connections in Split

I will be going to Croatia for the first time this September, too, so I can't answer based on first-hand experience. Why do you have to pick up the car at the airport? Isn't there a car rental office in downtown Split? Do you have the time to spend a couple nights in Split so that you aren't so rushed? We are spending 4 nights in Split to sightsee and do a few day trips. Just thought I would mention this. But it might not fit into your schedule. Even if you spent 1 or 2 nights in Split, it might not seem so rushed.

Also, it is my understanding that the drive from Split to Plitvice is 3 - 4 hours. So that means you will arrive in Plitvice at night when it's dark. We are driving from Split to Plitvice, too, but we will start our drive when we check out of hotel in the morning. Is there any way you can re-arrange your schedule?

Google "Split Croatia rental cars" and you'll see a map of non-airport locations. Where are you going after Plitvice? Are you returning to Split? Flying out of Split eventually? I would also recommend rearranging your schedule, of possible, to just take it easy in Split that day instead of rushing off to Plitvice.

Most people would advise not trying to cover a huge chunk of the country in one trip (they don't realize how long the coastline really is), but instead to break it down a bit and focusing on one area (either south, mid, or north). It seems like you're trying to cover a lot, starting way down south in Dubrovnik and going all the way north to Plitvice. That means a really rushed trip and skipping a lot of stuff in between. I know it's not the same, but any chance trading off Mljet or Krka National Park for Pltivice?

I.believe the last part of the drive to Plitvice will be on a fairly curvy, 2-lane, road. At least that's what it's like when you approach the park from Zagreb.

I rented a car within walking distance of Diocletian's Palace a few years back. The drive from the rental car office to the expressway heading north towards Plitvice was fairly easy. I suggest you look for a rental car location closer to the ferry dock. Unfortunately the one I used no longer shows up on Google maps; otherwise I'd recommend it.

Other posters: I think the OP is staying in Korcula before heading to Split and Plitvice. The only catamaran arriving in Split around 1pm is the Jadrolinija catamaran departing Dubrovnik at 7am, and I don't think they could possibly connect to it from the Dubrovnik airport that early.

Frank, the OP does say they arrive in Split around 1PM. If I understand Judy correctly, they plan to go into Old Town Split when they arrive to sightsee (after dropping off luggage), have lunch, return to luggage facility, then take taxi to airport to pick up rental car, and then drive to Plitvice, which as I said I think is a 3-4 hour drive. It seems to me they won't be ready to leave Split until 5 or 6PM if they don't run into any snags.

Thanks for all the advice. just to clarify, we are staying in Korcula for 1 night. I think the ferry leaves at 9:15 or so to arrive in Split at 1:00. 2 problems with the car - it will be a one way rental from Split, dropping off in Venice later. Also, my husband is 74 and several agencies will not rent to him - age restrictions. So the agency he found is at the airport. I think we are just going to be stuck with having a crazy day. And, yes, we will probably leave Split around 5 or so. Someone recommended the Plitvice Miric Inn near the park, and they provide dinner, so that might be a good idea for us.

Anyway, thanks for the thoughts.

Judy, have you made your reservations at Plitvice Miric Inn? If not, you should do so immediately. That is where we are staying in September, too, and I understand their meals are delicious. Might I suggest that you let them know around what time you will be arriving? And ask them when they stop serving dinner. You don't want to arrive there after they stop serving. It is my understanding there are very few restaurants in the area.

I'm not sure what your itinerary is, but you could rent the car in Split and return it somewhere in Croatia e.g. Rovinj and either take a ferry from there to Venice, take a bus to Trieste (and then train to Venice), or use a transfer service like GoOpti to get to Venice.

Sixt is one rental company that seems not to charge more for a rental to someone your husband's age - and they do have a "downtown" pickup in Split. I think there are other others car companies too that would.

There are also catamarans that leave earlier to get you from Korcula to Split earlier - at least there were. I know the one I took a few years ago left at 6am. But if you have only one night in Korcula, that might give you very little time on the island.

It's true, there aren't many restaurants near Plitvice. The two times I've been there, I've eaten at the pizza joint close to the park, at the place that rents ski equipment. Not much, but it's something.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. yes, we have a reservation at Plitvice Miric Inn - thanks for making me hustle to do that. And my husband is going to look into the Sixt car rental. That would be helpful too. I will let you know how this all turns out!

Two thoughts-

1. There is an airport shuttle bus RIGHT at the ferry docks. There is a sign that says Airport Shuttle Bus and you pay in euros or kunas when you board. Look for it as you depart your ferry in Split. There was one every hour. We used it going and coming from the airport. And it was only 5 euros per person. If the timing works for you.

2. Definitely, drop the car in Trieste and take the train into Venice. You do NOT want the drop fees in another country.

Point 2 above, Trieste is in Italy

Again, everyone, thanks for the ideas. Bob did find a car in town, so we can do our sight seeing with a little less stress. It will still be a fast paced day, but it is just the way things worked out and we will be fine. I hope. But I appreciate all the advice.