split
(Split to Zagreb)

Once you've explored Zagreb's museums, green parks, great restaurant and shopping streets, it's time to visit the Croatia coast. In this text, you'll find out the best options of getting from Zagreb to Split, which is 400km away.

To get from Zagreb to Split, you will be spoilt for choices.

Taking a plane is a breeze (35-minute flight with Croatia Airlines) while bus ride takes longer (4.5 to 8h, depending on the company).

You could take a train, drive by yourself, or even book a private car transfer for a completely hassle-free travel.

To make this trip more enjoyable, opt for this private transfer with a stop at Plitvice Lakes (door-to-door service).

Read on to find out more details on getting from Zagreb to Split (with useful tips).

A view of Croatia's capital ZagrebA view of Croatia's capital Zagreb

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Flights from Zagreb to Split

The most quickest way of travelling between Zagreb and Split is by plane, as the flight takes only 35 minutes. Croatia Airlines offers flights several times a day, throughout the whole year.

The plane tickets can be booked easily online and you'll get confirmation e-mail with all flight details. We recommend to book as early as possible to find the cheapest tickets (starting from €46 one-way).

From Zagreb you can also fly to the cities of Dubrovnik, Brac, Zadar, Pula and Osijek. 👉 You'll find all offers here

Once you land to Split, it's easy to reach the city (choose a shuttle bus, a local bus or a taxi.

We recommend you to pre-book a private car transfer for the price of local taxi! It will drop you off at your accommodation, ferry port or bus station, depending on your wishes.

Popular day trips from Zagreb:

  1. Plitvice Lakes and Rastoke day trip
  2. Castles of northern Croatia private tour
  3. Private wine tasting from Zagreb
  4. Slovenia's highlights (Bled lake and Ljubljana tour)

Buses from Zagreb to Split

The most affordable option of travelling between Zagreb and Split is taking a bus ride. Additional plus is that there are numerous buses operating on this route every day all-year round.

The journey time takes from 4.5 to 8.5 hours, depending on the bus company and the traffic on the road.

Most buses are comfortable, air-conditioned and some have Wi-Fi onboard. Prices range from €18 to €33, depending on the company.

We recommend buying your bus tickets ahead, especially for rides during the peak summer months (June to August).

👉 Get your bus tickets here


Driving from Zagreb to Split

The distance between Zagreb and Split is 408 kilometers. If driving between these two cities, you can expect approximately a 4-hour drive, depending on the traffic.

When you leave Zagreb, enter the A1 motorway at Lucko and follow the signs all the way to Split. Take in consideration it that motorways in Croatia are subject to tolls. A one-way tool between Zagreb and Split will cost you around €25.

However, you can choose to drive along the old highway between Zagreb and Split but this will take you longer because of speed restrictions.

This is ideal is you have more time and you can explore the small places along the way such as Rastoke, Plitvice and Korenica.

A few useful tips on car hire in Croatia

  • If you decide to hire a car for travelling between Zagreb and Split you can do this from many car rental companies in both cities. Most companies will let you to one-way car rental, which is super convenient if you drive in only one direction.

  • Find affordable car hire deals at Discover Cars, where you can find deals of €30 for daily car rental (if booked for a week). Typically, the longer you rent, the less it'll cost per day.

  • The best way to get cheap car rental rates is booking as early as you can. Last minute rentals and high season bookings will usually cost you much more.


Direct private transfer from Zagreb to Split

For completely stress-free transfer between Zagreb and Split, we suggest booking your private car transfer.

The driver will pick you up from your hotel/apartment or Zagreb airport, and drive you directly to your Split accommodation. The journey takes around 4 hours. We are sure you'll enjoy this ride.

Private transfer from Zagreb to Split (with a visit to Plitvice Lakes)

For making most of your time in Croatia, book transfer from Zagreb with Split that includes a sightseeing stops along the way. There are several great places you can visit on this route, especially if you have a some extra time.

The Plitvice Lakes, with its beautiful lakes and falls are simply amazing and is a spot where most of the travellers stop. The village of Rastoke (with watermill) is another interesting place to visit.

Popular transfer from Zagreb to Split via Plitvice Lakes:


The Plitvice Lakes

Trains from Zagreb to Split

The train travel from Zagreb to Split will take around 6 hours and costs roughly the same as a bus. There are trains twice per day and additionally, there is also a night train from Zagreb to Split.

The night train does take a little longer but it is comfortable and there are sleeping carriages on the train. We recommend you to book your train from Zagreb to Split in advance, especially from May to September, when there are many passengers. 


⛵ Explore Split and Beyond!


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