From Split To Dubrovnik – 2024 How To Travel Guide

This detailed Croatia transportation guide tells you how to travel from Split to Dubrovnik and between Dubrovnik and Split.

One of the questions we get asked the most is: “How can I get from Split to Dubrovnik?” or “How to get from Dubrovnik to Split?”Last year alone, we had hundreds of emails from people asking for details about this route. It is for sure one of the most popular routes!

In fact, I think that travel between Dubrovnik and Split is probably the most popular route on the Croatian coast, given so many people want to visit Dubrovnik and Split.

Both home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Diocletian’s Palace and the Dubrovnik Old Town, respectively—and boasting impressive waterfronts and beaches, superb seafood restaurants, centuries-old architecture, and incredible accommodation options, Dubrovnik and Split are absolute top destinations.

With that in mind, Split and Dubrovnik will undoubtedly be your itinerary’s anchor points in 2023. You will, therefore, need to know your options for travel from Dubrovnik to Split.

Split is about 230 km from Dubrovnik, and there are several ways to get between them. Driving is by far the most convenient way while taking a ferry trip like this along the Adriatic during the summer months is sure to be an enjoyable experience.

You also also have 20 to 30 daily bus connections at your disposal.

I have compiled all the options into this post to help you make the best decision for your Dubrovnik to Split transfer.

Dubrovnik To Split Map

Split To Dubrovnik By Car

Private Transfer From Split To Dubrovnik

By far, the most efficient and best way to travel from Split to Dubrovnik is by car. It is the fastest way to get between Dubrovnik and Split, taking about 3 hours, and to be honest, you have the most flexibility when traveling by car to take any travel route you like and make stops along the way.

For those who like to travel in style, don’t want the stress of driving in a foreign country, and wish to have someone knowledgeable taking care of the journey, a private transfer from Dubrovnik to Split is what you’re after.

A Dubrovnik to Split transfer is a superb way to travel; best of all, it removes the stress of worrying about border crossings, insurance, and navigating foreign roads.

A Split to Dubrovnik transfer will pick you up from your accommodation—no need to hunt down taxis or hike to the bus station. Then, you sit back and enjoy the Split to Dubrovnik drive. You also have the freedom to make any stops you’d like along the way. Heck, it’s a private transfer; that’s what you’re paying for! Private transfer from Dubrovnik to Split starts at 255 euros.

Split To Dubrovnik Excursion

Many travelers are increasingly taking advantage of having a driver and making the private transfer from Split to Dubrovnik into an excursion. Rather than going direct, they stop along the way, taking in the beautiful Dalmatian coastline and charming towns. Please take a look at this day trip to Dubrovnik from Split that is worth its price.

Some like to take the Split to Dubrovnik coastal route, which takes you through Omis, the Makarska Riviera down to Ploce, and then through Bosnia onto Opuzen and to Dubrovnik. A stop or perhaps lunch in Ston is also a must here, where you can sample Croatia’s best oysters and walk through those impressive city walls.

Alternatively, many choose to head to Mostar and spend a few hours there before continuing to Dubrovnik. Whatever the choice, it is a cost and time-effective way to see more of Croatia. Just be aware that the coastal road takes significantly longer in the summer season due to all the traffic in the seaside towns (traffic is much less in the winter season), so you’ll need to add another 1 to 1.5 hours to the journey time.

Split To Dubrovnik Taxi

Taking a taxi between Dubrovnik and Split sounds like a good idea as taxis are abundant in Dubrovnik and Split, and all of them would love to switch that meter on and take you for a “ride”! In short, a Split to Dubrovnik private transfer is cheaper with a better vehicle class, so do not even consider a Dubrovnik to Split taxi unless you want to pay lots of money!

Split To Dubrovnik Car Rental

If you do not want to take the bus and don’t have the budget for a Dubrovnik to Split transfer, perhaps rent a car in Split and drop it off in Dubrovnik. There are dozens of Dubrovnik and Split rental car companies offering this service. With a few people, this can prove to be a very cheap mode of transport if you book the car in advance and get a reasonable rate before the tourist season starts.

Split To Dubrovnik Drive

How Far is Split To Dubrovnik?

If you look up the route for driving from Dubrovnik to Split on Google Maps, it will seem straightforward: a three-hour drive. However, when traveling from Split to Dubrovnik by car, things are not as easy as they seem.

