One-Way Car Rental Split to Zagreb
Split

Zagreb
Compare one-way rates, real drop-off fees and route options for a flexible drive from Split to Zagreb.
🛣️Distance: ~410 km
➡️Route: A1 motorway
⏰Time: ~4 hr 3 min
💶Fee: €6/day*
- 24/7 Customer Support
- Free Cancellation
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Route breakdown
One Way Car Rental from Split to Zagreb
The Split–Zagreb route is a popular way to explore Croatia at your own pace. With a one-way car rental, you have the freedom to stop along the inland country and visit historic national parks, towns, and local konobas as per your itinerary. Discover phenomenal views of the Dinaric Alps, hinterland valleys, and lakes that you might otherwise miss.
Whether you’re travelling via the direct motorway or taking the scenic route via Plitvice Lakes, major car rental companies offer flexible one-way rentals from Split, with convenient drop-off options in Zagreb. Pick up in Split and return your car at your destination for a small additional one-way fee.
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Pick-up points
Split Airport
Split Downtown, Marina, Harbor, Bus Station or selected hotels.
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Drop-off points
Zagreb Airport
Zagreb Downtown, Main Bus Station, Railway Station or selected hotels.
Pricing & Demand Insights
ℹ️
May-June and September-October offer the best mix of warm weather, open roads, and competitive pricing.
Plan your Split to Zagreb drive
Pick a start, add stops and get approximate distances, drive times, fuel and tolls — with the nearest rental location for each stop.
Split to Zagreb Route Comparison
Should You Take A1 Motorway vs Plitvice Inland Route?
For Split to Zagreb, the A1 motorway route is the direct and practical choice for most drivers. The Plitvice Lakes route offers scenic countryside views and direct access to Croatia’s most famous national park.
A1 – Faster Motorway Route
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Around 3.5–4 hours without stops
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Approximately €24–28 in motorway tolls
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Fast, modern, multi-lane motorway driving (A1)
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Highland scenery through Lika and Gorski Kotar tunnels
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Best for simpler travel, quick transfers, and predictable routing
Plitvice – Scenic Inland Route
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Around 5.5–6.5 hours without stops (excluding park visit)
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Lower tolls (only section of A1 or D1 state road)
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D1 state highway with scenic mountain passes and countryside
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Direct access to Plitvice Lakes National Park and Rastoke waterfalls
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Best for sightseeing, natural parks, and a full-day road trip
Vehicle Guide
Which car category suits the Split – Zagreb 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.
Before you drive
One-way rental pre-departure checklist
What to confirm before leaving the desk:
One-way drop-off fee confirmed in writing
Ensure that the exact one-way drop-off fee (whether it’s per day or flat rate) is listed on your rental agreement. A verbal confirmation alone is the last thing you should rely on.
Fuel policy & toll payment understood
Although most rentals in Croatia operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, it is always best to confirm it in advance. Also verify whether motorway tolls are your responsibility or if an electronic motorway toll device (ENC) will be provided.
Cross-border travel confirmed (if applicable)
If your planned route involves crossing into another country, confirm in advance with your supplier that cross-border travel is permitted and that any required insurance or coverage is included.
Vehicle inspection documented
Photograph every existing scratch and dent before driving away (especially the underside of bumpers) and ensure it’s recorded on the rental agreement to avoid any false damage attribution claims.
Drop-off location and address confirmed
Knowing in advance the exact address and opening hours of the supplier branch in Zagreb (airport or city) where you will be returning the Split car rental is going to save time and effort.
After-hours return procedure confirmed
Confirm service availability and follow the exact return instructions to avoid unexpected charges if returning the rental car in Zagreb outside the supplier’s opening hours.
Popular Routes
Other One-Way Car Rental from Split
Returning your rental in a different city makes planning easier because you never have to backtrack. These popular domestic routes can help you plan yours.
Explore More
Top Locations, Airports and Companies
Browse car rental locations across Croatia, including airports, cities, trusted suppliers, and popular travel routes.
- 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 | Eastern 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 | North 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 | Vehicle restrictions in Old Town |
| Karlovac | Central Croatia | €15/day | River junction city |
| Kaštela | 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 |
| Poreč | Istria | €26/day | Popular seaside resort |
| Pula Cheapest | Istria | €7/day | Roman sites & wine |
| Rabac | Istria | €40/day | Scenic resort town |
| Rijeka | Kvarner | €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 | Central Croatia | €41/day | Large Zagreb suburb |
| Šibenik | Dalmatia | €15/day | Historic Old Town |
| Slano | Southern Croatia | €30/day | Peaceful coastal bay |
| Split Great value | Dalmatia | €8/day | Ferry access |
| Srebreno | Dubrovnik Riviera | €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 Capital City Hub | Central Croatia | €5/day | Best value |
| Station | City | From | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubrovnik Bus Station Book early | Dubrovnik | €29/day | Walk-out pickup near the ferry port |
| Rijeka Train Station | Rijeka | €40/day | Central pickup near the main station |
| 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 | Local | €25/day | Economy, Compact, SUV, Luxury, Vans | ⭐ 8.0 |
| AddCar | International | €48/day | Economy, Compact, SUV, Luxury, Vans | ⭐ 7.0 |
| Alamo Top rated | International | €25/day | Economy, SUVs, Minivans, Full-size | ⭐ 9.4 |
| AutoUnion | International | €40/day | Mini, Economy, Intermediate, SUV, Luxury | ⭐ 8.5 |
| Autowill | Local | €7/day | Economy, Compact, SUV, Vans | ⭐ 7.9 |
| Avant Car | Regional | €6/day | Economy, Sedans, SUVs, Luxury | ⭐ 8.6 |
| Avia Rent a Car | Local | €5/day | Compact, Economy, Standard Sedans | ⭐ 8.6 |
| Carwiz | Local | €6/day | Economy, Compact, SUVs, Luxury, Vans | ⭐ 8.6 |
| Dollar Thrifty Popular | International | €30/day | Economy, Compact, SUV, Full-size, Vans | ⭐ 9.2 |
| Enterprise Top rated | International | €24/day | Compact, SUVs, Sedans, Luxury | ⭐ 9.4 |
| Europcar | International | €9/day | Economy, Compact, Luxury, Vans | ⭐ 8.6 |
| Firefly | International | €17/day | Mini, Economy, Compact, SUVs | ⭐ 8.6 |
| Goldcar | International | €10/day | City Cars, Compact, SUVs, Minivans, Luxury | ⭐ 10 |
| Green Motion Cheapest | International | €3/day | Economy, Compact, SUV, Vans, Luxury | ⭐ 7.2 |
| Hertz Premium choice | International | €63/day | Economy, Compact, SUVs, Vans, Luxury | ⭐ 8.7 |
| Keddy by Europcar | International | €7/day | Economy, Compact, Standard, SUV, Vans | ⭐ 8.5 |
| Mack | Local | €28/day | Economy, Compact, Standard, SUVs, Luxury | ⭐ 8.6 |
| National | International | €13/day | Economy, Compact, Full-size, SUVs, Vans | ⭐ 8.7 |
| North Car Rental | Local | €32/day | Economy, Compact, Standard, SUVs, Vans | ⭐ 8.6 |
| Nova | Local | €26/day | Economy, Compact, Standard, SUVs, Premium, Vans | ⭐ 8.9 |
| Oryx | Local | €38/day | Economy, Compact, Standard, SUVs, Premium, Vans | ⭐ 8.6 |
| Prestigio | Local | €28/day | Economy, Compact, Standard, SUVs, Vans | ⭐ 8.9 |
| Routes | International | €8/day | Mini, Economy, Compact, Crossover, SUV | ⭐ 8.7 |
| Sixt Popular | International | €9/day | Luxury/Premium, SUV, Convertible | ⭐ 9.2 |
| Street Rent a Car | International | €9/day | Economy, Compact, Standard, SUV, Luxury | ⭐ 8.6 |
| Surprice | International | €13/day | Mini, Economy, Compact, Midsize, SUV | ⭐ 6.2 |
| XL Rent a Car Best Choice | Local | €34/day | Economy, Compact, SUV, Passenger Vans | ⭐ 9.1 |
| 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 |
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