Getting around — Central Dalmatia

Central Dalmatia is best discovered through three complementary modes: walking in the historic centres, a car for the mainland, and ferries-catamarans for the islands.

The airport of Split (SPU), at Kaštela 25 km west of the city, is Croatia's second largest after Zagreb. It is served by many European airlines (Croatia Airlines, easyJet, Ryanair, Lufthansa, Eurowings) with massive intensification between May and October. The Pleso prima shuttle connects the airport to Split in 30 minutes for about €8, or budget €35 for a taxi. An interesting option: the direct ferry from Trogir airport.

In Split itself, a car is useless for the fully pedestrianised historic centre. The Promet network (buses) efficiently serves the Bačvice, Lapad, Žnjan neighbourhoods and the outskirts. For long distances from Split, the bus station is central (next to the port) with frequent links to Trogir (30 min), Šibenik (1h30), Dubrovnik (4h30) and Zagreb (5-6h). The train station offers Split-Zagreb trains (6-7h, including a comfortable night train).

A hire car is recommended for exploring the continental coast (Trogir, Šibenik, Krka, Omiš, Makarska, Klis). All major agencies are at the airport and at the port. Allow 30 minutes from Split to Trogir, 1h15 to Šibenik via the A1 or the scenic D8, 1h to Krka National Park. The Adriatic Highway (D8) road remains one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Europe.

Ferries and catamarans from Split are operated mainly by Jadrolinija (car ferries) and Krilo Shipping (fast passenger catamarans). Daily links to Brač (Supetar: 50 min by car ferry, Bol: 1h by catamaran), Hvar (Hvar Town: 1h by direct catamaran, Stari Grad: 2h by car ferry), Vis (2h30 by ferry, 1h30 by fast catamaran), Šolta (1h by ferry). Buy tickets online as soon as possible in high season; car ferries can sell out several weeks ahead.