Getting from Split to Dubrovnik or vice versa is very easy. You have a lot of options and you’re in for a treat. The scenery along the Dalmatian Coast is stunning!
I did not expect to love Croatia as much as I did. I was afraid Split and Dubrovnik would feel too touristy, but I was literally in awe the entire time. From majestic old towns to the glistening Adriatic Sea, even transportation, which I normally dread, was an experience.
In this blog post, we’ll explore six different methods to get from Split to Dubrovnik. So buckle up and get ready to discover the best routes for your Croatian adventure!

Article overview
Getting from Split to Dubrovnik
I love Split because it gives you a little bit of everything; sun, beaches shopping, history and nightlife. It is centered around the Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Riva, a waterfront promenade and the city’s social hotspot.
Dubrovnik, often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is all about the stunning medieval architecture and well-preserved city walls that encircle the Old Town, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For my fellow history buffs, it is a must.
While Split is perfect for those seeking a lively urban adventure with a rich historical backdrop, Dubrovnik is great if you’re looking for a more romantic, scenic, and historically immersive experience. But ideally, visit both.
Here’s a quick overview of the 6 different transportation options I’ll cover in more detail below:
🚌 By bus: From €15 – 3.5 to 4.5 hours
⛴ By ferry: €50 – 4.5 to 6 hours
🚗 By car: From €40 a day – 3 hours
🚙 By private transport: €300+ – 3 hours
🎫 Guided tour: €100+ (depends on group size)
✈️ By plane: €100+ – 3 hours (45 min flight + airport time)


1. Take the bus
During my last visit to Croatia, I decided to travel as much as possible by bus. I had the time and I wanted to challenge myself since I usually just go for a taxi or driver. Turns out it was very easy, as buses are the main mode of transportation in Croatia and the Balkans.
Several companies, including Globtour and FlixBus, offer daily services. I recommend buying tickets online or at the bus station in advance. Even when I visited in October, the bus was almost full.
All buses to Dubrovnik leave from Split Bus Station, which is located next to the ferry port, just a 10-minute walk from Old Town. The journey takes around 4 hours, however, it can also take even longer, especially during the busy summer months.
In Dubrovnik, you’ll arrive at the main Bus Station in Gruž, about 3 kilometers from the Old Town. It is easy to grab a local bus (1a, 1b and 3) to the Old Town. Or, you can take a taxi. Remember that public transport is included if you have the Dubrovnik Pass.
🌟 Pro tip >> Whenever I’m traveling between bigger cities or countries, I always book through FlixBus. It is just convenient to book everything online on a site that is easy to understand.
When traveling the Balkans by bus, you sometimes also have to pay a luggage fee (€2-3) to the driver. So always bring some cash.

2. Go by ferry
If you really want to enjoy the journey from Split to Dubrovnik, catching a ferry might be your best bet. The route from Split to Dubrovnik is currently operated by three companies; Jadrolinija, TP Line and Krilo. These are high-speed, passenger-only ferries, often referred to as catamarans.
In general, most passenger ferries in Croatia run between mid-April and mid-October. However, some routes have even shorter seasons.
There are no direct ferries, most stop in Milna, Hvar, Korčula, and some in Pomena, before arriving in Dubrovnik. If you have the time, consider spending a night on one of the islands.
Exploring the islands in Croatia felt like a vacation from the busy cities. I loved it! (While in Dubrovnik, you should also check out the Elaphiti Islands).
In Split, the ferry port is located next to the main bus station. You can easily walk there from the center of town. In Dubrovnik, the ferry port is also located in Gruž. Regular buses take you to the Old Town in less than 10 minutes.
How long is the ferry ride from Split to Dubrovnik? It takes anywhere from 4.5 to 6 hours and costs between €23 and €50. Not surprisingly, the faster ferries are more expensive. Most ferries allow pets.

3. Rent a car
Renting a car is usually my favorite option because of the freedom to explore at my own pace. The only thing that kept me from driving was the lack of parking in both cities. But I would love to do a road trip in Croatia one day.
The distance from Split to Dubrovnik is about 230 kilometers and can be driven in roughly 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic. The fastest route from Split to Dubrovnik by car is the A1 Motorway and then the D8 from Ploce to Dubrovnik. You can also take the scenic D8 route the entire way.
Which road you should choose depends on your budget (the A1 has tolls), time of the year (in summer the D8 gets congested), your time and personal preferences. I personally love taking the scenic route whenever possible.
Thanks to a new bridge that connects mainland Croatia in the village of Komarna and Brijesta on the Peljesac peninsula, you no longer have to do border crossings in and out of Bosnia & Herzegovina. Which saves a lot of time.
Car rental rates vary but generally start around €40 a day. Keep in mind that parking in both Split and Dubrovnik is very limited.

