How to Get from Split to Trogir by Bus in Winter: Express vs. Local #37 (and Delay Tips)

How to Get from Split to Trogir by Bus in Winter: Express vs. Local #37 (and Delay Tips) Croatia
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Mr. Beaver
  • How do I get from Split to Trogir?
  • Can I do it as a day trip in winter?
  • Are buses running in the off-season, and what’s the cheapest way?

Planning a day trip from Split to Trogir during the winter off-season? Yes, buses run frequently year-round, and it is super easy!

While Local Bus #37 is the cheapest option, it’s not always the best choice depending on where you’re staying and how much time you have.

In this guide, I’ll break down:

  • Express Coach vs. Local Bus #37 (Prices, departure spots, and travel times)

  • My first-hand experience traveling in January 2026 (including photos and a 30-minute delay surprise)

  • Winter travel tips so you don’t waste time or get stranded

Here is everything you need to know to choose the best route for your trip!

2 Ways to Get from Split to Trogir: At a Glance

When traveling from Split to Trogir by bus, you have two main options: the Express Coach or the Local Bus #37.

ComparisonExpress Coach (Autotrans, FlixBus, etc.) ★ RecommendedLocal Bus #37 (PROMET)
Travel Time30–40 mins (Fastest)Approx. 1 hour (Many stops)
One-way Fare~€5.40~€3–€4 (Cheapest)
Departure SpotMain Bus Station (Near Old Town / Port)Sukoišan Bus Terminal (North of Old Town)
ComfortReclining seats, warm indoor heatingCity bus style (Expect crowd & standing)

Staying in Old Town? Take the Express Coach!

If you’re staying near Split’s Old Town or Ferry Port, the Express Coach from the Main Bus Station is by far your best option.

The budget-friendly Local Bus #37 departs from Sukoišan Bus Terminal, which sits on the northern edge of the city.

Even with light day-trip luggage, walking up to Sukoišan from the historic center is an extra 15–20 minute uphill trek. To save energy for sightseeing in Trogir, I personally skipped Bus #37 and took the Express Coach!

💡 Quick Verdict:

  • Choose the Express Coach for speed, central departure, and guaranteed comfort.
  • Choose Local Bus #37 if you are on a strict budget, staying near Sukoišan, or traveling light.

✈️ Heading to the Airport instead?
Local Bus #37 also stops at Split Airport (SPU) along the way to Trogir. If you’re looking for cheap airport transport rather than a day trip, check out our full guide: How to Get from Split City Center to Split Airport.

My Experience: Taking the Express Bus to Trogir

I left Split for Trogir on a quiet January morning. Since Trogir is only a 30- to 40-minute ride away, there’s no need to wake up at crack of dawn—unlike day trips to further destinations like Zadar or Šibenik!

The main bus hub, Split Bus Station (Autobusni Kolodvor Split), is located right by the ferry port and just a few minutes’ walk from Diocletian’s Palace.

Step 1: Check the Timetable & Buy Tickets

I arrived at the station around 8:30 AM to catch the 9:00 AM bus operated by Autotrans (Arriva).

Winter bus timetable posted at Split Bus Station showing departures for Trogir

Winter bus timetable posted inside Split Bus Station showing departures for Trogir

During the winter off-season, buying tickets at the ticket counter on the same day is completely fine. However, if you’re traveling during peak summer (July–August), booking tickets online in advance is essential!

Autotrans bus ticket receipt from Split to Trogir showing the breakdown of base fare and terminal fee

Bus ticket receipt from Split to Trogir (€4.70 base fare + €0.70 terminal fee = €5.40 total)

Step 2: Find Your Platform & Board the Bus

The station platforms (PERÓN) are clearly marked with overhead signs displaying major destinations, making it almost impossible to get lost. (I snapped this picture the night I arrived in Split!)

Overhead destination sign at Platform 1 (PERÓN 1) of Split Bus Station at night with an Arriva bus parked

Overhead platform signs clearly displaying route destinations at Split Bus Station at night

My bus arrived at the platform around 8:40 AM. Before hopping on, always double-check the destination sign posted behind the front windshield—many long-distance buses continue further north to Šibenik, Zadar, or Rijeka!

An Arriva Autotrans long distance coach parked at Split Bus Station platform

An Autotrans (Arriva) long-distance coach arriving at the Split platform

Destination sign on the bus windshield showing route stops: Split, Trogir, Šibenik, Zadar, and Rijeka

Windshield sign showing intermediate stops: SPLIT – TROGIR – ŠIBENIK – ZADAR – RIJEKA

Step 3: Enjoy a Scenic Coastal Drive

Seating was unreserved, so I grabbed a window seat. The bus was clean, cozy, and well-heated against the chilly winter morning air.

Clean and modern interior of the long-distance coach with green and gray seats

Clean and spacious coach interior with comfortable green and gray seats

The ride along the coastal road offers stunning views of the sparkling Adriatic Sea under clear blue skies. Before I knew it, we arrived safely at Trogir Central Bus Station right on schedule at 9:40 AM!

Scenic coastal view of the blue Adriatic Sea and coastal towns seen through a bus window on a clear winter day

Beautiful view of the Adriatic coastline and clear winter sky from the bus window

Exploring Trogir in Winter: What to Expect & Warnings

After a smooth 30-minute ride, we arrived at Trogir Central Bus Station. The location is ideal—it sits right on the edge of Trogir’s UNESCO-listed Old Town island.

Stepping off the bus, you are immediately greeted by calm turquoise waters, small boats, and medieval stone walls across the bridge. However, visiting during the winter off-season comes with a few key caveats you must know before you go.

