Parking in Split, Croatia: Where to park?

Parking in Split, Croatia, is challenging due to the high tourist traffic, limited spaces in the city center, and a variety of parking zones.

Whether you’re a tourist visiting Diocletian’s Palace, a local, or catching a ferry to the islands, you need to understand Split parking regulations and options.

The city has a system of parking zones with different fees and long- and short-term parking at Split Airport and Riva Promenade.

This guide explains where to park, how much it costs, and everything you need to know to navigate the Split parking system. This article covers paid and free parking, seasonal rules, and mobile parking apps, ensuring you easily park in Split.

What are the best places to park in Split?

The best places to park in Split are Riva Promenade (Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 23), Train Station Parking Lot (Obala kneza Domagoja 12), Stari Plac (Zrinsko-Frankopanska Street 6), Manđerova (Petar Svačić Street 18), and Vukovarska (Livanjska Street 18).

Alternatively, Garage Firule (location) has plenty of parking in a modern, well-maintained garage, so it’s a good option for larger vehicles.

What are the types of parking in Split?

Parking in Split, Croatia

Parking in Split is available through street parking, parking lots, and parking garages, each catering to different needs.

Street parking is the most commonly used option in Split, particularly in the Red Zone (Zone 1) and Blue Zone (Zone 2). In the Red Zone, prices range from €0.80 to €1.20 per hour, and parking is strictly time-limited to a maximum of two hours. In residential areas (primarily the Green Zone – Zone 3), street parking is cheaper, but some spots are strictly reserved for residents with permits.

Parking lots are in high-traffic areas near Split Ferry Port, the Riva Promenade, and Veli Varos. These open-air facilities are managed by private operators or the City of Split, and fees range from €0.80 to €4 per hour. Most parking lots follow the same zoning as street parking. The Zone 3 parking lots offer long-term parking options.

Parking garages in Split provide secure parking. They are primarily located in the Spinut neighborhood and residential areas like Split 3, Mertojak, and Pujanke. While options like Sukoisan Parking Garage and Parking Garage Firule offer short-term parking, most cater to long-term residents. Prices range from €1.50 to €2 per hour, with daily tickets around €25.

What are the parking zones in Split?

Split has three parking zones, each with a color designation, price range, and time limits.

  • Red Zone (Zone 1)
  • Blue Zone (Zone 2)
  • Green Zone (Zone 3)

The Red Zone covers the city center and major tourist areas and has the highest parking fees. This zone is heavily regulated and timed, with a maximum parking duration of up to two hours.

On the other hand, the Green Zone offers cheaper parking options but is located further from the central area, making it more suitable for residents or long-term stays.

How much does it cost to park close to Split Old Town (Zone 1)?

Parking close to Split Old Town costs between €0.80 and €4, depending on the type of parking and season. All parking options near the Split Old Town are located within the Red Zone (Zone 1).

In the Red Zone (Zone 1), street parking costs €1.20 in summer and €0.80 in winter, enforced from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. for a maximum of two hours. Sundays and holidays are free.

Off-street parking ranges from €1.50 to €4 with 24/7 fees. The five parking lots closest to the old town are Riva Promenade, Train Station Parking Lot, Stari Plac, Manđerova, and Vukovarska.

The Riva parking lot charges €2 per hour in winter and €4 in summer, while the train station lot costs €2 for the first hour and €3 for each additional hour. A daily parking ticket at the Train Station Parking is €35. Other parking lots in Zone 1 charge €1.50 per hour in summer and €1 per hour in winter.

Where can I find daily and multi-day parking in Split?

Long-term parking in Split is available in garages and lots spread throughout the city.

The Firule parking garage, just a 10-minute walk from the old town (location), provides long-term parking for €25 per day. In comparison, daily parking tickets at various open-air parking lots in Split Zone 3 (Green Zone) cost €20, while the Train Station parking daily ticket is €35.

For the most affordable long-term parking in Split, the Acorus parking lot in the Kopilica neighborhood (location) offers rates of just €10 per day. This monitored facility accommodates campers, buses, and personal vehicles, although it is a bit farther from the old town, requiring a 20-minute walk.

Is long-term parking available at Split Airport?

