HOW TO GET AROUND DUBROVNIK: MY COMPLETE TRANSPORT GUIDE

If you’re wondering how to get around Dubrovnik, this blog post is for you!

While the city is small, you may still need different types of transportation to make the most of your visit, especially if you’re short on time and want to see as much as possible in just two or three days.

Since I’ve spent quite a few summers here, in this guide I’ll tell you everything you need to know. Keep reading to find out the best ways to get around Dubrovnik and the transportation options you can use while you’re there!

HOW TO GET AROUND DUBROVNIK: OPTIONS

By Car

Having a car in Dubrovnik can be both a blessing and a curse. If you’re arriving anywhere other than Dubrovnik in Croatia, you’ll probably rent a car and drive it to Dubrovnik. If you’re starting in Dubrovnik, you’ll probably rent a car to explore the rest of the country. However, getting around Dubrovnik itself by car might not be the best idea.

While, yes, you’ll have the freedom to explore places outside Dubrovnik such as Cavtat or Peljesac, driving in Dubrovnik is a headache. You can drive pretty much normally in town, but you have to be careful because parts of the city around the old town are off-limits unless you have a residence permit. Many tourist don’t have these, and end up with huge fines once they get back home.

Additionally, you can’t even drive in the Old Town, where you’ll spend most of your time. Parking is limited and pretty expensive, ESPECIALLY close to the Old Town. Having a car is great for day trips outside the city, but that’s about it. I’d recommend renting a car only for the days you plan to go on those trips. Or, if you have a car rented for longer, try to find accommodation with parking and leave the car there.

If you want a quick car rental to get to places like Cavtat or Pasjaca beach without dealing with traditional rental companies, check out the car-sharing service Avant2go!

By Bus

If you want an easy, budget-friendly, and carefree way to get around Dubrovnik, use the buses. Dubrovnik has its own service called Libertas, which can take you pretty much anywhere in town and to the surrounding areas. It’s much cheaper than taxis or paying for parking, usually around 2–3 euros each way. Even better, if you get the Dubrovnik Pass, bus rides are free, so I’d definitely recommend it. The buses are reliable, but keep in mind they can get crowded during peak tourist season (as you’d expect).

Buses can get you pretty much anywhere in Dubrovnik, but here are the most popular lines you’ll probably use:

• Buses 1A, 1B, and 3 – to get from Gruz (ferry port and main bus station) to Pile Gate (Old Town)
• Buses 6 and 4 – to get From Babin Kuk/Lapad bay to the Old Town
• Bus 7 – to get from Lapad/Babin Kuk to Gruz (if you need a ferry!)
• Bus 10 – Gruz (main bus station) to Cavtat
• Bus 15 – Gruz (main bus station) to Ston

If you don’t have the Dubrovnik Pass, grab your bus tickets at a kiosk for a cheaper price. Buying from the driver will cost you more. Also, Google Maps doesn’t currently show Dubrovnik bus schedules or routes (at least not for me!), so it’s worth downloading the Libertas app. That way, you can easily check the closest bus stop and see the timetable.

By Taxi

If you want to get around comfortably without the trouble of driving, taxis are always an option. They’ll get you anywhere quickly, no need to think about routes, bus stops, or parking. Just keep in mind it’s the priciest way to travel, short rides around town usually cost €10–15.

I’d recommend using Uber or Bolt, since they’re often cheaper than local taxis and let you see the price upfront. They’re easy to find around town, so you shouldn’t have trouble getting one. If you do go with a local taxi, make sure the taximeter is on, confirm the price beforehand, and check the amount on the POS terminal before paying. Better safe than sorry!

By Scooter

Dubrovnik is extremely scooter-friendly, so this would be the best option if you want any kind of flexibility. With a scooter you can avoid car traffic, easily find a parking spot, and reach your destination much faster than with any other mode of transportation. Just keep in mind that Dubrovnik is quite hilly, so it’s best if the driver is confident. Also, scooters aren’t allowed inside the Old Town.

You can either rent a scooter for your whole stay starting at around €35 a day (check out rentscootersdubrovnik.com or modenascooters.com), or just rent one when you need it. There’s also a scooter-sharing app called Mynt, where you can pick up an electric scooter, ride it to your destination, and leave it there. We’ve used them before and they’re both super cute and really convenient!

By Walking

Honestly, you can see most of Dubrovnik on foot, and walking will be your main way of getting around.

The Old Town is completely pedestrian-only, so there are no cars or scooters within the city walls. You will come across some steep stone staircases, but most of the time you’ll be wandering through narrow lanes and streets. The polished limestone can get slippery when wet, so watch your step. While you can walk across the Old Town in about 10 minutes, exploring it properly means climbing plenty of steps and getting lost in charming alleys which takes much longer!

If you want to venture out of the Old Town, you can walk to Lapad (about 40–50 minutes) or to Gruz port (25–30 minutes). I definitely recommend walking as much as possible because it’s the best way to enjoy incredible sea views, hidden courtyards, and little local cafés you’d completely miss by bus or taxi.

That said, there are a few challenges. In summer, the heat can be intense, so bring plenty of water and start exploring early. And as I’ve already mentioned, the cobblestones are uneven and there are plenty of stairs, so walking might not be the easiest option for people with mobility issues or anyone with a baby stroller.

HOW TO GET AROUND DUBROVNIK: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I drive in Dubrovnik?

Yes, you can drive around most parts of Dubrovnik, just not around or inside the Old Town itself. Keep in mind parking is limited and pretty expensive. Cars are definitely best if you’re planning day trips outside Dubrovnik.

Is Uber available in Dubrovnik?

Yes, both Uber and Bolt work in Dubrovnik and are usually cheaper than regular taxis, so definitely check them out first if you need a ride. That said, prices can still be a bit high, expect around 10 to 15 euros for short trips.

How do I get from Dubrovnik Airport to the city?

Getting from the airport to Dubrovnik is pretty easy since it’s close by. You can rent a car right at the airport and drive yourself, take an airport shuttle bus for about €10, grab a taxi or Uber for around €30–40, or go for a private transfer if you want door-to-door convenience (though that’s usually the priciest option). Here’s a detailed guide on how to get from the airport to the old town.

Is cycling a good option?

Dubrovnik is not really made for cycling. It’s got quite steep hills, very narrow streets, and heavy traffic so biking could be quite challenging. During summer it’s also awfully hot which could be an additional problem.

What’s the cheapest way to get around?

If you’re on a tight budget, try to walk as much as possible and use the buses only for places that are too far to walk. Most of the main sights are close to the Old Town, so you really don’t need to rely on transport that much.

MY PERSONAL TAKE ON GETTING AROUND IN DUBROVNIK

I’ve tried every transportation option in Dubrovnik over the years, and taxis are definitely the most expensive one. I’d only use them when absolutely necessary, unless your budget allows frequent taxi rides. The most budget-friendly option is walking, with some help from public transport, mainly buses.

I truly think you see Dubrovnik best on foot, so if possible, try to walk as much as you can. I personally wouldn’t recommend having a car, unless you’re planning to do several day trips from Dubrovnik.

CONCLUSION: HOW TO GET AROUND DUBROVNIK

Overall, try to walk as much as you can and use taxis or buses only when walking isn’t possible. I’d skip having your own car altogether, because in Dubrovnik it usually causes more problems than it’s worth.