Split By Bus

What this page covers

Bus travel in Split is easy once you know which network you need. This guide separates three things that visitors often mix up, local city buses (for moving around Split), intercity and international coaches (for traveling between cities), and airport transfers (for getting to and from Split Airport).

• Getting around Split: use the local network run by Promet Split. This is the best option for neighbourhoods, beaches, and everyday city movement.
• Traveling to and from other cities: most departures and arrivals use Split Main Bus Station in the port zone.
• Coming from Split Airport: compare the airport shuttle timetables and the public bus options in our Split Airport (SPU) guide.

This page is a hub, so we focus on what stays useful year-round, where to go, what to click, and how to avoid outdated timetables. For step-by-step details, use these related guides: Split Main Bus Station, Split ferry port for nearby ferry connections, and Split train station if you are combining bus and rail.

Local city buses in Split - Promet Split

For getting around Split day-to-day, the local bus network is run by Promet Split. It is the most practical option for neighbourhoods, beaches and everyday sights, and it also covers an urban and suburban network for places just outside the centre.

The safest way to plan is to use Promet Split official tools, the live bus map shows stops, real-time vehicle positions and estimated arrival times, while the timetable pages let you open the exact line you need without relying on outdated screenshots.

Promet Split timetables and the Promet Split live bus map are the two links you will use most.

Promet Split map

Image source: Promet Split. Author: Jug Cernovic | inat.fr. Tip: Pinch to zoom on mobile or rotate to landscape for a larger view.

City, urban and suburban lines - which one you need

Promet Split groups timetables by area, which makes planning faster:

• City area Split - best for moving around the city itself.
• Urban area Split - useful when your stop is just beyond the core city zone.
• Suburban area Split - for nearby towns and outer areas where routes run less frequently and schedules vary more by day and season.

If you are not sure which category your destination belongs to, start with the full list and open the line directly: Promet Split - all bus lines.

How to plan a route in 2 minutes

1. Open the live bus map and find your nearest stop - then check the next arrivals and the bus position in real time.
2. Open the line timetable from the official timetable list and confirm the direction you need (outbound vs inbound).
3. If you will use buses more than once, consider using the official Promet Split app or iPhone app to keep routes and stops saved and to access live info quickly.

Where buses start - Terminal Sukoišan and the port area

Many local and suburban Promet routes use Terminal Sukoišan as a key terminal in Split. If you arrive by intercity coach at Split Main Bus Station in the port zone, you can still use local buses easily - use the live map to locate the closest stop and confirm the next departure.

For orientation, the port area is also close to the Old Town - if you want a clear landmark reference, see Diocletian's Palace.

Tip: local bus schedules can shift by season and day type (workday, Saturday, Sunday/holiday) - confirm your specific line on the official timetable page before you set off.

Intercity and international buses - Split main bus station (AK Split)

If you are travelling between cities, most routes use Split main bus station (AK Split) in the port area. It is central and designed for transfers, so it is easy to combine buses with the ferry port and the nearby train station.

Most searched routes from Split

Split has frequent domestic connections year-round, plus seasonal international services. These are the routes travellers search for most often:

• Split ⇄ Zagreb - the main long-distance corridor. Zagreb Travel Guide
• Split ⇄ Dubrovnik - popular in summer, book early. Dubrovnik Travel Guide
• Split ⇄ Zadar - frequent coastal connection. Zadar Travel Guide
• Split ⇄ Šibenik - common day-trip and transit direction. Sibenik Travel Guide
• Seasonal international routes - examples include connections via Slovenia, Austria, Italy, Germany and neighbouring countries (availability changes by season and operator)

Prices and times are approximate for adult one-way trips and vary by operator, day and season, always confirm with the official operator before you travel.

How to check schedules and avoid outdated timetables

The most reliable way to confirm a departure or arrival is to use the official AK Split (Main Bus Station) timetable search. Their search is built around two inputs, your destination (for departures) or starting point (for arrivals), plus the date.

Use these official pages:

• AK Split timetable search
• Departures from Split
• Arrivals to Split

Tickets - online vs station, and when to book ahead

You can buy bus tickets online (operator websites and authorized sellers) or at the station, but in peak summer and around holidays, buying earlier is the safer choice for popular departures. If you are travelling with a specific time window, book ahead rather than assuming you can always get a seat last minute.

Operator guidance varies, but for example Arriva notes that tickets can be bought online close to departure and recommends buying earlier during the summer season and holidays to reserve your seat.

