Are you interested in exchanging the place with the most beautiful beaches in Croatia with the most visited destination of this country? Even for just one day? This article will be all about getting from Makarska to Dubrovnik and places that are worth visiting on this scenic ride. We will discuss all the different options of traveling between these 2 cities in southern Croatia and what to expect on this journey.
This is one of the most scenic trips in Croatia, it follows the stunning Dalmatian coastline and passes through many beautiful places of the Croatian south. There is no motorway between Makarska and Dubrovnik, but the journey is not so long and it’s much more comfortable since the Pelješac Bridge was opened. No more border crossings and waiting in the queues. Dubrovnik has never been closer to Makarska as it is nowadays.
1. Guided Tours from Makarska to Dubrovnik We are starting this journey to the south with one of the most chosen ways for this road trip. A guided tour from Makarska to Dubrovnik is a convenient and relaxing way to travel between these 2 cities. Many of these tours visit some of the most famous locations of southern Croatia along the way. It’s a great option if you are not visiting Croatia by your car or you haven’t rented it.
Why Choose a Guided Tour?
Carefree Experience – You don’t need to worry about driving, parking, or anything driving related.Scenic Stops Included – Visit beautiful locations along the route and enjoy the scenic ride.Local Guides – Learn about the history and culture from a guide accompanying the tour. There are different kinds of Makarska to Dubrovnik tours, so check what each of them includes before you make the booking.Comfortable Transportation – Air-conditioned vans or minibuses with hotel pickup/drop-off.
Best Rated Makarska to Dubrovnik Tours
What to Expect on a Guided Tour? Most guided tours from Makarska to Dubrovnik are accompanied by the guide, or you get one upon your arrival in Dubrovnik. Choose the tour that fits your needs. If you only want to reach Dubrovnik, then choose the tour that offers a lot of free time in this city. On the other hand, if you want to learn more about the history of Dubrovnik, then a tour with a professional guide is the best fit for you.
Also, many of these Makarska to Dubrovnik tours stop at some of the most famous places and viewpoints along the way, and some of them include snacks and drinks.
2. Driving from Makarska to Dubrovnik Another most common way og getting from Makarska to Durbvonik is by driving. Driving in Croatia gives you flexibility and independence , and we suggest renting a car if you haven’t arrived by your own. This journey to Dubrovnik takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and follows one of the most scenic coastal routes in Croatia .
Route & Road Conditions
Distance: Approx. 150 km Time: 2.5 to 3 hours , depending on traffic. Expect dense traffic in the summer months.Road: The D8 Adriatic Highway , well-maintained coastal road with stunning sea views .Border Crossing: Not needed anymore since the Pelješac Bridge was built, but if you want to visit Neum in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you’ll need to cross the border.
Recommended Stops Along the Way Many great places are located on the route between Makarska and Dubrovnik and here’s the list of the most famous ones. We suggest visiting at least one of these places to make this journey even better and more diverse.
Makarska Riviera Beaches – A drive along the Makarska Riviera is the most scenic part of this journey. Makarska Riviera is the part with some of the best beaches in Croatia and we suggest you visit one of these, preferably secluded, and take a swim before continuing to Dubrovnik.Baćina Lakes – A group of seven lakes located near the city of Ploče, perfect for a quick photo stop or longer visit if you want to enjoy one of the most peaceful places on the Dalmatian Coast.Neretva River Delta largest river delta , famous for its wetlands and delicious Neretva mandarins . One of the best places for birdwatching in Croatia.Ston – Famous for its ancient defensive walls (the longest in Europe) and its oyster farms Trsteno Botanical Garden – A beautiful historical garden featured in Game of Thrones , and full of different exotic plants.
3. Taking a Bus from Makarska to Dubrovnik Finally, we come to the option of public transport, which is the budget-friendly option for traveling from Makarska to Dubrovnik. Both of these cities are connected by bus lines, especially during the summer. However, they are still not as frequent as you would expect and can be somewhat limiting.
Bus Information:
Duration: 3 to 4 hours, depending on the route and stops along the way.Tickets: Expect prices in the range from €15 to €25 for one way trip.Comfort: Standard buses with air conditioning; some might have WiFi.Booking: Tickets can be purchased online or at the Makarska bus station.
Downsides of Taking a Bus:
No scenic stops – You’ll pass by beautiful places but you won’t be able to explore them.Longer travel time due to scheduled stops and traffic conditions.Fixed departure times – Traveling from Makarska to Dubrovnik by bus is less flexible than other ways presented in this article.
Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Travel from Makarska to Dubrovnik Any way of reaching Dubrovnik from Makarska is just fine as long as you know what you want to get out of your trip. We’ll end this article with this table that summarizes the most important aspects of each way of reaching Dubrovnik.
Travel Option Best For Pros Cons Guided Tour Sightseeing & Comfort Includes scenic stops, a carefree, guided experience Less flexible schedule Car Rental Flexibility & Adventure Stop wherever you want, enjoy amazing views Requires driving & parking in Dubrovnik Bus Budget Travelers Affordable, multiple daily departures No scenic stops along the way, longer travel time
Once you reach Dubrovnik , make sure you explore some of the most famous places in the Old Town. A lot can be seen in Dubrovnik in just one day, but if you have the chance, we suggest staying in this beautiful city for at least 2 days so you can experience even more things that this destination offers. You’ll see that Dubrovnik can get crowded. It’s inevitable since it’s the most famous destination in Croatia . Still, try to enjoy the experience and find less crowded places so you can feel a true vibe of Dubrovnik.
Enjoy the most scenic ride and the most famous city in Croatia!
