Getting from Split to Dubrovnik and Dubrovnik to Split Guide

How to get from Split to Dubrovnik? First, I want to say that there are many ways to do it. I have done the ride between these two towns for at least 50 times, and I would like to share my feedback with you. In this article, I will describe all the ways of reaching Dubrovnik from Split. Also, you can use the same information when getting from Split to Dubrovnik!

Many times readers place this question on my blog. Sometimes it’s not easy to repeat the same information all the time. Therefore, I am putting this information together to help you dear traveler! I promise that I will try to be as concise as much as I can. I do this in order to give you a right and distilled information that will save your time.

Getting from Split to Dubrovnik – table of content:

1. Driving from Split to Dubrovnik

2. Private transfers between Split and Dubrovnik

3. Split to Dubrovnik by bus

4. Split to Dubrovnik by ferries and catamarans

5. FAQ

6. Conclusion

1. Driving from Split to Dubrovnik

Distance between Split and Dubrovnik is 220 kilometers (approximately 140 miles). On the map above I have chartered most feasible and shortest way between these two towns. This way is along D8 coastal road that connects Croatian littoral area.

You can rent a car and drive yourself along this way. This ride lasts for about 3 hours if you don’t stop along the way. But, I suggest you to stop in some nice coastal towns that could be seen on the way (like Omis and Ston) . This road trip can easily become nice tour experience!

Cost of the car hire varies because of the vehicle size and the season. Minimum cost of the car hire in Croatia is 40 Euro. Also, on this ride you will need to drive through Bosnian coastal strip that splits Croatia in two parts. Bosnian coastal area is 22 kilometers long, capital of this area is Neum town. Accordingly, you would need to advise the car hire company about the crossing of the Bosnian territory. Because of that, some additional charges (insurance) might be applied by the car rental companies. In addition, you would need to show your passport on this border. It needs to have valid visa (with multiple entries) for Croatia.

TOP TIP:

There are many companies that do car rentals here in Croatia (Avis, Hertz and so on…). However, I have to say that locally I have used Viator Last Minute Rent a Car and I was always happy with their prices and customer oriented service.

2. Private transfers between Split and Dubrovnik

Private transfer from Split to Dubrovnik is by far the most convenient way of traveling between these two cities. These transfers could be done either by land or by the sea. Of course, this costs more than catamarans, transfers and car hire options.

• 1. Split to Dubrovnik by a private land transfer
• 2. Getting to Dubrovnik by a private boat transfer

1. Split to Dubrovnik by a private land transfer – private land transfer from Split to Dubrovnik by a sedan car or by mini van is a great option. I say this since you don’t have to think about car rentals. You don’t have to be stressed about driving in the foreign country and border crossings either. Your experienced driver takes you on a smooth ride and there is not much to think about. Also, you could rent a driver/guide that could show you some main sites along the way. Dubrovnik private tour from Split is an excellent way of doing this. Average cost of private transfer from Split to Dubrovnik is 250 Euro.

2. Split to Dubrovnik by a private boat transfer – private boat transfer to Dubrovnik is by all means the most convenient way of traveling in the Adriatic. There is also a huge demand for private boats. Therefore, there are many companies offering this type of service. I have used the services of Atlantis Marine Company many times and I was always happy with them.

TOP TIP:

Definitely, this is the most expensive way of traveling and you really have to look into it deeply (we all have our budgets, ways of traveling and the idea of a great holiday). Of course, take your time when doing this.

3. Split to Dubrovnik by bus

This is a great way of traveling if you are on a budget. You can catch a bus on a main bus station in Split. This bus station is located in the port of Split. Hence, it is very easy to find. Even though it is easy to find, I will provide you here with the link of the exact location of main bus terminal in Split. Bus ride to Dubrovnik lasts for 4,5 hours. Bus ticket price is 100 Kuna (approximately 14 Euro) each way.

Also, here you will find Split to Dubrovnik bus timetable and contact information. You can’t buy tickets online, you need to do it directly over the counter. Of course, you can always call and check the availability.

In Dubrovnik, buses stop on the main bus terminal which is in the port of Gruz. In addition to that – here is the exact arrival location.

TOP TIP:

Old town of Dubrovnik is approximately 4 km away from the bus station. However, you can take one of the local buses from the main bus station and head to the old town of Dubrovnik. Additionally, here is the link of the local bus provider in Dubrovnik with the timetable of the local buses. You can buy tickets on bus. Also, cost of the bus ticket to the old town in Dubrovnik is approximately 15 Kuna (2 Euro).

4. Split to Dubrovnik by ferries and catamarans

There is only one company providing ferries in Croatia. Name of this company is Jadrolinija. It is owned by Croatian government. Even though main tourist season in Croatia lasts just for 6 months, Jadrolinija ferries run all year round. Ferries take passengers and cars likewise. However, ferries don’t connect Dubrovnik to Split anymore. This line was discontinued in 2014. With this in mind, we are heading to the catamarans.

