🌐 Cross-border City Guide
Split
Croatia · SPU Airport
Scenic Coastal
Kotor
Kotor · Montenegro
Hire a car from Split to Kotor and explore the Adriatic coast with comfort and confidence. Find competitive rates on cross-border rentals in one place.
~315 km
Via A1 / D8 / E65 Route
~4h 30m
Drive Time
Karasovići–Debeli Brijeg
Border Crossing
Per Day
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3000+ happy customers booked this month · Most chose 3-5 day rentals
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Route Overview
Car rental Split to Kotor
Key facts before you go – distance, documents, and the best time to drive.
Parking Mostar
~€0.77/hour in the central zone
Old Town is pedestrian-only
Permit
Required at booking
Cannot be added at counter
Insurance
BiH endorsed
CDW valid in Bosni
One-way drop-off
Not standard on this route
Confirm per supplier
Crossing Difficulty
Moderate Crossing
The Split → Kotor route is a longer coastal journey than Dubrovnik → Kotor. The route can use the Croatian A1 toward Ploče, continue south along the Adriatic coast, and enter Montenegro at the Karasovići–Debeli Brijeg border crossing. Allow extra time during the summer peak when queues can become significant.
Document Required
📘 Passport
📋 Insurance certificate needed
👨✈️ Driving Licence
💳 Credit Card
Why go: Kotor’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, dramatic Bay of Kotor scenery and medieval stone streets make it one of Montenegro’s most rewarding coastal destinations. Continue along the bay to Perast and Herceg Novi for scenic viewpoints, waterfront cafés and historic landmarks.
Demand & Border Queues
ℹ️
May–June and Sep–Oct offer the best mix of price and short border queues. Book 4–6 weeks ahead for July–August.
Vehicle fleet
Car Categories Available
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*The prices above are subject to change without prior notice. Since costs vary by vehicle class, dates, supplier, and season, we recommend checking real-time rates to get the most accurate price.
Before you cross
What you need to book and cross the border
Everything to sort before you leave Dubrovnik. Bosnia is not a part of the EU, so you will need additional documents to ensure a smooth crossing at Metković.
Cross-border Authorisation
Your booking voucher and rental must include the supplier’s written approval to enter Bosnia & Herzegovina. It cannot be added at the counter.
Credit card in main driver’s name
Required at pickup for the refundable security deposit. Debit card deposits are generally denied and may be accepted with higher deposits in some cases.
Insurance Certificate for BiH
Bosnia dropped the legal Green Card requirement in August 2021, but border security officers still check vehicle registration and an insurance certificate.
Carry Convertible Marks (KM) in cash
Parking in Mostar and stops like Počitelj or Kravice Falls often only accept KM. Some vendors may quote double if you insist on paying in euros.
Full Driving Licence Held for at least 12 Months
EU and UK licences fully valid. Non-Latin script licences must be accompanied by an IDP (International Driving Permit). Minimum driver age should be 21.
Valid Passport for All Passengers
Bosnia is not an EU member, so border controls remain in place even though Croatia is in Schengen. A full passport is required, not just an EU national ID.
⚠️
Critical: Crossing without a declared route or insurance certificate can leave you personally liable for damage in Bosnia and may see the vehicle turned back at Metković without the right paperwork.
Border crossings
Which crossing to use from Split
Choose your crossing based on your route and expected queues. Border waits can change significantly during summer and peak travel periods.
| Crossing | Distance from DBV | Drive Time | Peak wait | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karasovići–Debeli BrijegRecommended | ||||
Ready to Book?
Split to Kotor by Car
Explore Kotor, Budva, Herceg Novi and Podgorica with a rental car approved for
international travel. Book today and travel with confidence
Vehicle Guide
Which car category suits the Split–Mostar drive?
The A1 and D8 are both well-paved modern roads – this is not terrain that requires anything special. The deciding factor is where you plan to park along the way.
- Family Trip
- Solo drive
- Business Travel
- Long Stay
- Coastal Road Trips
- Eco-Travel
Family Trip: Personalised rental options for families planning trip to Croatia with kids and luggage
Van/Minivan
7-9 seats
Ideal for family journeys and seating everyone comfortably
From €42 /day
Automatic SUV
5 seats
Best for long beyond city routes and handling different terrains
From €22 /day
Full-size cars
2-5 seats
Comfortable city and long coastal drives for groups of 3-4 adults
From €64 /day
Tips for this trip
Solo drive: Ideal for solo adventures below options lean toward smaller, efficient cars
Convertible
2-4 seats
Open top on Croatia’s Adriatic coastline & enjoy scenic views
From €62 /day
Compact Automatic
5 seats
Easily plan multi city trips with reduced stress on steep roads
From €36 /day
Electric Economy Cars
4-5 seats
Smart & sustainable choice for solo city travel
From €48 /day
Tips for this trip
Business Travel: For the right balance between comfort, cost, and professionalism choose from the versatile options below.
