Last updated on February 10th, 2026 at 08:27 pm
Looking for the best way to get from Split to Dubrovnik? I’ve got you covered!
Travelling between Croatia’s two popular coastal cities is a well-established route, and one I’ve personally taken many times over the years, usually after island-hopping the Dalmatian Islands or whilst heading back to the airport (if I’ve flown in and out of the same city!).
If you’re planning this journey as part of your own Croatian itinerary, you’ll be pleased to know there are several easy ways to travel from Split to Dubrovnik, with frequent departures throughout the day; it couldn’t be simpler!
In this post, I cover the five best ways of getting from Split to Dubrovnik, including coastal car journeys, fast private transfers and leisurely ferry rides, and I’ll break down all the details you need to know below, including times and costs – so you can choose the best route for your trip!
5 WAYS TO GET FROM SPLIT TO DUBROVNIK!
1. SPLIT TO DUBROVNIK BY FERRY
- Average Costs: €48
- Duration: 4.5-6 – hours
If you’re travelling in Croatia between May and October and want to maximise your trip, getting a ferry might be the best option; it’s certainly the most popular way to get between the islands from Split to Dubrovnik (or vice versa) in the summer months!
Ferries (catamarans) are a widely accepted and frequent mode of transport in Croatia; they offer an easy and comfortable way of travelling to the islands of Dalmatia and coastal towns – you can even get pastries and coffee on board and choose your own seat!
The Jardrolinija catamaran is my favourite, it’s like travelling in style with the nice chairs and interiors, and your luggage stays at the same level as your seat, so you can keep an eye on it and disembark with ease. I love it!
I’ve used the ferry services often, mainly because when I travel to Croatia, I like to Island hop from Dubrovnik to Split, stopping in Korcula or Hvar for a week or so, and honestly, this is the best way to travel – and the main reason why most people take the ferry!
How To Get From Split To Dubrovnik By Ferry ?
Passenger-only ferries are best, and three companies run high-speed ferries along the Split to Dubrovnik routes: Jadrolinija, TP line and Krilo. You can use Omio to book any of these options, at least a week in advance and remember to download the QR ticket to your phone! (Luggage is included in your ticket).
How long is the ferry from Split to Dubrovnik?
The ferry takes from 4.5 to 6 hours, depending on the ferry company you choose- you will also make a short stop in either Brac, Hvar or Korcula. There are no direct options – as I mentioned, most people are island-hopping.
Split to Dubrovnik schedules:
There are 4-5 ferries daily in the summer months (June to September).
The first ferry leaves Split at 8am, arriving in Dubrovnik at 12.30pm and the last 15.30pm, arriving in Dubrovnik at 21.25pm.
Good to Know
Split’s ferry port is located opposite the main bus station. You can easily walk there from Diocletian’s Palace in 10 minutes. In Dubrovnik, the ferry port is situated in Gruž. Local buses or taxis take you to the Old Town in 10-15 minutes.
Book your ferry tickets online a week in advance!
2. SPLIT TO DUBROVNIK BY BUS
- Average Costs: €15
- Duration: 4-6 hours
Travelling by bus from Split to Dubrovnik is one of the most popular and inexpensive options, running several times per day from Split’s main bus station and taking around 4-6 hours of your precious travel time.
Starting from only €15-20, the bus 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!
Due to traffic, stops and driver breaks, the journey may take longer than expected, I’ve taken this bus once in late summer and it took out the whole day 12-6.30pm, due to a very late bus and a 1-hour unscheduled (?!?) break.
If you do plan on taking the bus, I highly recommend choosing an early time – before 9.30am to avoid the traffic and possible interruptions to the schedule!
How To Get From Split To Dubrovnik By Bus?
All routes leave from Split’s bus station opposite the ferry port, I recommend booking at least a week in advance (AM times book out the quickest) and online with Omni to check the timetables and save time! (You will get a QR code sent, and luggage is included).
Good to Know
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.
Book your bus tickets online – a week in advance!
3. SPLIT TO DUBROVNIK BY CAR
- Average Costs: €40
- Duration: 3.5 – hours
Renting a car is perfect for those looking for flexibility and the freedom of having your own wheels, you can make stops at any scenic point along the way to Dubrovnik and at around €40 per day is also a very cost-effective option!
Driving yourself with a few coastal stops is great for explorers and those comfortable with navigating in a foreign country, and for Brits, driving on the wrong side of the road, but I think ultimately it’s not necessary unless you plan on doing a worthwhile road trip!
A private driver, on the other hand, is 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! (See the next section for details).
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 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, which is probably what you had in mind!
