From New York to Split: a new direct route to a land of light, over a thousand islands, extraordinary food, and a coastline that lingers long after summer ends
A New Era of Travel Begins
Dalmatia, once a dream, is now within effortless reach
There are rare moments in travel when distance quietly disappears—when a place that once required effort, planning, and patience suddenly becomes simple, immediate, and almost inevitable.
In 2021, Dubrovnik became the first destination in Croatia to be connected by a direct flight to New York, opening a door across the Atlantic. This year marks another defining moment with the addition of a new direct route to Split.
Based on currently available information, this route will be operated by United Airlines from early May through early September 2026, representing a historic development for Split as its first-ever direct connection to the United States.
And with that, Dalmatia—this luminous stretch of coastline known for its islands, its flavors, its centuries-old cities, and its unmistakable rhythm of life—moves closer than ever before.
If you have been waiting for a reason to discover it, this is it.
Fly Me to Split This Summer
From Manhattan to the Mediterranean in just over ten hours
The route will operate from early May through early September 2026, creating a seamless seasonal bridge between New York and the Adriatic.
United Airlines will offer three weekly flights from Split to New York on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and from New York to Split on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with all flights operating via Newark Airport.
The journey itself takes approximately 10 hours and 5 minutes, transforming what was once a complex itinerary into a direct and remarkably comfortable long-haul connection between Europe and the United States.
For travelers already considering their summer escape, tickets are available, and importantly, they remain within reach.
The first flight departing from Split on May 1 is available from around $861 for a round-trip in basic fare, while standard economy is approximately $1,019, and refundable economy is around $1,300. As expected, during the peak of summer, fares increase, with the lowest prices reaching up to approximately $1,296 on selected dates.
These are not just numbers—they are an invitation.
You were wondering what to do this summer.
Now, the answer feels effortless.
Split: A City That Lives Between Centuries
Ancient stone, Adriatic light, and a way of life defined by ease
Once you land in this remarkable coastal city, something shifts.
Split does not overwhelm—it draws you in slowly. The air feels different, lighter, salted by the sea. Time softens.
At its heart stands Diocletian’s Palace, an ancient Roman complex that is not preserved as a monument, but lived as a city. Within its walls, history is not observed—it is experienced. Cafés line centuries-old squares, narrow stone streets echo with footsteps, and everyday life unfolds against a backdrop that spans millennia.
Through Croatia2GO, a trusted platform dedicated to showcasing Croatia, visitors can discover curated recommendations that reveal the city’s more relaxed side, including the best beach bars in Split—perfect for unwinding with a drink by the Adriatic Sea after a transatlantic journey.
But Split is not only about relaxation. It is a city layered with culture, stories, and experiences waiting to be uncovered.
Experiences That Stay With You
From cinematic worlds to Roman ruins and Dalmatian flavors
For those who want to explore beyond the surface, the immersive experiences offered by Croatian Attractions allow visitors to connect with Split in a more meaningful way.
The Game of Thrones tour in Split takes you through iconic filming locations used in the series, offering the rare opportunity to walk through real-life sets and understand how this ancient city became a global cinematic backdrop.
History unfolds further in Salona, the ancient Roman site located just a short drive from Split, where guided tours reveal the remains of one of the most significant archaeological areas in the region.
For something more intimate and unexpected, the Diocletian Aqueduct tour, led by an American expatriate who has lived in Split for over a decade, offers a deeply personal perspective on one of the city’s lesser-known landmarks.
And then there is gastronomy—essential, inseparable from the Dalmatian experience. A historical and gastronomic journey brings together local cuisine and storytelling, allowing visitors to taste traditional dishes while understanding the heritage behind them.
As the day draws to a close, a sunset sailing experience along the Adriatic coast reveals Split from its most poetic angle—bathed in warm light, suspended between sea and sky.
Beyond Split: The Art of Staying Longer
Where every direction leads to another discovery
Split is not only a destination—it is a starting point.
Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring Central Dalmatia, where, within a short distance, entirely different landscapes, atmospheres, and stories unfold.
