Makarska is about 89 km south of Split Airport, roughly 1 hour 20 minutes by car. There's no direct public transport from the terminal, so the choice is really about how many changes you're willing to make with your luggage. Here are the four options, from cheapest to most direct. (For the drive itself and the towns along the Riviera, see our Split to Makarska route guide.)
1. Bus via Split
Take the airport shuttle to Split main bus station (30–40 minutes), then a coastal bus to Makarska. Coastal buses run often in summer and take around 1.5–2 hours. Together with waiting time, plan on 3 hours or more door to door, and around €20 per person for both tickets.
It's the cheapest option for one person travelling light. It's also the slowest, and in July and August buses toward the Riviera can be full.
2. Rental car
Car hire desks are in the terminal, and the coast road is easy to drive. The problem is Makarska itself: parking in the centre is limited and expensive in summer, and many apartments have no space. If you plan to stay by the beach most of the week, you may pay for a car that sits parked.
3. Taxi from the rank
A metered taxi works, but on a 90 km route through summer traffic the final price is hard to predict. Always agree an estimate before you set off.
4. Private transfer
A fixed-price transfer from the arrivals hall to your door costs around €170 in a car for up to 4 and around €205 in a van for up to 8. For a family of four that's €43 per person; for a group of eight in a van, about €26 each: close to the bus fare, without the change in Split.
| Option | Price | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus via Split | ~€20 per person | 3 h+ | Two buses, change in Split |
| Rental car | Varies + parking | 1 h 20 min | Parking in Makarska is hard |
| Rank taxi | Metered | 1 h 20 min | Price depends on traffic |
| Private transfer | ~€170 car / ~€205 van | 1 h 20 min | Fixed, door to door |
Summer Saturdays
Saturday is changeover day for holiday rentals along the whole Riviera, and the coast road through Omiš slows down in both directions. If you book with your flight number, your driver plans for that. On the way back, we'll suggest a pickup time with enough buffer for Saturday traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct bus from Split Airport to Makarska?
Not usually. Most travellers take the airport shuttle to Split bus station and change to a coastal bus to Makarska.
How long does it take to get from Split Airport to Makarska?
About 1 hour 20 minutes by car. By bus via Split, allow 3 hours or more including the change.
How much is a transfer from Split Airport to Makarska?
Around €170 for a car with up to 4 passengers and around €205 for a van with up to 8, per vehicle, fixed in advance.