Dubrovnik and Zagreb are the 2 Croatian cities in which we have spent many days of our lives. We have lived in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, for 10 years and now that we have returned to Dalmatia, we travel to Dubrovnik almost daily during the summer season. This article will be a guide on how to get to Zagreb from Dubrovnik and we’ll discuss all the options you have when it comes to traveling from the most visited destination in Croatia to the capital of this magnificent country.
Traveling from Dubrovnik to Zagreb can be quite an experience, depending on the way you choose to travel. As you will see in this article, there are many combinations that can make your journey either very fast or longer and scenic. We are going to cover all the usual ways of traveling from Dubrovnik to Zagreb, discuss their pros and cons, and hopefully help you decide on the best way of traveling between these two cities.
1. By Plane (Fastest & Most Convenient) We are starting with the fastest and most convenient way of getting from Dubrovnik to Zagreb – by airplane. Both Dubrovnik and Zagreb have airports and one in Zagreb is quite near the city while you’ll have to drive a bit to reach Dubrovnik Airport. Here’s what flying from Dubrovnik to Zagreb looks like.
Time: 1 hour (plus transfer and airport time)Cost: €40 – €150 (depending on season and airline)Best for: Travelers looking for speed and convenience
Flights between Dubrovnik and Zagreb are the fastest way to travel. Croatia Airlines and other carriers operate multiple direct flights daily . Including the airport time and transfers, you can reach Zagreb from Dubrovnik in less than 3 hours. If you were to drive from Dubrovnik for 3 hours, you would get to Split.
Pros:
Fastest way to travel
Several flights are available each day
Stunning aerial views of the Croatian coastline
Cons:
Airport check-in and security add extra time
Baggage fees
Flying from Dubrovnik to Zagreb can be expensive during peak season
2. By Car (Scenic & Flexible) A bit longer, but it’s our favorite. Driving in Croatia is an experience for itself. After the flying option, driving from Dubrovnik to Zagreb is the second fastest way to reach the capital of Croatia. The roads in Croatia are scenic and when you travel this distance, you might feel like you have changed a few countries along the way because of all the different landscapes along the way. If you have some extra time, drive on the regional roads instead of the faster motorways for an unforgettable road trip experience.
Time: 6 – 8 hours (depending on stops and traffic conditions)Cost: €60 – €100 (fuel and tolls)Best for: Anyone who enjoys road trips and scenic views
Driving from Dubrovnik to Zagreb is full of stunning views of the Adriatic coastline, mountains, and other natural wonders of Croatia . The journey follows the A1 highway , Croatia’s main motorway.
Pros:
Complete flexibility with stops along the way
Beautiful landscapes for a true road trip experience
Opportunity to visit places like Split, Plitvice Lakes, Krka National Park, Zadar , and more.
Cons:
Long drive, especially for solo travelers
Toll fees add to the cost
Can be tiring if you’re driving alone
3. By Bus (Budget-Friendly & Comfortable) And now we’re reaching the domain of public transport. Traveling from Dubrovnik to Zagreb by bus is the most common way of traveling between these two cities. It’s the most budget-friendly option even though the ride can feel quite long and tiresome. If you are traveling in the summer season, make sure to book your tickets on time.
Time: 8 – 11 hoursCost: €30 – €50Best for: Budget travelers and those who prefer public transport
Buses are the most affordable way to travel and several companies run daily routes between Dubrovnik and Zagreb. Expect comfortable coaches with WiFi, air conditioning, and reclining seats on this route, and enjoy the scenic views. Also, sit on the left side of the bus for the best views.
Pros:
Cheapest travel option
No need to worry about driving
Frequent departures from Dubrovnik main station in Gruž
Cons:
Rather long travel time
Possible delays due to traffic, especially in the summer season
Limited legroom on some buses, keep this in mind f you’re a bit taller
4. By Train (Least Practical Option) Among the longest ways of traveling to Zagreb from Dubrovnik, but it is one of our favorites too. We simply love trains and if there would be a train all the way to Dubrovnik, it would probably be the most scenic ride in Europe. This way, you’ll first need to reach Split, and then board the train from Split to Zagreb. We warn you that the Croatian Railways are very slow, but the landscape on this route is beautiful so you have more time to enjoy it. Look it that way.
Time: 10 – 15 hours (requires multiple changes)Cost: €40 – €70Best for: Train enthusiasts with time to spare
Unfortunately, there is no direct train from Dubrovnik to Zagreb, as Dubrovnik does not have a railway station . It used to have it in the past and there was a narrow gauge railway that connected Mostar and Dubrovnik. The journey involves taking a bus or ferry to Split (4 hours) and then boarding a train from Split to Zagreb (6-8 hours).
Pros:
Scenic coastal and countryside views
Comfortable for long-distance travel
Cons:
No direct service
Long journey time
Requires multiple transfers
5. By Private Transfer or Taxi (Luxury & Convenience) If you’re looking for the most luxurious way to travel to Zagreb from Dubrovnik, this is the perfect option for you. There are many operators with luxurious cars and vans in Dubrovnik and you can book them even for longer distances such as this one.
Time: 6 – 7 hoursCost: €400 – €600+Best for: Travelers who prefer door-to-door service
Private transfers such as these are ideal for those wanting a comfortable and carefree journey. These services offer luxury vehicles, English-speaking drivers, and custom stops along the way.
Pros:
Maximum comfort
Personalized itinerary
No waiting times
Cons:
Expensive compared to other options
Less flexibility than self-driving
6. By Ferry to Split + Bus or Train to Zagreb (Scenic & Relaxing) For the ending of this article about how to get to Zagreb from Dubrovnik, we have another scenic route that combines our 2 favorite transports in Croatia – ferry and train. This is the most scenic ride of all since this way you get to enjoy the coast and the islands, and later the Croatian inland regions by train or bus.
Time: 10 – 15 hours (depending on ferry and connections)Cost: €50 – €100Best for: Travelers who want a coastal experience before heading further inland
Step 1: Ferry from Dubrovnik to Split
Operated by Jadrolinija & TP Line .
Catamaran ferry (passengers only) takes around 4-5 hours .Enjoy the Adriatic coastline and island views along the way.
Step 2: Bus or Train from Split to Zagreb
Bus (cheaper and faster) : 5-6 hours (€20 – €40).Train (scenic but slower) : 6-8 hours (€30 – €50).
Pros:
Scenic coastal route
A more relaxed journey compared to buses
Option to explore Split before heading further to Zagreb
Cons:
Longer overall travel time
Requires multiple transfers
Ferry schedules may be limited in the off-season
Best Option for Different Travelers Before you leave, take a quick look at this table that summarizes everything we have written in this article.
Traveler Type Recommended Option Fast & Easy Travel Flight Budget Travelers Bus Scenic Road Trip Car Luxury & Comfort Private Transfer Train Enthusiasts Train (via Split) Coastal Experience Ferry + Bus/Train
Before you Venture to Zagreb from Dubrovnik And that’s how to get to Zagreb from Dubrovnik. Expect a longer and more scenic ride in most cases. Our best recommendation would be to split the journey into 2 or more days and visit some of the places that are located along the route – Baćina Lakes, Neretva Delta, Krka National Park, Plitvice Lakes, and many others. If there was to be the ultimate road trip in Croatia, it would be this one because of the many landscape changes along the way. Either way, if you choose to travel to Zagreb from Dubrovnik, have a safe and pleasant journey.
