Since Split and Dubrovnik are two of the main cities in Croatia, many tourists want to know how and which is the fastest and cheapest way to get from Split to Dubrovnik, or vice versa.
Figuring out how to get from Split to Dubrovnik isn't complicated, but deciding which type of transportation is best for you can be challenging without knowing the area.
I'll help you find all options so you can plan your stay in Dubrovnik before you get there.
1. How far is Split to Dubrovnik
The distance from these two cities is about 230 kilometers. That requires an approximately 4.5-hour travel time by bus, 5 hours by ferry, and 3 hours by a private minivan or car.
When traveling between two cities, you can choose between going by land or water. Whatever way you choose, I'll share their benefits with you here.
2.Traveling To Dubrovnik By Land
If this is the way you have chosen, you will travel by bus or car. Unlike the ferry, the bus offers the cheapest way to get to Dubrovnik from Split or vice versa.
You have two main options to get from Split to Dubrovnik by car:
- Taking the coastal road D8 (former E65)
- Taking the motorway A1 until the town of Ploce, and then taking a coastal road D8 from Ploce to Dubrovnik.
Getting From Split To Dubrovnik By Bus
I have traveled on this route several times, using the bus company Autotrans by Arriva. I consider this the best bus company. Arriva offers a couple of morning departures.
Traveling by bus in Croatia is easy and convenient, even more so in Dalmatia. Buses are the main public transport as trains are almost non-existent, slow, and unreliable. A network of bus lines covers many routes all over Croatia, and connections between main tourist hubs are pretty frequent.
The bus service in Croatia is excellent. Everybody is using the bus in Croatia as even any small village can be reached by bus. Another reason of bus’s popularity is – they are cheap.
Advantages When Traveling By Bus
There are several advantages when getting from Split to Dubrovnik by bus. You are avoiding the stress of driving in unknown places or warring how to find a parking place. Split can not boast as a city where it is easy to find a parking place
Traveling by bus you will be more relaxed enjoying the splendid scenery and getting to know Croatia better.
There are 8 operators that run from Split to Dubrovnik, with 1 departure per day. If you decide to take a bus, you can take the Standard option. The same number of bus carrier keep the route from Dubrovnik to Split.
- Standard Bus from Split to Dubrovnik by Jadran Express.
- Standard Bus from Split to Dubrovnik by Cazmatrans.
- Standard bus by Globtour.
If you travel to/from Split by bus I suggest you to buy your tickets well in advance and reserve a seat as in some period buses are rather crowded.
Getting From Split To Dubrovnik By Car
Many people keep asking me how to find a reliable car rental company in case they decide to drive from Split airport to Dubrovnik city or vice versa.
Many of the questions are related to one-way car rentals. It is not just a question of reliability of car rental companies but also about the price, as most car rental companies charge additional so-called “one-way fee”.
To avoid this I suggest to opt for a comfort car solution. There are 3 operators that run from Split to Dubrovnik. If you decide to take a car, you can take the Comfort option.
This car from Split to Dubrovnik offers lots of different amenities. Once you get on board, you can enjoy A/C, English-speaking staff, charger, wifi, and food and drinks. The price for a maximum of 3 passengers stars from 250 Euros one way. Check availability here!
Taking A Minivan From Split to Dubrovnik
If you are traveling as a small group (up to 8 passengers) than there are 3 operators that run between two cities. You can take the Standard, Comfort, Luxury, and Shuttle option.
This is one of the most highly rated rides and has received a 5 star rating. This private ride takes 3 hours and 25 minutes. The prices are very convenient if you travel as a group. Check availability here!
I suggest is taking the longer route along the breathtaking Adriatic coast (Route D8), driving for 212 km, twisting among the high limestone mountains dipping into the endless blue of the Adriatic sea.
3.Traveling To Dubrovnik by Sea
Traveling by sea, isn't the fastest way and it is certainly not the cheapest way. But it's most popular for travelers, visiting different Dalmatia islands. It's the perfect solution for island hopping, jumping from one island to another.
If you like to travel by sea, keep in mind that you don't need a car but only as a foot passengers. Only travelers visiting one island as for example Hvar or Brac, can opt using their own car.
Traveling from Split to Dubrovnik, isn't possible to use a ferry (passengers and cars) ships, as Jadrolinija (Croatian state ferry company) no longer keeps a ferry connection between two cities!
Getting From Split To Dubrovnik By Catamaran
The only way to travel between these cities is using catamaran (only passengers) fast ships. There are 4 operators that run from Split to Dubrovnik, with 1 departure per day. If you decide to take a ferry, you can take the Catamaran, Speedboat, and High Speed option.
How you want to travel from Split to Dubrovnik may depend on the speed of the journey. In the peak summer months, the high-speed catamaran is the best option for avoiding traffic queues on the popular coastal road, while the winter months offer limited ferry travel but it’s also quieter on the roads.
Catamaran From Split to Dubrovnik With Krilo (Kapetan Luka)
It is not by chance that I chose this company. This is a direct catamaran connection and takes 4 h and 25 minutes to arrive. This line starts operating from late April to the end of October. Check availability here!
Krilo (Kapetan Luka) Company has many years of experience on the seas. They offer sea transfers for a variety of ferries and high speed boats. The company is focused on safety and comfort.
This is one of the most highly rated rides from Split to Dubrovnik and has received a 4.5-star rating. The prices start from 51 Euros one way.
Other companies on this route: