The Port of Split might seem chaotic at first – especially if you get here during the high season months of July and August, but let me assure you that it’s pretty easy to navigate once you know what it’s all about.
I’ve been exactly where you are – more than once, actually – not knowing what to do and seemingly lost. But let me tell you something: with the right info and a local’s perspective, the Port of Split becomes one of the easiest, most logical harbors to use on the Adriatic.
And today, I am here to tell you everything I know about the Port of Split – which is a lot, since I’ve been living in Split for most of my life.
Overview of Split Harbor
The port’s address is Obala Kneza Domagoja, 21000 Split, Croatia.
The Split Harbor houses the bus station, train station, ferry ticket offices, and catamaran docks – all within a compact area, on the main promenade close to the old town area.
It doesn’t really matter if you want to get to the Central Dalmatian islands, find your way to the ferry leaving for Dubrovnik, visit the nearby Diocletian palace, or you have just arrived by bus from the Split airport, follow my directions and you’ll get by just fine.
You’ll find three main piers (called “Gat” in Croatian) at the heart of the harbor. Each pier has a specific purpose (ferries for both cars and passengers, catamarans for foot passengers only, and the international pier), and all of them are within sight of each other, making this one of the most walkable and user-friendly ports in Croatia, if you know where you’re headed.
We’ll go in depth with each of these piers below:
Port of Split Layout – the Three Main Piers
Above you can see the three docking areas (aka Gat) of the Split port, each serving distinct routes:
- Gat Sv. Petra (St. Peter Mole aka St. Peter’s Pier): Positioned nearest to the city, this dock is for local ferries to Vis Island, Stari Grad (on Hvar Island), and Korcula Island and can be considered the main one in Split’s Port. I have marked it here on Google Maps for you.
- Gat St. Duje: The central dock (here on Google Maps) handles ferries and catamarans to and from Supetar (Brac Island), Rogac (Solta Island), Hvar town-Vis, and the ferry route between Ancona, Italy, and Split. Note: Schedules and routes may change, so always verify before travel.
- Maritime International Border Crossing: This dock is primarily for international cruise ships (marked here on Google Maps).
As you can see, all three of these piers are very close to the main promenade area in the city, close to all the main attractions.
So from this point of view, no matter which pier your ferry will be found in, you will still be close to everything that matters in the city, including the best restaurants and cafes.
The best way to get your bearings is to look for color-coded piers and landmarks like the bus station and main ticket office. Signage is good, but in July and August, crowds can make things feel more confusing than they really are.
Arriving at the Port: Step-by-Step Guide
From Split Airport
- By Bus: The shuttle bus (run by Pleso Prijevoz) leaves every 30 minutes from outside the arrivals hall. Journey time is about 30–40 minutes, and tickets cost around €8 (double check in advance). It drops you at the main bus station, which is just across the street from the port.
- By Taxi/Uber/Bolt: All are available at the airport. The ride usually takes 25–30 minutes, but can be longer during summer traffic. Expect to pay €35–€45. You can also rent a car directly from the airport, if needed.
Bus, Train, and Ferry
The bus and train stations are next door to the port. You’ll need less than three minutes to walk from either station to the ferry terminals. Even with heavy luggage, you won’t need a taxi, unless you have mobility issues, in which case the area is mostly flat and ramps are available.
Catamaran Port
Arriving from the Split airport by bus or taxi, you’ll end up at Obala Lazareta, the hub for foot passengers looking to catch a catamaran to the islands.
It is located above the main pier in the Split Port, and I am marking it on Google Maps here for easy access.
Ferry Companies
Jadrolinija, the Croatian national carrier, manages all car and passenger ferry connections to the Central Dalmatian islands.
You can purchase your tickets at Jadrolinija’s main office, located across from the bus terminal within the ferry terminal, or at kiosks on Gat Sv. Duje pier.
However, I recommend visiting their official website and booking your tickets there. That is where you can find all the information about the current ferries they operate.
During the off-season (May-June and September-October), securing a spot is very easy and you don’t have to worry about booking too much in advance.
But starting mid-June and especially during the peak season (July and August), I recommend booking your car ferry at least a day in advance.
While passengers generally find boarding easy, car spaces are quickly taken, so it’s best to prepare in advance. If you are 100% sure of your date, I’d play it even safer and book more than 24 hours in advance.
Besides Jadrolinija, Krilo, a private company from a village south of Split, offers fast catamaran services to Korcula, Hvar, Vis islands, and a popular route to Dubrovnik.
Krilo catamarans set sail from the catamaran port at Obala Lazareta, I told you about above.
There is also the TP-Line company that usually operates ferries and/or catamarans from the Split Port and I recommend checking them out as well if you still can’t find something you like.
But usually, I pick Jadrolinija because this is the main ferry company in Croatia.
Tips for Smooth Sailing to and from Split
Now that you know everything about the Port of Split, here are some tips from a local (me) to make sure that you have a perfect experience, no matter if you arrive here with a ferry or an International Cruise ship, or plan to depart to a different destination.
- Arrive early. Especially during peak season, arriving at least an hour before your departure time is mandatory to make sure you find your Pier and ship. Plus, loading can be slow and take a long time.
- Show your ticket: Most ferries check tickets at the pier entrance; staff are helpful, and English is widely spoken.
- Cars: You’ll be directed into lanes and then onto the ferry by staff. Just follow the numbered signs and the people in yellow vests.
- Foot passengers: Queues form near the boarding ramps; follow staff instructions and signage for your ferry number or destination.
- Boarding closes: 10-15 minutes before departure, gates are usually closed and you can’t board after this, even if you see the ferry still there.
- Understanding the Piers: Each pier in Split serves a specific set of destinations – you have them detailed above, and also the map to help you get familiarized before arrival.
- Ticket Purchases: Buy your tickets in advance, online, if you can. While the ticket offices are in the harbor area, queues can be very long during the summer.
Facilities, Food, and Storage: Practical Survival Tips
Luggage Storage is possible in the main storage office located next to the main bus station, a few minutes away from either pier. It’s not a non-stop service, though, working hours usually being 6AM-10PM (double check, as these can change).
It costs between €3–€6 per day, depending on bag size. During July and August, lockers fill fast in the morning. If you know you’ll need storage, get there early.
Public Restrooms: There are public toilets inside the port terminal and near the bus station. Most cost between €0.50-€1 per visit, cash only.
Food & Drink: Dozens of cafes, bakeries, and fast-food stands line the promenade and the bus station frontage. For a real local treat, grab a fresh burek or coffee from any window you see locals queuing at.
There are two supermarkets about 200 meters away for snacks and drinks at non-tourist prices: Tommy and Konzum, both with similar prices, one next to the other (I am marking Tommy on Google Maps here).
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Wrapping up
You know everything about the Split Port, including what each of the ferry piers does (and where they are located), as well as the place for the Catamarans in the Port.
You will see that, thanks to my information, once you get there in person, it will be very easy to get around, no matter if you are coming or going.
But if it’s the former, make sure to check out my in-depth guides to some of the main things you should do while in Split, Croatia:
- Diocletian’s Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this ancient palace is probably THE must see place in Split.
- Marjan Hill: If you’re looking for a bit of an adventure & connecting with nature, climb up the Marjan Hill for some amazing and truly Instagram-able panoramic views of the city and the sea.
If you have additional questions about the Port of Split, let me know by commenting below and I will gladly answer and help you.