Travelling from Split to Dubrovnik is one of the most scenic journeys along the Croatian coast, and there are several ways to make the trip depending on your style, budget, and schedule!
Whether you’re after a leisurely ferry ride, a scenic coastal drive, or a quick flight, this complete guide will walk you through all the best options – with tips to make the most of your journey.
Both cities are magical, and it’s where you’ll begin or end your adventure around Croatia, in particular exploring the stunning Dalmatian Islands, a route I have taken many times!
In this guide, I’ll give you an overview of what’s possible, including all the best ways to get from Split to Dubrovnik, the costs, durations and schedules, so you can choose, which best fits your itinerary!
Split Quick Overview
Split is incredibly well linked and makes a convenient travel base, especially for those taking the ferry as the harbour is only a 15-minute walk from the gorgeous Riviera!
The Riviera and Diocletian’s Palace form part of the old town of Split, which is the main hub and where most visitors stay, although it is entirely pedestrianised, the area is super walkable!
Taxi’s and private transfers can be taken from either side of the ‘Riva’ while the bus/coach station is a ten-minute walk away towards the ferries. The airport is 40-minutes to an hour drive away.
Dubrovnik Quick Overview
Dubrovnik – the ‘pearl of the Adriatic’ and stunning walled city is slightly less convenient for transport further afield as the ferry and main bus/coach station is 3km outside of the old town – in Gruz.
Dubrovnik’s old town harbour only covers shorter distances and the smaller islands that surround Dubrovnik on sail or speedboats – don’t make the mistake of going there for your ferry!
Taxis are located on either side of the pedestrianised old town, Pile Gate and Ploce Gate, while the airport is much closer – around 25 minutes from the old town – and a super scenic journey!
Split To Dubrovnik Transport Options
Here’s a quick summary of the 6 different ways to get from Split to Dubrovnik and below I will break down all the details from schedules, costs to timings and more!
- By Ferry: €50 – 4.5-6 hours
- By Car: €40 – 3.5 hours
- By Bus: €15 – 4.5-6 hours
- By Private Driver: €300 – 3 hours
- By Guided Tour: €100+
- By Plane: €100 – 45 minute flight
6 WAYS TO GET FROM SPLIT TO DUBROVNIK – YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE!
1. SPLIT TO DUBROVNIK FERRY
- Average Costs: €48
- Duration: 4.5-6 – hours
If you’re travelling in Croatia between April and October, getting a Split to Dubrovnik ferry might be a great option for your trip!
Ferries (catamarans) are a very popular mode of transport in Croatia; they offer an easy and comfortable way of travelling to the islands of Dalmatia and coastal towns.
How long is the ferry from Split to Dubrovnik?
The total journey time of the ferry takes anywhere from 4.5 to 6 hours – you will make a short stop in either Brac, Hvar or Korcula, there are currently no direct options.
I strongly recommend stopping for a few nights in at least one of these stunning islands, it’s the best thing to do in Croatia, truly, when you arrive in the stunning harbour of Hvar Town you will not want to leave – trust me!
How To Get From Split To Dubrovnik By Ferry
Three companies run high-speed ferry Split to Dubrovnik routes, passenger-only ferries: Jadrolinija, TP line and Krilo. You can use Omio to book any of these options!
Split To Dubrovnik Ferry Schedules:
The first ferry leaves Split at 8am arriving in Dubrovnik at 12.30pm and the last 15.30pm, arriving in Dubrovnik at around 21.25pm, the cost is from €48 per passenger depending on the line.
Good to Know
In Split, the ferry port is located opposite the main bus station. You can easily walk there from the Riva in 10 minutes. In Dubrovnik, the ferry port is located in Gruž. Local buses or taxis take you to the Old Town in less than 10 minutes.
Popular Ferry Operators for Split Dubrovnik include the Jardrolinija, TP and Krilo! I highly recommend booking your ferry in advance and online, especially in the summer months!
2. SPLIT TO DUBROVNIK BUS
- Average Costs: €15
- Duration: 4-6 hours
Travelling by bus from Split to Dubrovnik is one of the most flexible options as they run several times per day from Split’s coach station, which is located only a ten-minute walk from the Riva!
Starting from only €15-20 the bus (similar to a UK coach!) is a more affordable way to travel between the two cities and the journey is comfortable with roomy seats and air-con; however, in the busy summer months, the timings might not be exact!
The bus journey can take anywhere from 4.5-6 hours, depending on traffic and stops, you can also have a driver break, which may take longer! Last time it took almost the full day 12-6.30pm, due to a very late bus and a 1-hour unscheduled (?!?) break. I wasn’t too happy as the taxi wait and hotel check-in meant we finally settled into our room way after sunset!
How To Get From Split To Dubrovnik By Bus
All routes leave from Split’s bus station opposite the ferry port, I recommend booking in advance either online or directly from the station.
There are few different bus companies, FlixBus is one of the most common, but timings and duration will dictate the best option for you!
Note: In Dubrovnik, you’ll arrive at the main Bus Station in Gruž, around 3km from the Old Town. It is easy to grab a taxi or local bus (1a, 1b and 3) to the Old Town.
3. SPLIT TO DUBROVNIK DRIVE
- Average Costs: €40
- Duration: 3.5 – hours
Renting a car is perfect for those looking for flexibility and the independence of a road trip! At around €40 per day is also a very cost-effective option and I love the freedom of a car; however, for Croatia I opted for a private driver with a couple of scenic stops! (See below).
A private driver is ultimately less hassle, especially for finding parking spots in both old towns, which I know requires more skill and patience, as does arranging drop-offs etc. which eats into your holiday time!
If you do opt to drive, the good thing is that the journey is straightforward and the roads are very well maintained and on top of that – scenic with coastal views!
How To Get From Split To Dubrovnik By Hire Car
The fastest route from Split to Dubrovnik by car is around 3-hours, which involves taking the A1 Motorway. If you have more time to spare, then you can enjoy the coastal scenic route – D8 entire way and stop off in lovely spots!
I recommend renting a car with Discover Cars, this is the company I book with for Europe, the compare rental companies and prices for the best deal and so far it’s worked out smoothly!
Scenic Stops Split To Dubrovnik:
One of the advantages of driving of course is that you can take a break wherever you like along the way! Here are a few of the best places to stop between Split and Dubrovnik!
Ston
Ston is a scenic area famous for its salt works, wineries, oysters and ancient wall – the longest defence wall in Europe! It’s a popular stop for food and history lovers alike!
Omis
Picture-perfect Omis is a hidden gem in Croatia, a gorgeous spot with the turquoise waters of Cetina River flanked by dramatic cliffs being the main attraction! Don’t skip it!
Makarska
Stop for lunch in Makarska, a delightful coastal town situated between the sea and mountains with a long promenade dotted with pebble beaches, bars and restaurants, it’s scenic and there’s very few tourists!
4. SPLIT TO DUBROVNIK PRIVATE TRANSFER
- Average Costs: €150
- Duration: 3 – hours
A private transfers is my preferred option for getting from Split to Dubrovnik, it is an incredible time-saver and the convenience is unmatched!
Renting a car can be more cost effective, but with a private transfer you don’t have to worry about any of the logistics, including navigation, pick-up and drop-offs offs and crucially parking, which is the most problematic thing about car hire in Croatia!
Private transfers are also great if you are carrying a lot of luggage or perhaps heading to the airport – your driver can drop you off wherever you need – ours dropped us off at our Hotel’s reception, Villa Dubrovnik!
It can also be the quickest option if you are on a time crunch, as a non-stop journey is only 3 hours and it is cost-effective if there are four or more travelling!
Tip! When booking private transfers from Split to Dubrovnik with or without stops check if the cost is for per person or per group as the prices differ – it may make a huge saving!
How To Get From Split To Dubrovnik By Private Transfer
I highly recommend the private transfer that we personally took, which stopped in beautiful Ston for scenery and wine! We purposely included Ston to break up the journey and see more of the stunning Croatian coastline – we also took a short coffee break with a gorgeous seaview – you can completely tailor this transfer!
Overall, the journey was 6-7hours and I think this is ultimately the best way to travel from Split to Dubrovnik, we thoroughly enjoyed our side trip and incredible service!
- Book our incredible transfer with a wine stop in the stunning historical coastal hotspot Ston – I love booking private transfers with flexible sightseeing options!
- This reliable 3-hour non-stop private transfer starts from €150 per person (you might get group discounts) – this is the best and quickest transfer I found!
5. SPLIT TO DUBROVNIK GUIDED TOUR
- Average Costs: €150+
- Duration: 6-8 – hours
Joining a guided tour is another really enjoyable way to get from Split to Dubrovnik, it’s particularly great if you are short on time but would like to see more of Croatia!
One of the benefits of a tour is that everything is taken care of – all your transport and navigation needs, it is pretty stress-free and you’ll likely visit places that you wouldn’t have otherwise, like Ston or the famous Mostar bridge in Bosnia – it would be amazing to see an iconic spot in another country!
Another plus when travelling with a guided tour is breaking up your journey and time spent on the road, but overall, your guided tour will be 6 to 8 hours in total!
How To Get From Split To Dubrovnik By Day Trip
Via Mostar Bridge Bosnia
Book this highly rated private tour from Split to Dubrovnik with a stop in iconic Mostar, a culturally rich tour with tailored services and stunning scenery! The perfect combination of a one-way transfer and an epic tour!
Via Ston & Marksara
This super popular tour takes you from Split to Dubrovnik with a stop in beautiful Ston for oyster and wine tasting – and scenic historical coastal views. A fully customisable tour and a five-star rated experience for fantastic guides!
Tip! These sort-after transfers with a side trip must be booked in advance to secure your place!
6. SPLIT TO DUBROVNIK FLIGHT
- Average Costs: €100
- Duration: 45-minute flight
The final option for getting from Split to Dubrovnik is to fly. It wouldn’t be my first choice because of the journey to and from the airports and the waiting time, but with only a 45-minute flight duration (less than €100), it’s a valid option!
Split and Dubrovnik both have international airports; Split Saint Jerome Airport (SPU) and Dubrovnik’s Ruđer Bošković Airport (DBV).
Split’s airport is located 25-km from Split’s Riviera, which is around a 45-minutes journey by car or shuttle, whereas, Dubrovnik’s airport is located 21-km from the Old Town, a little quicker and much more scenic taking around 30-minutes.
Taxis to and from the airports cost around €35 to Split and €50 to Dubrovnik. Shuttle buses are available for €8-10.
How To Get From Split To Dubrovnik By Flight
Trade Air operates the only direct flight from Split to Dubrovnik; it runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays (February to October). Flight time is only 45 minutes, but factor in the time it takes to get to the airport and check-in with luggage. Prices start from a reasonable €65!
Note: Croatia Airlines also fly from Split to Dubrovnik and vice versa, however, there’s a layover in Zagreb, which increases the overall time to 3- 4 hours – not ideal.
SPLIT DUBROVNIK TRAVEL TIPS
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
When planning your journey from Split to Dubrovnik, timing is key! Avoid the midday sun and crowds by leaving as early as possible in the morning!
For exploring, the best months are Spring, late April to mid June and Autumn, September to October, although September can still be busy and hot! Summer, July and August are the hottest months and largest crowds, you’ll need cover-ups, hats and SPF50, the Croatian sun is no joke!
WHEN TO BOOK
Croatia is a popular destination and very busy in the summer months, I recommend booking your travel at least two weeks out, especially if you’re working towards a well-planned itinerary!
Private tours and hire cars are more limited from Split – it’s one of the busiest travel locations and are best reserved as soon as possible!
BOOKING APPS
For secure booking, I recommend using official platforms for Split, I use Viator and Get Your Guide for the best day trips, experiences and private tours. Each has its own flexible booking and refundable options and offers for peace of mind!
Discover Cars is my go-to for hiring cars in Europe, which compares rental companies for the best price guaranteed!
HOW TO GET FROM SPLIT TO DUBROVNIK FAQ
What is the best way to get from Split to Dubrovnik?
I think the best way to get from Split to Dubrovnik is via a private driver and coastal scenic route! We took this transfer via Ston. It is especially great if you have travelled around the islands from Dubrovnik to Split and are heading back up!!
Is it worth going from Split to Dubrovnik?
Yes, it is well worth going from Split to Dubrovnik there are a number of incredible journeys from a catamaran to private tour to a road trip!
How long is the ferry from Split to Dubrovnik?
The ferry from Split to Dubrovnik takes 4.5 to 6 hours, depending on the operator, see the full ferry schedule here.
Is it better to drive or ferry from Split to Dubrovnik?
It depends on your goal, but driving is the quickest option at 3-hours non-stop. If you’re not in a rush, you can visit many coastal places along the way like Ston and Omis and make a road trip out of it. The ferry takes a minimum of 4.5 hours and is a leisurely journey with island scenery – both cost roughly the same.
Ultimately, we decided to just book a private transfer to get from Split to Dubrovnik, which included door-to-door service and a scenic drive with incredible stops!
Where to stop from Split to Dubrovnik?
If you’re travelling by car you can stop in Ston, Omis or Markarska when driving along the coast or you can stop even further inland to Mostar Bridge in Bosnia! If you’re taking the ferry you can stop in Brac, Hvar, Korkula or Mljet National Park – all incredible options!
How far is Split to Dubrovnik?
Split is 233 km to Dubrovnik, around 3-hours of driving time. Split is not that close to Dubrovnik for a round trip, but you can easily get from one to another in a day!
Can you fly from Split to Dubrovnik?
Yes! You can fly from Split to Dubrovnik with Trade Air every Tuesday and Thursday, the flight duration is 45 minutes.
Can you drive from Split to Dubrovnik?
Yes, you can hire a car and drive from Split to Dubrovnik, the journey is around 3-hours direct or you can take the scenic coastal road and stop in many beautiful places like Ston or Omis!
Can you get from Split to Dubrovnik by train?
No, there isn’t a train from Split to Dubrovnik.
SPLIT TO DUBROVNIK FINAL THOUGHTS
As you’re now aware, there are 6 valid options for getting from Split to Dubrovnik, Croatia’s two favoured cities!
If you have plenty of time, an epic day excursion with a transfer might be a great fit; otherwise, pick a private driver for convenience and a quick journey!
Scenic routes are also a great option, the most popular is hopping on the ferry and stopping in one or more of the islands, such as Hvar or Korcula. Alternatively hiring a car will also give you fantastic coastal views, freedom and hidden gem stops!
From experience, I know how much work goes into planning a Croatia trip, so I hope this complete guide has given you the information you need to finalise your itinerary!
And now that you know how to get from Split to Dubrovnik, don’t forget to read my guide: Where To Stay In Dubrovnik: Best Areas, Hotels, Boutiques & More!
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Plan your Dubrovnik Split Croatia itinerary!
Here’s my go-to list of resources for transport, accommodation, and tours for travel in Split Croatia!
- Booking.com for the best boutique rates
- Get Your Guide for unique day excursions
- Viator for luxurious experiences
- TripAdvisor for the latest reviews
- Discover Cars – best car rentals and rates for Europe
Read Next:
- Where To Stay In Split, Croatia: Best Areas, Apartments, Boutiques & Luxury Hotels
- 7 VERY BEST Hotels In Split Croatia On The Beach
- 24 VERY BEST Things To Do In Split, Croatia For Your First Visit!
- The BEST Beaches Of Split, Croatia: A Complete Guide
- 6 Luxury Day Trips From Split Croatia, You’ll Love!
- 8 Best Private Boat Tours Split Offers For Island-Hopping Bliss!
- Trogir: A Wonderful Day Trip From Split
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Michelle Trudie, is the founder of Little Wanderblog, a luxury boutique travel site. She has travelled to over 30 countries in the last 15 years. Michelle share’s her passion for stylish and affordable luxury travel experiences in Europe and beyond! Her goal is to make travel planning easier to hidden gem places!
