Imagine starting your day with the coffee in Split and ending it looking at the sunset over Dubrovnik. We live just in the middle between these 2 cities that are among most visited destinations in Croatia, and if you are staying in Split, we recommend you visit Dubrovnik too since these two destinations are not so far apart and Dubrovnik will most definitely be totally different experience that will make your stay in Croatia much more memorable and diverse. This article will be all about a day trip from Split to Dubrovnik – how to reach Dubrovnik, what to do once you’re over there, and what tours are available for booking.
A day trip from Split to Dubrovnik is a great opportunity to explore one of Croatia’s most iconic cities. You might think that you won’t be able to see much of Dubrovnik in just one day, but that’s not the case and you can still enjoy the charm of this city in southern Croatia even for just one day. Organized day trips that we’ll mention in this article usually have guided tours through Dubrovnik too, so you get one whole experience. But even if you’re visiting Dubrovnik by your own car, there are a lot of things to see and do and we’re sure you’ll leave this city happy and content.
Why Visit Dubrovnik on a Day Trip? Dubrovnik is the most famous destination in Croatia. If you’re staying in Split, another famous historical city, this day trip from Split to Dubrovnik will open a whole new world to you since these 2 cities are completely different. So why wouldn’t you want to experience something like that during your vacation in Split? Here are just a few reasons why this day trip from Split is worth it:
Historical Significance: Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and it will offer you an authentic glimpse into its history with ancient city walls , fortresses , and museums .Scenic Beauty: Dubrovnik is full of panoramic views and the best ones are from the city walls and Srđ hill.Great for Photographers: Dubrovnik is also the most photographed location in Croatia and the most photogenic place of our beautiful country. We’re professional photographers and do most of our work in Dubrovnik, and believe us when we say that Dubrovnik offers so much in terms of photography.
How to Get from Split to Dubrovnik There are four main ways you can get from Split to Dubrovnik and we’re going to mention each of them along with their eventual positive and negative aspects. As we already mentioned, Dubrovnik and Split are not so far apart and now that the Pelješac Bridge was built, the drive between them takes around 3 hours.
1. By Organized Tour Booking an organized day trip from Split to Dubrovnik is a carefree and most commonly chosen way to visit Dubrovnik. Organized tours like these include transportation, a guided city tour , and some free time in the Old Town .
Duration: 12 to 14 hoursCost: €50-100 per personExtras: Some of these day trips include stops in Ston or other places along the way. Ston is known for its ancient walls and oysters . If you want to combine a few other stops on a day trip from Split to Dubrovnik, always check the itinerary of the tour.
Pros:
Stress-free panoramic ride experience
Knowledgeable guides that will guide you through Dubrovnik
Cons:
Less flexibility with itinerary
2. By Car Driving from Split to Dubrovnik offers the most flexibility and allows you to make many stops along the way. There are many beautiful places in southern Croatia that are worth visiting and are located between Split and Dubrovnik, and some of these are: the city of Omiš, the Makarska Riviera, Baćina Lakes, Neretva River Valley, and many more. Stopping at any of these places lets you experience some of the best landscapes of this part of Croatia.
Distance: 230 km (about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the traffic)Best Route: Follow the Adriatic Highway (D8) for a best panoramic road trip. Alternatively, use the A1 motorway to the city of Ploče and then continue toward Dubrovnik.Parking in Dubrovnik: Use parking garages like Ilijina Glavica or the public parking lots outside the Old Town. We suggest not even trying to park close to the Old Town since roads can be congested and the chance of finding a free parking spot is minimal.
Tip: Leave from Split as early as possible to avoid traffic and maximize your time in Dubrovnik. If you leave at 5 AM, you’ll be in Dubrovnik by 8 and enjoy driving on mostly empty roads.
3. By Bus Buses are the best budget options for traveling between Split and Dubrovnik. They run frequently, especially during the summer season. We advise to make a reservation as soon as possible since buses can be booked quickly, especially during the summer season in Croatia.
Duration: Around 4.5 hours each wayCost: €15-25 per personComfort: Buses are generally comfortable , with air conditioning and luggage storage available on board.
