The most popular routes in Croatia is from Split to Dubrovnik and vice versa — but if you’re travelling during busy seasons, you’d probably want to know how to get from Split to Dubrovnik?

These are two of the famous cities along the coast and while both cities are stunning, it requires a bit of planning to get from side to the other.

You should know that in 2024, Dubrovnik recorded 4.2 million tourist nights, the highest among all Croatian destinations. 😲

Yes unsuprisingly high (hello overtourism, thanks to Game of Thrones!)

That’s a lot of people but in case you’re wondering where are they coming from?!

here’s how to get from split to dubrovnik

You should know that most of them arrive through (with the first being the most common and popular option)

Flights
European cruises
Long-distance buses
Ferries.

I didn’t even know Dubrovnik had their own airport until I did more research and realised how people were planning their Croatia itineraries.

Ferries are somewhat last on the list which makes all the more sense to get on it if you’re coming from Split. But if you’re still undecided, I’ll walk you through the best way to get there from Split to Dubrovnik.

The TL;DR Version: How To Get From Split To Dubrovnik?

For Budget Travelers (Bus): 25 euros and 4 hours. The best way is using Omio to book here.

For Scenic Experience (Ferry): 53 euros and 5.5 hours (book your Jadrolinija or ferry tickets here.) The ferry is perfect if you’re not in a rush and want to enjoy the Adriatic coastline but note it takes much longer!
For Comfort & Speed (Car rental): approx 144 euros for 8 days or less (book your car here). A private transfer or rental car is your best bet if you want to get there fast and be comfortable!
For the Fastest Route (Flight): approx 100 euros & 45 minute flight (book here). If you’re really pressed for time, a flight will get you there the quickest.

Which route did I pick: Ferry one way + bus coming back.
Alternatives: Continue on to other islands from Dubrovnik like Mljet, Hvar or Korcula (also read: These Best Islands in Croatia (Near Split) Beat Everything I've Seen!)

I really loved the boat or ferry experience as it was far more scenic and less stressful. Bear in mind this is one of the busiest routes and a bus journey while nice, can also take more time because of traffic.

What’s the distance from Split to Dubvronik?

It is about 233km from Split to Dubrovnik and takes up to 4 hours to get there.

The 4 Ways To Get from Split To Dubronik

Ferry Way

If you’re looking forward to the ferry experience, you should know that there’s no direct ferry between Split and Dubrovnik.

They make several trips on the islands going to Milna, Hvar, Korcula and Mljet.

There are three ferry companies that operate in Split which are Jadrolinija, TP Line & Krilo Line. The ferry schedule and the ones currently available are 8.00am, 9.00am & 3.10pm.

Around Spring time, the weather can be quite unpredictable and erratic with storms especially if it is windy and this can lead to cancellations sometimes. I would check the weather forecast before booking.

🏷️ Make sure you book your ferry tickets in advance over here.
📍 The ferry port is here.

Bus

Taking the bus from Split to Dubrovnik is perhaps the most cheapest option. There are plenty of buses serving up this route.

You could go via Flixbus or book on Omio and there are so many options with the earliest one starting at 3.45am.

Just so you know, it is better to book everything in advance. I once made the mistake of booking a bus from Dubrovnik on the same day and I couldn’t get any tickets.

The starting point for all buses in Split is mostly at Autobusni kolodvor Split.

🏷️ Book your bus tickets here
📍 The bus stop is here.

Flight

You could totally fly from Split Saint Jerome Airport (SPU) to Dubrovnik Ruđer Bošković Airport (DBV).

The airport is not far from the Old Town and it is only 27km away from the centre and even from Dubrovnik it is only 21km away.

The biggest bummer about flying is finding a non-stop flight. The only direct flights from Split to Dubrovnik is by Trade Air. It is a 45 minute flight and typically leaves at 3.50pm.

The other non-stop flights operated by Croatian air can be a painful affair - it can go anywhere from 2 hours to 6 hours and your layover is likely in Zagreb.

All flights costs approximately 100 euros.

🏷️ Book your flight tickets here.
📍 The airport is Split is here.

Car Rental

If you’re planning a road trip from Split to Dubrovnik, renting a car is honestly the best way to go.

It is also very cheap and effortlessly easy to rent a car in Split. You can have a whole car to yourself for 8 days or less starting at 144 euros. I highly recommend renting a car from a reputable company like DiscoverCars.

If you’re renting a car, you can opt for one-way rental so you can pick up in Split and drop off in Dubrovnik.

You’ve got two options for the drive from Split to Dubrovnik.

The first is the A1 highway, a fast, modern route that’ll get you there quicker. It’s smooth, efficient, and offers some mountain views, but since you’re cruising at higher speeds, you can’t really soak in the scenery.

Then there’s the old coastal road (Jadranska Magistrala) which is ofcourse way more scenic with like stunning coastlines. The downside is that it is about an hour longer. But if you’re in no rush and want the full coastal experience, it’s definitely worth the extra time.

Also it is really easy to drive now as there’s a Pelješac Bridge which opened in 2022 so you no longer have to cross into Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Neum Corridor.