This Dubrovnik travel guide will give you answers to the most commonly asked questions about Dubrovnik. Working with tourists a lot I get asked the same questions every day so I thought it would be helpful to summarize all of them. Save your time and avoid common mistakes tourists make when visiting Dubrovnik by reading my handy Dubrovnik travel guide.
It will give you plenty of useful information from the locals. From the tips on how to avoid crowds, the best time to visit Dubrovnik, where to stay, getting to and from the airport, local transport, to Dubrovnik card.

Content for Must know things before traveling to Dubrovnik:

1. Basic information
2. Do you need a visa
3. Best time to visit Dubrovnik
4. Dubrovnik weather
5. How to avoid cruise ship crowds
6. Where to stay
7. Dubrovnik transport guide
8. Dubrovnik main bus station
9. Dubrovnik port
10. How to get to and from Dubrovnik airport
11. How to get from Dubrovnik to Split
12. Parking
13. City walls entrance and Fort Lovrijenac
14. Dubrovnik card

Basic information

Telephone code: + 385

Currency: Kuna (KN). Croatia joined the European Union on July 1, 2013, but will not adopt the Euro in the foreseeable future.

Croatia Doesn’t Use Euros!

1 EUR (€) = 7,4 kuna
1 USD ($) = 6,35 kuna
1 GBP (£) = 8,4 kuna

If you need to exchange your money be sure to visit a bank, post office, or an exchange office. Most hotels and travel & tourist agencies also offer currency exchange services but be warned, they usually charge a very high commission.

Croatian Emergency services: Dial 112

Drinking water: Tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Dubrovnik and in all Croatia.

Safety: Dubrovnik is perfectly safe during daytime and nighttime. Croatia is in the top 20 safest countries on earth.

Do you need a visa?

The majority of foreign visitors don’t need a visa to enter Croatia, including EU countries, the UK, the USA, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Best time to visit Dubrovnik

Don’t like big crowds of tourists? Then don’t visit Dubrovnik during peak season which is June-September when the city is packed with people from cruise ships.
The best time to visit Dubrovnik is the end of May and the second half of September. It is not as crowded as during peak season and the weather is nice with warm temperatures but not too hot like June-August. Also, the sea is warm enough for swimming.
If you love sunshine and heat and don’t mind the crowds, then summer is the best time to visit Dubrovnik. You can look forward to high temperatures each day with plenty of sunshine and cooling sea breezes.
From November until April weather is either very cold, wet and windy or cold, sunny and windy. There will be no summer activities, no swimming, no islands excursions and no outdoor restaurants. On the positive side, there will be no crowds. But obviously, there is a reason for that.

Dubrovnik climate and weather by month

January

The low season comes with low temperatures. January is the coldest month of the year, which means you can expect temperatures to reach lows of 0°C at night with highs of 7°C during the daytime. Weather in January is either very cold, wet and windy or cold, sunny and windy.
There are two most common winds in Dubrovnik, bura and jugo, which determine what’s the weather going to be like. The bura wind is a strong, dry and very cold wind. Although cold and unpleasant, bura always brings sunny weather and clear skies. Contrarily, there is the infamous jugo wind, which brings rain, clouds and low pressure. It can blow up to nine days, sometimes it can even last up to three weeks.
Dubrovnik is not a January destination.
In January, Dubrovnik is in winter hibernation. Many activities and excursions will not be available during January. There will be no beach activities, no swimming, no kayaking, no boats going to the Elaphite Islands, Mljet, or Lokrum. Most of the restaurants will be closed as well.
There are around 5 hours of sunshine per day and the sun sets quite early at 4 pm. The sea is cold with an average temperature of 14°C. It’s quite wet in January and you can expect at least 13 rainy days spread over the month.
You won’t see much improvement in temperature until March so if you can postpone your visit, do it. If you really have to go, make sure to pack a waterproof jacket for your visit.

February

Very similar to January, normal February weather in Dubrovnik can be very cold, very wet and very, very windy.
Dubrovnik is not a February destination.
The average daytime temperature is around 9°C with sea temperatures of 14°C. You can expect around 13 days with rain spread over the month.

