Traveling from Split to Dubrovnik is one of the most popular routes in Croatia, and as locals, we have done it many times as well.
The distance from Split to Dubrovnik is about 220km by road or 100 nautical miles. The fastest way to travel between them is a 45-minute flight, followed by a 3.5-hour bus ride and a 4.5-hour ferry ride.
Since traveling between Split and Dubrovnik offers the same transportation options, we gathered all the information in this complete guide.
In our opinion, the best option for traveling from Split to Dubrovnik and vice versa depends mainly on your budget and the distance/travel time to the next hotel.
Those are always our main factors when deciding how to travel between places, and they’re likely yours, too. So we’d love to help you make the right choice.
We also published a practical Dubrovnik Hotel and Area Guide to help you choose the best place to stay.
Arrival and Departure Information
Dubrovnik Arrival and Departure
Dubrovnik’s ferry port and bus station are only a 5-minute walk from one another in the Gruž area (a 45-minute walk or 10-minute ride from Old Town), while the airport is about a 30-minute ride from Old Town.
1A, 1B, and 3 bus lines connect Dubrovnik’s port and bus station to the Old Town (2 EUR, 10-minute ride).
Dubrovnik airport shuttle costs 4 EUR one way, an Uber ride to/from Dubrovnik airport costs about 30 EUR, while a taxi ride costs 45 EUR.
Most convenient: private airport transfer to your Dubrovnik hotel.
Split Arrival and Departure
Departing and arriving in Split is fascinatingly easy. Split’s ferry port, bus station, and train station are all located just a few steps away from the Old Town (Diocletian’s Palace), while Split’s airport is a 30-minute drive away, very close to Trogir.
Split airport shuttle costs 8 EUR one way, while an Uber/taxi ride costs about 30-40 EUR.
Most convenient: door-to-door private transfer to your Split hotel.
The best ways to travel between Split and Dubrovnik
CHEAP: The cheapest way from Split to Dubrovnik (and back) is by bus, starting at 19 EUR with Promet Makarska.
FAST: The fastest way to travel between Split and Dubrovnik is a 45-minute direct TradeAir flight, starting at 75 EUR with 5kg cabin and 13kg baggage allowance.
MOST PICTURESQUE: The most scenic way to travel between Split and Dubrovnik is by ferry or by rental car.
Split to Dubrovnik Travel Duration:
- By bus: 🚌 3.5 hours
- By ferry: ⛴ 4.5 hours
- By flight: ✈ 45 minutes
- By car/taxi/private transfer: 🚗 3 hours
Please note that the estimated travel time from Split to Dubrovnik usually does not include the time it takes to get to the port for the ferry or the bus station.
LOCAL TIP
Our preferred transport platform in Croatia is 12Go, where we can book local buses from operators like Promet Makarska, Promet Sinj, Nomago, Samoborček, and Arriva.
However, for a bigger selection of buses and more frequent departures, we prefer the affordable FlixBus, which we use to travel all over Croatia.
Travel by bus
Getting a bus from Split to Dubrovnik or from Dubrovnik to Split is the most common way to travel comfortably between these destinations in about 3.5 to 4.5 hours. The bus is our first choice.
Getting the bus from Split to Dubrovnik is relatively straightforward. But remember that with most buses in Croatia, you need to check in 30 minutes before departure and pay for extra luggage (a few euros).
Attention: To ensure you will get a scenic bus ride along the coast, and not the highway, choose Promet Makarska, especially the 8 AM departure from Split or the 10 AM departure from Dubrovnik. Check Promet Makarska timetable.
For the best views, sit on the right side of the bus on the way to Dubrovnik and the left side on the way to Split.
| Bus Split - Dubrovnik € 17.98–30.98 3h 35m – 4h 45m | |
|
|
| Bus Solin - Dubrovnik € 18.48–24.98 3h 50m – 5h 12m | |
|
|
| Bus Dubrovnik - Split € 15.96–27.02 3h 45m – 4h 23m | |
|
|
Travel by ferry
When roads are congested in the summer, the ferry travel time from Split to Dubrovnik is close to the duration by road. So, choose the ferry if you want a scenic ride but don’t want to risk the traffic congestion.
Another reason the ferry between Split and Dubrovnik makes sense, in our opinion, is that you can spice up getting from A to B with a stopover at some of Croatia’s best islands.
One such option is to travel by ferry from Split to Hvar and then take another ferry to Dubrovnik. It also works the other way around, from Dubrovnik to Split, via Hvar.
LOCAL TIP
Go island-hopping by ferry on the Split – Hvar – Korčula – Mljet – Dubrovnik route. We recommend the fast Krilo Catamaran. This route has four journeys, two lasting about one hour, one about two hours, and the shortest just 30 minutes.
Please note that splitting up the ferry journey means that instead of a single journey costing about 50 EUR, the four separate journeys total about 95 EUR.
Plus, to do the whole route, you need to stay overnight in places. But it’s one of the best ways to not only travel from Split to Dubrovnik, but also visit stunning islands on the way.
| Ferry Split - Dubrovnik € 48–53.33 4h 30m – 5h 20m | |
|
|
Direct flight
The fastest way to travel between Split and Dubrovnik is a 45-minute direct flight.