There are two companies providing this catamaran service, and these companies are:

• Jadrolinija
• Kapetan Luka

• Jadrolinija – I wrote about it earlier in terms of ferry services. This company also offers catamaran service that connects Split to Dubrovnik. Their catamarans hold up to 350 passengers. Also, Jadrolinija catamarans are air conditioned vessels with comfortable airline seats.

Jadrolinija catamarans meeting point is in the Port of Split. Here is the exact Google location of the Pier of St. Nicholas where Jadrolinija catamarans meet. Name of this pier is Gat sv. Nikole in Croatian. Ticket price is 220 kuna per person (approximately 30 Euro) to Split each way. As for the luggage is being concerned, you can leave it on the racks that are available once you board the catamaran. So, luggage is not a concern at all. During the ride, catamarans make stops on Brac, Hvar and Korcula islands. Also, this catamaran ride lasts for almost 6 hours.

Please find below Jadrolinija Split to Dubrovnik catamaran schedule for 2020:

Finally, here is Jadrolinija official web site where you can book catamarans online.

• Kapetan Luka – is privately own provider of catamaran services in Croatia. Their services are not available all year round. They operate from 01.04 until 31.10. Therefore you can book them for those dates only. Kapetan Luka catamarans hold up to 440 passengers.

Meeting for Kapetan Luka (Krilo.hr) catamarans is in the port of Split. Here is the exact meeting location of Kapetan Luka catamarans that connect Split to Dubrovnik. Kapetan Luka catamarans meet on the pier of St. Nicholas (Gat sv. Nikole in Croatian). Ticket price is 220 kuna per person (approximately 30 Euro) to Split each way. As for the luggage is being concerned, you can leave it on the racks that are available once you board the catamaran. So, luggage is not a concern at all. During the ride, catamarans make stops on Brac, Hvar, Mljet and Korcula islands. Also, this catamaran ride lasts for approximately 4 1/2 hours.

Please find below Kapetan Luka Dubrovnik to Split catamaran schedule for 2020:

In the end, here is Kapetan Luka (krilo.hr) offical website where you can book catamarans online.

TOP TIP:

Both companies (Jadrolinija and Kapetan Luka) offer pretty much the same catamaran service to Dubrovnik. You can buy tickets in their booths that are located in the port of Dubrovnik. However, I suggest you to book the tickets online. After all, this is definitely more convenient and you will skip the lines.

Arrival to Dubrovnik by catamaran

Jadrolinija – their catamarans arrive to Gruz port in Dubrovnik. Here is the exact landing location of Jadrolinija catamarans in the Gruz port in Dubrovnik.

Kapetan Luka – their catamarans arrive to Gruz port in Dubrovnik. Here is the exact Google location of their landing location in Dubrovnik Gruz port.

Both companies land in the port of Dubrovnik. This is in town, but not in the old town. Ferry port of Dubrovnik is approximately 4 km from the Dubrovnik town center. From the piers where the catamarans land it is very easy to reach the old town of Dubrovnik. Bus station and taxis are very central, not far from landing piers. As a result of that, it is very easy to travel to the center of Dubrovnik.

5. FAQ

Can I drive from Split to Dubrovnik?

Yes. Drive between Split and Dubrovnik lasts for 3,5 hours. Valid driver license is required for the car rentals. This is a very pleasant coastal drive.

Where to stop from Split to Dubrovnik?

There are many scenic places on a drive between Split and Dubrovnik. Here is a list of towns:
1. Omis – town known for beautiful architecture and river canyon
2. Makarska – beautiful coastal town, center of Makarska Riviera
3. Neum – bosnian town on Adriatic coast
4. Ston – medieval town with stunning walls and ramparts

What can I see from Split to Dubrovnik?

You can see great scenes of beautiful Adriatic coastline along the way. Visit Omis, Makarska, Neum and Ston towns. Admire and soak up the local atmosphere in these places.

How far is Split to Dubrovnik?

Distance between Split and Dubrovnik is 220 kilometers (140 miles). You can cover it by:
1. Bus
2. Catamaran (ferry)
3. By private transfer
4. By driving yourself (car hire)

Split versus Dubrovnik?

Split. Although, both towns are beautiful, my voice goes to Split. This town has a better location on the Adriatic coast. From Split you can easily explore south Croatia and south-west Bosnia Herzegovina. Dubrovnik is slightly isolated on Croatian south.

How do I get from Split to Dubrovnik by car?

You can rent a car and drive yourself along D8 road. This ride lasts for about 3 hours if you don’t stop along the way. But, I suggest you to stop in some nice coastal towns that could be seen on the way (like Omis and Ston) . This road trip can easily become nice tour experience!

6. Conclusion

All right dear reader! I hope that I’ve posted some useful information here, information that might help you to organize your journey from Split to Dubrovnik. If you have some questions, please feel free to post them in the comments section. I will gladly reply! Finally, I wish you a wonderful holiday in Croatia!