The distance from Split to Dubrovnik is about 229km, and the drive will take about 3 hours, subject to traffic and border delays, primarily occurring between June and August and, more severely, on weekends.

Taking The A1 Motorway From Split To Dubrovnik

This is the most direct route to Dubrovnik from Split and is your typical multi-lane motorway. From the center of Split, you head to the Dugopolje entry to the A1, get onto the motorway, and follow it for about 100km until you reach its end at Ploce. From there, it’s the coast road to Dubrovnik, not before crossing the borders at Neum or taking the Pelješac Bridge at the town of Komarna. Tolls will cost you around 8 euros.

Peljesac Bridge – No More Need To Go Through Bosnia

The Pelješac Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge in Dubrovnik-Neretva County that opened in 2022, connecting the Peljesac peninsula to the Croatian mainland at the town of Komarna. The bridge now provides a way to bypass Bosnia and Herzegovina’s short coastal strip at Neum, saves many hours of waiting at the border crossing, and allows travelers to stay in the territory of Croatia when traveling between Split or Dubrovnik. The bridge is 2.4km long and free to cross but is only limited to vehicles that can travel more than 60km/h, so no walking across the bridge.

Driving the Split to Dubrovnik Coastal Road D8 (E65)

Before the completion of the A1 motorway around ten years ago, the Adriatic Highway (Jadranska Magistrala) was the only way to reach Dubrovnik from Split by road. The Adriatic Highway runs all the way from above Rijeka to Croatia’s border with Montenegro. It is a stunning road to drive, with million-dollar views all the way. If time is on your side and you want to cruise along the spectacular Dalmatian coast, then take the coast road from Split to Ploce. You’ll take this route through Omis and the beautiful Makarska Riviera. These roads are very slow during high season, so expect the journey to take 4-5 hours and faster in low season.

Crossing The Neum Corridor When Driving From Split To Dubrovnik

If you do not use the bridge, you will go via BiH, and it involves two border crossings—into Bosnia-Herzegovina, which is not an EU member state, and back into Croatia. Known as the Neum Corridor, this extremely short stretch of coastline can pose significant problems if your documents are not in order.

Questions like “Do you need a visa?” and “Do you need extra insurance?” are valid. There is an agreement between the Croatian and Bosnia-Herzegovinian governments that allows tourists to cross this section without border control, with the condition that they don’t stop on the way. The legal details, however, are somewhat vague.

This agreement was never officially ratified, and border officials may interpret the law differently. Also, the agreement would only apply to cars registered in Croatia. So, suppose you’ve rented a car in Italy or Slovenia and are driving along the Adriatic coast. In that case, you may not be allowed to cross the border without a visa, extra insurance, or another document. Always check with your car rental company to see whether you can leave the European Union.

More than 99% of the time, however, there will not be a problem with traveling from Dubrovnik to Split by car and vice versa via the Neum Corridor. There have, however, documented cases of people who were stopped. Also, EU residents and people from Switzerland, Norway, and Liechtenstein can cross the border with just a passport or ID card.

Residents from other countries will need a passport and will get a stamp each time they cross a border. You may want to avoid this route if you have a single-entry visa for Croatia.

Drive From Split To Dubrovnik – Ploce To Trpanj Ferry

With the bridge’s construction, this route is not practical anymore, as taking the bridge is significantly faster. Perhaps if the bridge is closed at some point, you can take the ferry to Trpanj on the Peljesac Peninsula from Ploce to continue driving toward Dubrovnik.

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What To See When Traveling From Dubrovnik To Split

Since you are going to the trouble of driving from Split to Dubrovnik, it makes sense to take advantage of the journey and explore & experience some of the sites and attractions along the way. Perhaps visit some coastal towns like Brela, Tucepi, or Podgora, or if you are into adventure Zip Lining in Omis, hiking Biokovo Mountain, or Cetina rafting. If that’s not your thing, then perhaps wine tasting in Komarna at Volarevic, Rizman, or Terra Madre wineries, followed by lunch in a traditional restaurant in Ston, the town famous for producing Croatia’s best oysters. In any case, here is a list of things to do / attractions/towns when traveling between Dubrovnik and Split:

