Complete travel information for your September journey
September is a great shoulder-season month to depart from Norfolk International Airport (ORF) when flying to Split Airport (SPU). With milder demand after peak summer, travelers can take advantage of lower fares and more comfortable sea temperatures in Croatia. Typical itineraries route through European hubs—Frankfurt (FRA), Amsterdam (AMS), London (LHR), Paris (CDG), or Istanbul (IST)—so prioritize shorter layovers for faster door-to-door times. From the Norfolk region, consider day trips or pre-flight stays in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Newport News, or even a short rail/drive to Richmond or Washington, D.C. If you need cheap flights, set fare alerts, travel mid-week, and be flexible with dates. For September packing, bring layers for warm days and cooler evenings, a swimsuit for Dalmatian beaches, and a lightweight jacket for coastal breezes. Book airport parking and check TSA wait times at ORF to ensure a smooth departure.
There are typically no nonstop flights between Norfolk International Airport (ORF) and Split Airport (SPU). In September you can book one-stop itineraries through major European hubs with carriers such as Lufthansa (via Frankfurt or Munich), British Airways (via London Heathrow), KLM (via Amsterdam), Air France (via Paris), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), or U.S. carriers that codeshare with those partners. Check multi-airline itineraries and seasonal schedules early to lock the best fares for September travel.
Most one-stop flights from Norfolk International Airport (ORF) to Split Airport (SPU) take between 11 and 16 hours total travel time, depending on the length of the connection and routing via hubs like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, London, or Istanbul. Seasonal timetables in September can shorten or lengthen layovers, so compare itineraries and pick connections with realistic minimum connection times.
For travel in September, book 8–12 weeks in advance to get competitive fares and preferred connections from Norfolk International Airport (ORF) to Split Airport (SPU). September is shoulder season in Croatia, so prices can drop compared to peak summer, but popular travel windows (early September and weekend travel) still benefit from earlier bookings. Use fare alerts and flexible-date searches to capture dips in price.
Arrive at Norfolk International Airport (ORF) at least 2.5–3 hours before an international one-stop flight to Split Airport (SPU) to accommodate check-in, TSA screening, and potential gate changes. Verify baggage allowance with each carrier on multi-leg itineraries because transatlantic and intra-European partners may have different carry-on and checked baggage rules. Pack a small carry-on with essentials and any documents in case of checked-bag transfer delays.
From Norfolk International Airport (ORF) you can access taxis, ride-share services (Uber/Lyft), airport shuttles, and car rentals for travel to downtown Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Newport News, or Richmond before your international connection. If you plan to fly from ORF to Split Airport (SPU), consider parking or long-term shuttle services if leaving a vehicle, and book transportation to the airport in advance for early-morning or late-night departures in September.
U.S. citizens traveling from Norfolk International Airport (ORF) to Split Airport (SPU) need a valid passport with at least three months' validity beyond the planned departure from the Schengen area; no short-term tourist visa is required for stays under 90 days. In September, travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is recommended, and check airline or EU entry guidance for any temporary health advisories. Always confirm passport, visa, and health rules well before departure.
September arrival at Split Airport (SPU) combines warm sea temperatures with fewer crowds, making it an excellent month to start Dalmatian itineraries. Transfers to Split or nearby Trogir are efficient via shuttle buses, taxis, and pre-booked transfers; once in Split, use the port to access Hvar, Brač, and Vis. Expect pleasant daytime temperatures ideal for exploring Diocletian's Palace, coastal promenades, and the Marjan hill viewpoints. For late-September travel, book ferry and car-rental reservations in advance, and check timetables as operators may reduce frequency later in the month. Nearby major cities and destinations commonly accessed include Dubrovnik, Zadar, Zagreb (for inland connections), and the regional centers of Makarska and Šibenik.
Split Airport (SPU) is located about 24 km (15 miles) from Split city center and offers organized shuttle buses, taxis, ride-share services, and pre-arranged private transfers year-round. In September, shuttles and ferry timetables still run frequently to accommodate the remaining tourist season, but booking a private transfer or shuttle in advance ensures a seamless arrival during busy weekend windows.
September in Split typically brings warm, comfortable days with average highs around 24–27°C (75–81°F) and cooler evenings near 16–19°C (61–66°F). Sea temperatures remain pleasant for swimming, making it an ideal month for beach visits, island-hopping to Hvar and Brač, and exploring historic sites like Diocletian's Palace without the intense heat of July and August.
While there are no ferries directly from Split Airport (SPU), you can take a shuttle or taxi into Split harbor where high-speed catamarans and ferries serve nearby islands such as Hvar, Brač, and Vis. In September, ferry frequency remains high enough for day trips and island transfers, but it's still wise to check schedules and book tickets in advance for popular routes.
From Split Airport (SPU) you can easily reach Split city center, Trogir, Omiš, Makarska, and island destinations such as Hvar, Brač, and Vis. Many travelers also use Split as a gateway to Dubrovnik and Zadar; day trips and multi-day itineraries to these top Dalmatian destinations are especially pleasant in September when crowds thin and weather stays favorable.