Pros:
Affordable
No need to worry about parking
Cons:
Less flexibility
Longer travel time
Buses can be pretty crowded in the season
4. By Ferry (Seasonal Option) If you are visiting Split during the summer, you have the option to take a ferry from Split to Dubrovnik . This is a great and comfortable option for anyone who wants to enjoy the scenic coastal ride. Catamarans that operate between these 2 cities are passenger-only boats and they make a few stops along the way so you can see how the Croatian islands look.
Duration: Around 4 hoursCost: €40-60 per personBenefits: Cruising along the coast and enjoying views of Croatia’s islands
Downside: Limited schedule and not available in the off-season periods. Rides can be canceled during the bad weather.
What to Do in Dubrovnik on a Day Trip Once you reach Dubrovnik, the whole new world of opportunities opens to you, depending on the way of transportation you choose to reach this gem of the Croatian south.
Our Suggestion of a tours for a 1 day in Dubrovnik
1. Walk the City Walls One of the top attractions in Dubrovnik and a place you have to visit when exploring the Old Town. The City Walls offer panoramic views of the Old Town and the sea around Dubrovnik.
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hoursCost: €40 per person (consider buying Dubrovnik Pass and explore other attractions for this price)
Tip: Go as early as possible to avoid the crowds and the heat.
2. Explore the Old Town Walk through the narrow stone streets and visit:
Stradun – The main street in DubrovnikRector’s Palace Church of St. Blaise Sponza Palace Dubrovnik Cathedral
3. Take the Cable Car to Srđ Hill The cable car ride and Srđ Hill offers the best views over Dubrovnik , the Adriatic Sea and the nearby Elaphite Islands .
Duration: At least 1 hour (including the ride and exploring the top)Cost: €27 for a return ticketWe suggest taking this ride around sunset time, and watch one of the best sunsets in Croatia
4. Lunch in Dubrovnik You will most definitely get hungry from all the exploration of Dubrovnik and its surroundings. Dubrovnik is a great place to get hungry at since there are so many great restaurants all across the city, here are just a few of them:
Nautika Restaurant: Fine dining with sea views Konoba Dubrava: Try traditional local dishesAbove 5 Rooftop Restaurant: Great food with panoramic views of Dubrovnik rooftops
5. Visit Lokrum Island (If The Time Allows) If you have some extra time, we suggest visiting Lokrum Island, which is just a 15-minute boat ride away from Dubrovnik’s Old Port. Lokrum has botanical gardens , walking trails , and great swimming spots .
Duration: 2-3 hours (time spent on the island, not the boat ride)Cost: €20 for the boat ride
Tips for a Perfect Day Trip Ready to enjoy Dubrovnik? Here are just a few more quick tips that will ensure an even better experience.
Start Early: Aim to arrive in Dubrovnik by 10 AM, preferably around 8 AM.Stay Hydrated: Always have a water bottle with you, especially during the summer.Wear Comfortable Shoes: The Old Town streets are stone and walking on them will be much more comfortable in proper shoes.Book in Advance: Tickets for the city walls and cable car can sell out during the peak season, so book them in advance if you want to visit these attractions in Dubrovnik.Avoid Peak Season Crowds: If possible, visit Dubrovnik during May, June, September , or October . It may still be crowded, but it won’t be as hot as during the summer.
Alternative Stops Along the Way If you’re driving from Split to Dubrovnik, here are a few places you might want to stop at:
Omiš: Historic town with river rafting and other adventurous opportunities.Makarska Riviera: Place with the most beautiful beaches in Croatia.Biokovo Nature Park: Biokovo mountain is rising above Makarska Riviera and it’s home to Skywalk Biokovo, a unique attraction in Croatian mountains.Baćina Lakes : A group of beautiful 7 lakes and the most serene place in Croatia.Neretva Delta: Another unique landscape near the city of Ploče, a valley made by the Neretva River just before it pours into the Adriatic Sea.Ston: Famous for oysters and the second-longest wall in the world . The Great Wall in China is the longest one.Arboretum Trsteno: Beautiful botanical garden just 20 minutes of driving away from Dubrovnik.
Before You Venture on a Day trip from split to Dubrovnik To conclude, a day trip from Split to Dubrovnik is a great way to experience Croatia’s most visited destination. You’ll see that Dubrovnik is quite different than Split and has more medieval architecture compared to the Roman one that is present in Split. Both cities are beautiful but quite different at the same time. So if you’re staying in Split, the day trip to Dubrovnik will take you to a completely different era in the history of Croatia.
