How to get from Split to Dubrovnik: Travel Guide

Travelling from Split to Dubrovnik and wondering how to get there? This post includes all the information you need: different way of travelling, the best way to travel between both cities, how long it takes, and how much it costs. Lots of useful information, regardless of whether you are travelling for a one-day trip or for longer.

Split and Dubrovnik are the most known and most popular tourist destinations in Croatia. They are both on the Dalmatian coast, and both are coastal towns with beaches and historical old towns.

And both are really packed with tourists, especially during the high summer season. So take it into consideration when planning your trip, booking accommodation, and transportation.

I’ve visited both cities many times. Both are amazing, with interesting histories and Unesco monuments. Somehow, it’s Split that stole my heart completely. Also because of the many islands around.

Anyway, let’s see how you can get from Split to Dubrovnik during your Croatian coast trip in detail.

Quick links to organise your travel from Split to Dubrovnik:

Ferryhopper for ferry schedules and tickets.

Rent a car for car rental.

One day organised trips from Split to Dubrovnik.

And here to check bus schedules.

How much time it takes to get from Split to Dubrovnik

Depending on the way of transport, travel time ranges from 3 to 5 hours.

Additionally, note that if you go by car or bus during the peak season, especially in August, there may be huge traffic and your journey may be prolonged.

How to get from Split to Dubrovnik by public transport

Split to Dubrovnik by bus

Overall, the bus is probably the most convenient way to travel between Split and Dubrovnik. There are connections available all year, although during the summer months there are even more.

There are many bus companies that offer bus ride on this route. You can check schedules and buy tickets on the Omnio or Get by Bus websites. You can also buy bus tickets at ticket office at stations.

Few companies can request that you pay for your luggage additionally. It’s a payment to the driver, in cash. Don’t be surprised, such an extra charge is standard in the region.

Split to Dubrovnik by ferry

You can take the ferry from Split to Dubrovnik during the summer, available until September. It takes around 5-6 hours. Look at companies like Jadrolinija, Kapetan Luka, or TP Line. Or just check Ferryhopper, which will show you ferries from all companies.

All ferries are for foot passengers. They don’t operate during the winter months.

Split to Dubrovnik by plane

It’s not a big distance, but it’s still possible to fly between Split and Dubrovnik. The flight time is around 40 minutes. With Croatian airlines, Trade Air.

Is it possible to travel by train?

No, it’s not possible to travel from Split to Dubrovnik by train, there is no train connection. There are no railway tracks or train station in Dubrovnik. The closest train station to Dubrovnik is in Ploče, around 2 hours from Dubrovnik.

In conclusion, don’t think about travelling by train on this route; just look at buses or ferries.

Bus station, airport, port

Bus stations in Split and in Dubrovnik

Split Bus Station is in the centre, walking distance from the old town. It’s close to the train station and harbour, so it’s really convenient.

Dubrovnik Bus Station is close to the Dubrovnik port (Gruž), and it’s around 3 km from the Old Town. To get to Old Town, you can get on public bus (numbers 1ABC and 3), get off at the stop called Pile.

Bus station in Croatian is called Autobusni Kolodvor.

Ports

Split Port is close to the Old Town. From here, you can get to many islands.

Port in Dubrovnik is about 3 km from Old Town. It’s a big and busy port, where cruises arrive.

Airports

Both cities have airports, which have around 30 minutes from the centre. Be careful, as in the highest season it can take longer. Airports are calm in the winter and very busy in the summer months, with direct flights from many European cities.

For public transport from Split airport, check here, and from Dubrovnik airport, here.

Airport in Croatian is called Zračna Luka.

Split to Dubrovnik by car

Obviously, you can travel from Split to Dubrovnik and return by car. Own car, with a private car transfer, or you can rent a car. Just remember about the possibility of big traffic, especially in the main tourist season in August.

Here you can check, compare, and rent a car.

You have 2 ways to drive. The first one is via the Neum corridor, with border crossing. Neum is in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which means you need to cross the border to Bosnia and then again back to Croatia. Important to remember because of travel documents.

The second option is the newly built (in 2022) Peljesac Bridge. The bridge connects Peljesac Peninsula with the Croatian mainland, so it’s not needed anymore to pass the Neum corridor.

Split to Dubrovnik day trip

It’s possible to visit Dubrovnik from Split on a one day trip. Dubrovnik Old Town is rather compact and walkable, so you will be able to see biggest attractions in one day (although not all). You can do it by yourself, or rental car, or via public bus, as there are many buses.

But as it can be a quite long and tiring day, you can also make it easier for yourself and go on an organised one day trip. There are many local companies that organise one day private trips to Dubrovnik.

Check out and book the trip from Split to Dubrovnik here.

Can you island hop from Split to Dubrovnik?

Yes, you can! And only if you have a bit more time for the Dalmatia trip, it’s amazing idea. On the way, you can stop on the islands Brač, Hvar and Korčula or Mljet. All of them are absolutely beautiful islands, with great views, beaches, and colours of water. And historical landmarks, like Hvar town and Korčula town.

The whole ferry journey time between Split and Dubrovnik takes around 5 hours, so smaller parts of the journey from island to island are perfect for island hopping.

Hopefully, this post has helped you organise your travel. All these tips you can use also for your trip in the opposite direction, from Dubrovnik to Split.

What else are you visiting in Croatia? Check here for information on what to do when visiting the Croatian coast.

Croatia Travel Tips will be useful for you as well!