• Klis Fortress
• Explore seaside towns, e.g., Brela, Igrane, Podgora
• Bacina Lakes
• Wine tasting in Komarna or the Peljesac Peninsula, e.g., Matusko Winery, Rizman Winery,
• Ston – Lunch – sample some of the delightful oysters, walk the wall fortifications that surround the town, and visit the salt museum
• Trsteno Arboretum
• Head inland to Herzegovina and visit Medjugorje, Mostar, and Blagaj

Catching The Dubrovnik To Split Bus

Backpackers and budget travelers may want to grab a Split to Dubrovnik bus, and they’re in luck. If you wish to catch a Split bus or a Dubrovnik bus, there are numerous options when traveling from Dubrovnik to Split by bus.

How Many Daily Departures Are There From Split To Dubrovnik?

Traveling by bus in Croatia is super easy as services are abundant. With there being no train connection between Split and Dubrovnik, buses are the major form of public transport. An excellent network operates between Split and Dubrovnik, with the journey taking around 4 to 5 hours, depending on which route you take (coastal or highway) and the stops you make along the way. Bus companies offer around 10-20 daily routes for a one-way ticket price at 13-23€. The earliest bus departs Split at 2:30 a.m. and arrives in Dubrovnik at 6:45 a.m., while the last bus ride of the day leaves Split at 6:45 p.m. and arrives just before midnight.

When traveling from Split to Dubrovnik by bus, your journey will begin at Split Bus station or Dubrovnik bus station if you are headed the other way. Both bus stations are conveniently located, with the Split Bus station at the Port of Split, a short walk from the Riva, and the Dubrovnik bus station in Gruz Port.

With so many buses from Dubrovnik to Split, bus travel from Split to Dubrovnik is straightforward and affordable. Buses between the cities are very frequent, every 30 minutes or so, so you won’t have any trouble getting a bus ticket; however, we recommend buying your ticket online in advance, so there is no risk, and you can get the bus you want.

If you are returning to your home country, you can quickly jump on the Split or Dubrovnik airport bus to get you to Dubrovnik or Split Airport from the respective bus stations.

In summary, if you have time on your side and are looking for the cheapest way to get to Dubrovnik, taking the Split to Dubrovnik bus or the Dubrovnik to Split bus will be your best bet.

Flights From Split To Dubrovnik

The fastest way to travel from Split to Dubrovnik is by plane. The flight time is around 40 minutes. Croatia Airlines operates direct flights from Split to Dubrovnik; however, this is only twice a week.

Also, note that no direct flights from Dubrovnik to Split require a stopover in Zagreb. Therefore, you are out of luck if you need a Dubrovnik to Split flight. The fastest option is to use a Split to Dubrovnik transfer.

Furthermore, once you land in Dubrovnik, you need to take the bus, taxi, or Dubrovnik airport transfer to your accommodation. You are not saving any time when you factor in getting to Split Airport, waiting for the flight, flying time, and then getting from Dubrovnik Airport to your hotel. Split to Dubrovnik by plane is not an excellent option for travel between the two cities.

Catching The Split To Dubrovnik Ferry Route

How Long Is The Ferry Ride From Split To Dubrovnik?

The travel time between Split and Dubrovnik is just under 5 hours. You might have assumed that catching the Dubrovnik to Split ferry, a region well-known for its beautiful islands, is easy. Unfortunately, there is no direct ferry between Dubrovnik and Split.

There is currently no direct car fast ferry from Split to Dubrovnik. There is, however, a Catamaran from Split to Dubrovnik, which takes foot passengers only and has a few stops along the way.

The good news is, if time is on your side and you would like to catch a ferry from Split to Dubrovnik, it’s just under a 5-hour journey with four stops.

Krilo Catamaran Ferry

Krilo offers 2 Split to Dubrovnik catamaran services. The first being Split – Brac – Hvar Island – Korcula – Mljet – Dubrovnik, and Split – Brac Island- Makarska – Korcula – Mljet – Dubrovnik. Krilo ferry companies run from April until the end of October.

Jadrolinija Catamaran

Jadrolinija Ferries 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 approx 45 euros. The ferry departs Dubrovnik at 7:00 a.m. and arrives in Split at 12:55 p.m.

