You have landed in Dalmatia, and the Makarska Riviera is waiting south of Split. After a flight, most travellers want a simple start, not extra transfers through the city. When you rent a car at Split Airport, you can load your bags and leave on your own time. You can also stop at beaches, viewpoints, and small towns along the way. Our guide explains the best routes, driving tips, stops, parking notes, and travel checks for Split Airport to Makarska.
The drive from Split Airport to Makarska is about 99 kilometres. It usually takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes by car, without long stops. With a car, you get direct airport travel after landing, especially with bags, children, or beach gear.
Public transport from Split Airport to Makarska is not always direct. Many buses leave from Split city centre, so you may need a shuttle or taxi first. You then need to change vehicles before continuing south to Makarska. With luggage or children, this can make the first day tiring.
With a rental car, you skip that extra step. You collect the car at the airport, take the main route, and drive south without waiting. This is useful when you arrive late, travel as a family, or need to reach your hotel quickly.
Think about your group size, luggage, and driving plans before booking. A compact car suits couples who want easier town parking. A larger car or SUV suits families, longer stays, and travellers carrying beach gear. Drivers often prefer extra space on coastal trips, especially with children.
Summer demand can be high in Dalmatia. Automatics, SUVs, and larger family cars may sell out faster in July and August. Book early when driving from Split to Makarska during peak season. Before booking, check insurance, mileage, fuel terms, and driver rules.
Before leaving Split Airport, review the rental agreement and the car. You will usually need a driving licence, passport or ID, and a credit card for the deposit. Check the fuel policy, mileage terms, and any extras before you start.
Walk around the car and look at the tyres, lights, glass, windscreen, seats, and bodywork. Take dated photos of scratches, dents, marks, and fuel level. These simple pre-drive checks help avoid issues when you return the car.
There are two main routes from Split Airport to Makarska. The A1 motorway is faster, while the D8 coast is more scenic with views of the sea. Your best choice depends on arrival time, traffic, weather, and how many stops you want.
The fastest route uses the A1 motorway south towards Dubrovnik. Stay on the A1 until the Šestanovac exit, then follow the signs down towards Brela and Makarska. With this route, drivers avoid the slower Omiš canyon and the busy coast towns.
The A1 includes tolls, so keep your ticket safe until payment. You can usually pay by card or cash at toll points. After Šestanovac, the road descends towards the Riviera for about 15 kilometres. This route is best when you want a simple transfer, late arrival, or faster hotel check-in.
The old D8 coast road is better for views and short stops. From the airport area, drive through the Kaštela and Trogir side, then continue towards Omiš. Around Omiš, you pass the Cetina River gorge, steep cliffs, and sea views.
South of Omiš, the road follows the Adriatic coast. You pass Brela, Baška Voda, pine-backed beaches, pebble coves, and views of Biokovo Mountain. This route usually adds about 45 to 60 minutes compared with the motorway. In July and August, heavy traffic may add more time.
Coastal traffic can build around Omiš, Brela, Baška Voda, and Makarska. This is common on weekends, holiday changeover days, and late afternoons. When returning to Split Airport, allow extra time for queues, tolls, fuel, and drop-off checks.
Refuel before returning the car, and match the agreed fuel level. Take a photo of the fuel gauge and final parking spot. At drop-off, check the car with the agent and return extras, such as child seats or navigation units. For a smoother Split Airport to Makarska trip, plan your return time before beach plans fill the day.
A rental car turns the airport transfer into a coastal day. You can add river views, beach stops, coffee breaks, and mountain scenery. Book with Final Rentals at Split Airport for clear Croatia terms, including basic cover, unlimited mileage, and easy online booking.
Omiš is a useful stop if you take the scenic D8 route. It sits where the Cetina River meets the sea, about 42 kilometres from Split. You can enjoy river views, walk near the old town, or try rafting if time allows.
The old fortress above town offers wide views of the canyon, the sea, and the rooftops. Entry is low-cost, so many travellers add it as a short climb. Cafes and local restaurants sit near the river and old streets. Parking is easier near the main bridge than inside the tight historic centre.
Brela is one of the best beach stops before Makarska. It is known for pebble beaches, pine shade, clear water, and the Kamen Brela rock. Park near Punta Rata Beach, then walk the promenade or swim before continuing south.
Baška Voda is only a few minutes farther. Its long beach has pine trees, cafes, mountain views, and a relaxed seafront. These stops make the drive from Split to Makarska more than just a transfer. With a car, you can pause for coffee, photos, or a swim without having to wait for fixed bus times.
Before you arrive, check whether your hotel has parking. Makarska has red, yellow, and blue parking zones with different prices and limits. The red zone near the seafront is usually the most expensive in summer. Read signs, check payment machines, and keep proof of payment.
Biokovo Mountain is one of the best day trips from Makarska. Skywalk Biokovo stands 1,228 metres above sea level and takes about 30 minutes by car from town. The road through Biokovo Nature Park is narrow and winding. Drive slowly, watch for buses, and plan your visit around daylight. The views over the Riviera and islands are worth the careful drive.
A car gives you a better start to the Makarska Riviera because the trip can become part of the holiday. Keep one thing in mind: the best drive is not always the fastest one. Some travellers should take the A1 and relax after arrival. Others should use the D8, stop in Omiš or Brela, and enjoy the coast before check-in. Choose the route that fits your energy, luggage, and first-day plans.
Rent a car in Croatia with Final Rentals to make your Split Airport to Makarska journey easier and more flexible. You can choose compact cars, family cars, and SUVs, with basic insurance and unlimited mileage. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
It’s about 99 kilometres. By car, it usually takes around 1 hour 15 minutes, not including traffic and stops. The quickest way is via the A1 highway and the Šestanovac exit.
Yes. Split Airport has several car rental agencies in or near the terminal. You can pick up a car there and drive directly to Makarska without extra transfers. Renting lets you carry luggage easily and stop en route, which is hard to do on scheduled buses.
The fastest route is the A1 motorway southbound, exiting at Šestanovac and then heading down to the coast. For a scenic alternative, follow the old D8 coast road through Omiš, Brela and Baška Voda. The D8 takes longer, but drivers get stunning sea and mountain views along the way.
