DUBROVNIK CABLE CAR TO MOUNT SRD: IS IT WORTH IT & ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

If you’re visiting Dubrovnik, you’ve definitely seen the Dubrovnik cable car as one of their main attractions. In this post, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Dubrovnik cable car and Mount Srd, and if it’s worth taking the ride!

Dubrovnik is Croatia’s most popular tourist destination, and there’s a reason for that. The Old Town is absolutely stunning, the Adriatic Sea is breathtaking, and each year there’s something new to do in the city.

Dubrovnik cable car was one of the oldest cable cars in the Adriatic, built all the way in 1969. Both locals and tourists loved using the cable car to get from the Old Town to Mount Srd, the most beautiful viewpoint in Dubrovnik.

Unfortunately, the cable car was destroyed in the Homeland war in 1991. People were pretty devastated over it, and luckily, in 2010, the new, modern cable car started transporting people once again!

Keep reading this blog post to find out where is the cable car, where to buy tickets, how long it is, and is it actually worth it!

WHERE IS THE DUBROVNIK CABLE CAR

The lower station of the Dubrovnik cable car is situated right outside the Old Town, so you’ll reach it easily. It will take you around 3-5 minutes on foot from the Buza Gate (one of the entrances to the Old Town). You can also access it from Ploce Gate or Pile Gate, it will only be a few minutes extra.

The upper station is situated on Mount Srd, the hill known for the best panoramic views in Dubrovnik. The cable car is operational from March to October, and closed from November to February.

WHERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR THE DUBROVNIK CABLE CAR

There are various ways of buying tickets for the Dubrovnik cable car, but the two main ones are on the spot, or online. If you like planning and it’s important to you to go on a certain day, buy your tickets online. During the summer season the crowds are significant, so if you have a table booked at Panorama, definitely buy tickets in advance – better safe than sorry!

If you’re more laid-back on your holiday and it doesn’t matter on which day you take the cable car up to Mount Srd, you can buy your tickets on the spot next to the lower station.

The cable car is quite expensive, with the following prices:

• adult round-trip ticket 30€
• adult one-way ticket 17€
• children round-trip ticket (4 – 12 years) 8€
• children one-way ticket (4 – 12 years) 5€
• under 4 years of age free

HOW LONG IS THE DUBROVNIK CABLE CAR RIDE

The Dubrovnik cable car ride is much shorter than most cable car rides, but it truly gives you the most stunning view of Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands. From lower station to Mount Srd there’s 778 meters, and it will take you around 3.5 minutes one way. That means a return trip will be around 7 minutes long.

IS THE DUBROVNIK CABLE CAR WORTH IT?

Now, this is a question only you can answer. Dubrovnik cable car is definitely one of the prettiest rides in all of Europe, so from that point of view I would say it’s absolutely worth it. Especially if you’re not on a budget and the price of the ride doesn’t give you a headache. It’s also the easiest and least troublesome way of getting up to Mount Srd. If you’re travelling comfortably, the cable car is the way to go.

On the other hand, the price for the ride’s longevity is pretty outrageous in my opinion, so if you’re on a budget, it might not be worth it. You can get up to Mount Srd in a few other ways, and still get an amazing view.

Decide if it’s worth it according to your budget and preferences!

WHAT TO DO AND SEE ON MOUNT SRD

Once you arrive to Mount Srd, there’s quite a few things you can do (besides crying over the views). Let’s go through some of the best things to do!

DINNER AT PANORAMA RESTAURANT

The first and the best thing you could do is go for dinner at Panorama restaurant. This restaurant is the absolute champion when it comes to incredible views, and I couldn’t recommend it enough. The food is great, the service is excellent, and the views are to die for.

You can come for lunch, dinner, or just grab a drink at the bar. The tables get booked MONTHS in advance, so make sure you book your table as soon as you know you’re coming to Dubrovnik. Trust me, it will be worth it!

VISIT THE HOMELAND WAR MUSEUM

Croatia went through a devastating war in the 90’s and Dubrovnik was hit pretty hard during that time. If you’re interested in history, make sure you stop at the Homeland War Museum in Fort Imperial, and see the exhibition on the war. There’s a lot of authentic material, from pictures and videos, to flags and mines. The entrance ticket is only 5 euros for adults.

PANORAMA ZIP LINE

If you like zip lines, this might be one of the best you could take. At least the views will be the best. Panorama Zip line is located on top of Mount Srd, and it’s an experience you won’t forget. If you decide to book this zip line tour, you have free transport to Mount Srd by car, but I’m sure you can take the cable car and get to the zip line by yourself if you’d like!

The zip line tour lasts 3 hours and it’s 55 euros per person. It includes transport, safety gear, and 2 zipline rides over a 500m zipline!

SKY BIKE DUBROVNIK

If you’ve been on zip lines before and you’re searching for something extra special, check out Sky Bike. You will be literally riding a bike in the air, above the stunning Old Town. The Sky Bike is located only a few minutes from the zip line, and it gives you an incredible opportunity to ride a bike on a wire, right over Dubrovnik, with incredible views of the Old Town and the surrounding islands.

The duration of the activity is 25 minutes, and anyone over 15 years old can participate. The price for this thrilling adventure is 35 euros!

IF YOU DON’T WANT TO TAKE THE DUBROVNIK CABLE CAR, HERE’S HOW TO REACH MOUNT SRD

If you decided, after this blog post, that the cable car is not for you, here’s how you can reach Mount Srd without taking the cable car.

BUS

If you’re on a tight budget, taking the bus to Mount Srd might be the best option. This bus starts at Pile Gate and goes to village Bosanka, which is near the top of Mount Srd. If you choose this option, you’ll have to hike a bit from Bosanka to the viewpoint.

Panorama Restaurant is around 30 minutes on foot, but there are several equally gorgeous viewpoints before Panorama, so unless you booked a table, there’s no need to go all the way to the restaurant. The bus ticket is 3 euros per way, and you can buy them at Libertas kiosks. Here’s the operating schedule!

TAXI

There’s also the option of getting a taxi. I wouldn’t recommend local taxis (the price could be outrageous), instead order an Uber or a Bolt. The prices of an Uber are around 30 euros per way, which is much cheaper than the cable car if there’s more than 2 of you. The ride is around 15 minutes from the Old Town.

BUGGY TOUR

If you’re adventurous, a buggy tour might be an interesting choice. You can leave Dubrovnik behind and drive through the hills and fields while still getting incredible views of the Old Town. These buggy rides start at the top of Mount Srd and descend all the way back to the city. That means you can get up there by cable car or Uber and then hop on a buggy. They last just over half an hour and cost around 50 euros per person.

TUK TUK TOUR

If you’re not an adrenaline junkie and aren’t a fan of buggy rides, a Tuk Tuk tour might be a better option for you. These electric Tuk Tuks are the perfect way to experience a drive to Mount Srd and the stunning views on the way. The tour lasts around 2 hours and you have an experienced driver who can tell you lots of historical facts about Dubrovnik during your tour. These tours are usually around 55 euros per person.

HIKING

Last but not least, you can hike all the way to Mount Srd, if you’re up for it! You can do the hike alone or on a hiking tour, and it lasts around 1 hour. The starting point is Mount Srd Hiking Trail, and from there you go all the way to Fort Imperial and Panorama restaurant.

The hike is not too hard as the incline is not huge, but there’s no shade, so don’t go in the middle of the day. The best time to go on this hike is just before the sunset, that way it’s not too hot and you’ll get the best possible views up there. Make sure you’ve got plenty of water and good hiking shoes!

MY PERSONAL TAKE ON DUBROVNIK CABLE CAR AND VISITING MOUNT SRD

In my opinion, visiting Mount Srd is a must-do! It’s honestly one of the best viewpoints I’ve ever seen and definitely my favorite in Croatia.

However, I’m not really a fan of the cable car, mainly because I think it’s overpriced. Paying €30 for a 7-minute ride feels a bit crazy to me, especially when Dubrovnik locals pay only €2. Even €15–20 would feel more reasonable. That’s why we usually go by car. We know what to expect, but if you’re visiting for the first time, I wouldn’t recommend driving up with a rental car because the road is no joke. Either take the cable car if it fits your budget, or get an Uber or join a tour and let someone else do the driving. One way or another, make sure you get up there!

CONCLUSION: DUBROVNIK CABLE CAR

This cable car will give you incredible views, and the finish line is definitely worth it. However, the price is quite steep, so you’ll have to decide if it’s something you’re willing to pay for. I personally wouldn’t, but if you think you’d enjoy it, then go for it!