In September, Split Airport (SPU) sees lower peak volumes than midsummer, but mornings and weekend afternoons can still be busy with charter and scheduled flights. Expect moderate passport control queues for non-EU arrivals; allow at least 45–90 minutes from wheels-down to exit if connecting to ferries or arranged transfers. Carry printed or mobile booking confirmations for shuttles and stay updated on flight-to-ferry timing.
Split Airport (SPU) has kiosks and shops where you can purchase local SIM cards (Croatia uses the kuna or euro depending on year; confirm current currency) and some currency exchange services, although exchange rates are often better in central Split. In September, kiosks remain fully staffed; consider buying a local SIM or an EU data plan before leaving the airport to navigate ferry timetables and local transport apps.
September in Dalmatia features harvest-season events—wine tastings, olive oil festivals, and food markets—making it a superb time to sample local cuisine after arriving at Split Airport (SPU). Cultural programs inside Diocletian's Palace and along the Riva promenade often include classical concerts, theater performances, and pop-up food events. Smaller towns like Trogir and Makarska host maritime and town festivals in early September, while island ports offer regattas and seafood-centric gatherings. Check local event calendars before you go and include a wine-tasting or olive-press visit in your September Split itinerary for an authentic regional experience.
September is one of the best months to fly from Norfolk International Airport (ORF) to Split Airport (SPU) because it offers warm sea temperatures, fewer crowds than July-August, and often lower airfares. Early September retains some peak-season energy, while late September shifts further into shoulder season with potential savings. For booking, aim 8–12 weeks in advance and travel mid-week to maximize savings and minimize airport crowds. If your priority is the clearest sea conditions and festival calendars, plan early September; for quieter beaches and lower rates, choose late September.
There are virtually no direct flights from Norfolk International Airport (ORF) to Split Airport (SPU); connecting itineraries through European hubs are the norm. Connecting flights give you more scheduling options and can lower costs, but add complexity like differing baggage rules and possible overnight layovers. In September, choose connections through high-frequency hubs such as Frankfurt (FRA), Amsterdam (AMS), Paris (CDG), London (LHR), or Istanbul (IST) to minimize risk of long stops. If you prefer simplicity and shorter total travel time, prioritize single-connection itineraries with the same alliance or through-check baggage.
Lufthansa: Pros — strong connectivity through Frankfurt/Munich to Split, reliable schedules, Star Alliance benefits; Cons — fares can be higher but offer robust transatlantic connections. KLM: Pros — frequent Amsterdam connections and good intra-Europe connections to SPU; Cons — smaller long-haul options from ORF require U.S. hub feed. British Airways: Pros — strong London Heathrow routing with Oneworld partners; Cons — UK transit rules and potential longer layovers. Air France: Pros — Paris CDG connectivity, frequent flights; Cons — potential long connection times depending on schedule. Turkish Airlines: Pros — extensive network via Istanbul and competitive pricing; Cons — longer detour depending on routing. Choose based on total travel time, number of connections, alliance status for checked baggage and lounge access, and September fare promotions. CTA: Compare multi-carrier itineraries and check baggage rules for each leg before booking.
Pack light layers for warm daytime highs and cooler evenings in Split during September; include a light jacket for sea breezes. Reserve ferry and high-speed catamaran tickets early, especially for popular island routes to Hvar and Brač. Bring EU-compatible power adapters and a local SIM or roaming package for navigation and ferry bookings. Allow extra time for luggage transfers on multi-carrier itineraries and keep printed confirmations of transfers and accommodations. CTA: Double-check flights and ferry schedules 48 hours before travel and secure travel insurance for peace of mind during shoulder-season adventures.
Expect total travel times of roughly 11–16 hours from Norfolk International Airport (ORF) to Split Airport (SPU) for one-stop itineraries in September. Typical routing patterns include ORF -> US hub (if needed) -> European hub -> SPU or ORF -> direct transatlantic leg to FRA/CDG/AMS and onward to SPU. Choose connections with at least 90 minutes for transatlantic-to-Schengen transfers to avoid missed connections. For faster schedules, route via Frankfurt or Amsterdam where frequent onward connections to Split are available. Check departure time windows from ORF—early morning transatlantic departures or late-night routings can affect arrival times into SPU and alignment with ferry schedules.
To find cheap flights from Norfolk International Airport (ORF) to Split Airport (SPU) in September, use flexible-date searches and compare one-stop routings through multiple European hubs (FRA, AMS, CDG, LHR, IST). Book roughly 8–12 weeks ahead and target mid-week departures (Tuesday–Thursday) to capture lower fares. Consider mixing carriers—long-haul with a U.S. transatlantic partner and a European low-cost or legacy carrier for the intra-European leg—to reduce overall cost. Set fare alerts, clear cookies or use incognito browsing to avoid dynamic price bumps, and check alternate nearby airports (DCA/IAD or RIC) for outbound flexibility. CTA: Run a multi-airline search today to compare ORF to SPU prices for September and lock a savings window.