Yes, Split Airport offers long-term parking, with rates starting at €16 per day. The airport’s parking facilities are within walking distance of the terminal, making it a convenient option for travelers heading to the islands or out of the country.

However, Croparking Split offers cheaper long-term parking near Split Airport. It costs only €6 per day, including a free shuttle to and from the airport.

How do I book long-term parking in Split?

You book long-term parking once you arrive at Split Airport. Croparking Split, on the other hand, offers advanced bookings via online platforms like ParVia.

What are the payment options for parking in Split?

There are three payment options for parking in Split, Croatia.

  • Coin-operated parking meters
  • SMS payment
  • Mobile app payment

Parking meters are widely used in Split, especially in the city center. The meters in the Red Zone are time-limited and typically require payment for a maximum of two hours. They accept coins, SMS, and mobile payments through apps like Split Parking.

In Split, the easiest way to pay for parking is via SMS. Text your vehicle registration number to the designated number for each parking zone. You’ll receive a confirmation SMS with proof of payment and parking duration, along with a reminder before your time expires. The SMS payment numbers for each zone are: Red Zone (Zone 1) – 708211, Blue Zone (Zone 2) – 708212, and Green Zone (Zone 3) – 708213.

A mobile app is another convenient way to pay for parking in Split. The Split Parking mobile app allows users to pay for parking via credit card or mobile wallet. This is one of the most popular methods for locals and tourists, providing real-time information on available parking spots at each location. Additionally, it offers convenience and allows users to extend their parking time remotely. The download is available on the AppStore and Google Play.

Where can I park for free in Split?

Free parking is scarce in Split’s city center, but several options exist, particularly in residential areas like Krizine, Visoka, and Skalice near the Poljud Stadium.

However, these spaces fill up quickly, especially during the tourist season. Alternatively, time-limited free parking is available in parking lots in front of the shopping malls, like the Mall of Split or Joker Mall.

Is there free parking near Diocletian’s Palace?

There is no free parking around Diocletian’s Palace, as it is part of the Red Zone. However, parking outside the center and walking to the palace is possible. The closest free parking options are 1-2 kilometers from the old town.

Where is the best free parking near Marjan Hill?

The Marjan Hill area offers limited free parking, especially along Setaliste Ivana Mestrovica, a popular street for locals and tourists visiting the park. However, spaces are limited and often occupied early in the day.

Is parking available at Split Ferry Port?

Split Ferry Port doesn’t offer parking options. The closest parking to the Split ferry port is at the train station. This parking is just across the street from the ferry port.

Parking near the Split Ferry Port costs €3 for the first hour and €2 for each additional hour. The daily rate is €35 for those needing longer-term parking. You can’t reserve parking near Split Ferry Port in advance.

What are the parking options in Split Old Town?

Parking in Split Old Town is not possible. Diocletian’s Palace is completely car-free due to its narrow streets and pedestrianized areas.

There are no designated parking lots in Old Town, and visitors are encouraged to use nearby parking lots or public transport.

Where is the closest parking to Split Old Town?

The closest parking options to Old Town Split are Riva Parking, Train Station Parking Lot, and Stari Plac Parking Lot. Riva Parking, located adjacent to Diocletian’s Palace, charges €4 per hour, making it the most expensive choice due to its close proximity to popular tourist attractions.

In contrast, the Train Station Parking Lot and Stari Plac Parking Lot are just a 5-minute walk from Diocletian’s Palace. Stari Plac Parking Lot offers the most affordable rate at €1.50 per hour, making it the best budget-friendly option for parking near Split’s Old Town.

Is parking allowed in pedestrianized areas of Split Old Town?

No, parking is strictly prohibited in pedestrianized areas like Peristyle Square and the streets surrounding Diocletian’s Palace. These locations are not even accessible by cars.

Can I park near Split’s beaches?

Yes, parking is available near most of Split’s popular beaches, like Bacvice and Kasjuni, but it can be limited, especially in the summer.

Where is the best place to park at Bacvice Beach?

The best place to park near Bacvice Beach is at the Train Station Parking Lot, where rates are around €2.00 per hour.

Alternative options include street parking; however, spaces tend to fill up rapidly, especially during July and August. Additionally, parking in Zone 1 is restricted to a maximum duration of 2 hours.

Are there free parking options near Kasjuni Beach?

