Car Rental Makarska, Croatia — from €46/day

Car Rental Makarska

Touch down at Split Airport and envision cruising the scenic coastal road, D8, towards the stunning Makarska Riviera. With a car rental, you can effortlessly access hidden beaches like Nugal and embark on day trips to Biokovo Nature Park for breathtaking panoramic views.

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Car Rental Makarska

Makarska, Croatia

Where to drive

Drive the scenic Biokovo Skywalk, offering breathtaking views from Mount Biokovo, approximately 18 km (30-40 minutes) inland.
Explore the historic city of Split, famous for Diocletian's Palace, about 60 km (1 hour drive) north of Makarska.
Visit the charming town of Omiš, known for its pirate history and Cetina River canyon, around 35 km (45 minutes drive) north.
Discover the beautiful Krka National Park with its stunning waterfalls, roughly 120 km (1 hour 45 minutes drive) north.
Take a day trip to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina to see the iconic Stari Most bridge, approximately 100 km (2 hours drive) inland (remember border crossing requirements).

What documents you need

To rent a car in Croatia, you typically need a valid driver's license held for at least one or two years, a passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, especially for non-EU license holders, and might be required by some rental agencies. The minimum age for renting is usually 21, with surcharges for drivers under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Makarska vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars might start from around 20-30 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs and premium vehicles can range from 60 EUR to over 150 EUR daily, especially during the peak summer months. Prices can increase by 200-300% from winter to summer due to high demand.

Price by month, €

25€

Jan

25€

Feb

30€

Mar

40€

Apr

55€

May

80€

Jun

100€

Jul

100€

Aug

70€

Sep

45€

Oct

30€

Nov

25€

Dec

Demand by month

15%

Jan

15%

Feb

25%

Mar

40%

Apr

60%

May

85%

Jun

100%

Jul

100%

Aug

75%

Sep

45%

Oct

20%

Nov

15%

Dec

Traffic rules and fines

In Croatia, speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside urban areas, and 130 km/h on motorways. Headlights must be on during the day in winter (last Sunday of October to last Sunday of March). Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and child seats are required for children under 135 cm. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, but 0.00% for drivers under 24 or professional drivers.

Parking

In Makarska, parking can be challenging, especially in the town center and during summer. Most central parking is paid, often managed by meters or mobile apps, with varying hourly rates. There are also designated paid parking lots. Free parking is rare and usually found further from the main attractions or accommodation. Always check signage carefully to avoid fines.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available in Makarska and along major routes. You'll find unleaded petrol (Eurosuper 95 and 98) and diesel (Eurodiesel). Prices are regulated and generally comparable across the country, typically around 1.50-1.70 EUR per liter for petrol as of 2026. Most stations accept credit cards, but having some cash is advisable for smaller, remote stations.

Which car to choose

For navigating Makarska's narrow streets and accessing some of the more secluded beaches or mountain roads, a compact or economy car is often the most practical choice. If you plan extensive trips into the Biokovo mountains or desire more comfort for longer distances, an SUV or a mid-size sedan with good ground clearance might be preferable. Manual transmission cars are common, but automatics are available.

Pros

Unrestricted access to hidden beaches and coves along the Makarska Riviera.
Freedom to explore the stunning Biokovo Nature Park at your own pace.
Easy day trips to historic cities like Split, Omiš, and Dubrovnik (further south).
Flexibility to visit charming inland villages and authentic konobas (taverns).
Convenience for carrying beach gear, luggage, and groceries.

Cons

Parking in Makarska can be difficult and costly, especially in peak season.
Some coastal roads and mountain passes can be narrow and winding.
Traffic congestion is common in Makarska during July and August.
Higher rental costs and limited availability during the summer peak.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy for car rentals in Makarska?

Cancellation policies vary by rental company and booking platform. Many offer free cancellation up to 24 or 48 hours before pickup, especially when booking through platforms like RentoRika. Always check the specific terms and conditions of your reservation.

Do I need a credit card for car rental in Makarska?

Yes, a major credit card in the main driver's name is almost always required for the security deposit. Debit cards are generally not accepted for this purpose, even if used for payment.

Can I pick up my rental car at Split Airport and drop it off in Makarska?

Yes, one-way rentals between Split Airport (SPU) and Makarska are usually possible, but often incur an additional 'one-way fee'. It's best to arrange this in advance with your rental provider.

What type of driver's license is required to rent a car in Croatia?

A valid national driver's license is essential. For non-EU citizens, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended and often required alongside your national license.

Is it better to rent a car at Split Airport or directly in Makarska?

Renting at Split Airport (SPU) often provides a wider selection of vehicles and potentially better rates due to higher competition. It also saves you the cost and time of airport transfers. However, if you plan to stay exclusively in Makarska for a few days before exploring, picking up locally might be more convenient.

Are there any hidden fees I should be aware of?

Always read the rental agreement carefully. Potential extra costs can include young driver surcharges, one-way fees, additional driver fees, out-of-hours pickup/drop-off fees, and charges for optional extras like GPS or child seats. Fuel policy (full-to-full is usually best) should also be checked.

Available cars — Makarska