Standard documentation required to rent a car one way from Zadar to Split with most rental companies in Croatia is as follows:

1. 📄 Driving licence: Full, valid driving licence meeting the supplier’s minimum licence-holding requirement.
2. 📋 Passport or ID: Valid passport or national identity card.
3. 💳 Credit card: Credit card in the primary driver’s name, typically required for the security deposit.
4. 🎫 Booking voucher: Booking confirmation or rental voucher, particularly for prepaid/online reservations.
5. 🌍 IDP: International Driving Permit, if required based on your licence, country of issue and the rental company’s terms.

📋 Requirements may vary between rental companies, so it’s advisable to confirm the required documents when making the reservation.

EU/EEA licences are generally accepted for driving in Croatia without an IDP. Travellers from outside the EU/EEA should check whether their licence is recognised in Croatia and whether an IDP or certified translation is required. Rental companies may also have their own documentation requirements.

🌍 Recommendation: If your licence requires an IDP or certified translation, obtain it before travelling. Check the requirements for your country of licence issue and the rental supplier before booking.

A few car hire companies in Croatia accept debit cards for payment at the desk. You may need to arrange this in advance with the supplier and pay an additional debit card fee. There might be further restrictions on pre authorizing the deposit amount on the debit card.

⚠️ Important: You must confirm the payment method in accordance with the terms and conditions, as the rental company reserves the right to charge additional fees or refuse to release the vehicle.

Most suppliers set the minimum car rental age at 21, with a young driver surcharge typically charged to drivers under 25. A handful of providers also permit drivers 18 and over to rent cars, although the vehicle selection is limited to economy and compact categories.

💡 Note: Minimum age limits, licence holding periods, and surcharges may vary by rental company and vehicle category. Always confirm exact age policies, surcharge amounts, and required documents with your chosen rental provider before booking.

The security deposit for a one way car rental from Zadar to Split generally depends on the rental company and vehicle category. As a general guide:

⚠️ Important: A few car rental companies also offer a ‘ZERO Credit Card Deposit’ option, subject to terms and conditions. Utilise the ‘Zero Deposit’ filter while browsing deals on our platform to view and choose from customised results. Also ensure that you review supplier-specific terms and conditions carefully before booking.

Many rental rates include basic protection such as Third-Party Liability, with CDW and Theft Protection often included depending on the supplier and rate. Check the specific supplier’s terms to see which protections are included and what excess applies. Here’s a quick overview of what’s usually included and what’s not:

⚠️ Important: Normally, ‘CDW included’ does not mean zero liability; most basic policies still have an excess (deductible) of €500–€1,500. Extra insurance is optional, but upgrading to a super CDW/full coverage policy can definitely help reduce your risk and deposit.

It depends on your driving experience, comfort and budget. Although the route doesn’t demand an automatic, it can be a great choice for visitors who prefer a more relaxed driving experience, especially if they’re not used to manual transmissions or want one less thing to think about on unfamiliar roads.

⚠️ Important: Keep in mind that automatic rentals are pricier and less available than manual cars, so it’s worth booking well in advance rather than assuming you can switch at the counter.

In most cases, yes. Most car rental companies offer unlimited mileage for domestic one-way rentals, including the Zadar to Split route. Explore countless attractions along the way without having to worry about a mileage cap and paying anything extra for additional kilometres.

💡 Note: Policies vary significantly between rental companies. Some budget or economy categories include unlimited mileage even for one-way trips, while others cap it based on route or vehicle type. Always check the specific mileage policy for your one-way rental before booking.

Yes, the Zadar-Split drive is one of the easier one way journeys in Croatia for first-time visitors. Both the A1 and D8 coastal routes are modern, well-signed, and well-maintained, making navigation straightforward even without local driving experience.

📝 Practical Tip: First-time drivers should allow extra time, follow local speed limits, and be prepared for heavier traffic on the Zadar-Split route during the summer. Planning your fuel stops and checking the route before departure can also make the journey easier.

Here’s what you need to know about refuelling before your drop-off at Split Airport (SPU):

Yes, if you take the A1 motorway, tolls apply and are charged based on the distance travelled between entry and exit points. The scenic D8 coastal road is toll-free, but takes longer than the motorway.

💡 Note: The one-way toll for a standard car typically costs around €8–9, and you can pay with cash, credit/debit card, or an electronic toll collection device (ENC) at the exit gate.

Some rental companies serving Split Airport offer after-hours returns, but availability, procedures and fees vary by supplier. This service is usually available on request and carries an additional charge. Here are a few other things to factor in if planning to make use of after-hours car rental drop-off service for Split Airport:

💡 Note: Policies vary by rental company, so confirm after-hours return procedures, any associated fees, and drop-box locations at the time of booking.