How to get from Split to Dubrovnik
Why visit Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik is an ancient walled city dubbed the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” It will enchant you with its baroque architecture and limestone streets, backdropped by the ever-glistening Adriatic. This red-roofed city has a special charm that sets it apart from all other Croatian cities.
Just walking around the Old Town is probably already the best thing to do in Dubrovnik. And if you’re a fan of the hit TV series Game of Thrones, you’ll find many of its streets familiar. Dubrovnik was the main location for the show’s King’s Landing, including the alley where they shot Cersei’s iconic walk of shame!
What are the 5 ways to travel from Split to Dubrovnik?
There are 5 ways to travel the 230 kilometre (143 miles) distance from Split to Dubrovnik. You can choose between the bus, private transport, flight, ferry and day trip. The journey takes 1 hour 45 minutes to 12 hours and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at €18.70 ($21.50).
Where to stay in Dubrovnik?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Dubrovnik at the bottom of this page.
Split to Dubrovnik by Bus
The bus is a cheap and easy way to get from Split to Dubrovnik. There are seven bus companies operating daily.
Ticket rates start at €18.70 ($21.50), and travel time is around 3 hours 35 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes.
If you’re taking luggage with you, you may be charged an extra €1 ($1.20) per suitcase.
Departure and arrival stations
Buses depart from Split Bus Station. This terminal is conveniently located next to the train station and ferry terminal in the town centre.
Dubrovnik Bus Terminal, on the other hand, is located near Gruz Port, 4 km from the Old Town.
Below are the usual bus schedules during the peak season from June to September. Note that fewer buses operate outside these months.
Bus schedule from Split to Dubrovnik
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You can buy your tickets at the bus terminal or book them online beforehand through BookAway.
Split to Dubrovnik by Ferry
If you’re travelling from Split to Dubrovnik in the busiest season from June to September, you have the option to take a ferry.
Although taking one is more expensive than the bus, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the Croatian coast. It’s an experience as well as getting from A to B.
Ticket prices start from €48 ($55) when you travel with Jadrolinija, but travel time takes 6 hours. If you take Kapetan Luka or TP Line, you can reach Dubrovnik in just 4.5 to 5.5 hours.
Departure and arrival stations
Ferries depart from Split Ferry Port on the southern edge of the Old Town. They arrive at Gruz Port, 4 km north of Dubrovnik’s fortified city.
Jadrolinija ferries from Split to Dubrovnik drop off passengers on various islands along the way, such as Brac, Hvar, and Korčula. This makes it a sort of island-hopping trip, except you can’t get off the catamaran.
Ferry schedules from Split to Dubrovnik
IMPORTANT NOTE: Online booking for Jadrolinija isn’t always available. You can check the Jadrolinija website or Direct Ferries to see if tickets can be booked in advance. But be aware — Jadrolinija runs on a first-come, first-served basis. Even with an online ticket, if the ferry’s full, you might still have to queue for hours at the port.
Check our guide for Croatia ferry companies for more details.
Split to Dubrovnik by Flight
The fastest way to travel from Split to Dubrovnik is by a direct flight. Just keep in mind, flights only operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so you’ll need to plan around that. With transfers, the whole trip takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Split City Centre to Split Airport
You can get to Split Airport from the city centre by taking the airport shuttle bus from Split Bus Station. Buses run hourly from 05:00 to 20:00, and the journey takes around 30m.
Plezo Prijevoz is the company that operates the airport shuttle bus. You can either book online via BookAway or pay the driver in cash when you get on. Tickets cost €8 ($9.20).
If you have heavy luggage or are travelling in a group, booking a private transfer to the airport can be more convenient.
You can take an Uber for about €30 ($34.50), while a private car on BookAway costs between €40 ($46) and €45 ($52), depending on vehicle type.
Step 2: Split to Dubrovnik by Flight
Croatia Airlines and Trade Air fly from Split Airport to Dubrovnik twice a week – every Tuesday and Thursday at 15:50.
Flight time is 45m, with airfares starting at €83 ($96).