However, we don’t recommend flying from Split to Dubrovnik (or the other way around), unless you have the time, budget, or you’re flying into one of the airports the same day, and will simply re-check your bags and get on the next flight.
Considering the 30-minute ride to Split or Dubrovnik airport and arriving at the airport, the suggested 1.5 hours before domestic flight departures, you come to a very similar duration to a bus.
However, the TradeAir flight from Split to Dubrovnik in a turboprop aircraft is the most scenic way to travel this route. If you can, sit on the plane’s left side for the best coastal views.
| Flight Split - Dubrovnik € 32.45–460.46 45m – 1d 12h 30m | |
|
|
Need a reliable mobile package to stay online in Croatia?
We highly recommend getting an eSIM at Airalo, a trusted eSIM marketplace we’ve been using for over 4 years.
OFFER: $3 off first purchase with code MATEJ1033
Private transfer
Since the Split Dubrovnik route is one of the most frequented by tourists in Croatia, you can also get a private transfer for a very reasonable price.
Private transfers from Split to Dubrovnik cost about 250 EUR for a car (3 persons), and 300 EUR for a minivan (8 persons).
Click here to check private transfer options. We recommend going with Maci Tours.
A private transfer is a fantastic option, especially for couples, families, and groups who want to travel more comfortably.
But beyond the standard transfers, we recommend booking a private transfer with a stop in Ston (known for the longest wall in Europe) and possibly even a wine tasting at a Winery. Check availability here.
This is a great option also to include some sightseeing and a cultural experience.
| Taxi Split - Dubrovnik € 250.69–499.40 3h 5m – 3h 35m | |
|
|
BEST TOURS AND ACTIVITIES
You can read our detailed Split Tours and Dubrovnik Tours guides, but our hand-picked best ones are:
Self-drive
A great option when traveling between Split and Dubrovnik is to rent a car and drive the 220km scenic coastal road, which passes by Omiš, Makarska, and Drvenik. This is one of the best road trips in Croatia!
Car rental in Split costs between 30 and 70 EUR, and in Dubrovnik, about the same, depending on car type and season. Car rental is more expensive in the summer, and A LOT cheaper outside the season.
The easiest way to get around Croatia?
Rent a car! Croatia is very easy to navigate by car, which allows you to explore at your own pace.
We recommend using DiscoverCars, where you can easily compare prices from top car rental companies and book your dream car with just a few clicks. Say goodbye to long queues and hidden fees and hello to hassle-free car rentals.
Frequently Asked Questions
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you can catch a TradeAir 45-minute direct flight from Split to Dubrovnik. On other days, other airlines fly via Zagreb in two to four hours. Check all flights.
No, no bus service in Split or Dubrovnik includes hotel pick-up – they all depart from the central bus station(s).
A day trip from Split to Dubrovnik is possible by booking the earliest bus one way and the latest one back – for that, we recommend FlixBus. You can also do a day trip from Split to Dubrovnik by rental car. Alternatively, if you don’t want to organize it yourself, book the Guided Day Tour.
Yes, absolutely, you should book your Split to Dubrovnik transport in advance to secure your ticket, as seats can easily be sold out, especially in the high season. We recommend booking your transport online.
WHERE TO STAY
We highly recommend reading our Where to Stay in Dubrovnik guide to find the best area and hotel within your budget.
Our hand-picked top-rated hotels in Dubrovnik’s Old Town:
- Budget: Kingslanding Old Town Hostel
- Mid-range: Apartment Matić
- Luxury: Villa 5db
In Split Old Town, we recommend this excellent Heritage Hotel right by Pjaca (People’s Square), and on a budget, this Old Town Hostel is a good choice (dorms & rooms).
However, when we visit Split, we almost always stay in Podstrana – a well-connected coastal area just east of Split.
Our top pick for a very comfortable stay in a fantastic location is Hotel Eden, and for a more budget stay, we recommend Apartments Peričić, where we once stayed for about a week.
Final thoughts and travel tips
Now that you know all the best travel options from Split to Dubrovnik, we hope that making the choice will be easier!
Personally, we always choose to drive to Dubrovnik, but otherwise, the best alternative is to go island-hopping on the way.
Have a fantastic time in Split and Dubrovnik!
Conclusion: If you are on a budget, the best way to travel from Split to Dubrovnik is by bus. If you have more time, go island-hopping on the way, and if you’re traveling as a group or family, the private transfer is a great choice.
Ready to book your transport? Check the prices and timings below.
| Flight Split - Dubrovnik € 32.45–460.46 45m – 1d 12h 30m | |
|
|
| Bus Split - Dubrovnik € 17.98–30.98 3h 35m – 4h 45m | |
|
|
| Taxi Split - Dubrovnik € 250.69–499.40 3h 5m – 3h 35m | |
|
|
| Ferry Split - Dubrovnik € 48–53.33 4h 30m – 5h 20m | |
|
|
| Bus Solin - Dubrovnik € 18.48–24.98 3h 50m – 5h 12m | |
|
|