It then leaves Split at 3:30 p.m. and comes back to Dubrovnik at 9:25 p.m. It is also worth noting that these ferry services fill quickly, so get in early to buy your Dubrovnik to Split ferry tickets here. They can be purchased online, which is the best way to secure your catamaran ticket, or in person.

If you plan to visit a few islands on your Croatian holiday as you travel from Split to Dubrovnik, the best 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 ride.

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.

TP Catamaran

This high speed catamaran is new as of 2024. Service operates between Dubrovnik and Split with stops in Korčula, Hvar, and Brač (Milna).

There are two daily departures from Dubrovnik at 8:05 AM and 3:15 PM and two daily departures from Split at 9:15 AM and 3:15 PM.

This is another great way to see the islands located between the two destinations, as you can disembark at any stop along the way to stay for the day.

The service runs from the beginning of June to the end of September annually. 

Charter A Yacht

Is there anything more romantic than sailing from Dubrovnik to Split? If you love sailing, you can arrange a yacht charter in Croatia to reach Dubrovnik from Split via a boat rental platform.

Seasoned sailors can book a bareboat charter, spend their days sailing from Split to Dubrovnik, and explore the Adriatic Sea at their own pace on an island-hopping trip that can take them to some of Croatia’s brightest gems, such as Hvar, Korcula, and Brac. Skippered yacht charters are also available in Split and Dubrovnik if you don’t want the responsibility of sailing.

Split To Dubrovnik Train Tickets

Is there a train between Split and Dubrovnik?

Unfortunately, taking a train from Split to Dubrovnik is not possible! There is no Dubrovnik to Split train, making a train trip between Split and Dubrovnik impossible!

You can get as far as Ploce by train from Split, and from there, you will need to take a Dubrovnik taxi transfer or bus for the remainder of the tip.

Transfer From Split Airport To Dubrovnik

Sometimes, your options are limited when booking flights, and you end up flying into another city. This is quite common with people traveling to both Split and Dubrovnik. If this is you, your best and fastest option is taking a Split Airport to Dubrovnik transfer, renting a car at Split Airport, and driving to Dubrovnik.

Transfer From Dubrovnik Airport To Split

The same applies to Dubrovnik Airport. Take a Dubrovnik Airport to Split transfer or rent a car from Dubrovnik Airport and drive yourself. If you attempt public transport, getting to Split will take considerably longer.

Transfer From Split or Dubrovnik Airport to Croatia’s Marina’s

Nautical tourism is booming in Croatia. Numerous marinas are scattered along the Dalmatian coast, such as Marina Agana, Marina Baotic, Marina Dalmacija, ACI Marina Split, ACI Marina Dubrovnik, ACI Marina Trogir, and ACI Marina Slano, to name a few. Almost all travelers arrive at Dubrovnik or Split Airports and need transport to the Marina to get to their boats, and the best way to do so is by private transfer.

With that said, getting from Dubrovnik to Split still has many options, so take your pick on how you plan on traveling from Dubrovnik to Split!

Things To Do When Traveling From Split To Dubrovnik

As mentioned earlier in this post, making stops when traveling between Split and Dubrovnik has become extremely popular. It’s both a cost and time-effective way of seeing many additional sites on your Croatian holiday. So what are some of the things to see between Dubrovnik and Split? Here you go:

• Stunning beaches along the Makarska Riviera
• Omis, where you can go rafting on the Cetina River or perhaps zip-lining
• Visit the beachside towns of Brela, Tucepi, Gradac, Baska Voda, Podgora
• Bacina Lakes
• Narona Archaeological Museum
• Head to Bosnia and visit Mostar, Kravice waterfalls, Blagaj, or Vjetrenica caves
• Check out the Trsteno Arboretum and the Game of Thrones film locations
• Ston, where you can have lunch, try oysters, or even walk the 5km walk fortification
• Perhaps some wine tasting in Komarna or lunch at Rizman Winery

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Split To Dubrovnik Day Trip – Yes or No?

If you are short on time and want to see Dubrovnik or Split, then absolutely yes. Just be prepared for a long day!

A Dubrovnik to Split day trip is a long drive. It will take about 6 hours, and then you typically get 4 hours to explore the city. If you have more time up your sleeve, plan to spend some time in Split or Dubrovnik. We recommend staying overnight so you can maximize your time.