Just about 30 minutes away, Trogir offers a beautifully preserved medieval old town, where architecture and history merge into a setting that feels almost untouched. It is often described as a timeless Adriatic gem, a place where imagination fills in the stories of what its walls have witnessed over centuries, while nearby seaside spots such as Brown Beach invite moments of quiet escape. A guided Split, Salona, and Trogir excursion brings these cultural layers together into one cohesive experience.
Approximately 45 minutes from Split, Šibenik introduces a different character—less expected, deeply authentic, and rich in identity. Here, cultural heritage meets coastal scenery, with experiences that range from boat panoramas to wine tastings and explorations of nearby islands. Whether through a Šibenik Krapanj boat panorama or a tuk-tuk tour paired with wine tasting, the city reveals itself gradually, through details.
Inland, around 30 to 40 minutes from the coast, Omiš offers a dramatic contrast. Set between mountains and the Cetina River, it is a destination defined by nature and movement. Experiences such as Cetina River rafting with lunch or a Poljica and Cetina day excursion combine adventure with local heritage, creating a balanced and memorable introduction to the region.
About an hour from Split, Krka National Park presents one of Croatia’s most iconic landscapes. Waterfalls, lush vegetation, and the unique karst character of the Krka River create a setting that feels both powerful and serene. Nearby Skradin serves as a traditional gateway, and combined excursions that include both Krka and Šibenik offer a seamless way to experience nature and culture within a single day.
The Islands: The True Soul of the Adriatic
From vibrant Hvar to untamed Vis, and further south to wine, oysters, and Dubrovnik
A short ferry ride from Split—typically between 45 minutes and an hour—opens the door to one of Dalmatia’s most defining features: its islands.
Brač stands out as one of the most popular, offering a vibrant blend of culture, gastronomy, and coastal beauty. Visitors can immerse themselves in local traditions through culinary experiences or guided explorations that reveal the island’s identity.
Yet, to truly understand Dalmatia, one must continue further.
Hvar, effortlessly glamorous yet deeply rooted in history, has long been one of the Adriatic’s most iconic islands—a place where lavender fields, Venetian architecture, and an unmistakable energy come together in perfect balance. Just beyond, Vis offers something entirely different: more remote, more authentic, and especially beloved among sailors. For many, it represents the true paradise of the Adriatic—untouched coves, crystalline waters, and that rare feeling of discovering something still quietly hidden.
And if one begins to follow the rhythm of the islands southward, the story naturally continues.
Korčula appears with its elegant old town and rich cultural identity, often described as one of the most beautiful island cities in the Mediterranean. Nearby, Mljet reveals a softer, almost dreamlike landscape, defined by its national park, saltwater lakes, and a sense of stillness that feels increasingly rare.
From there, the journey leads seamlessly to the Pelješac Peninsula, where the experience shifts once more—from islands to vineyards. Here, some of Croatia’s finest wines are produced, and in nearby Mali Ston, the Adriatic offers one of its greatest delicacies: oysters, fresh, briny, and deeply tied to place.
And just beyond, as if completing the narrative, lies Dubrovnik.
Split and New York, Now Closer Than Ever
A connection that reshapes the way we travel
Split today stands as one of the most compelling destinations in the Mediterranean—a place where history, hidden corners, and carefully curated experiences exist in harmony with the Adriatic landscape.
The introduction of this direct flight is not just a logistical improvement. It is a shift in perception.
It brings Split and the wider Dalmatian region to a new level of accessibility, strengthening its presence among travelers across the Atlantic and inviting a new audience to discover its depth.
As international interest continues to grow, this connection will undoubtedly draw more visitors eager to explore not only Split, but the entire region that surrounds it.
Travel With Confidence
Because the journey matters as much as the destination
As travel opportunities expand, so does the importance of preparation.
Croatia2GO offers practical guidance designed to help travelers navigate changes, reduce uncertainty, and stay informed throughout their journey. The goal is simple—to ensure that every step, from planning to return, feels seamless, relaxed, and fully aligned with the experience itself.
This Summer, the Adriatic Is Calling
And now, it is closer than ever
From New York to Split, from city energy to coastal calm, from movement to stillness—this is more than a flight.
It is a shift in pace, in perspective, in experience.
Dalmatia, with its light, its flavors, its islands, and its stories, is no longer far away.
It is just one flight away.
