Lucca to Split Road Trip: Ultimate Guide

The drive from Lucca to Split covers roughly 800 km, crossing the Apennines, the Adriatic coast, and the Dinaric Alps. The route uses the A11 from Lucca to Florence, then the A1/E35 south toward Rome before cutting east on the A14/E55 along the Italian coast, then the E751 through Bosnia and Herzegovina into Croatia.

A historical quirk: the Via Flaminia minor, a Roman road, once connected the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic seas near this corridor, and you'll cross the exact path near Rimini.

For tips on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, read our dedicated guide.

Fuel stations are abundant on the A1 (Tuscan stretch) and A14. Inland Bosnia has fewer stations; fill up before crossing from Metković. Tolls on Italian motorways cost about €35 total for this route.

• Highways: A1, A14 (Italy), E751 (Bosnia), A1 (Croatia)
• Ferry from Ancona to Split (Jadrolinija, daily in summer, ~4h). Book ahead.
• Currency: Euro (Italy, Croatia accepts euros but not official; Bosnia uses BAM).

Road quality: Italian motorways are excellent; Bosnia's E751 is good but winding; Croatia's A1 is modern. Watch for toll booths: Italy uses Telepass or cash; Croatia accepts cards.

• Italian tolls: ~€0.10 per km
• Croatian tolls: ~€0.05 per km
• Bosnia: no tolls on this stretch

The route traverses the Tuscan hills (cypresses, olive groves), the Marche coastline (Conero promontory), the Neretva River delta (Bosnia), and the Dalmatian karst. In spring, wildflowers carpet the Apennines; autumn offers wine harvests.

• Natural attractions: Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi (between Florence and Forlì), Conero Regional Park, Hutovo Blato Nature Park (Bosnia).
• Cultural stops: Urbino (Renaissance ducal palace), Osijek (Baroque), Mostar (Ottoman bridge).

Local commerce along the way: roadside stalls sell truffle oil in Tuscany, olive oil in Marche, and honey in Herzegovina. Markets in Ancona (fish) and Metković (fresh produce) are worth a stop.

• Best stops Lucca to Split: San Marino (microstate viewpoint), Rimini (beachfront), Po Delta wetlands.
• Things to do between Lucca and Split: hike Monte Conero, boat ride on the Neretva, visit Diocletian's Palace in Split.

Italian highways have speed cameras; Bosnian roads are narrow with sudden bends. Croatia's A1 is safe but can be congested in summer. Emergency numbers: Italy 112, Bosnia 122, Croatia 112.

• Child safety: Car seats mandatory EU-wide. Many rest stops have playgrounds (e.g., 'Villoresi' on A1).
• Pet-friendly: Italy requires microchip and rabies vaccine; Bosnia no official checks; Croatia accepts EU pet passport. Pit stops: 'Area di Servizio Bisenzio' (A1) has a dog park.

Fatigue management: rest stops every 30-50 km on Italian autostrade. The E751 has fewer services; plan a break in Mostar (halfway). The ferry from Ancona is ideal to rest.

• Recommended rest zones: Arezzo (A1 exit), Ancona ferry terminal, Metković (Bosnian border).
• Hidden off-route spots: Gradara Castle (a short detour from A14), the abandoned railway tunnel near Ivanica.

Culinary infrastructure: Autogrill on A1 serves panini and espresso; in Bosnia, cevapi at roadside grills; in Croatia, fresh seafood in Split market. For families, many agriturismos offer kids' menus.

• UNESCO sites: Ferrara, Ravenna, Urbino (Italy); Mostar Old Town; Split's Diocletian's Palace. All accessible with a slight detour.
• Is it worth driving Lucca to Split? Absolutely—the coastal views, cultural density, and diverse landscapes make it one of Europe's most rewarding drives. How long to drive Lucca to Split? About 10 hours plus ferry, but plan for two days to enjoy stops.