View of Trogir Old Town entrance across the canal with small boats, trees, and sunlight near the central bus station

Entrance to Trogir Old Town across the canal with small boats, just steps from the bus station

⚠️ Winter Off-Season Realities

  • Major Attractions Closed / Under Renovation: During my visit, Kamerlengo Castle was closed for the winter, and the famous Cathedral of St. Lawrence was undergoing exterior restoration, restricting entry.
  • Seasonal Shop & Restaurant Closures: Many souvenir shops, gelaterias, and seaside restaurants close down completely for the winter season.

Is Trogir Still Worth Visiting in Winter?

Absolutely, YES! Despite the closures, I have zero regrets taking this day trip.

The biggest perk of winter travel is having the entire historic island practically to yourself. Walking through peaceful stone alleyways without fighting tourist crowds is a magical experience you can never get in July.

Since Trogir is compact, spending 2 to 3 hours exploring the old town and enjoying a quiet coffee along the promenade is the perfect pace for a winter half-day trip.

Return Journey: The 30-Minute Bus Delay Panic!

After a wonderful morning wandering around Trogir, I decided to catch the 12:50 PM FlixBus back to Split, based on the timetable I checked earlier.

Printed bus timetable posted at Trogir Bus Station listing departure times for Split and other cities

Bus timetable posted at Trogir Central Bus Station showing departures for Split and surrounding towns

Just like on the way there, I bought a walk-up ticket at the Trogir station ticket office (BLAGAJNA). The station layout was quite unique—it even housed a local barber shop right next to the ticket counter!

Indoor ticket counter at Trogir Bus Station with overhead info monitors, luggage storage sign on the right, and a barber shop in the back

Trogir Bus Station interior: ticket office (BLAGAJNA), luggage storage (GARDEROBA), and a local barber shop on the right

Waiting at Platform 9 (PERÓN 9)

Ticket in hand, I headed outside. FlixBus operates from PERÓN 9, which sits at the far end of the platform area.

Covered bus platforms with yellow roofs and parked local buses at Trogir Central Bus Station

Overview of the covered platforms at Trogir Central Bus Station

While waiting, I noticed the yellow-and-gray Local Bus #37 pulling in nearby. It was steadily picking up passengers headed to Split Airport and the city center.

💡 Bus #37 Platform Snapshots:

Yellow sign on station pillar reading AIRPORT BUS LIN IJA BR. 37 with an articulated bus parked in the background

Yellow sign for Airport Line #37 on the station pillar, with the articulated bus parked in the background

Yellow and gray local bus route 37 with passengers boarding and getting off

Passengers boarding and getting off the yellow and gray Route #37 local bus

Meanwhile, Platform 9 felt like a makeshift addition compared to the rest of the station!

Platform 9 (PERÓN 9) sign at Split Bus Station, featuring a makeshift, temporary-looking post compared to other platforms

Platform 9 (PERÓN 9)—it looks surprisingly makeshift and temporary compared to the rest, but it’s the real deal!

12:50 PM… Where is the Bus?!

The departure time came and went. 12:50 PM. 1:00 PM. 1:10 PM. No sign of the iconic bright green FlixBus.

Panic started to set in:

  • Did they cancel the winter schedule without notice?
  • Did I somehow miss it despite staring at the platform non-stop?

Even the local travelers waiting beside me were visibly frustrated. Finally, at 1:18 PM (over 30 minutes late), the bus arrived.

While sitting in the sun, I almost regretted not taking the frequent Bus #37 instead. But more than that, I realized one critical mistake: I didn’t have active mobile data to track the bus in real-time.

Conclusion: Split to Trogir by Bus is Easy (With Proper Planning!)

Taking a day trip from Split to Trogir during winter is straightforward, affordable, and incredibly rewarding—as long as you know what to expect.

📌 Quick Recap for Your Trip:

  • Best Route: Take the Express Coach from Split Main Bus Station if you’re staying near Old Town.
  • Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours is plenty of time to explore Trogir’s old town.
  • Off-Season Reality: Expect some winter closures, but enjoy having the UNESCO streets to yourself!
  • Crucial Tip: Having mobile data (eSIM) is essential for handling unexpected bus delays.

Trogir may be small, but its rich medieval atmosphere set against the calm blue Adriatic makes it a must-visit day trip from Split.

💡 2 Essential Tools for a Stress-Free Trip

Looking back on my experience, these two travel tools will save you time, stress, and money on your journey:

1. Stay Connected with an eSIM (Never Get Anxious Over Delays!)

Waiting over 30 minutes in the sun without knowing where my bus was taught me a valuable lesson: a reliable internet connection is non-negotiable when taking buses in Europe.

With active mobile data, you can track FlixBus in real-time via their app and use Google Maps without hunting for spotty free Wi-Fi.

I personally use and recommend Holafly eSIM for Croatia—it offers unlimited data, sets up in minutes before you leave home, and keeps you connected seamlessly.

👉 Check Holafly Croatia Unlimited eSIM Plans & Pricing Here

2. Book Tickets Online (Crucial for Peak Season & Peace of Mind)

While purchasing tickets at the window worked fine in January, winter is the only time you can get away with it. During spring and summer, buses sell out quickly, leaving travelers stranded or waiting hours for the next departure.

To secure your seat and compare live timetables from multiple bus operators in English, use Omio.

👉 Search Split to Trogir Bus Timetables & Book Tickets on Omio

📚 More Day Trip Guides from Split

Planning to explore more of Croatia using Split as your base? Check out my step-by-step travel guides based on real first-hand experience: