A visit to Croatia is not complete without spending some time in both Split and Dubrovnik. But what's the best way to get between Croatia's two most popular cities?
How to get from Split to Dubrovnik & Dubrovnik to Split
When visiting Croatia, it’s definitely a great idea to tour around a little. Split and Dubrovnik are two of the must-see destinations. Public transport is easy to use and cheap enough, so why not visit a few places in one day? Various different transportation options make it easy to get from Split to Dubrovnik, and you can even choose to fly from Dubrovnik Airport back to your home country, where you can travel to a multitude of destinations.
Split, Croatia offers so many activities! Make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to explore the main attractions, including Diocletian’s Palace and breathtaking Cathedral of Saint Domnius. Outdoor enthusiasts won't want to miss Marjan for a great photo op, and don't forget Hvar is nearby as well. When you've done all there is in Split and are looking to move on, Dubrovnik is an ideal destination.
There are several options for transportation from Split to Dubrovnik, and it's really up to you to choose the one that suits your needs best. Let's look at each option one by one, so you can figure out the best way to get from Split to Dubrovnik. But before we do here are some fast facts to get us started.
Drive from Split to Dubrovnik
The most freedom-inducing way to travel between Split to Dubrovnik, and indeed back from Dubrovnik to Split, is to drive yourself. You can hire a car in either destination and drop it off in the other city, if you choose a large brand car hire company. Prices will depend totally upon the vehicle you choose, so shop around for the best deal. Is it safe to drive in Croatia? Yes!
Driving from Dubrovnik to Split on Google Maps seems straightforward, a three-hour trip. However, when you travel by car from Split to Dubrovnik, things are not so straightforward. There are 229km between Split and Dubrovnik, and the drive will take about three hours, depending on traffic and border delays, primarily on weekends and between June and August.
From Split to Dubrovnik, take the A1 motorway
This is the most direct route to Dubrovnik from Split and is your typical multi-lane motorway. From Split, you head to the Dugopolje entry to the A1 motorway and drive to the end of it, about 100km, until you reach Ploce. From there, it's the stunning coast road to Dubrovnik, but not before either crossing the border at Neum or taking the Pelješac Bridge at Komarna. The motorway tolls will cost you around 8 euro.
No More Border Crossing at Neum - Take the Peljesac Bridge
The Pelješac Bridge was opened in 2022, bridging the Peljesac peninsula to Croatia's mainland at Komarna. It allows an alternate route to bypass Bosnia and Herzegovina's coastal strip at Neum, thus saving hours spent waiting at the border crossing and ensuring travelers remain in Croatian territory when travelling between Split or Dubrovnik. Measuring 2.4km long, vehicles are required to exceed 60 km/h in order to cross the bridge, making it off limits for pedestrians.
Split-Dubrovnik coastal road D8 (E65)
Before the A1 motorway was completed a decade ago, the Adriatic Highway (Jadranska Magistrala) was the only way to drive from Split to Dubrovnik. The road runs along the Dalmatian coast, stretching from Rijeka to Croatia's border with Montenegro. It's a beautiful journey, with amazing views on offer for much of the route. Therefore, for those with more time available, travelling from Split to Ploce via Omis and Makarska Riviera could be an option; however, you should be aware that traffic can be slow in summertime and this trip could take 4-5 hours.
Crossing the Neum Corrdidor in Bosnia and Herzegovnia
You will need to cross two border crossings in Bosnia-Herzegovina, which is not an EU member state, if you don't use the Peljesac bridge and decide to take this route. The Neum Corridor is an extremely short stretch of coastline (9km) which separates Dubrovnik from Split and you may face some problems if your documents are not in order when crossing these borders now that Croatia is in the Schengen Zone. You will need to investigate whether visa's are required depending on the passport you hold.
Split to Dubrovnik by Car
As mentioned earlier, in our opinion, the best way to travel between Split and Dubrovnik is by car. Its the most efficient, flexible, and easiest way to get to your destination. When traveling by car you can stop where you like, take any route you like and travel at your own pace.
Split to Dubrovnik Private Transfer
If you prefer to have someone take care of everything and drive you from Split to Dubrovnik then a private transfer from Dubrovnik to Split is what you’re after. Nothing beats hassle free travel in Croatia. A Dubrovnik to Split transfer is a superb way to travel and best of all, it takes away the stress of worrying about border crossings, insurances, and navigating foreign roads. A Split to Dubrovnik private transfer will pick up from your accommodation, no need to hunt down taxi’s or go hiking to the split bus station, and then you just sit back and enjoy the Split to Dubrovnik drive. You also have the freedom to make any stops you’d like along the way! Transfer prices start at 255 Euro and you can boo here: Octopus Transfers Croatia.
Car Rental and Driving from Split to Dubrovnik
Renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace. Whether taking the A1 motorway or the coastal D8 route, driving allows you to make stops along the way and relish the journey. The down side is that you have the burden of driving and finding parking which can be tricky in both Split and Dubrovnik.
Split to Dubrovnik Bus
Travelling by bus between Split and Dubrovnik is the most cost-efficient way to make the journey. There are a large number of companies that offer services along this route, with each trip taking no more than 4 hours and costing around 20 Euros. The good news is there are numerous buses services running daily (around 20-30 services). Check the timetable online for exact departure times and you can get tickets from Dubrovnik Main Bus station and Split Bus Station respectively or online. Lastly, you also have 1 overnight Dubrovnik to Split bus which may suit some travelers.
Split to Dubrovnik Ferry
You can travel between Dubrovnik and Split by ferry, usually a fast catamaran, which will give you a very scenic journey, and a chance to check out the coastline from a different viewpoint too. This journey takes about 5 hours and there is no direct Split to Dubrovnik ferry service. The Catamaran services that run from Split to Dubrovnik make stops at various islands along the way. You have 3 companies offering the catamaran services which are Kapetan Luka, TP Line and Jadrolinija, all of which are for foot passengers only.
Krilo offers 2 Split to Dubrovnik catamaran services. The first being Split - Brac - Hvar - Korcula - Mljet - Dubrovnik, and Split - Brac - Makarska - Korcula - Mljet - Dubrovnik. Krilo ferry services run from April until the end of October and cost 23 euros.
Jadrolinija also offers a Dubrovnik to Split catamaran service with three stops: Hvar, Bol, and Korcula. This service runs from June until the end of September and costs 30 euros. These ferry services fill quickly, so get in early to buy your Dubrovnik to Split ferry tickets. They can be purchased online, which is the best way to secure your catamaran ticket.
The TP line route is Split - Milna - Hvar - Korcula - Pomena - Dubrovnik and the price is 45 Euro.
If you plan to visit a few islands on your Croatian holiday as you travel from Split to Dubrovnik, the great idea is to use the catamaran services. E.g., Catch the Split to Hvar catamaran, which takes you right into Hvar town, spend a few days in Hvar, and then catch the Hvar to Dubrovnik catamaran.
Additionally, many people like to use the catamaran services for day trips, e.g., Split to Hvar day trip, Dubrovnik to Korcula day trip, or other Dubrovnik and Split day trips.
Split to Dubrovnik Flight
If you really want you can fly from Split to Dubrovnik. Do remember, this option is probably going to cost you the most but to be honest you wont save much time. The flight time takes around 45 minutes direct, but when you factoring in arriving at the airport 1 hour before, getting a taxi to the airport and then a taxi from the airport to your hotel you will have lost 3-4 hours. With that said, travel by car is only 3 hours so its cheaper, more efficient and way more scenic to take a private transfer.
Split to Dubrovnik Train
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service between Split and Dubrovnik. Travelers interested in the train experience can consider reaching the nearest station in Ploce and then taking a bus to Dubrovnik
Conclusion
Whether you choose the efficiency of a private transfer, the freedom of a car rental, the affordability of a bus, the scenic route of a ferry, or the aerial view of a flight, the journey from Split to Dubrovnik promises an unforgettable experience. As you traverse the coastal landscapes and delve into the rich cultural tapestry, each mode of transportation adds its own charm to the adventure. Select the option that suits your preferences and embark on a journey through the Croatian Riviera, where every mile tells a story of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get from Split to Dubrovnik?
There are many options available when traveling from Split to Dubrovnik which include: driving yourself using a rental car or if you prefer to sit back and relax, taking a private transfer is a very popular option. In addition, you have a number of ferry connections which make stops on islands on route, as well as 20-30 daily bus connnections, and lastly you have a few direct flights offered by Trade Air.
What is the best way to get from Split to Dubrovnik?
By far the best way is to travel by car from Split to Dubrovnik. Its the fastest, most convenient and the scenery is stunning.
What is the distance between Split and Dubrovnik?
It is around 230 km.
How long does it take to get between Split and Dubrovnik?
By car the Dubrovnik to Split travel time is 3 hours. The Split to Dubrovnik Bus is around 4 hours and the ferry is 4.5 hours to 6 hours depending on the ferry you take.
How much is a transfer from Split to Dubrovnik?
The price for a Split to Dubrovnik transfer is 255 Euro for a car that seats 1-3 passengers.
How much is the bus from Dubrovnik to Split?
The average price for a Split to Dubrovnik bus ride is 20 Euro.
Is there a direct train between Split and Dubrovnik?
There is no direct train service between Split and Dubrovnik. The nearest station is in a town called Ploce but it will take you forever to get there and then you need to get a bus from Ploce to Dubrovnik.
How long is the ferry ride between Dubrovnik and Split?
The Split to Dubrovnik ferry is from 4.5 hours to 6 hours depending on the ferry you catch.
Things to do in Dubrovnik
Once in Dubrovnik, you won’t be short of things to see and do. What to see in Dubrovnik? This is one of the most popular destinations in the whole of Croatia, and it is a wonderful spot to visit during the summer months in particular. The beaches are sublime, and there is plentiful history to check out, including the Walls of Dubrovnik and Lovijenac, the old fortress with stunning views. Be sure to head to Dubrovnik Cathedral too. If you still feel the need to travel, you can head back from Dubrovnik to Hvar with ease to.
Travelling between the two destinations is certainly easy to do, and it is a painless experience. For the sake of just a few hours’ travelling, you’ll get to see so much more of Croatia. Will you start in Split or Dubrovnik? They’re both fantastic, it’s down to personal choice!
Things to do when traveling between Split and Dubrovnik
One of the biggest advantages when traveling from Split to Dubrovnik is to make stops along with way. Here are some suggestions:
- Stop in Ston - Perhaps walk the wall fortifcation, try some oysters or have lunch at a local seaside tavern.
- Drive along the Makarska Riviera
- Visit Bacina Lakes
- Go wine tasting - Perhaps visit Dingac, Croatia's most famous wine region, and visit some wineries on the Peljesac peninsula or the Komarna wine region.
- Head to Bosnia and Herzegovina and visit Mostar, Blagaj, Pocitelj, Medjugorje or Kravice Falls.
- Visit the seaside towns of Omis, Brla, Tucepi or Podgora.