I recommend renting a car with Discover Cars, the best car rental for Europe, who compare companies and prices for the best reliable deal!
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’s 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 BY PRIVATE TRANSFER
- Average Costs: €150 per person
- Duration: 3 – hours
A private transfer is a great time-saver option for getting from Split to Dubrovnik and can be cost-effective if there are three or more people in your party – the convenience of a door-to-door service is unmatched!
With a private transfer, you don’t have to worry about any of the logistics, including navigation and parking, which is the biggest issue in the old towns. You’ll be personally picked up at your hotel – or ship, luggage and all and dropped off wherever suits!
If you are on a time crunch, a direct service is as little as 3 hours and if you choose a roomier minivan you will have a more comfortable journey, music optional (see the booking details below)!
How To Get From Split To Dubrovnik By Private Transfer?
For small groups, a private minivan transfer is a no-brainer, check out the best option below for groups of up to 8 persons. I recommend booking securely as soon as your itinerary is confirmed with Get Your Guide, who offer 24hr cancellation in advance, if your plans change!
Book a 3-hour non-stop private transfer – per group up to 8
5. SPLIT TO DUBROVNIK BY PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR – ONE WAY
- Average Costs: €150+
- Duration: 6-8 – hours
A private one-way guided tour is another really enjoyable way to get from Split to Dubrovnik, it’s particularly great if you are not in a hurry and would like to see more of Croatia – or even a neighbouring country!
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!
(Mostar Bridge is a popular day trip from Dubrovnik, but it normally takes all-day – 11 hours, so adding it as a stop to your transfer is a real bonus!)
Adding a stop like this will undoubtedly increase your overall travel time – think of it as a day trip, but it might be worth it for the adventure!
How To Get From Split To Dubrovnik By Day Trip?
Via Mostar Bridge Bosnia
A popular transfer, 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!
Check out this Split to Dubrovnik private transfer via Mostar!
Via Ston & Marksara
This private transfer 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!
Check out this Split to Dubrovnik private transfer via Ston & Marksara!
Best Way To Get From Split To Dubrovnik
For most travellers, the bus is the best way to get from Split to Dubrovnik. It’s affordable, reliable, runs frequently, and takes around 4–5 hours, making it a straightforward option at any time.
If you’re visiting in summer, the ferry from Split to Dubrovnik is a scenic alternative and a great choice if you prefer travelling by sea – or want to visit one of the beautiful Croatian Islands on your journey!
Driving or one-way tours from Split to Dubrovnik offer the most flexibility and scenic coastal stops, but for comfort and convenience, a private transfer is the fastest (2-3 hours)- handy if you are heading to the airport or have less time!
Quick Summary:
- Best overall: Bus (cheap, frequent, year-round)
- Best scenic option: Ferry (summer only)
- Best for flexibility: Car (scenic stops)
- Best for comfort: Private transfer (quickest)
SPLIT TO DUBROVNIK TRAVEL TIPS
When To Book Transport From Split To Dubrovnik
Croatia is a popular destination and very busy in the summer months, I recommend booking your travel arrangements at least two weeks in advance, especially if you’re working towards a well-planned itinerary in the summer months!
Best Time Of Day To Travel
The best time of day to travel from Split to Dubrovnik is early in the morning – before 9am is ideal, this way you miss the peak traffic leaving Split and arrive into Dubrovnik at check -in time – and you still have the whole afternoon to explore!
Where Buses/Ferries Depart And Arrive
The buses and ferries in Split depart from the ferry terminal – a ten-minute walk from Diocletian’s Palace and arrive in Dubrovnik Gruz, a short bus or taxi ride to Dubrovnik Old Town.
HOW TO GET FROM SPLIT TO DUBROVNIK FAQ
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!
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.
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 do a Split to Dubrovnik day trip?
Yes, there are day trips available from Split to Dubrovnik, but I don’t recommend this, you need more than a few hours to discover Dubrovnik, three to four days minimum.
Is there a direct bus from Split to Dubrovnik?
Yes there are regular daily buses from Split to Dubrovnik, the journey is around 4.5 hours.
Planning your Dubrovnik itinerary?
Now that you’ve sorted how to get from Split to Dubrovnik, here’s what to plan next to make the most of your stay:
- Where to Stay in Dubrovnik – the best areas and boutique hotels for first-time visitors
- Things to Do in Dubrovnik Old Town – must-see sights and iconic highlights inside the city walls
- Dubrovnik Travel Guide (2026) – essential tips, timings, and top experiences
- Best Dubrovnik Boat Tours – island-hopping trips to the Elaphiti Islands and beyond
- Best Restaurants in Dubrovnik Old Town – where to eat, drink, and book ahead
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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!