Step 3: Dubrovnik Airport to the City Centre
Flights arrive at Dubrovnik Airport, which is about 20 km from the city centre. You can get into town by taking the airport shuttle bus operated by Platanus Agency.
A one-way ticket costs €10.60 ($12.20), and the ride takes around 30-35m. You can book your ticket in advance on BookAway or just grab one at the Platanus counter at the airport, right next to the baggage claim area.
The shuttle schedule changes daily to match flight arrivals. It first stops at Ploče Gate, near Dubrovnik’s Old Town, then continues to the Central Bus Station in Gruž.
If you’d rather skip the shared ride, you can book a private car on BookAway for around €40 ($46). Uber is also available at a similar price.
Split to Dubrovnik by Day Trip
If you’re short on time, you can visit Dubrovnik as a day trip from Split. Plenty of tours organize everything for you and provide a great introduction to the old coastal town.
Day tours from Split to Dubrovnik take around 12 hours. However, considering the distance between the two cities, you’ll probably only get around 5 hours in Dubrovnik. That’s not enough time to really get to know this beautiful city if you ask us.
If your only way of seeing Dubrovnik during your time in Croatia is a day trip, rates from Split to Dubrovnik start from €70 ($81). You can also check GetYourGuide for other tour options.
Split to Dubrovnik by Private Transport
Travelling in a group? Consider booking a private transport from Split to Dubrovnik.
It’s a comfortable way to travel with family or friends, and it’s a bit faster than most buses or ferries. Travel time is around 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 35 minutes.
Another advantage is that you will be picked up and dropped off anywhere and anytime you want within the town centres of Split and Dubrovnik. They also offer airport pickup/drop-off with an extra charge of €18 ($21).
Private car rates start from €250 ($290) for a 3-seater car. If you’re in a bigger group, you can also book a larger minivan. Split the cost, and it could even be cheaper than a catamaran ticket.
Private Transport Options from Split to Dubrovnik
Best places to stay in Dubrovnik
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.
Rooms Franica - Budget Friendly
Rooms Franica is a great choice if you’re travelling on a budget. The rooms are surrounded by gardens flourishing with flowers, plus your own patio. The beach is within walking distance and the Old Town is only 10 minutes away by bus.
The bonus of staying in a guesthouse is that you’re instantly made to feel at home. The hosts are super helpful and the rooms are comfortable and clean, offering everything you need.
- Close to the beach and supermarket
- Only 10m by bus to the Old Town
- Beautiful gardens
- Friendly and helpful hosts
- Private patio
Guest House Tomasi - Mid Range
This guesthouse is a magical blend of the old and the new. It boasts a modern flare, whilst still celebrating its origins with its exposed stone walls.
The hotel is located within Dubrovnik’s UNESCO- listed Old Town. You can’t really get a better location than this. Plus, the beach is also only 130 meters away! The owners treat you like their own family offering you apples, coffee and other treats.
- Amazing and friendly hosts
- Within Dubrovnik Old Town
- Huge and comfy beds
- Close to the beach
Villa Four Winds - Treating Yourself
If your heart is set on staying here, make sure to book it straight away as this Villa gets booked up fast! And for good reason.
Everything is at your doorstep, as you’ll be situated within the Old Town. This means that any window you look out of, offers you stunning views of Dubrovnik. The star of the show has to be Villa Four’s host. She takes the hotel to another level!
- Amazing views of the city
- Perfect location
- Friendly and helpful host
- Modern and large rooms
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Split to Dubrovnik. 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 Split to Dubrovnik
What is the distance from Split to Dubrovnik?
The distance from Split to Dubrovnik is 230 kilometre (143 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Split to Dubrovnik?
The fastest way to get from Split to Dubrovnik is by flight and takes 1 hour 45 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Split to Dubrovnik?
The cheapest way to get from Split to Dubrovnik is by bus with ticket costs starting from €18.70 ($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.
Faye is a writer and full-time mom. She loves planning trips to the beach, tasting new cuisines and discovering gems in the Philippines. But if she had to choose, London is her favourite place in the world and she can't wait to travel there again with her hubby and baby!
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.
