Getting There and Away

Written by Keith Roberts, Marika Maslanka
09/09/2025
Stunning aerial view of Dubrovnik's Old Town and Adriatic Sea in summer.
Diego F. Parra, Pexels

Dubrovnik's primary transport hubs include Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), also known as Ruđer Bošković Airport, situated approximately 18-22 km outside the city. The main bus station and ferry port are conveniently located next to each other in the Gruž harbor area, about 3 km from the Old Town.

By Air:

Flights are a popular way to reach Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) offers numerous international connections, particularly to major European cities, with increased frequency during the peak tourist season from May to October. Seasonal direct flights are also available from some major U.S. cities. For domestic travel, Croatia Airlines operates daily flights to and from Zagreb, with a flight duration of about one hour. Upon arrival, an airport shuttle bus service runs approximately 30 minutes after each incoming flight, stopping at Pile Gate (Old Town entrance) and the main bus station in Gruž. This journey typically takes 30-40 minutes and costs around €6-€7. Taxis are also readily available outside the arrivals terminal.

By Bus:

Dubrovnik is well-connected by bus to other major cities within Croatia, as well as to destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. Routes like Split to Dubrovnik typically take about 4 hours with tickets costing around €12-€15. Buses from Mostar to Dubrovnik take 3-4 hours and cost approximately €20, while the scenic route from Kotor, Montenegro, takes about 2-3 hours. Travelers from Sarajevo can expect a 5-6 hour journey, including a border crossing, with tickets around €25-€30. Booking tickets in advance is advisable, especially during summer. There are no train services directly to Dubrovnik.

By Ferry:

The city's port offers extensive ferry connections to many Croatian islands, including Korčula, Hvar, Mljet, and Brač, as well as international routes to Bari, Italy, and Budva/Kotor in Montenegro. Services are most frequent from April/May to October. For instance, an overnight ferry from Bari to Dubrovnik typically takes 8-12 hours and costs around €48 per person, with an additional €65 for a car. The journey from Split to Dubrovnik can range from 4 to 6 hours, with tickets between €23-€50. It is generally possible to take vehicles on conventional ferries, but not on high-speed catamarans. Advance booking for ferry tickets is recommended during busy periods.

By Car:

Renting a car provides flexibility for exploring the region. Car rental services are available in Dubrovnik, including at the airport, with economy options starting from approximately $9-$33 per day. Driving from Split to Dubrovnik typically takes about 3.5 to 4 hours along the scenic Adriatic coast road. Travelers should be aware that driving to Dubrovnik from other parts of Croatia often involves passing through a small section of Bosnia and Herzegovina, requiring passport checks at the border. Parking in Dubrovnik, particularly near the Old Town, can be limited. Croatian law enforces a 0.0% alcohol blood level for drivers.

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