One Way Car Rental Zagreb to Split

One Way Car Rental Zagreb to Split
Posted on: 11th March 2025 Posted by: Idina

Choose from the most budget-friendly deals to rent a self-drive one-way car rental from Zagreb to Split. Search, compare, and book in three simple steps.

➡️ Best One-Way Car Rental Zagreb to Split

A one-way trip from Zagreb to Split (Croatia’s second-largest city) can be best experienced in a rental car. You get personalized transfers that save you time and money, which would otherwise be compromised in public transport. Besides planning a trip with multiple stops and attractions, one must also be aware of how one-way rentals work in Croatia. Keep reading below to find out more before you set off.

📅 Why Book a One-Way Car Rental from Zagreb to Split?

  • Travel beyond Zagreb without worrying about returning the car to its pickup point.
  • Skip waiting for time-bound public transport and take on the journey at your own pace.
  • Explore hard-to-reach attractions that are often missed by tour buses. 
  • Comfortable rides while keeping your travel essentials and luggage throughout the trip.
  • Perfect for travellers planning to end their road trip on the Dalmatian coast.

🚘 Distance and Drive Time from Zagreb to Split

A one-way rental makes it easy to adjust the drive on the spot. The following table offers a general overview of what to expect on your way.

Distance About 409 km
Time (approx.) 3:30 to 4:00 hours
Best Routes
  • A1 Motorway/E71 (Autocesta A1) for faster transfers
  • D1 from Zagreb towards Plitvice Lakes for scenic views
Popular Stops

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Kornati / Stomorski islands, Krka, Šibenik Cathedral

Tolls and Fuel Costs

  • You may need to pay about €25 to €30 for a standard car toll at exit gates. 
  • Plenty of fuel stations are available, but some may remain closed at night. Travellers generally choose diesel cars for cheaper transfers.
  • Credit cards and cash payments are accepted at most toll booths and fuel stations.

🚗 Best Car Types to Rent One Way from Zagreb to Split

A long one-way road trip requires a vehicle that delivers a reliable and cost-effective drive. For that, a variety of cars are available to suit the needs of solo travellers and groups alike, including but not limited to:

✔️ Economy & Compact Cars

Renault Clio, Peugeot 208, Opel Astra, and Toyota Corolla are just a few out of many options in this category. Couples and solo travelers often book these for low-cost rides.

✔️ SUVs

Renault Captur, Opel Crossland X, and Audi Q3 are SUVs that can fit up to 7 people. Not to mention the extra comfort and luggage space that make them perfect options for extended journeys.

✔️ Vans & Minivans

Large vans and minivans are generally opted for by families and groups of up to 9 travelling together. When booking in this category, renters can rely on the Opel Zafira, Volkswagen Touran, and Renault Trafic models.

✔️ Automatic Cars

EVs and hybrid variants of vehicles in different categories are available for booking. But the options may be limited in high travel seasons, which requires you to book way ahead of time. Also, charging stations for such cars can be few and far between in some stretches. So, you must plan accordingly.

🔁 Popular Pick-up and Drop-off Locations

Besides other convenient locations in and around Zagreb and Split, below are some of the most common pick-up and drop-off points for travellers in Croatia.

Pick Up in Zagreb Zagreb Airport (ZAG), Zagreb Downtown / City Centre, Zagreb Bus Station, Zagreb Train Station
Drop Off in Split Split Airport (SPU), Split Downtown / City Centre, Split Port, Split ACI Marina

🏨 Top Companies for Zagreb to Split One-Way Car Rentals

An extensive fleet of quality cars in Croatia is provided at competitive prices by leading domestic and international rental companies, including but not limited to those listed below:

  • Sixt Car Rental
  • Europcar
  • Enterprise
  • Alamo Car Rental
  • Avantcar Rental
  • Nova Rent a Car
  • Greenmotion Car Rental
  • Autounion Car Rental

⁉️ Frequently Asked Questions

1️⃣ How much does it cost to rent a car one way from Zagreb to Split?

The price of a one-way rental is based on your preferred car type, supplier, booking period, and other factors. A drop-off fee will also be charged for the chosen route from Zagreb and Split. You can find the exact costs for available deals by providing your travel details in the form.

2️⃣ Can I hire an SUV for a one-way trip from Zagreb to Split?

You can rent an SUV from both Croatian and international rental companies for one-way travel. Just select your preferred pick-up and drop-off points and dates to search available deals. Filter the deals by Car Categories (SUV) to see relevant quotes. SUVs are in high demand from June to August, so you must book as early as possible.

3️⃣ Do I need a credit card for a car hire pick up in Zagreb?

Yes, the supplier will use the main driver’s credit card to hold a security deposit when you pick up the car. Bookings without credit cards are often either denied or cancelled by the suppliers. Even when other payment methods are accepted, the deposit amount is higher than for credit card transactions.

4️⃣ Is it possible to book a one-way car rental with no security deposit?

No. Rental companies require a security deposit to cover the cost of potential damage to the hired car. This amount is held on your credit card during the pickup process. The deposit is unique to each booking, but often lies between €500 and €3,000. The amount will be fully returned if you return the vehicle in the same condition it was collected.

5️⃣ Is cross-border travel allowed for one-way car rentals?

Cross-border travel may only be permitted upon prior permission from the rental company. The list of allowed countries (generally Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and other EU states) that you can enter with a hired car can vary by company. You may also be subject to a cross-border fee and additional insurance. You must read the relevant policies to understand extra requirements and fees before making a reservation.

6️⃣ Can I book a one-way car rental for a day?

You can rent a car for a one-way trip from Zagreb to Split for just one day. A full-day rental will be charged even if you return the car earlier than the scheduled time. Nor will there be any refunds for the unused booking hours. Enter your pickup and drop-off details in the booking form to view the updated quotes for the required booking period.

7️⃣ How to book the cheapest one-way car rental from Zagreb to Split?

You must book at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead of your one-way trip to rent a car at the lowest possible rates – especially if visiting in peak season. Booking early gives you access to a broader range of availability across different car segments. Weigh up your travel preferences and budget to find the best value for a desired vehicle hire.

8️⃣ Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for one-way car hire?

An IDP or an English translation will be required to rent a car from Zagreb to Split if your original driving licence does not use the Latin alphabet. If applicable, you must carry both an IDP and your domestic driver’s licence for pickup and when driving.