Split to Dubrovnik

About the journey from Split to Dubrovnik

The culturally rich city of Split offers the best of Croatian food, history, music and so much more. From Split, you may be deciding your next stop along the Dalmatian coast, and the relatively close city of Dubrovnik is the perfect choice. 

Dubrovnik’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with plenty of Gothic style architecture including towers and monasteries. If you are looking for adventure or natural spots, there are great places for diving from the rocks into the clear water along the coast, as well as natural wonders like the Blue Cave.

With approximately 160 kilometers (101 miles) between them, the journey from Split to Dubrovnik can be traveled in multiple ways. The quickest option is to be driven privately in a standard car or minivan, with the journey taking between 3 and 3.5 hours. The high-speed ferry from Dubrovnik Pier to the Split Ferry Port takes around 4.5 hours. There are also buses available which are usually an affordable 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 ferry 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.

Whichever way you decide to travel, once you arrive in Dubrovnik you can expect to enjoy a mix of historical and natural beauty. If you want to venture out of the city, a great day trip is to Lokrum Island which features a botanical garden and Benedictine monastery. No matter if you are island hopping or just want to explore the city, you will always find yourself a stone’s throw away from the inviting blue waters of the Adriatic ocean.

 

What to see when traveling from Split to Dubrovnik

With such a rich choice of things to see in this part of the world, the journey from Split to Dubrovnik can be a great chance to explore the best sights of the region. Stops along the way include pretty towns, natural sights, and fun activities. 

Natural beauty spots on the route between Split and Dubrovnik include the peaceful Bacina Lakes. If you’re traveling through the Bosnia and Herzegovina border on the coastal route, why not make the most of it by visiting the Kravice waterfalls and Blagaj or Vjetrenica caves. The beach towns between Split and Dubrovnik, including Brela, Baska Voda and Gradac, are a great stop too.

If you are looking for an activity on your journey between Split and Dubrovnik, try the Narona Archaeological Museum, rafting on the Cetina river or wine tasting in Komarna. It is clearly not just the major Croatian cities that offer lots to see, but everything in between them too. 

How to get from Split to Dubrovnik

Taking a ferry 

If you are looking for the most scenic route between Split and Dubrovnik, look no further than the high-speed passenger ferry. The ferry cruises down the Dalmatian coast from Split to Dubrovnik twice a day. On the ferry you will find comfortable seating, refreshments, and air conditioning, so you can relax and take in the beautiful sea views. The ferry departs from the Split Ferry Port at Obala kneza Domagoja 8 and arrives close to the city center at Dubrovnik Pier.

Taking a car 

The quickest way to travel from Split to Dubrovnik is by private car or minivan. This gives you the flexibility of choosing your pick up and drop off points and can accommodate groups of 3 to 8 people. Some operators provide vehicles with WiFi and chargers for more convenience, allowing you to rest and enjoy the trip.

When is the best time of year to visit Dubrovnik?

The best time of year to visit Dubrovnik is between September and October when the weather is at its best and you can enjoy swimming in the warm sea.. 

When is the best time of year to visit Split?

The best time to visit Split is either May or September as this will allow you avoid the hottest and most crowded months within the city, meaning you can relax as much as possible.

Crossing the border when traveling from Split to Dubrovnik

Split and Dubrovnik are located either side of the Bosnia and Herzegovina border at Neum. This requires two crossings of the border, one in and one out, which are a 10-minute drive apart.

The crossing requirements should be straightforward when you are traveling in a private car as your driver will have the correct documents. It is advisable to have your passport or ID card on you for checking. If you are traveling across the border during peak summer months, you could be expecting delays that increase your journey time to 4 or 5 hours. There are inland routes your driver may be aware of to avoid delays on the popular coastal route. 

If in doubt, ask your car operator for more information on border crossing requirements. Alternatively, you can take the high-speed ferry to avoid the border all together. A bridge on the road between Split and Dubrovnik is set to be completed in the 2nd half of 2021, which will bypass the border crossing.