Onboard comfort - what to expect

Comfort depends on the operator and vehicle, but modern long-distance coaches often include basics like air conditioning and luggage storage. On FlixBus routes, onboard services commonly include free Wi-Fi and plug sockets, which is useful if you are travelling longer distances.

Tip: when you are planning a route that matters (airport connection, ferry connection, or a same-day transfer), confirm the schedule on the official links above on the day of travel.

Split main bus station (AK Split) - quick overview

Split's main bus station (Autobusni kolodvor Split - AK Split) sits right on the waterfront in the port zone, next to the city harbor and close to the railway station. That location makes transfers simple, you can walk to the Split ferry port in minutes and reach the Old Town quickly on foot.

If you are heading to Diocletian's Palace, walking is usually the fastest option, it is about a 7 to 10 minute walk depending on crowds. For other nearby landmarks and the easiest walking routes, see attractions in Split.

For schedules, platforms, and last-minute changes, always confirm using the official search tools instead of relying on copied timetables. Working hours are typically around 05:30-22:00, but can vary on holidays.

For full station details (location, facilities, tickets, luggage, and practical tips), open our complete guide to Split main bus station.

Split Airport buses - shuttle vs public bus

Split Airport (SPU) is connected to the city by two main bus options - an official airport shuttle bus and the public Promet bus network. Which one is best depends on your arrival time, luggage, and where you want to end up in Split.

Option A - airport shuttle bus (fastest for most travellers)

The airport shuttle is the simplest choice if you are arriving with luggage or you want a direct ride into the port area. It typically connects Split Airport with the city centre and the area around Split main bus station, which is also close to Split ferry port.

Because schedules and boarding points can change by season, always confirm here Split Airport and shuttle bus timetable, it includes the current timetable and ticket information.

Option B - public bus (Promet Split) - best for budget and local stops

If you want the cheapest option and you can handle a more "local" experience, use the Promet Split network. The most common public route is line 37 (Split - Airport - Trogir). It runs many times per day, but it is a regular public bus, it can be slower, busier in summer, and the best stop for you depends on where you stay.

Use the official line page and the live map so you do not rely on outdated screenshots Promet Split line 37 timetable (official)

Quick comparison - which one should you choose

For step-by-step airport transport instructions, including what to choose based on where you stay, see Split Airport (SPU).

Other terminals and important stops

Split has two main "bus reference points" that travellers often mix up. For intercity and international coaches, you will use Split main bus station (AK Split) in the port zone, right by Split ferry port and close to Split train station. For local city and suburban buses, many routes are organized around "Terminal Sukoišan", which is a key hub in the Promet Split network.

The easiest way to avoid boarding from the wrong place is to confirm the stop name in real time. Use the official Promet tools to search by stop and see where the bus actually is on the map, this is especially helpful in summer when traffic can shift arrival times.

Promet Split live bus map and Promet Split timetables (all bus lines) are the two official links that solve most "where do I board" questions.

Quick orientation - what to look for

• If your ticket says "AK Split" or "Autobusni kolodvor Split": go to the port area station and use Split main bus station.
• If your route is a Promet city/suburban line: check the stop name first (many lines reference "Terminal Sukoišan" in their route trace) and confirm the next arrival on the live map.
• If you are walking from Old Town: use Diocletian's Palace as your landmark and follow your map to the exact stop, do not assume "bus station" means the same terminal for every bus.

Tip: when you are unsure, search the stop name on the Promet live map and match it to the line timetable, it is faster than guessing, and it prevents missed departures.

Easy connections - ferry port, train station, and Old Town

Split is very convenient for transfers because the main transport hubs sit together in the port zone. If you arrive at Split main bus station, you can connect on foot to the ferry terminal, the train station, and the Old Town without needing a taxi.

Bus station - ferry port (islands and coastal routes)

The Split ferry port is a short, straightforward walk from the bus station. This is ideal if you are heading to the islands or continuing along the coast, check your ferry time, then walk over and board without moving your luggage across the city. For routes and planning, use ferries to and from Split.

Bus station - train station (quick rail connections)

If you are combining coach and rail, the Split train station is nearby in the same port zone. Trains are less frequent than buses on many routes, so it is worth confirming the timetable and platform details in advance via trains to and from Split.

Bus station - Old Town (Diocletian's Palace)

For most visitors, walking from the bus station into the historic centre is the fastest option. Use Diocletian's Palace as your landmark, once you reach the palace area, you are effectively in the heart of the Old Town and can continue to your accommodation on foot.

Arriving from Split Airport

Many airport transfers are designed to drop you close to the port zone, which makes onward connections easier. If you are continuing by ferry or coach, check the current airport bus options in Split Airport (SPU) and match your arrival time to your next connection.

Tip: if you have a tight same-day connection, plan a buffer for summer crowds, the walking transfers are short, but queues, traffic, and last-minute schedule changes can still happen.

Planning tips - seasonality, crowds, luggage, safety

How early to arrive (summer vs off-season)

If you are departing on an intercity or international coach, arrive early enough to find your platform, validate what you need and load luggage without stress, especially in summer when queues and traffic are common. As a rule of thumb, aim for 20 to 30 minutes early in the shoulder season, and 30 to 45 minutes early in peak summer (June to August) or on travel days with ferry connections.

For the most reliable day-of-travel checks, use AK Split timetable search for intercity and international departures, and Promet Split live bus map for local buses.

Luggage strategy - fees, receipts, and where to store bags

In Croatia, it is normal that luggage placed in the under-bus compartment can be charged separately depending on the operator and route. Arriva notes that hand luggage is free, while larger luggage in the compartment is charged according to the price list and you should keep the luggage receipt until the end of your trip. If you are traveling on an Arriva-operated service, see Arriva travel tips for the official luggage rules.

If you have time before check-in or a later connection, left-luggage is commonly available in the port zone near Split main bus station. Because hours can change by season, confirm on arrival or use the details in our Split main bus station guide before you rely on it.

Tip for smooth travel: keep a few euros in small cash just in case you need to pay a small luggage handling fee or other station basics.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Mixing up local and intercity stops: Promet Split runs local city and suburban lines, while intercity and international coaches use Split main bus station in the port zone. If you are unsure, check the stop name on the Promet live map.
• Relying on copied timetables: schedules change by day type and season. Use Promet Split timetables for local lines and AK Split timetable search for intercity and international routes.
• Underestimating summer demand: for popular departures, buying ahead is the safest way to secure a seat. If you are using Arriva services, their official advice is to buy earlier during the summer season and holidays. buy Arriva bus tickets online
• Planning tight airport or ferry transfers: build a buffer for traffic, queues and summer crowds, especially if you are heading to Split ferry port or coming from Split Airport (SPU).

Safety and comfort

• Keep valuables (passport, wallet, phone) on you, not in checked luggage.
• In summer, arrive early and stay close to your platform area to avoid last-minute confusion.
• If you are traveling with kids or lots of bags, the airport shuttle is usually simpler than the public bus.

Accessibility notes (practical, no guessing)

If you travel with reduced mobility or special equipment, check the operator rules before you book and allow extra time at the station. For example, Arriva's luggage pricing notes that transporting a wheelchair in the luggage compartment is not charged in relevant cases, see Arriva luggage pricelist. If you need station-specific help, you can also use the official contacts for AK Split listed on AK Split contact.

Tip: for day trips and local rides, Promet's live map is the fastest way to avoid waiting at the wrong stop, check the bus position and ETA before you walk over.

FAQ

Where is the main bus station in Split?

Split main bus station (AK Split) is in the port zone next to the ferry terminal and close to the train station, making it one of the most central arrival points in the city.

How far is the bus station from the Old Town and Diocletian's Palace?

It is an easy walk - most visitors reach the Old Town in about 10 minutes on foot. Use Diocletian's Palace as your landmark for the simplest route.

Is there luggage storage at Split bus station?

Left luggage is commonly available in the station area and is useful if you arrive early or have a later connection. For the most current details (hours, prices and where to find it), see Split main bus station.

How do I get from Split Airport (SPU) to the city by bus?

You generally have two good options - the airport shuttle bus (simplest with luggage) or the public Promet bus network (cheaper, more local). For step-by-step guidance, use Split Airport (SPU) and confirm the latest shuttle details on Split Airport official transport info.

Where do I check bus timetables for Split?

Use official sources depending on the type of bus - Promet Split timetables and the Promet Split live bus map for local buses, and AK Split timetable search for intercity and international routes.

Do I need to validate my ticket on Promet Split buses?

Yes - always follow the validation rules for your ticket type. For current ticket rules and options, check Promet Split ticket information.

Should I book intercity bus tickets in advance for summer?

In peak season (June to August) and around holidays, booking ahead is the safest way to secure a seat and your preferred departure time. Start with AK Split timetable search, then buy via the operator or authorized seller.

Are there luggage fees on Croatian intercity buses?

Sometimes - depending on the operator and route, luggage placed in the under-bus compartment can be charged separately. Bring a little cash just in case and keep any luggage receipt until you collect your bag.