Bol to Dubrovnik tickets

About the journey from Bol, Brac Island to Dubrovnik

You could easily be forgiven if you decide never to leave Bol on Brac Island, Croatia. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend days lazing on beautiful Zlatni Rat Beach or exploring the turquoise waters around the island? 

However, great treasures await you in Dubrovnik. 

This medieval city on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast has really come into its own. The past decade has seen it rise to fame as the filming location for the popular TV franchise Game of Thrones.

Even if you don’t own a TV, you’ll still be charmed by Dubrovnik.

The good news is you’re only a ferry ride away. The better news is that the journey is just as good as the destination.

Things you absolutely must see in Dubrovnik

Thanks to its film-worthy appeal and gorgeous coastal setting, Dubrovnik has burst into mainstream awareness in movies, TV and social media. Here are some of the sights you won’t want to miss seeing in person:

• Walk the streets (and walls) of Old Town — You’ll need comfortable shoes to explore the best part of Dubrovnik, its UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. With terracotta roofs surrounded by ancient stone walls, this authentic historic center is best explored on foot. 

• Explore historic Fort Lovrijenac — Of all the many landmarks in Dubrovnik, Fort Lovrijenac is the absolute must-see. Not only is it famous as a film location (see the next bullet point), but it also boasts one of the best views of the city (see the last bullet point).

• Find your favorite TV locations — Throughout the city, you’ll find many locations featured in the Game of Thrones series. In fact, an entire tour industry sprung up to take fans to their favorite fantasy locations. Whether on a guided tour or on your own, bring your camera to capture these real-world sets.

• Take a cable car above town for breathtaking views — For a literal overview of the city and a panorama you can’t find anywhere else, you have to get to higher ground. Fortunately, you can take a scenic cable car ride to a point that will blow your mind and eat up your memory card. 

How to get from Bol, Brac Island to Dubrovnik

Unless you’ve got access to a private jet, the only practical way to get from Bol, a port town on the southern coast of Brac Island, to Dubrovnik, a port city on the mainland, is by sea. 

Fortunately for you, this is a beautiful ride on a ferry through the brilliant blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. 

Ferries depart from Bol Port, a very obvious pier on the eastern side of town. Just head to the waterfront, and you’ll see it.

Catamaran Ferry

Catamaran ferries make the approximately 134-kilometer (84-mile) ride in about 4 hours and 15 minutes — including stops along the way.

These ferries offer all the usual amenities like air conditioning and restrooms to make your trip comfortable. These are passenger ferries only, though you could bring a bike or pet on board if it meets the operator’s regulations.

High Speed Ferry

Despite their name, high-speed ferries take slightly longer to arrive than the catamarans. The difference is only about a half hour, with a run time of 4 hours and 40 minutes.

The high-speed ferries are also larger and have greater capacity than the catamarans. However there’s usually only one departure time per day in the high season.

In both cases, the service between Bol and Dubrovnik is seasonal. Some start in the spring and end in the fall, while other operators don’t get going until the busy summer months. Be sure to check with the individual company when planning your trip.

What can you expect when traveling from Bol, Brac Island, to Dubrovnik?

Along the way, you will see the semi-arid hills of the Croatian coastline and offshore islands, rocky coves with inviting water, and maybe even a dolphin or two. 

Have your camera ready for the amazing scenery between these two stellar destinations. 

Depending on your operator, there may also be a brief stop or two along the route, but this only improves the experience as you see other islands up close.

Arriving at Dubrovnik

After your scenic ferry ride along the Dalmatian Coast, you might not be overly impressed when you dock at the somewhat industrial ferry port in Dubrovnik. The ferry terminal is located in the non-touristy northwestern part of town. 

Reaching Old Town on foot requires an impractically long walk. But fear not — all that good stuff is only a short cab ride away. 

When is the best time of year to visit Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik is the kind of place you can visit all year long without missing out on its appeal.

Summer is the high season. Thousands of cruise ship passengers engulf the town and clog its narrow streets. It’s also the hottest and most expensive time of year to visit.

Spring and fall shoulder seasons offer the best balance between weather, crowds and prices. It may be hit or miss at the nearby beaches, but it’s excellent touring weather with only a fraction of the summer crowds.

Traveling there in winter means having the city practically to yourself. And while you won’t spend time on the beaches, you will see more significant savings and enjoy a far less touristy experience.

How much time do I need in Dubrovnik?

If you’re only interested in visiting film locations and posting pictures to Instagram, you could hit the highlights in a day.

However, it would be a real shame not to spend a little more time exploring the Old Town, visiting the surrounding beaches and points of interest, or even using Dubrovnik as a base for visits to Korcula or even Kotor, Montenegro. So, a more practical suggestion is to stay at least two to three nights to absorb the city's full flavor.