How to get from Dubrovnik to Split
Why visit Split?
Split is a coastal town in central Croatia on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea. This makes it a popular transport hub to and from the nearby islands of Brac, Hvar and Korcula. But Split is more than just a stopover, it is a destination on its own and one of the most popular in Croatia.
A beautiful mix of old and new, Split is a great place to explore the country’s colourful history while also enjoying modern luxuries. Get lost in the Old Town, wander Diocletian’s Palace and immerse yourself in the buzzing activity of the city. For the best views of Split, climb the Bell Tower of St. Domnius!
What are the 5 ways to travel from Dubrovnik to Split?
There are 5 ways to travel the 230 kilometre (143 miles) distance from Dubrovnik to Split. You can choose between the bus, private transfer, flight, catamaran and day trip. The journey takes 2 hours 10 minutes to 10 hours and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at €18.40 ($21.50).
Where to stay in Split?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Split at the bottom of this page.
Dubrovnik to Split by Bus
Buses operate between Dubrovnik to Split all year round, but there are fewer departures outside the peak summer months (June to September).
Ticket prices start from €18.40 ($21.50), and the journey from Dubrovnik to Split can take 3 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours 35 minutes.
Departure and arrival stations
Buses depart from Dubrovnik Bus Station near Gruz Port. This bus station is 4 km from the Old Town.
They arrive at Split Bus Station, conveniently located next to the train station and ferry terminal in Split town centre.
Bus schedules from Dubrovnik to Split
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Tickets are available to buy at the bus station. But since Split and Dubrovnik are both popular destinations, we recommend booking your ticket in advance. This gives you a better chance of getting a seat at the time you want to leave, and you can skip the long lines at the terminal.
You can also pre-book a return ticket if you’re returning from Split to Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik to Split by Catamaran
If you’re visiting Dubrovnik during the peak season (June to September), travelling to Split from Dubrovnik by catamaran is a scenic alternative to land travel. The only downside is that it can be more than twice the price of a bus ticket. Still, it offers a chance to soak in the stunning views along the Adriatic coastline.
Ticket prices start from €48 ($55), and ferry rides take 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours 55 minutes. During the high season, ferries sail daily.
There are a few operators on this route. Kapetan Luka and TP Line sail high-speed catamarans and are both known for reliable service and good reviews.
The more affordable option is Jadrolinija, but the journey is approximately one hour slower. That’s because the ferry makes several pick-up and drop-off stops at Korčula, Hvar, and Brač before arriving in Split. It’s a great choice if you want to experience a bit of island-hopping along the way!
Departure and arrival stations
You can board your ferry from Gruz Pier in Dubrovnik, about 4 km north of the Old Town.
Ferries dock at Split Ferry Terminal, some 500m south of the town centre. This harbour is within walking distance of hotels and establishments in the town centre.
Ferry schedules from Dubrovnik to Split by Catamaran
IMPORTANT NOTE: Jadrolinija is a popular ferry company and often gets fully booked. Buying a ticket online does not guarantee a trip at your preferred time. Jadrolinija operates on a first-come, first-served basis. So even with an online ticket, if the ferry you booked is already full, you may need to queue for hours at the port for a seat.
To avoid long waiting times, especially during the high season (June-August), we suggest booking with Kapetan Luka instead.
Dubrovnik to Split by Flight
A flight is the fastest way to get from Dubrovnik to Split. But there’s a catch: direct flights for this route are only available twice a week — Tuesday and Thursday. Including airport transfers, journey time is 2 hours 10 minutes.
The airlines flying between Dubrovnik and Split are Trade Air and Croatia Airlines.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Dubrovnik City Centre to Dubrovnik Airport by Bus
Airport shuttles are the cheapest way to get to Dubrovnik Airport from the city centre. A ticket costs €10 ($11.50).
These airport buses depart from the Central Bus Station in Gruz, usually 2 hours before an international flight and 90 minutes before a domestic flight.
If you’re staying in the Old Town, you can board the bus at the Cable Car Bus Stop (Platanus Bus). Travel time is around 40m.
The airport shuttle generally gets good reviews. It’s cheap and usually runs smoothly. The schedule’s supposed to match the daily flight timetable, which they get straight from Dubrovnik Airport. But some travellers have mentioned it can run late or get a bit overcrowded, so it’s not always 100% reliable.
