Overview Compare Ferry Car Ferry Day Trip To Stay
Note: During the winter season in Croatia, ferry services run less regularly. You can visit the booking websites discussed in this article to check the updated availability.
How to get from Dubrovnik to Mljet
Mljet is the southernmost of Croatia’s islands in the Adriatic. A third of the island is a National Park, a panoramic display of natural beauty. Best explored on a bicycle, Mljet is perfect for those looking for a slow and serene holiday.
Among the island’s highlights are the Small and Big Lakes, St. Mary’s Island and its Benedictine monastery, as well as Odysseus’ Cave (named after the Greek hero who legends say took shelter here after a shipwreck). Although it is easy enough to explore these in a day, we recommend that you stay overnight at least to fully appreciate Mljet’s magic.
Dubrovnik is the easiest place to visit Mljet when coming from the mainland.
Ferries from Dubrovnik to Mljet
You have 3 options when travelling the 80 km distance from Dubrovnik to Mljet: a 1.5-hour direct ferry, a 2-hour-20-minute car ferry via Prapratno, and an 11-hour day trip. Fares range between 125 KN (€16.50) and 745 KN (€98).
The direct ferry is the cheapest and fastest way to get from Dubrovnik to Mljet. Fares start from 125 KN (€16.50) for the 1.5-hour trip to Pomena Port. This ferry is available only during the high season between April and October.
If you’re travelling by car or taking this route outside the tourist months, then you can take a ferry from Prapratno instead. This is a coastal village located some 60 km northwest of Dubrovnik. Combined costs for the passenger and car start from 161 KN (€21), and the trip takes almost 2.5 hours.
Planning to visit Mljet for just a day? Enjoy your journey by joining an organised day trip from Dubrovnik to Mljet. This group tour takes around 11 hours (including transfers), and rates start from 745 KN (€98).
Itinerary from Dubrovnik to Mljet
Car Ferry via Prapratno
- Dubrovnik
- 1 hour
- Prapratno
- 45 minutes
- Sobra Port
- 35 minutes
- Mljet (Pomena)
Dubrovnik to Mljet by Ferry
The cheapest and most direct way to travel from Dubrovnik to Mljet is by ferry. Kapetan Luka and TP Line operate on this route during the tourist season (April to October).
Prices start from 125 KN (€16.50). The travel time ranges from 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the port where you will arrive at.
Departure and arrival station
Both ferries depart from Port Gruz in Dubrovnik. This port is around 4 km away from the Old Town.
Meanwhile, there are two major ferry ports in Mljet:
- Pomena Port is already part of the National Park, and it is the best choice for tourists.
- Sobra Port is an alternative option if your hotel is located in central Mljet or if you’re visiting somewhere around the area.
Both ferries head to Pomena Port.
Ferry schedule from Pomena Port to Mljet
Dubrovnik to Hvar by Car Ferry via Prapratno
If you’re travelling by car from Dubrovnik to Mljet, then you won’t be able to take the direct ferry.
Car ferries can only enter Mljet via Prapratno, a village located about 60 km northwest of Dubrovnik.
Foot passengers can also take this route, but it’s less convenient than the direct ferry since Prapratno is a 1-hour drive from Dubrovnik.
Step 1: Dubrovnik to Prapratno by Car or Bus
Depending on the traffic, the drive from Dubrovnik to Prapratno takes about an hour. Expect a scenic journey via the D8 highway.
Hoping to take this route as a foot passenger? You can take a bus, but note that there are no direct buses from Dubrovnik to Prapratno. Buses are available only up to Ston, which is still 4 km away from Prapratno.
Arriva is the only bus operator for the Dubrovnik to Ston route. A bus ticket costs 63 KN (€8) for the 1-hour journey.
Bus schedule from Dubrovnik to Ston
There are bus departures daily, but schedules vary per day. It’s best to visit GetByBus to check the schedule on the day of your trip.
If you’re a foot passenger arriving at Ston, you can take a 10-minute taxi to Prapratno Ferry Terminal for around 68 KN (€9).
Step 2: Prapratno to Sobra by Car Ferry
Jadrolinija sails from Prapratno to Sobra four times every day all year round. The journey takes only 45 minutes.
A ticket costs 27 KN (€3.50) per person, while rates per car start from 134 KN (€17.50).
Ferry Schedule from Prapratno to Sobra
Step 3: Sobra to Pomena by Car
Sobra is a port village in central Mljet. If your destination is the main tourist area at Pomena, then you’ll have to drive around 30 km to the island’s west coast. The journey takes around 35 minutes.
If you don’t have a car, you can simply take a bus. Bus 18 should take you straight from Sobra Port to Pomena in around 55 minutes.
Dubrovnik to Mljet by Day Trip
Many tourists prefer to visit Mljet for just a day. If you’re one of those, then you have the option to join a worry-free day trip from Dubrovnik to Mljet.
GetYourGuide offers an 11-hour tour of the island (including transfers to and from Mljet). This tour features a hike to the National Park, a visit to Big and Small Lake, a boat ride to the little island of St. Mary, as well as some free time to swim or explore further on foot.
This day trip kicks off at 08:00 and you can expect to be back at Dubrovnik in time for dinner around 19:00. Day trip rates start from 745 KN (€98) per person.
Check day trips with GetYourGuide
Our favourite places to stay in Mljet
Apartments Lampalo - Budget Friendly
Set right in front of the beach, you’ll want to spend most of your time on your private balcony, rather than sitting in the room. The studios and apartments are spacious and clean, fitting up to 5 people in them.
The friendly hosts welcome you like family, with a welcome drink and fresh baked goods every morning. You’ll also have access to the on-site restaurant, barbeque facilities, garden and furnished terrace.
- Welcome drink and cakes
- Sea view from private balcony
- Barbeque facilities
- Garden and terrace
Private rooms start from €32 per night
Hotel Odisej - Mid-Range
At Hotel Odisej, you’ll be staying within the island’s National Park, right in front of Pomena beach. With this hotel you don’t just get the room, breakfast and dinner are also included in the price. It’s a pretty incredible deal!
The onsite restaurant and beach bar offer great views of the crystal-blue ocean below. Or enjoy the view from your private balcony.
- Breakfast and dinner included
- Set in a National Park
- Right on the beach
- Friendly staff
Private rooms start from €53 per night
Pine Tree Boutique Apartments - Treating Yourself
Staying at Pine Tree, you’ll feel like you’re in a mini oasis as you swim to the edge of the infinity pool and gaze out at the sea. The best thing? The apartments have their own private beach!
The apartments are large, modern and full of character. Each one has its own fully equipped kitchen, but with the onsite restaurant and bar, you’ll probably not want to cook. An exceptional breakfast is also included in the price.
- Infinity pool
- Exceptional breakfast
- Private beach
- Onsite restaurant and bar
- Large and modern rooms
Private rooms start from €116 per night, including breakfast
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About the author(s)
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
