Long gone are the days when Split, Croatia was considered a budget destination. The cost of traveling to Split is now on par with other top European destinations.
We worried that our recent trip would tip the scales, but with some pre-planning and thrifty choices, we were able to enjoy all the Best Things To Do in Split without overspending!
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Our Budget Travel Tips for Split, Croatia
We are divulging our insider secrets to help you stay on track with your Croatia vacation budget and have an amazing time.
From how to get to Split for cheap to saving money on activities, we are highlighting ways to keep money in your wallet while still having fun on your trip!
Cheap Ways To Get to Split
How much it costs to get to Split will naturally depend on your point of origin. That said, these budget tips for Split will help you determine the cheapest route.
Split Low-Cost Carriers
The Split Airport (SPU) is served by several low-cost airlines – like Ryanair, EasyJet, Vueling and Wizz Air. If you are already in Europe, check these carriers first. Just pack light, because they all charge extra fees for checked luggage!
Travel Tips for Flying to Split from the US
We recommend that travelers from the United States use Skyscanner to find the best prices on flights to Split. We share more tips to save you money on airfare in our article, finding the Best Flights for Cheap.
Best Way to Get to Split from the Airport
The airport in Split is located in Kastela, 15 miles away from the city center. Naturally, grabbing a taxi is the most expensive option – and an Uber is often only slightly less.
There is a direct bus from the airport to the main bus station that costs €8. However, the most economical way to go is via Bus 37. It costs just 3 euros and terminates at a secondary bus station, 15 minutes walk from the Old Town.
Bus or Train to Split
Traveling to Split from within Croatia – or the Balkans – is cheapest by bus. Although the ride can be long, it costs a fraction of a plane ticket. We use Flixbus when traveling by bus in Croatia.
There is train service to Split, but it’s generally slower than the bus and often more expensive. We don’t recommend traveling by train in Croatia.
Rent a Car in Croatia
We are not big fans of driving while abroad, but I recently drove from Zagreb to Split (via Plitvice Lakes NP) and was surprised how easy it was to drive in Croatia.
You will get the lowest rates by booking in advance – and opting for a manual (stick shift) vehicle, rather than automatic. For more money-saving ideas, read all our Car Rental Hacks.
Tips for Affordable Places To Stay in Split
It’s becoming increasingly difficult to find cheap accommodation in Split…but not impossible. We’ll show you how!
Stay Outside of Split Old Town
While we used to love staying in the heart of the city, the cost of hotels and apartments have increased exponentially in the past few years.
Instead, we look to nearby neighborhoods – like Bol and Spinut – to find accommodations within our price range. Plus, we’re more likely to have a local experience!
Split Vacation Rental vs Hotel
Hotels are pricey in Split! The less expensive option is a short-term holiday rental, where you can also prepare meals (more on eating next).
We typically use Booking.com or Airbnb for lodging in Croatia. For additional money-saving advice while searching for your perfect place, read our tips for Finding Accommodation for Cheap.
Inexpensive Split Food and Cheap Drinks
The price of eating and drinking in Split keeps rising as well, but there are still a few ways to save money. And there’s no need to worry about missing out; some of the Top Split Foodie Experiences are cheap eats!
Split Fast Food
The best way to enjoy typical flavors without spending too much is to indulge in local fast-food delicacies, like burek and cevapi. These filling and oh-so-delicious regional staples can cost less than 5 euros.
Burek (meat or cheese baked in a flaky crust) is readily available from dedicated shops, bakeries and even grocery stores (where it’s actually the cheapest).
Expect to pay a little bit more for Cevapi (grilled sausages) – especially from the famous Kantun Paulina. However, a large sandwich can be shared by two people.
Konobas
Similar to Tavernas in Greece, Konobas are small (sometimes family-run) restaurants that serve traditional Croatian food at affordable prices.
Konoba Kod Joze (order the Black Risotto), Konoba Fetivi (get the fairly-priced Fish Platter for Two) and Konoba Stare Grede (try the Pasticada) are three of our favorites!
Local Split Cafes
High-end coffee shops (like D16) are popping up all over Split, but they come with steep prices. The local cafes full of residents have the best prices on coffee, beer and spirts – plus, a truly authentic atmosphere.
Teraca Bamba, Teak and Caffe Bar Skalina all offer good value, especially considering their convenient locations!
BYOB along the Split Harbor
The price of a standard Croatian beer at a café is still pretty affordable. That said, it costs even less to buy a cold beverage from the grocery store.
That way you can enjoy it along the Riva, on the pier at Matejuska or in Sustipan Park. (Note that open alcoholic containers are prohibited in Old Town Split and the Palace of Diocletian.)
Little Beer Shop – right by Matejuska – sells Croatian Craft Beers, too. While it costs less than drinking at a bar, even lower prices can be found at Spar and Lidl.
Split Budget Activities
There are heaps of high-dollar outings that will leave your wallet a little light – but it’s possible to have fun on your Split vacation without spending a dime.
Diocletian’s Palace for Free
This 2,000-year-old, UNESCO-listed Roman Emperor’s palace marks the very center (and origin) of the city – and there is no fee to roam the stone lanes and hidden alleyways.
In fact, we detail an ideal route through the palace and adjoining Old Town in our Free Split Walking Tour!
Explore Marjan Hill
Called the Green Lungs of Split, Marjan is a superb nature retreat! With miles of trails, free lookout points and a handful of attractions, you could spend an entire day here – and there’s zero admission fee.
Just be sure to read our complete guide to Discovering Marjan Hill to plan your adventure in the forest park!
Soak in the Sunshine on Split Beaches
Sitting right on the coast, there is numerous Beaches in Split that are within easy reach and completely free of charge.
Of course, there are sun loungers and umbrellas for rent, but you don’t have to pay. Instead, just spread out your towel on any available space!
Plan Your Own Split Day Trips
Organized excursions can be quite costly – especially if you plan on embarking on more than one. To save money, set off on your own instead!
Whether traveling by land or sea, we highlight how to plan your own tours in our guide to the most Popular Day Trips from Split.
More Budget Travel Tips for Split
We have some final advice about ways you can save a bundle on your vacation to Split!
Book Early
Planning your trip far in advance will help yield the lowest prices. This is especially true for accommodation – as the prime places get snapped up in a hurry. We suggest booking about 6 months in advance.
When planning so far ahead, you will need to keep track of the details! Use our Travel Planner so nothing falls through the cracks.
Travel to Split in the Off Season
Summer is the most expensive time to visit Split. In fact, the prices in July and August can be completely outrageous.
Those who travel in late April to early May and during the month of October will find better prices and typically pleasant weather.
Split has fairly mild winters for Europe and you can score some real bargains. Just be prepared for some wet and windy weather and for certain places to be closed.
Stay Longer
Booking a weeklong trip in Split can save you some money, too. Many apartments offer reduced rates for 7 nights or more (and it doesn’t hurt to ask, either).
Plus, with an extended stay, you can grab a free Split Card that offers discounts to museums and other attractions as well as restaurants and tours!
Start planning your trip to Croatia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Trip Tips for Split and Croatia
- Essential Split Activities
- A Perfect 3-Day Split Itinerary
- Unique Split Things To See
- How To Plan a Croatia Vacation
- Best Places To Visit in Croatia
- Ways To Save Money in Dubrovnik
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