Automatic Sedans
4-5 seats
Classic business travel vehicle combining comfort + efficiency
From €48 /day
Standard Cars
4-5 seats
Balance of comfort & space makes them best for business trip
From €32 /day
Tips for this trip
Long Stay: For trips spanning 21 days or more across Croatia, here’s a breakdown of best options.
Monthly rental
Select any vehicle
An affordable option with lower per day prices than daily rentals
From €16 /day
Long Term Car Rental
Varied vehicle options
For substantial savings rent for 3+ weeks
From €22 /day
Automatic Car
4-9 seats
Most reliable for trips on mountainous terrain & coastal hills
From €34 /day
Tips for this trip
Coastal Road Trips: Review our breakdown of the best categories for coastal drives in Croatia.
Convertible
2-4 seats
Ideal for enjoying top-down views of the Mediterranean coastline
From €62 /day
One Way Rentals
Select any car
Pick up in one city, return in another for enhanced flexibility
From €25 /day
Compact SUV
5 seats
Perfect for coastal trips: elevated views & extra space
From €35 /day
Tips for this trip
Eco-Travel: Choose from 3 matching low-emission and eco-friendly options suited for sustainable travel.
Electric Car
4-5 seats
Modern eco friendly EVs to enjoy a greener way of driving
From €55 /day
Hybrid
4-5 seats
Great alternative to traditional gasoline vehicles for long drives
From €35 /day
Small Compact
4-5 seats
These hit the right spot for island hopping & coastal drives
From €34 /day
Tips for this trip
Utilize apps like Chargemap and PlugShare to check real-time availability, charger type, and user reviews for charging points.
Once you Arrive
What to do in Mostar with a rental car
The best day trips and stops around Mostar, ranked by how far they are from the city.
Stari Most & Old Town
In Mostar
Walk across the 16th-century Old Bridge and explore the Kujundžiluk bazaar. The area is pedestrian-only, so park outside the old town. Climb the Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque minaret for the best bridge views.
Blagaj Tekija
15–20 min from Mostar
A Sufi monastery built into a cliff beside the Buna River spring, and one of Bosnia’s most photographed landmarks. Entry: 10 KM (€5.12).
Počitelj
25–30 min from Mostar
A fortified Ottoman village 30 km south of Mostar. Climb the fortress tower for Neretva River views and try fresh pomegranate juice from roadside stalls.
Kravica Waterfalls
40 min from Mostar
A 40 km drive south via the M17 highway to a wide, horseshoe-shaped waterfall dropping into a turquoise pool. You can swim here from late May through September. Entry costs 20 KM (€10.24) year-round.
Međugorje
30 min from Mostar
A Catholic pilgrimage town 25 km southwest of Mostar, known for reported Marian apparitions since 1981. Worth visiting for its atmosphere and nearby vineyards, even if you’re not a pilgrim.
Sarajevo
2–2.5h from Mostar
A scenic drive through the Neretva Canyon via Konjic and Jablanica. Best enjoyed as an overnight trip. Highlights include Baščaršija, the Latin Bridge, and the War Tunnel Museum.
🌉
Toll roads in Bosnia: The scenic M17 route to Sarajevo is toll-free. The parallel A1 motorway costs about 10 BAM (€5), payable by cash or card. No vignette is required.
💡
Parking in Mostar: Parking costs 1.50 KM/hour in the central zone and 1.00 KM/hour in outer areas. The Old Bridge area is pedestrian-only, so park nearby and walk.
Explore beyond Croatia
Cross Country Car Rental from Split Airport
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Top Locations, Airports and Companies
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- Car Rental Airport
- Car Rental Cities
- Car Rental Bus & Train Station
- Car Rental Companies
- Car Rental Port/ACI Marina
| Airport | Code | From | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubrovnik Airport Book Early | DBV | €4/day | South Dalmatia |
| Osijek Airport | OSI | €13/day | Northeastern Croatia |
| Pula Airport Popular | PUY | $7/day | Istria |
| Rijeka Airport | RJK | €7/day | Coastal Road Trips |
| Split Airport Most popular | SPU | €5/day | Central Dalmatia |
| Zadar Airport | ZAD | €9/day | National Parks |
| Zagreb Airport Lowest rate | ZAG | €4/day | Nationwide Road Trips |
| City | Region | From | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biograd na Moru | Dalmatia | €40/Day | Nautical hub |
| Čakovec | Northern Croatia | €/17 day | Historic Međimurje center |
| Cavtat Quiet alternative | Dubrovnik Riviera | €27/day | Quiet seaside resort |
| Dubrovnik Plan parking | South Croatia | €26/Day | Access ban in old town |
| Karlovac | Central Croatia | €15/day | River junction city |
| Kastela | Dalmatia | €20/day | Bay coast town |
| Mlini | Dubrovnik Riviera | €38/Day | Peaceful Riviera village |
| Opatija | Kvarner | €27/day | Historic seaside resort |
| Osijek | Slavonia | €15/Day | Cultural center |
| Porec | Istria | €26/Day | Popular seaside resort |
| Pula Cheapest | Istria | €7/day | Roman sites & wine |
| Rabac | Istria | €40/day | Scenic resort town |
| Rijeka | Central Croatia | €12/day | Port city base |
| Rovinj | Istria | €13/day | Romantic coastal town |
| Samobor | Central Croatia | €15/Day | Charming market town |
| Seget Donji | Dalmatia | €35/Day | Quiet coastal village near Trogir |
| Sesvete | Slavonia | €41/Day | Large Zagreb suburb |
| Slano | Southern Croatia | €30/Day | Peaceful coastal bay |
| Split Great value | Dalmatia | €8/Day | Ferry access |
| Srebreno | South Croatia | €30/Day | Coastal bay suburb |
| Trogir | Dalmatia | €26/Day | UNESCO old town island |
| Umag Downtown | Istria | €13/day | Northern coastal gateway |
| Vela Luka | Dalmatia Islands | €25/day | Island port town |
| Zadar Great value | North Dalmatia | €8/Day | Islands nearby |
| Zagreb Best value | Central Croatia | €5/day | Best value |
| Station | City | From | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubrovnik Bus Station Book early | Dubrovnik | €29/day | Book early for peak season |
| Rijeka Train Station | Rijeka | €40/day | Convenient city center pickup |
| Split Train Station Ferry connection | Split | €32/day | Steps from the ferry port |
| Zagreb Bus Station Lowest rate | Zagreb | €26/day | Great for eastern highway access |
| Zagreb Train Station | Zagreb | €32/day | Walk to downtown hotels |
| Supplier | Type | From | Fleet | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | ⭐ 8 | |||
| AddCar | ||||
| Alamo Top rated | International | €25/day | Economy, SUVs, Minivans, Full-size | ⭐ 9.4 |
| AutoUnion | ||||
| Autowill | ||||
| Avant Car | ||||
| Avia Rent a Car Cheapest | Local | €15/day | Compact, Economy, Standard Sedans | ⭐ 8.8 |
| Carwiz | ||||
| Dollar Thrifty Automotive | ||||
| Enterprise Top rated | International | €24/day | Compact, SUVs, Sedans, Luxury | ⭐ 9.4 |
| Europcar | International | €22/day | Compact, Executive, Vans | ⭐ 7.8 |
| Firefly | ||||
| Goldcar | ||||
| Green Motion | ||||
| Hertz Premium choice | International | €28/day | SUVs, Hybrids, Sedans | ⭐ 8.7 |
| Keddy by Europcar | ||||
| Mack | Local | €18/day | Economy, Compact, Intermediate, SUVs | ⭐ 8.6 |
| National | ||||
| North Car Rental | ||||
| Nova | ||||
| Oryx | ||||
| Prestigio Rent a Car | ||||
| Routes | ||||
| Sixt | International | €26 / day | Luxury Sedans, SUVs, Convertibles | ⭐ 9.2 |
| Street Rent a Car | ||||
| Surprice | ||||
| XL Rent a Car |
| City | Region | From | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACI Marina Dubrovnik | South Croatia | €32/day | Marina base |
| ACI Marina Korčula Island favorite | Dalmatia Islands | €32/day | Island hub |
| ACI Marina Slano | South Croatia | €42/day | Quiet bay harbor |
| ACI Marina Split Lowest rate | Dalmatia | €27/day | Coastal port pickup |
| Split Port Lowest rate | Dalmatia | €27/day | Ferry access |
Car Rental Croatia
Josip Stjepan – Croatia Travel & Car Rental Specialist
Josip spent a decade coordinating vehicle logistics for Jadrolinija’s ferry network, matching rental cars to sailing schedules for Hvar, Brač, and Korčula. The job gave him insider insights into where exactly rental companies quietly pass costs onto tourists. Drawing from his extensive knowledge of Croatia’s ferry network, coastal routes, and driving conditions, he helps travellers compare rental options, plan efficient itineraries, understand toll roads, avoid unnecessary fees, and prepare for cross-border travel.
How this content is created:
- Based on real ferry and route data
- Reviewed by a local Split-based specialist
- Updated regularly for seasonal pricing changes