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How to Get to Makarska

How to Get to Makarska

Makarska Croatia Travel Guide

Flight Information

Major Airports

Two main airports serve as gateways to Makarska and the Dalmatian coast.

Closest Options

  • Split Airport (SPU): Approximately 80 kilometers north of Makarska.
  • Dubrovnik Airport (DBV): Approximately 170 kilometers south of Makarska.
  • SPU is the main gateway, handling many flights, particularly during summer.

Airlines & Routes

Many European budget and flag carriers operate flights to Split and Dubrovnik.

Common Connections

  • Airlines: Croatia Airlines, Ryanair, easyJet, A Low-cost european airline, Lufthansa, KLM.
  • Most routes connect to major European hubs (London, Frankfurt, Munich, Rome, Paris, Vienna).
  • Flight frequency and prices peak during high season (July-August).

Bus Transfers

Take an airport bus to the central area, then an intercity bus to Makarska. Total travel time is approximately 2-3 hours from Split or 3-4 hours from Dubrovnik.

Taxi/Uber/Bolt

Is offered directly from airports. Costs range from €80-€120 from Split (1-1.FIVE hours) and €150-€250 from Dubrovnik (2.5-3 hrs).

Private & Rental

Pre-booked private transfers are available (€70-€100 from Split, €120-€200 from Dubrovnik). Rented vehicles are at air terminals for adaptable travel plans.

Airport Facilities

General Services

  • Car rental agencies are available for convenient pick-up.
  • Atms & currency exchange services are on-site.
  • Duty-free places to buy last-minute purchases.
  • Cafes and restaurants for refreshments.

Booking & Seasonal Notes

  • Book flights plus getting from a to b in advance, especially during high season.
  • Flight frequency and prices fluctuate seasonally.
  • Many routes are available seasonally, operating mainly from spring to autumn.
  • Expect potential delays at borders if transiting through Neum (Bosnia and Herzegovina).

Land Journeys

Border Crossings

Traveling south towards Dubrovnik means passing through the Neum corridor in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Valid passports are needed for all travelers, and car hire services need green card insurance.

Train & Bus Services

No direct train connections exist to Makarska. The nearest station is Split, but buses are generally faster and more convenient for regional travel throughout Dalmatia.

Long-Distance Buses

Makarska Bus Station has frequent connections to Share (1.5-2 hrs), Dubrovnik (2.5-3 hrs, with border check), and daily services to Zadar, Šibenik, and Zagreb. Get tickets at the station or online.

Self-Driving Info

Driving Licenses

License Essentials

  • A valid national driving license is needed.
  • An International Driving Permit (IDP) is beneficial for non-EU/EEA licenses.
  • Carry both documents when driving.

Road Conditions

Croatia features an excellent network of highways and generally well-maintained neighborhood streets.

Road Network

  • Highways (autocesta) are excellent, including the A1 (Dalmatina) near Makarska.
  • Local roads can be winding, especially in mountain territories like Biokovo.
  • Highways are toll roads; pay by cash (Euro) or credit card.

Parking in Makarska

Finding parking can be challenging and expensive in Makarska center, especially during peak season.

Parking Zones

  • Look for paid public parking lots.
  • Ensure your accommodation offers parking if you plan to drive.
  • Blue zones mean paid short-term parking, red zones have limited duration.

Traffic Laws

Adhering to local traffic regulations for safe driving.

Rules

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h outside, 80 mph highways.
  • Headlights must be on during the day from From october To march.

Important Driving Rules

  • Croatia has a zero-tolerance regulations for alcohol for drivers under 24 or professional drivers.
  • Watch out for possible delays during peak season at border crossings.
  • Ensure your rental agreement and insurance cover travel into Bosnia and Herzegovina if passing through Neum.
  • Parking fines can be issued for non-compliance, or vehicles may be towed.
  • Book rental cars in advance for best rates, notably in the busy season.
  • Observe all road signs plus vehicle flow signals carefully.

Sea Access

Ferry Services

Makarska is a coastal town, however its sea services are mainly local.

Local & Coastal Ferries

  • Makarska has a ferry port for seasonal car ferry connections to Sumartin on Brač Island.
  • Jadrolinija operates this local service, useful for day trips to Brač with a car.
  • Main coastal ferry lines (e.g., Jadrolinija's Rijeka-Dubrovnik line) do not stop in Makarska.

Local Boat Trips

Numerous smaller boats have daily outings from Makarska port.

Excursion Options

  • Trips visit nearby beaches (like Nugal Beach) or secluded coastal coves.
  • Excursions to isles like Brač and Hvar are popular activities.
  • Some smaller boats operate as water taxis to hard-to-reach beaches.

Immigration

For international ferry arrivals (e.g., from Italy to Split), immigration procedures are similar to the airport arrivals, involving passport control.

River Travel

River transportation is not applicable for Makarska, as it is a coastal town on the Adriatic. The Cetina River near Omiš offers rafting, not transport.

Cruise Ports

Makarska is not a major cruise port. Larger cruise ships dock in Split or Dubrovnik, from where passengers could require up excursions.

Departure Day

Exit Information

There are no specific exit fees or taxes for tourists leaving from Croatia. Your ticket price includes all taxes.

Departure Timing

  • For international flights, arrive at SPU or DBV at least 2-3 hours before departure.
  • This is important during high season for check-in and security.
  • For buses, arrive at Makarska bus station at least 15-20 minutes before departure.

Airport Facilities

Airports and bus stations provide different amenities for departing travelers.

Convenience Services

  • Airports provide duty-free shops, cafes, restaurants, plus lounges.
  • Bus stations usually have cafes, kiosks, and restrooms.
  • Baggage often incurs a nominal charge (€1-€2) paid to the driver for bus travel.

Departure Procedures

Check-in

Allow sufficient time for check-in procedures, especially during busy periods.

Security

Factor in time for security screening, which can have varying queue lengths.

Boarding

Be aware of boarding times for both flights and coaches to avoid missing your transport.

Smooth Departure

Confirm your flight or bus schedule the day prior to leaving.