Stops along the way
The best part about driving is, of course, that you can make a whole day of it and stop along the way. There are so many beautiful places to see between Split and Dubrovnik. Here are a few of my favorites:
Omiš is a picturesque town set between dramatic cliffs and the turquoise waters of the Cetina River, about 30 minutes south of Split. In my mind, it is one of the most underrated places in Europe.
Ston and Mali Ston are two charming villages renowned for ancient salt pans and the impressive Walls of Ston, the longest defensive wall in Europe and the second longest in the world after the Great Wall of China.
The area is also famous for its delectable oysters, considered some of the best you can get, attracting food enthusiasts from around the world. It is a great stop for history buffs and foodies alike.
Trsteno Arboretum, located just outside Dubrovnik, is one of the oldest in the region and offers a beautiful and peaceful retreat from the heat.

4. Book a private transfer
I love private transfers. They are so comfortable and easy, especially when I’m limited on time or traveling with a lot of luggage.
Renting a car can definitely be cheaper than a private transfer. However, with transfers you do not have to worry about any planning or the logistics of picking up and dropping off the car.
You also don’t have to worry about parking which is a pain in both Split and Dubrovnik. Both are very walkable cities, so you don’t need a car while you’re there.
How much is a taxi or transfer from Split to Dubrovnik?
The cost of a taxi or private transfer from Split to Dubrovnik varies depending on the type of car and number of people. On average, expect to spend between €150-€300 per person. Some charges per person and some charges by the group.
🌟 The most affordable transfer I could find is with Daytrip. I love booking through them because you can also add stops along the way if you want.
🌟 This popular private transfer takes you from Dubrovnik to Split, including a sightseeing stop in stunning Ston.

5. Join a guided tour
I’m becoming more and more a fan of guided tours. If you asked me five years ago, I would have said, no I explore on my own. But I have realized how much value you get from a local guide.
So joining a guided tour is another great way to travel from Split to Dubrovnik, especially if you’re limited on time. Some tours are private and some tours are shared for better value. The biggest negative of day trips is, of course, spending 6+ hours on the road.
🌟 This popular private tour takes you from Split to Dubrovnik and also includes a stop in Ston.
🌟 This highly-rated 12-hour tour from Split to Dubrovnik also includes a stop in Mostar, one of the most beautiful cities in Bosnia. Wouldn’t it be cool to visit two countries in a day?
There are so many great guided tours in Dubrovnik and Split, so even if you choose a different transportation option, be sure to book one.
6. You can also fly
The last option for getting from Split to Dubrovnik is to fly. It is not my favorite, because I hate flying and spending time in the airport. But we are all different, so I wanted to give you all the options.
Split and Dubrovnik both have international airports just outside the city. Split Saint Jerome Airport (SPU) is located about 25 kilometers from the Old Town. It takes around 30 minutes by car or bus and costs €35+ for a taxi and €8 for the airport bus.
Dubrovnik’s Ruđer Bošković Airport (DBV) is located 21 kilometers from the Old Town and takes around 25 minutes by car or bus. Last time I paid €50 for a taxi, but you can also take the bus for €10.
The only direct flight from Split to Dubrovnik is operated by Trade Air and runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays (February to October). Flight time is only 45 minutes, but getting to and from the airport, check-in and security also takes time.
Tickets usually cost €100-€120, but sometimes they run promos for as little as €50.
There are also several flights a day from Split to Dubrovnik and vice versa on Croatia Airlines, with a layover in Zagreb.

Best time to travel
When planning your trip from Split to Dubrovnik, timing will greatly affect your experience. Always try to leave as early in the morning as possible to avoid the midday heat and biggest crowds.
Spring (April to June): The weather is mild, perfect for exploring. I enjoyed fewer crowds and blooming landscapes. It’s an ideal time for outdoor activities.
Summer (July to August): This is peak tourist season. The beaches are crowded and the atmosphere is.. let’s call it vibrant. If you enjoy hot weather and being in the midst of the hustle and bustle, this is the time to visit.
Fall (September to October): Similar to spring, fall offers pleasant weather and fewer tourists. It is my mind the best time of the year to explore Croatia.
Winter (November to March): While Dubrovnik is less lively, the winter charm has its own appeal. The holiday season brings festive decorations and fewer crowds. But some hotels, restaurants, transportation and tours close down.
Final thoughts: Split to Dubrovnik
So what is the best way to get from Split to Dubrovnik?
If you are a budget traveler, taking the bus is the cheapest option. It was also rather quick, though I traveled at the very end of the season in October. I would love to rent a car next time, so I can stop all along the coast.
If you’re looking for convenience, booking private transportation is definitely the way to go and usually what I do. Or when you’re limited on time, join a guided tour.
If you don’t mind a longer journey, take the ferry during the warmer months and also visit the islands. It is an experience as well as a way of transportation.
Is it better to drive or take a ferry from Split to Dubrovnik?
That totally depends on your budget and preferences. The fastest way is to drive (3 hours), while the most scenic way is to take the ferry (4.5-6 hours). On the ferry, you can also sit back and relax not having to worry about anything.
🌟 Read next >> Where to stay in Dubrovnik (I found the perfect apartment)


Leave a Reply