Free parking near Kasjuni Beach is limited. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot. Alternatively, leave your car in parking lots and garages in the city center and take a public bus 12 until Bene Bay, followed by a short walk to Kasjuni Beach.

What are the parking fines in Split?

Parking fines in Split are enforced and range from €30.00 to €90.00 depending on the violation. The most common infractions include parking in unauthorized zones and exceeding time limits.

To avoid parking fines, park in designated areas and always pay for parking within regulated zones. Using mobile parking apps or SMS payments helps ensure you don’t overstay your time.

Illegal parking in Split is subject to immediate fines, and vehicles may be towed in severe cases, especially in the Red Zone or if blocking the traffic.

Where can tourists park overnight in Split?

Tourists can park overnight in paid parking garages like Garage Firule or designated long-term parking areas near the Split Train Station or Zone 3. The cost for overnight parking ranges from €20 to €35.

Please note that street parking is free at night. On weekdays, parking is free in Zone 1 from 9:30 PM to 6:30 AM. In Zones 2 and 3, it is free from 7 PM to 7 AM. Street parking is free on Saturdays starting at 2 PM across all zones, while on Sundays, it is free all day.

Car Traveler’s Guide to Split, Croatia

For travelers arriving in Split by car, parking considerations are important for planning the trip. Understanding where to park and when to use alternative transportation, such as public transit, enhances the overall experience.

As you design your itinerary, it is essential to consider how you’ll navigate Split and which nearby attractions you wish to explore. Whether seeking restaurants with convenient parking, planning day trips, or looking for accommodations that provide private parking, having the right information ensures a hassle-free driving experience in Split.

How to Navigate Split’s Public Transportation System

Navigating Split’s public transportation can save you from the challenges of parking in the busy city center. The city’s network includes buses run by Promet Split, which operate frequent routes between the suburbs and major tourist areas like Riva Promenade and Diocletian’s Palace. Ferries are available at Split Ferry Port for travel to nearby islands. Public transport is a cost-effective way to explore without worrying about parking regulations.

Best Accommodation in Split with private parking

Finding accommodation in Split with private parking is key for travelers planning to drive in Split. Many hotels and apartments in Split offer on-site parking, which is especially useful if you are staying near the city center, where parking is limited. Hotels like Hotel Luxe, Hotel Park, and Radisson Blu Resort provide private parking for guests. Booking accommodations with dedicated parking saves time and eliminates the stress of finding public parking, especially during the tourist season.

Top Tourist Attractions Accessible by Foot After Parking in Split

Many of Split’s most famous attractions are within walking distance of key parking lots. After parking near the Riva Promenade or Train Station, visitors can easily walk to Diocletian’s Palace, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, and the vibrant Green Market. These spots are all within a 5-minute walk, making them highly accessible after parking your vehicle.

Day Trips from Split

Day trips from Split to nearby destinations like Trogir, Omis, and Krka National Park are popular with travelers looking to explore beyond the city. These day trips from Split are easily accessible by car, making exploring the region’s stunning landscapes and historical sites possible.

How to Rent a Car in Split: Everything You Need to Know

A great way to explore Split’s surrounding areas is by renting a car in Split. Several car rental agencies, including Hertz, Sixt, and Avis, offer a wide range of vehicles at Split Airport and within the city. Renting a car allows you to visit destinations like Krka Waterfalls or Klis Fortress at your own pace.

Top Restaurants and Cafes a short drive from Split

For those seeking authentic dining experiences in Split, having a car allows them to visit some highly-recommended restaurants near Split. The best restaurants are often outside city centers.

Visit the Restaurant Perlica in Klis for exceptional lamb, Konoba Nikola in Stobrec for its seafood, or Konoba Selo in Trilj for hearty homemade meals.

Driving Rules and Regulations for Visitors in Croatia

Visitors must follow local driving rules to avoid fines when driving in Croatia, and Split is not an exemption. The speed limit within urban areas is typically 50 km/h, while highways allow up to 130 km/h.

Always carry your driver’s license, registration, and insurance documents. Pay attention to parking signs in regulated zones, as parking violations can result in fines. Remember that Croatia switched to Euro (€) in 2023, so make sure to have the correct currency for tolls and parking meters.

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