March

Not as cold as January and February, but still cold and rainy.
Dubrovnik is not a March destination.
The average daytime temperature is 12°C with lows of 2°C at night. You can expect around 11 days with rain spread over the month.

April

April is the first month that enjoys good weather in Dubrovnik. Temperatures rise to a pleasant level during the day, winds are milder and rain decreases overall. April is a good time to visit as the weather is consistent and it’s still quiet in the city. However, if you want to enjoy beaches then you should postpone your trip because the sea is too cold for swimming and it would be a shame to visit Dubrovnik and to miss swimming in the beautiful Adriatic Sea. Boat excursions and sea kayaking are not going to start yet.
The average temperature is around 12°C with highs of 25°C. At night, the weather cools to 7°C, so make sure to pack a jacket for the evenings in Dubrovnik. There are 10 rainy days. The sea is still quite cold at just 15°C.

May

May is the perfect time to visit Dubrovnik. The weather in May is hot and sunny and nature is lovely with fresh vegetation and wildflowers. Things are quieter, as the tourist season hasn’t reached a peak.
Swimming season begins in the second half of May, as well as all the summertime activities, like boat excursions and sea kayaking.
The average temperature is a mild 21°C with highs of 30°C, which is great for exploring the city without feeling too hot and uncomfortable in the heat. Evening temperatures are slightly lower at around 12°C, which rises slightly towards the end of the month. The sea is warmer than last month at around 18°C.

June

June is one of the best times of the year to visit Dubrovnik because it’s the start of summer. You can expect sunny weather with clear blue skies and high temperatures for most of the month. It’s busy but not as busy as the upcoming months.
June signals the start of the party season in Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik weather in June is very warm with an average temperature of 25°C and highs of 30°C. There are at least 14 hours of sunshine per day with an average sea temperature of 21°C, which is perfect for swimming.

July

Temperatures range from 27°C to 34°C and it is the sunniest time of the year. Although at certain times of the day, the heat can become unbearable. The sea is perfect for swimming, with a water temperature of 24°C.
Sunshine hours rise to 14 per day, which is the longest the sun is out for the whole year.
July and August are the most crowded months, and if you don’t like large crowds of tourists, wait until the second half of September when the crowds are gone.

August

August is the hottest time to visit Dubrovnik with the most sunshine. It’s a great time to visit if you plan on spending a lot of time relaxing on the beach and swimming in the sea.
The average temperature is around 28°C, with highs of 34°C which hasn’t changed much since July. Temperatures drop to lows of 20°C at night, which is perfect for an evening stroll in the city. The sea is pleasant with an average high of 25°C.
Same as July, if you don’t like large crowds of tourists, avoid Dubrovnik in August.

September

The weather remains hot and sunny in September even though summer is coming to an end. It’s a quieter time to visit Dubrovnik because most of the summer crowds have left. This means you’ll get to enjoy a relaxing time on holiday with a peaceful, romantic charm to the city.
The average temperature is 19°C with highs of 26°C. You’ll have 13 hours of sunlight per day in September.

October

Dubrovnik weather in October is mild and sunny. You probably will get very pleasant weather in the mid-20s but you risk a few showers and wind. Showers are usually quite short, but pack an umbrella to be prepared.
The average temperature is around 18°C with highs of 24°C and with lows of 12°C at night, so don’t forget to pack a jacket for the cooler weather. If you love swimming, you can still enjoy a day on the beach in October because the water is mild at around 20°C. You’ll also have ten hours of sunshine per day.
October is a great time to visit because there are not too many tourists and it’s very relaxing.

November

You are risking bad weather in November and the days will be short, but the advantage is there are no hordes of cruise ship visitors crowding the Old Town.
The majority of the outdoor restaurants will close down on 1 November and only a few are open all winter. The museums and other sites are open all year but will shorter hours. You’ll not see the prices change at all during this time of year.
You’re also missing out on islands because ferries will not operate, which is a shame.
Temperatures are around 12°C during the day with highs of 16°C. At night, the weather can be very cold with lows of 5°C. You can expect 16 rainy days over the month. This means it’s very likely you’ll see some rain during your stay, but don’t let the rain get you down. You’ll still have at least nine hours of sunshine per day with cooling winds.

December

Weather in December is either very cold, wet and windy or cold, sunny and windy.
Make sure you pack plenty of warm clothes for your visit. It’s the second coldest month of the year, but there’s still a lot of sunshine per day so you have plenty of time to get around the city and enjoy all the best sights and attractions.
Same as in November, the majority of the outdoor restaurants will be closed down, the attractions will be open but with shorter hours, you’re missing out on islands because ferries will not operate.
Temperatures reach highs of just 8°C in December with nightly lows of 1°C. The average sea temperature is a chilly 15°C. You can expect at least 15 days of rain throughout the month.

How crowded is Dubrovnik really?
How to avoid cruise ships crowds in Dubrovnik?

You’ve probably heard that Dubrovnik is overcrowded. The main cause of crowds are cruise ships which arrive with thousands of visitors at once, clogging the streets and making it difficult to even enter the Old Town.
The cruise season lasts from May to October, peaking in July and August. If you must come during this period, then it’s necessary to organize your visit to the Old Town around cruise ship arrivals. 1000 cruise ship passengers visiting the Old Town is manageable. More than 5000 is unpleasant and at 8000 Old Town feels like sardines in a can. Avoid if possible!
Cruise ships don’t stay in Dubrovnik all day. Normally, they arrive in the morning and by 3 pm most have returned to their ships. There is a cruise ship schedule that tells you how many visitors are expected and at which time.
Dubrovnik Port Authority has a website where they publish charts for each month. Each date has a detailed breakdown showing how many cruise ships arrive, their arrival and departure time, and they color-codes the days to show which are quietest and which are most busy.
Click on cruising on the left side, then ‘arrivals & departures’, then on the month you want.
If you already know in advance when the peaks of cruise ships passengers will be then you can make plans to be elsewhere. Especially for the City Walls, I suggest going around 6 pm.
Avoid the Old Town crowds by relaxing on the beach, visiting one of the nearby islands, like Lokrum and Elaphite Islands, or by taking a day trip. Check out things to do in Dubrovnik list.
It is possible to avoid the crowds and have a better experience of Dubrovnik with careful planning and timing your sightseeing strategically.

Where to stay in Dubrovnik

When choosing where to stay in Dubrovnik, have in mind that all parts of Dubrovnik are well connected with the Old Town by bus and ride doesn’t take long, so you don’t have to stay within overpriced city walls.
Dubrovnik’s best hotels and accommodations are located in neighborhoods outside of the Old Town. Old Town has amazing sights, but it doesn’t have the best hotel selection. Instead, I recommend you to stay in quieter and more relaxing neighborhoods, like Lapad, where you’ll get to experience real Dubrovnik with true Mediterranean vibes and less-crowded beaches. Also, the hotels and restaurants in these neighborhoods will cost less.

Dubrovnik is divided into several major parts, and these are the ones you will most often come across:

Old Town

Dubrovnik’s historic center is the best-known part of Dubrovnik. This is the area within city walls and it’s pedestrian-only.
Most of the city’s main attractions are here. Besides historic buildings, in the Old Town, you will find plenty of restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops.
All important happenings in the city are happening in the Old Town. During the nights, you can hear music from many cafe bars and restaurants. That liveliness, many street musicians, and many people give to this city the soul and one special charm.
Read more about what to do in Dubrovnik Old Town.
Like any other city center, Old Town is busy and noisy and if you want peace and quiet, choose some other area.
Choices for hotels are very limited but there is plenty of private accommodation, which is more expensive than the other parts of Dubrovnik.
Also, note that there’s no parking in the Old Town so you’ll have to drag your suitcases through town.

Pile

Pile represents the main entrance to Dubrovnik’s Old Town. It’s a small but busy part of Dubrovnik, located just to the west of the city walls. It’s the final bus station when going to the Old Town and the commonplace for picking up a taxi.
This area is an important transport hub for the whole city and well known for constant traffic jams, especially in summer months.
Pile square is also a meeting point for all the walking tours and sea kayaking tours.
Popular and expensive Hilton Imperial hotel is located on Pile with a wonderful view of Fort Lovrijenac and the entrance into the City.

Ploče

Named after the Old Town’s southern entrance, Ploče Gate, this neighborhood lies on the coast, east of the city walls.
Ploče is the elite residential area with a magnificent view of the City Walls, Adriatic sea, and lush greenery of Lokrum Island.
Some of the city’s classiest hotels are located on the coast in this area, whose rooms offer a spectacular view.
If you decide to rent an apartment in this area, be prepared for a lot of stairs and hills. The beautiful view comes with a price.
Two popular beaches lie at the Ploče area, trendy and busy Banje beach and Sveti Jakov beach, more secluded and quiet one.
Ploče is a desirable place to stay because it blends the two best things about Dubrovnik: coastal views and historic city charm. Ploče is on the walking distance from Old Town and it’s almost as convenient as staying in the Old Town.
The only downside is that most of the accommodation here is expensive.

Gruž

Gruž is located 3km (1.8 miles) northwest of Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
Dubrovnik’s main port is located in Gruž, and it is the first stop for many visitors who arrive on cruise ships. The port for ferries to the nearby Elaphite Islands, Mljet, and Korčula, as well as the docking area for cruise ships, can be found here. It’s also popular with yacht owners and charter companies.
Gruž is a residential area that offers very little of historic interest to visitors. While hotels and restaurants are more affordable in Gruž, they are also less attractive and upscale than beachfront ones.
If you want to experience the best of Dubrovnik, staying in some more attractive part of the city would be better.
Gruž is well connected with Old Town by buses number 1A, 1B, 3 and 8 and ride takes 10-15 minutes.

Lapad

West of the Old Town is located Lapad Peninsula. On the peninsula is Lapad, the bay area that is often referred to as Uvala Lapad in order to differentiate it from the peninsula as a whole. It is situated just 5 minutes driving (2.5 km or 1 mile) from the Old Town. Lapad is the perfect place to stay if you’re interested in enjoying the natural beauty of Dubrovnik.
Its main attraction is a lovely pedestrian-only promenade lined with hotels, cafes, and bars. Another popular attraction is beachfront along the bay.
Lapad is also a very nice residential area. As can be expected from a more residential area, Lapad’s accommodation is still much more affordable than the options in Old Town or Ploče, making it a great place to stay without blowing your budget.
Public transport makes it easy to head to the Old Town. Buses stop every 10-15 minutes and it takes just 15 minutes to get from Lapad to the Old Town.
Lapad is peaceful, easily accessible by public transport and a reasonable place to stay.

Babin Kuk

This part is located on the Lapad Peninsula, less than 6.4km (4 miles) from the Old Town. Surrounded by the sea and beaches, and covered with Mediterranean vegetation, this quiet peninsula provides more of a resort experience than a cultural one. Away from the crowds in the Old Town, it’s a great choice for those who are looking for total relaxation.
Babin Kuk is home to several hotels in various price ranges.
It is great for families as there’s plenty of space for kids to get rid of the endless energy and the three-star hotels are child-friendly.
If you are looking for a luxurious five-star hotel to spoil yourself, Babin Kuk is a great choice as plenty of them is located there.
It’s also a great place for couples looking for relaxation on the beach and taking long romantic walks.
Babin Kuk has some of the best beaches in Dubrovnik. One of them is the Cava beach with a luxurious Coral Beach Club. See more on the best beaches in Dubrovnik.
Babin Kuk is connected with Old Town by bus number 6 that goes every 10-15 minutes and the ride takes 15 minutes.
This is one of the best parts to stay in Dubrovnik because it is peaceful, easily accessible by public transport and a reasonable place to stay.

Cavtat

Cavtat is a charming little harbor town located 15 kilometers (9 miles) south of Dubrovnik.
It is very peaceful and quiet, making it an ideal place to stay if you want to escape the crowds.
In general, accommodation in Cavtat is cheaper than in Dubrovnik, which makes it a great destination for long-stay holidays.
The most popular attraction is a lovely seaside promenade, which is great for yacht watching.
Along Cavtat’s waterfront, there are several restaurants, cafes, and bars where you can sit, relax and enjoy the scenery.
Cavtat is fantastic in the daytime for swimming, sunbathing and people watching but a bit boring in the evening.
Part of its appeal is its proximity to Dubrovnik Airport. While the Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a 30-minute drive from the airport, Cavtat is just five minutes away. This also means, if you stay there you’ll have to travel every day to Dubrovnik. For many, the idea of traveling 30 minutes by bus just to get to the Old Town of Dubrovnik is unpleasant.
Since it is a less known destination, there are fewer crowds, but there are also fewer restaurants and upscale hotel choices.
You should stay in Cavtat if you are looking for peace and quiet with frequent trips to Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik transport guide / Getting around Dubrovnik

There are no trains or trams in Dubrovnik, but the city bus system is very efficient. For those staying within comfortable walking distance of Old Town, everything important is accessible on foot.
Taxi – Taxi stands are at the airport, bus station, and at the Pile Gate. If you need to call a taxi, contact Radio Taxi (www.radiotaxidubrovnik.com; tel. 0800/0970). Rides start with 25kn on the meter and go up 8kn per kilometer.

Cameo Taxi: Probably the cheapest taxi in Dubrovnik. +385 20 212 212
Uber – Uber is also available and it is cheaper than a taxi.
Eko Taxi – Eko Taxi has almost the same prices as Uber! Sometimes it can even be cheaper. You can download their mobile app which is similar to Uber or make a call on +385 20 432 432.

By Car – Congestion and parking make driving in Dubrovnik stressful, and Old Town is pedestrian-only. Cars are best for excursions to nearby Pelješac or Ston.

Public transport by bus

City buses are the main type of public transport in Dubrovnik and they are very well organized. The bus system in Dubrovnik is run by the company Libertas. All city parts and suburban areas are connected by buses that run from every 10 to 30 minutes. The center (Old Town) is very well connected with all other parts of the city. The most popular bus stop is located in the area of Pile, which is at the entrance to the Old Town. You can see a map of all the city buses in the photo above. Schedules and route maps are available on the Libertas city timetable.

Which bus to take?

Dubrovnik bus tickets prices

Tickets for public transport can be purchased directly from the driver or at kiosks of Libertas which can be found in city parts Pile, Lapad, Gruž, and Mokošica.

1 hour ticket bought at a kiosk – 12 HRK (1.50 euro / 1.20 pounds / 1.70 $).
1 hour ticket bought at the bus – 15 HRK (2 euro / 1.80 pounds / 2.40 $).
A daily ticket  – 30 HRK (4 euro / 3.60 pounds / 4.80 $). Daily ticket lasts 24 hours from the first stamping and there is no restriction in the number of trips.

Children under 6 years accompanied by an adult don’t have to pay for public transport.
You need to enter the front door of the bus and stamp the ticket in the ticket-stamping device, which is located next to the driver.

Dubrovnik suburban transport

Public transport is also provided for suburban places. The suburban bus lines connect Dubrovnik with towns and villages along Dubrovnik Riviera, from Molunat in the southern part, to Ston and Pelješac peninsula in the north. The most popular places are Cavtat, Ston, Trsteno, Srebreno, Molunat.

How to get to Cavtat from Dubrovnik

Cavtat is the most popular suburban place is and it is very easy to reach it from Dubrovnik – local bus number 10 runs to Cavtat every 45 to 60 minutes, and the starting point is the main bus station in Gruž. Driving to Cavtat lasts 25 minutes and the ticket price is 25 HRK. See the schedules on the Dubrovnik Bus Terminal website. You can also travel between the two by boat – you can get a boat at the Old Port in the Old Town and in Gruž Port.
Cavtat is actually very close to Dubrovnik Airport. If you’re flying in it’s an easy taxi journey from the airport, which is only 5 km away.
Check out the timetable for suburban bus routes.

Dubrovnik main bus station

Dubrovnik’s main bus station is located right next to the ferry and cruise port in Gruž, about 3 km (1.9 miles) from the Old Town.
All buses from and to Dubrovnik depart and arrive at this bus station including all international bus lines as well as buses to major Croatian places. The airport bus also departs from here.
You can get following local buses from this station (see bus map):

•  Bus 1, 1a, 1b, 3 to Pile (Entrance to the Old Town)
• Bus 7 to Lapad and Babin Kuk
• Bus 8 to Ploče and Sveti Jakov beach

If none of the local buses are suitable, there is a taxi station at the terminal.

Services provided by Dubrovnik bus station

Information and sales services, taxi stand and newsstand, Tourist Information Office.
At the bus station, you will find the only “official” luggage storage in Dubrovnik.
They offer baggage storage in the short term, for a few hours, or long term – a day or week. You can pick it up a week later for a very affordable fee. They also sell luggage accessories such as luggage belts, locks, and tags.
Obala Stjepana Radića 40 (Dubrovnik main port – Gruž port)

Dubrovnik Port

Dubrovnik Ferry Port is located in Gruž Bay, 3 km (1.9 miles) from the Old Town and just next to Dubrovnik Main Bus Station. All the local and international ferries and catamarans from and to Dubrovnik operate from there (including the ones to the Elaphite islands). The big cruise ships dock at a separate part of a ferry port.

How to get from Dubrovnik Port to the Old Town

If you arrive on a cruise ship and you want to go to the Old Town you can go by:

1.  By ship organized transfer/shuttle bus – some cruise lines will charge for this service and others will not. Inquire about your Dubrovnik transfers, once on the cruise ship, at the Tour desk! These buses will also drop you off right by the Pile Gate where the pedestrian area of the Old town starts. The ride takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
2. By local bus – yes, there are 2 local bus stations on the main street in front of the cruise terminal. You will find it next to a little newspaper/magazine stall. Another one is next to the port building, across the hotel Petka. Just remember you will need some local currency to purchase the bus ticket.
3. By Taxi – There are always taxis available right in front of the cruise ship. They will charge you about or 70 HRK to Pile Gate, which is where you enter the Old Town. Split between up to 4 people it’s actually quite an affordable, quick and hassle-free way of getting to Dubrovnik Old town.
4. By Uber – Uber is also available and it is cheaper than a taxi.

How to get from Dubrovnik port to the cable car

You can go by public bus, taxi or Uber. Bus number 8 takes you directly to the cable car station.
You can also go by any bus that goes to Pile Gate and from there walk for 10-15 minutes. If you are short with the time you will find a lot of companies that do organized tours that take you to top of Mt Srd (same place where the cable car goes) and a few other panoramic stops. The price is 150,00 HRK or 20 euros.

Getting to and from the ferry terminal in Dubrovnik

If you are staying in Dubrovnik and want to reach the islands of Lopud, Šipan, Koločep, Mljet and so on, here is how you get to the ferry terminal from the different city parts.
From the old town to the ferry terminal, you can take bus numbers 1A, 1B, 3, 3A or 8 (another way around also applies).
If you’re staying in the city part Lapad, to reach the ferry terminal you have to take bus number 6.
If you’re staying in Babin Kuk and if you want to reach the ferry terminal, the bus numbers that you have to take are 6 and 7.

How to get to and from Dubrovnik airport

There are 3 ways to get from Dubrovnik airport to the Old Town: by shuttle bus, taxi or Uber.
Dubrovnik Airport ‘Čilipi’ is only 20 km from Dubrovnik city center (Old Town).

1. Shuttle bus

The cheapest way to get from the airport to Dubrovnik is by shuttle bus. It is run by the company Atlas. Not only is it cheaper, but a taxi can’t get you any closer to your final destination in the pedestrian-only Old Town than a bus would.

Airport to City schedule

The bus leaves about 20-30 minutes after every flight arrival.

City to Airport schedule

For City to Airport timetable please click here.
Drop off is in the Old Town is in front of the Pile Gate.
The journey time to the airport is approximately 30 minutes.

Shuttle bus ticket cost:

A one-way ticket is 40 HRK/6 EUR, while a return ticket is 70 HRK/10 EUR.

Where to purchase a ticket:

At the airport – Atlas travel agency counter – after you exit the baggage claim area, you will find it on the right-hand side.
You can buy tickets on the bus from the bus driver or online

From Dubrovnik to the airport, the bus stops at:

•  The main bus station in Gruž – departure time according to the timetable
• Bus stop near the Grawe building – approximately 3 min after
• Bus stop near the Dubrovnik Cable Car at Ploče next to the Old City – approximately 10 min after
• Bus stop in Srebreno – approximately 15 min after
• Bus stop in Plat – approximately 20 min after

2. Taxi

As soon as you pass the passport control and luggage collection, you will be bombarded by local taxi drivers offering you the transfer to the city.
A taxi to the Old Town should cost around 250-300 Kuna, which is the most expensive way to get to the city.

3. Uber

Uber is operating in Dubrovnik and it is cheaper than a taxi.
Uber from the airport should cost around 190 HRK.

How to get from Dubrovnik to Split

1. Dubrovnik to Split by Bus

Dubrovnik and Split are connected by numerous buses that run daily between these two cities. Journey time is around 4 hours 30 minutes. After about 2 hrs drive the bus passes through the Neum corridor (a 9 km long stretch of Bosnia & Herzegovina territory that stands between Central and South Dalmatia) where you get through passport checkpoint. Visa is not required when passing through the Neum corridor.
One way tickets cost from 125 HRK. You can book it in advance here.
They will email you a ticket and you will have to print the ticket off and give it to the bus driver. Alternatively, just buy a ticket at the main bus station the day before.

2. Dubrovnik to Split by Catamaran

This ferry route to Split is served by 2 companies, Kapetan Luka and Jadrolinija. In the high season, it runs 2 or 3 times per day from Dubrovnik. In the low season, this route does not run. Journey time is between 4 hours 10 minutes and 5 hours 55 minutes depending on the route.
Catamarans operate from April until November.
You can check out Dubrovnik to Split ferry schedule.

Kapetan Luka has a daily catamaran operating in both directions from Dubrovnik to Split.
The catamaran operates on 2 routes:
Dubrovnik – Pomena (Mljet) – Korčula – Hvar – Brač (Milna) – Split
Journey time between Dubrovnik and Split is 4 hours 10 minutes.
Dubrovnik – Sobra (Mljet) – Korčula – Makarska – Brač (Bol) – Split
Journey time between Dubrovnik and Split is 4 hours 30 minutes.
You can also split up the journey en route to Split e.g. Dubrovnik to Hvar or Brač and then stay there for a night or two.
You can book tickets online on the Kapetan Luka website – during peak season, this would be advisable.
The price is 210,00 HRK.
The catamaran does also operate in October, although only three times a week.

Jadrolinija also has a catamaran connecting Dubrovnik and Split. Operating daily from early June to mid-September, their catamaran stops at:
Brač (Bol) – Hvar( Hvar Town) – Korčula (Korcula Town)
Sailing time between Split and Dubrovnik is 5 hours and 55 minutes.
The price is 210,00 HRK.
You can buy tickets at Dubrovnik Port, or online at Jadrolinija’s website.

Parking

Central Dubrovnik can be a nightmare when it comes to parking, and it’s not uncommon to see visitors driving around in circles for hours in the hope of finding a free space. Public garage at Ilijina Glavica (Zagrebačka ulica, K-2) is probably the best place to park your vehicle, well-placed for people entering the city from the west. Parking costs 5 – 75kn per hour depending on which zone you’re in, and the season.
You can check the price list and parking zones.

City walls entrance & Fort Lovrijenac

People get confused about this a lot so I’ll explain it here.
City walls entrance is 200,00 KN and it includes Fort Lovrijenac. With that ticket, you can visit walls only once, but it is valid the next 3 days to visit Fort Lovrijenac.
Also, you can first visit Fort Lovrijenac, pay 50 KN fee, and do the walls later. Just save the ticket from the fort, show it at the entrance to the walls and you’ll pay 150 HRK instead of 200.
I hope this all makes sense.

Dubrovnik Card

The Dubrovnik Card allows free entry to 9 city attractions:

• Dubrovnik City Walls
• Cultural Historical Museum (located in the Rectors Palace!)
• Art Gallery Dubrovnik
• Dulcic-Masle-Pulitika Gallery
• Rupe Ethnographic Museum
• Natural History Museum
• Marin Drzic House
• Maritime Museum
• Friars Minor Franciscan Monastery Museum

South of Dubrovnik in a town called Cavtat, the Dubrovnik Card includes free entry/discounts to:

•  Vlaho Bukovac Home (Free with 3-Day and 7-Day card)
• Konavle Heritage Museum (Free)
• Racic Family Mausoleum (30% discount with 3-Day and 7-Day card)

By purchasing a Dubrovnik Card, you will get a bus card valid throughout the city of Dubrovnik, and also coupons for a suburban ride by purchasing 3 – Day and 7 – Day Dubrovnik Card.

Types and prices

Depending on the length of stay in Dubrovnik, you can buy 3 types of cards: 1-Day, 3-Day or 7-Day.
*If you buy online you’ll get 10% discount.

1-day Dubrovnik card

Price: 250,00 HRK (Buy online 225,00 HRK)
• Valid for 1 day (24 hours)
from the moment of activation when first visiting cultural and historical sights
• Free entrance to 6 museums, 2 galleries, and the city walls
• Offers 24-hour use of public transport
(the card becomes valid when first activated on a bus)
• Free 150-page guide
• Discounts & Special offers
• Free entrance for children up to 7 years and free public transport for children up to 7 years.

3-day Dubrovnik card

Price: 300,00 HRK (Buy online 270,00 HRK)
• Valid for 3 day
from the moment of activation when first visiting cultural and historical sights
• Free entrance to 6 museums, 2 galleries and the city walls in Dubrovnik and 1 museum in Cavtat
• Offers 6 rides on transport throughout the city of Dubrovnik as well as 2 coupons for 2 suburban rides on bus number 10 for Cavtat.
(the card becomes valid when first activated on a bus)
• Free 150-page guide
• Discounts & Special offers
• Discount of 30% on ticket
Račić Family Mausoleum
Lokrum Reserve
Dubrovnik Summer Festival
• Free entrance for children up to 7 years and free public transport for children up to 7 years.

7-day Dubrovnik card

Price: 350,00 HRK (Buy online 315,00 HRK)
• Valid for 7 day
from the moment of activation when first visiting cultural and historical sights
• Free entrance to 6 museums, 2 galleries and the city walls in Dubrovnik and 1 museum in Cavtat
• offers 10 rides on public transport throughout the city of Dubrovnik Dubrovnik as well as 4 coupons for 4 suburban rides on bus number 10 for Cavtat.
(the bus card becomes valid when first activated on a bus)
• Free 150-page guide
• Discounts & Special offers
• Discount of 30% on tickets
Račić Family Mausoleum
Mljet National Park
• Free entrance for children up to 7 years and free public transport for children up to 7 years.
• Discount of 50% on tickets
Lokrum Reserve
Dubrovnik Summer Festival

Where to purchase

The Dubrovnik Card can be bought at 47 sales outlets in Dubrovnik (tourist board offices, hotels, travel agencies). It can be bought online with a discount of 10%.

Where to pick up

Once you have purchased an ONLINE Dubrovnik Card, you can pick up your card at Dubrovnik Tourist Board offices upon the presentation of your voucher purchase.
– Tourist board office PILE, Brsalje 5
– Tourist board office GRUŽ, Obala Ivana Pavla II 1
– Tourist board office LAPAD, Masarykov put 2, Dvori Lapad
– Konavle Tourist Information office, CAVTAT, Zidine 6

Is the Dubrovnik Card worth buying?

Let’s look at how much these attractions would cost you without the Dubrovnik Card.

• Dubrovnik City Walls: 150kn (20€)

Entry to the walls alone nearly makes up for the cost of the Dubrovnik Card.
The following museums and galleries available through the Dubrovnik Card can be visited with a single ticket that costs 120kn (16€).

• Cultural-Historical Museum
• Maritime Museum
• Ethnographic Museum
• Art Gallery Dubrovnik
• Gallery Dulcic-Masle-Pulitika
• House of Marin Drzic
• Natural History Museum

Individual tickets to the attractions range from 30 to 80 HRK (4-10€).
Total cost for all city attractions included in Dubrovnik Card: 300kn (40€)
As you can see, the Dubrovnik Card is your best bet for visiting most of the city’s major attractions at an affordable price. Both the 1-Day and 3-Day cards are cheaper than paying individual entrance fees. Even the 7-Day card is only 15kn more, but it includes bus fare and other discounts.
The only case in which the Dubrovnik Card wouldn’t be worthwhile is if you were to skip all the attractions and just visit the city walls.

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