If you’d rather skip the wait and travel more comfortably, you can take a taxi or Uber for around €40 ($46).
Step 2: Dubrovnik to Split by Flight
Croatia Airlines and Trade Air offer direct flights from Dubrovnik to Split every Tuesday and Thursday.
Ticket prices start at around €78 ($90), and the flight takes 1 hour.
Step 3: Split Airport to Split City Centre
The cheapest way to get from Split Airport to the city centre is by airport shuttle bus. The shuttle is run by Plezzo Prijevoz and drops you off at Split Bus Station, right next to the ferry port and train station.
The journey from the airport to the city takes about 30m, depending on traffic. You can book your shuttle ticket in advance via BookAway for €8 ($9.20), or just pay the driver when you hop on.
Prefer a private ride? An Uber to the city centre costs around €30 ($34.50). You can also book a private car on BookAway, with fares starting from around €38 ($44).
Dubrovnik to Split by Day Trip
If you’re short on time but still want to see Split, you can join a day trip from Dubrovnik that takes 10 hours.
Keep in mind that travel time alone will take about 6 hours back and forth, so that will leave you with just 4 hours to explore Split.
This tour features a guided visit to Diocletian’s Palace, free time to explore the Old Town and the Croatian coast on your own, and a stop at the city market to check out local products.
Rates start from €95 ($110) when you book with GetYourGuide.
Dubrovnik to Split by Private Transfer
If you have the budget for it, private transfers are a fast and convenient option when travelling in a group.
Rates start from €245 ($285) for a 3-seater car, which is quite expensive for a small group. Divide the cost and that’s about €82 ($95) per person. For larger groups, private vans are also available and might be a more cost-efficient option.
The journey from Dubrovnik to Split takes 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 35 minutes. A local driver will pick you up and drop you off anywhere you want within the two towns’ central areas. Pick-up from Dubrovnik Airport or drop-off at Split Airport is also possible.
For the best customer service, we recommend booking your ride online via BookAway.
Private Transfer options from Dubrovnik to Split
Best places to stay in Split
Important: Tourism in Croatia is very seasonal. Much of the available accommodation in Croatia is fully booked in the summer, but many sites are closed in the winter months. With July and August being the peak season, rates can rise 3 times as high as compared the low season or shoulder months. We recommend booking your accommodation at least 1 month in advance to lock in better rates.
Apartment and Room Stone House - Budget Friendly
These modern and airy apartments, situated in Split centre are just moments away from the famous Diocletian’s palace, Bacvice Beach and a not unimportant – a delicious local bakery.
Watch the world go by on your own private balcony, or just relax after a day of exploring Split in your newly renovated, air-conditioned room. Nothing is too much for the host, Goran, who can give you the best insider tips.
- Newly renovated
- Short walk to famous landmarks
- Very friendly host
- Private balconies available
Guest House Kala - Mid Range
Close to the hustle and bustle of Split, but still located within a quiet neighbourhood. At House Kala you do not need to worry about being kept up at night.
The rooms boast a homely and charming ambience, utilising the rustic stone that Split is famous for. Each room has their own private patio, where you can enjoy your welcome drink and relax.
- Modern and clean rooms
- Welcome drink
- Great location
- Friendly and helpful hosts
Luxury Rooms Lucija and Luka - Treating Yourself
Located within the pedestrian zone of Split’s Old Town, you can’t be closer to the centre than this hotel. The rooms offer a stunning blend of modern and old, with each one having a seating area, minbar and coffee machine.
You’ll struggle to find a fault in this hotel, especially when the hosts are so incredibly kind and helpful.
- Perfect location
- Room views of Split’s landmarks
- Friendly hosts
- Large and clean rooms
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Dubrovnik to Split. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Dubrovnik to Split
What is the distance from Dubrovnik to Split?
The distance from Dubrovnik to Split is 230 kilometre (143 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Dubrovnik to Split?
The fastest way to get from Dubrovnik to Split is by flight and takes 2 hours 10 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Dubrovnik to Split?
The cheapest way to get from Dubrovnik to Split is by bus with ticket costs starting from €18.40 ($21.50).
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.
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
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.
