Split Saint Jerome Layover Guide (SPU)

What are you looking for in SPU?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Split Airport (SPU) is an international airport located in Kaštela, Croatia, about 24 km (15 miles) from downtown Split. The airport officially opened in 1966. Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and a popular destination on the Adriatic coast. It is known for its rich Roman heritage, including Diocletian’s Palace, as well as its Mediterranean charm, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife, making it a favorite for both tourists and locals.

Can you leave Split Airport (SPU) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a layover at SPU you may clear immigration and exit the terminal if you hold a valid Schengen C visa or are visa exempt. Travelers holding only an airport transit A visa cannot leave the international transit area. Confirm Croatian entry rules based on your passport and visa status. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Diocletian’s Palace Explore the ancient Roman emperor’s retirement residence, wandering through cellars, peristyle courtyard and medieval streets, lined with shops. UNESCO-listed site offering history, architecture and rich vibrant atmosphere at every corner. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours / Airport to here: 30 min by public bus plus 10 min walk; taxi in 20 min)
• Riva Promenade Stroll along the palm-lined waterfront promenade, enjoying cafes, street performers and panoramic harbor views. Perfect spot for people-watching and coffee in a sunny, relaxed environment vibrant social local atmosphere experience. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: 40 min by bus plus short walk; taxi in 20 min)
• Marjan Hill Hike or bike the forested Marjan Hill trails, discovering secluded viewpoints, historic hermitage churches and panoramic city scenes. Ideal for quick nature escape above urban bustle spectacular scenic sunrise views. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 45 min by bus plus transfer/walk; taxi in 25 min)
• Bačvice Beach Relax on sandy Bačvice Beach, swimming in shallow turquoise waters or playing traditional picigin ball. Lively beachfront with bars, restaurants and vibrant summer nightlife scene sun-soaked family-friendly urban beachside atmosphere. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: 35 min by bus plus 10 min walk; taxi in 20 min)
• Cathedral of Saint Domnius Visit the world’s oldest Catholic cathedral still in use, admiring intricate mosaics, bell tower views and historic baptistery within Diocletian’s Palace complex, blending Roman and medieval art spiritual cultural treasure. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 30 min by public bus plus 10 min walk; taxi in 20 min)
• People’s Square (Pjaca) Explore bustling People’s Square, surrounded by Venetian and Gothic architecture, lively cafes and local shops. Perfect hub to experience authentic Dalmatian street life and historic landmarks colorful cultural community vibe. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: 35 min by bus plus 10 min walk; taxi in 20 min)
• Green Market (Pazar) Wander Split’s vibrant Green Market, sampling fresh produce, cheeses, olive oils and local delicacies while chatting with friendly vendors in bustling open-air stalls near the palace colorful aromatic authentic experience. (Time required: 30 minutes / Airport to here: 30 min by bus plus 5 min walk; taxi in 20 min)
• Trogir Day Trip Take a quick UNESCO-listed Trogir excursion, exploring medieval streets, Kamerlengo Castle and waterfront cafes before returning to Split. Charming small town packed with history and seaside views picturesque authentic harbor. (Time required: 4 hours / Airport to here: 90 min by shuttle and bus; taxi in 60 min)

Things to Do in Split Airport (SPU)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Split Airport’s Business Lounge is located airside in the international departures near Gate 3. Open to business-class travellers and elite status members, it offers comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, soft drinks, house beer, wine and liquor. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, charging stations and panoramic tarmac views while unwinding. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
While Split Airport lacks an on-site hotel, several properties lie within a short drive. Options in nearby Kaštel Štafilić and Trogir cater to overnight travellers, offering shuttle services to the terminal, continental breakfast and airport transfers. More extensive accommodations can be found in Split city centre, approximately 25 minutes away. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Split Airport provides no dedicated rest zones or cots. Overnight passengers gravitate to first-floor seating near eateries, some cafes remaining accessible 24/7. Conditions can be chilly with limited power outlets, so travellers recommend warm clothing and portable chargers. For secure rest and privacy, nearby hotel options are preferable.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout Split Airport in one-hour sessions with free re-login. Simply connect to the “Airport Free WIFI” network and register via email. Speeds are adequate for browsing and messaging. Numerous USB ports and electrical outlets scattered landside and airside ensure mobile devices stay powered during layovers.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM cards from Croatian providers such as A1, Hrvatski Telekom (T-Mobile) and Tele2 can be purchased landside at kiosks and convenience stores. Tourist packages often include data bundles and voice minutes. eSIM options are available via platforms like Airalo for instant activation upon arrival. Prices start around €8 for a 10-day data plan. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxis line up outside the arrivals zone 24/7, offering transfers to Split city centre and the Dalmatian coast. The ride to central Split costs approximately €35–€45 depending on traffic and time of day, taking about 30 minutes. Fares are meter-based; pre-booked private transfers are also available online.

Train: Split Airport has no direct train station. The nearest rail terminus is Split Main Station, about 24 km away in the city centre. Trains from Split connect to major Croatian destinations and neighbouring countries. Passengers can reach the station by bus or taxi. more info

Bus: Promet Split operates city routes 37 and 38, linking Split Airport to Split, Trogir and Kaštel Stari. Buses depart landside approximately 30–40 minutes after each arrival, running at roughly hourly intervals. A one-way fare is around €3. Tickets are sold onboard or at the airport kiosk. more info

Shuttle: Pleso Prijevoz shuttle buses run between Split Airport and key points including Split Main Bus Station and the railway station. Departures are scheduled 30–40 minutes after flight arrivals and continue at regular intervals. Tickets can be booked online or purchased at the Pleso Prijevoz desk landside. Travel time to Split is about 30 minutes.

Car rentals: Multiple car rental companies serve Split Airport, including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Oryx and Thrifty. Rental desks are located within the terminal building, eliminating the need for an external shuttle. Drivers must present a valid licence and credit card. Pick-ups and returns operate during airport hours; advance online reservations are recommended. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Split Airport offers a single outdoor parking area with approximately 200 spaces. Short-term parking is free for the first 15 minutes; thereafter hourly and daily rates apply. Pay-and-display machines accept cash and cards. Disabled bays and EV charging stations are available. Overflow parking in adjacent lots may open during peak season.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no luggage storage facilities or lockers within Split Airport terminal. Travellers seeking baggage storage can find lockers at Split Main Bus Station or use private left-luggage services in Split city centre. Consider coordinating with local hotels or using luggage forwarding services if extended storage is required before or after your flight. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Split Airport (SPU) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks