How to get to Dubrovnik: all travel options compared

Getting to Dubrovnik: setting expectations

Dubrovnik sits in the far south of Croatia, effectively a geographic enclave — the city is cut off from the rest of Croatia by a short stretch of Bosnian and Herzegovinian coastline at Neum (though the Pelješac Bridge, opened 2022, now bypasses this for road travel). This geography, combined with the absence of a railway, means that most visitors arrive by air or by sea.

The city is well-served by direct flights from across Europe in summer. Outside of peak season, options narrow considerably.

By air: Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)

Dubrovnik Airport (IATA: DBV, also called Čilipi Airport) is located approximately 22 km south of the Old Town, in the village of Čilipi in the Konavle region.

Airlines and routes

In summer, DBV has direct flights from:

• UK: London Gatwick (EasyJet, British Airways, Jet2), London Stansted (Ryanair), Manchester (Jet2, TUI), Birmingham, Edinburgh
• Germany: Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, Düsseldorf (Lufthansa, Condor, Eurowings)
• Netherlands, Belgium, Scandinavia: multiple carriers, mainly charter and low-cost
• Ireland: Dublin (Ryanair, Aer Lingus)
• Croatia Airlines: Zagreb hub with connections onward

In winter (November–March), direct flight frequency drops significantly. Some routes stop entirely. Connecting through Zagreb or a Western European hub is often necessary.

Airport to city

From the airport, the Platanus shuttle bus (€10/person, 45 minutes) is the budget-friendly option to Gruž and Pile Gate. Pre-booked private transfers cost €25–50 depending on group size and vehicle type. Taxis are available but typically €40–60 — expensive for a 22 km journey.

Full breakdown: Dubrovnik airport to city guide.

Shared airport transfer to Dubrovnik Old Town

By ferry from Italy: Bari to Dubrovnik

Jadrolinija’s overnight ferry from Bari to Dubrovnik (Gruž port) operates in the main tourist season, typically April/May through October.

Journey details:

• Duration: approximately 9–10 hours (overnight)
• Cabin options: basic reclining seats, couchettes, private cabins with shower
• Departure: typically evening from Bari, arriving Dubrovnik morning; and vice versa
• Car transport: yes, vehicles can travel on this ferry
• Cost: from around €50–60 for a foot passenger with a seat; cabins €100–150+

This crossing is excellent value if you’re already in southern Italy or Sicily and want to continue to Croatia without flying. A cabin makes it essentially a ferry and hotel combined. Book well ahead for July–August.

By bus: from Split, Sarajevo, or Mostar

From Split: FlixBus, Arriva, and several Croatian regional bus companies operate daily coaches between Split and Dubrovnik. Journey time: 4–5 hours. Cost: approximately €15–25. The coastal road is scenic — many passengers deliberately take a window seat for the Makarska Riviera section.

Note: the bus crosses through Neum (Bosnia and Herzegovina’s short coast) or now increasingly takes the inland Pelješac Bridge route depending on the operator. Passport control at the Neum crossing can add 30–60 minutes in peak season.

From Sarajevo: coach services take approximately 5–6 hours, crossing into Croatia at a border post. Cost around €20–30. Popular with travellers combining the Balkans.

From Mostar: about 3.5–4 hours. Budget €15–20. The route through the Herzegovina hills is visually dramatic.

From Zagreb: a long haul — 8–9 hours by coach. Flying from Zagreb to Dubrovnik is often cheaper and always faster.

Buses arrive and depart from the Gruž bus station adjacent to the ferry port. From there: bus line 1a to Old Town (€2, 15 minutes) or taxi.

By car

Driving to Dubrovnik gives maximum flexibility for exploring South Dalmatia but requires planning for the parking situation once you arrive.

From Split

The drive from Split to Dubrovnik via the Pelješac Bridge and coastal route takes approximately 2.5–3 hours in low season, longer in peak summer traffic. The route is scenic for the first 100 km (Makarska coast), then crosses the Pelješac Bridge and continues south.

From Zagreb

Approximately 6–7 hours (around 600 km). The drive is mostly motorway until south of Split, then coastal road. Not a day trip — split it over two days and stop somewhere on the Makarska Riviera.

From Montenegro

From Kotor: approximately 1.5–2 hours via the coastal road and Debeli Brijeg border crossing. From Budva: similar. Allow extra time for border queues in July–August. Some visitors prefer a private transfer for this stretch rather than driving and parking in Dubrovnik.

By catamaran: from Split and the islands

The Krilo fast catamaran runs from Split through Hvar, Korčula, and Mljet to Dubrovnik (or in reverse) daily in summer. Journey time Split to Dubrovnik: approximately 4.5 hours. Cost: around €30–35.

This is the most scenic and pleasant way to arrive in Dubrovnik if you’re coming from Split or stopping at islands en route. It runs roughly April through October. See the Dubrovnik ferries guide for details.

By private transfer from Montenegro

For arrivals from Kotor or Budva in Montenegro, a pre-booked private transfer to Dubrovnik avoids the border crossing queue and is the most comfortable option — particularly for groups or families.

Transfer from Split with a stop at Ston

Comparing options side by side

Route	Time	Cost	Best for
Fly from London	2.5–3h	€60–180	Most visitors
Fly from Germany	1.5–2h	€50–150	Central/northern Europe
Bari ferry	9–10h (overnight)	€50–150	Italy-based, car travellers
Split by bus	4–5h	€15–25	Budget, stopover
Split by catamaran	4.5h	€30–35	Scenic island route (summer)
Drive from Split	2.5–3h	Fuel + toll	Independent explorers
Drive from Kotor	1.5–2h	Fuel	Montenegro connections

Arriving at Dubrovnik: quick logistics

Whatever your method of arrival:

• Airport arrivals: shuttle or transfer to Gruž/Pile Gate
• Ferry/bus arrivals: Gruž port, bus line 1a to Old Town (€2), taxi €12–15
• Car arrivals: do not drive to the Old Town in peak season; use Ilijina Glavica park-and-ride or Gruž car park

Frequently asked questions about getting to Dubrovnik

Is Dubrovnik accessible by train from Zagreb?

No. Croatia does not have a railway line to Dubrovnik. The train system ends at Split (and even that is a long, slow journey from Zagreb — 6+ hours). From Zagreb to Dubrovnik, flying or the overnight bus are the practical options.

When do direct flights to Dubrovnik operate?

Summer schedule (roughly April–October) has the widest choice of direct routes from across Europe. The winter schedule (November–March) is dramatically reduced — some routes stop entirely and connecting through Zagreb or a Western European hub becomes necessary.

What is the cheapest way to get to Dubrovnik from the UK?

Ryanair from London Stansted, EasyJet from Gatwick or Bristol, or Jet2 from regional UK airports. Book well in advance for summer travel — prices jump significantly from April onward. Flying from the UK to Split and continuing by catamaran is an option but adds time and complexity.

How do I get from Dubrovnik to Mostar?

By bus: approximately 3.5–4 hours, several services daily. By organised day trip from Dubrovnik: popular option that includes guided time in Mostar and transport. By car: similar time, crossing into B&H via one of several border posts. Mostar is one of the most popular day trips from Dubrovnik.

Is Dubrovnik reachable from Athens or Turkey?

Croatia Airlines and some other carriers fly seasonal routes between Athens and Dubrovnik. From Turkey, you’re looking at a connection via Zagreb, Istanbul, or another European hub. Check current seasonal routes — they vary year to year.