If you are traveling from the capital of Croatia to the most visited tourist destination in the same country, you’re in the right place. We’ll discuss all the ways of traveling from Zagreb to Dubrovnik and discuss the pros and cons of each of these options. These 2 cities are not so close so expect a long ride, unless you’re flying to Dubrovnik. Still, when traveling through a country such as Croatia, even a long voyage can be quite an experience.
The journey from Zagreb to Dubrovnik is a trip from Croatia’s vibrant capital straight to the most famous place in Croatia. The distance between Zagreb and Dubrovnik is around 600 km (370 miles) , and there are several ways to make the trip. This guide will explore all available transport options and hopefully help you to choose the best way of getting to Dubrovnik for you.
1. By Plane – The Fastest Option As you can already imagine having in mind the given distance between these 2 cities, flying from Zagreb to Dubrovnik is the fastest and most convenient way to travel. If you really want to reach Dubrovnik as fast as possible, then flying is your best option. Also, keep in mind that you’ll need at least 40 minutes to reach Dubrovnik once you land at Dubrovnik airport. This can be even longer during the summer months which bring a lot of traffic to roads in Croatia.
Zagreb to Dubrovnik Flight Details:
Duration: ~1 hourAirlines: Croatia Airlines, Trade Air, seasonal low-cost operatorsAirport Transfers: Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG) to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)
Pros:
Fastest way to travel from Zagreb to Dubrovnik
Avoids long road journeys
Many flights are available, especially in peak season
Cons:
More expensive than buses or driving yourself
Limited luggage allowance unless paying extra
Dubrovnik Airport is 20 km from the city center, requiring additional transport
Best For: Travelers who are short on time or want a fast journey to Dubrovnik.
2. By Car – The Most Scenic and Flexible Option Our favorite way of traveling is Croatia. Driving from Zagreb to Dubrovnik is full of incredible landscapes, from the beautiful inland countryside to the stunning Dalmatian coastline. If you are visiting Croatia without a car, we suggest you rent one as soon as you land and enjoy the carefree exploration at your own pace. Also, if you have some time on your hands, we suggest avoiding the motorways and traveling on scenic roads through Croatia.
Route Options:
Fastest Route: A1 Motorway → Pelješac Bridge → Dubrovnik (~6 hours)Scenic Route: Coastal Road (D8) along the Adriatic (~7-8 hours)
Pros:
Absolute freedom to stop and explore places like Plitvice Lakes, Zadar, and Split along the way
Comfortable and flexible travel at your own pace
No need to adhere to public transport schedules that can be quite limiting
Cons:
Costs include fuel, and parking in Dubrovnik (apart from the cost of renting a car)
Driving can be tiring for long distances so we suggest splitting it into 2-3 days and visiting some great places along the way
Dubrovnik has limited parking, and hotel parking may be expensive (check if your accommodation offers free parking)
Best For: Road trip enthusiasts, families, and those who want to explore the natural wonders of Croatia along the way.
3. By Bus – The Best Budget-Friendly Choice Taking a direct bus from Zagreb to Dubrovnik is one of the most economical options for traveling between those two cities. It’s a quite long bus ride, but one of the best options if you’re visiting Croatia on a budget.
Bus Details:
Duration: 9-12 hours, depending on the route and road conditionsOperators: Arriva, FlixBus, Croatia BusCost: €30-€50Frequency: Several daily departures, more lines are available during the peak season
Pros:
Affordable and widely available
No need to worry about driving or navigation
Comfortable modern buses with Wi-Fi and air conditioning
Cons:
Quite a long journey time, can be very tiresome
Usually involves regular stops along the way
Can be uncomfortable for overnight travel and might drain your energy
Best For: Budget travelers who don’t mind a longer trip.
4. By Train – Not a Direct Option Now this is something we did many times during our university studies in Zagreb. Using the train is definitely our favorite way of traveling in Croatia by public transport. Unfortunately, there is no direct train from Zagreb to Dubrovnik but you can travel part of the way by train, to the city of Split, to be more exact.
Route:
Train from Zagreb to Split (~6.5+ hours, depending on the train type)
Once in Split, you have the option to either take a bus or ferry from Split to Dubrovnik (~4-5 hours)
Pros:
Comfortable train ride for the first part
Scenic rail journey through Croatia’s inland regions of Lika and Gorski Kotar
Cons:
No direct rail service to Dubrovnik
Requires transferring to a bus or ferry
Longer overall travel time
Best For: Train enthusiasts who want to experience a mix of rail and sea travel.
5. By Ferry – A Unique but Indirect Option If you love traveling by sea, you can combine bus or train with ferry travel for a unique experience. Split and Dubrovnik are connected via fast catamaran ferries that are quite fast and comfortable.
Route:
Zagreb to Split (by bus or train) ~5-6 hoursSplit to Dubrovnik (by ferry) ~4-6 hours
Ferry Operators: Jadrolinija, TP Line, Krilo
Pros:
You get to enjoy beautiful views of the Adriatic coast and islands
More comfortable than long bus rides
A great way to explore Croatia’s islands along the way
Cons:
Not a direct option, requiring a transfer in Split
Seasonal ferry schedules (mostly from April–October)
Longer overall travel time
Best For: Travelers who want to enjoy a scenic island-hopping experience combined with a train or bus ride from Zagreb to Split.
If you’re traveling from Split to Dubrovnik by ferry, you’ll stop at Hvar Town Comparison Table: Best Ways to Travel from Zagreb to Dubrovnik This table summarizes everything we have said so far in a nice and visual way so you can easily see what to expect out of each way of getting from Zagreb to Dubrovnik.
Transport Duration Cost Best For Plane ~1 hour €50-€150 Fast, convenient travel Car ~6-8 hours €100+ (fuel, tolls, parking) Road trips & sightseeing Bus ~9-12 hours €30-€50 Budget travelers Train + Bus ~11+ hours €50+ Train lovers Ferry + Bus ~10+ hours €50+ Scenic coastal experience
Before You Depart: What’s the Best Way to Travel from Zagreb to Dubrovnik?
If speed is your priority → Fly from Zagreb to Dubrovnik.If you want to explore along the way → Drive for a scenic road trip.If you’re on a budget → Take the bus for the most affordable option.If you love train travel → Take the train to Split , then a bus or ferry.If you want a unique journey → Combine ferry travel with a stop in Split .
Although it’s quite a long distance between Zagreb and Dubrovnik, you can see that there are many ways of traveling from one to another. Some will take you to Dubrovnik quite fast, while others will offer you additional experiences along the way. Either way, you choose, we wish you a safe and pleasant journey through Croatia .
