Cavtat is a beautiful coastal town located just a bit south of Dubrovnik. It’s a place a lot of people visiting Dubrovnik go to for a day or half a day. Many people choose to stay in Cavtat since it’s close to Dubrovnik, but it offers a bit more quieter atmosphere. If you are one of these people who stays in Cavtat and explores the Croatian south from it, in this article, we’ll present you with ways to get from Cavtat to Dubrovnik. Because you’ll want to visit the most famous destination in Croatia when staying in Cavtat.
Cavtat is located just some 20 kilometers away from Dubrovnik and as such it presents a perfect base for anyone who wants to enjoy a peaceful vacation near Dubrovnik. As you’ll see from this article, there are 4 main ways of traveling from Cavtat to Dubrovnik and each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages that we’re going to discuss in this article. Let’s embark on this short, but beautiful ride.
1. Boat from Cavtat to Dubrovnik (Scenic and Relaxing Option) We are starting with the most commonly chosen option for traveling from Cavtat to Dubrovnik and that is a taxi boat ride. This is also one of the most scenic ways to reach Dubrovnik because you have the chance to enjoy the Adriatic Sea and Dubrovnik’s coastline . Most of the boats on this route are comfortable speedboats that will take you from Cavtat to Dubrovnik in no time.
Duration: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour , depending on the sea conditions and the route.Cost: Approximately €10-€15 per person (one way). Expect to pay around 20 Euros for a return ticket.Departure Points: Boats to Dubrovnik leave from the harbor in Cavtat and arrive at Old Town port in Dubrovnik .Frequency: Boats operate frequently during the high season (April to October) and are very limited in winter months.Best For: Anyone who wants a relaxing and scenic experience of traveling between these 2 destinations.
Pros & Cons of Taking a Boat Pros Cons Scenic and enjoyable ride Slower than a bus or taxi Arrives directly at Dubrovnik’s Old Town Limited schedules in winter No traffic delays More expensive than the bus
2. Bus from Cavtat to Dubrovnik (Cheapest and Convenient Option) The next way of traveling from Cavtat to Dubrovnik is budget-friendly and also very convenient. Taking a bus offers a quick and affordable way to reach Dubrovnik in just 30-40 minutes. This way, you’ll still be able to enjoy the scenic ride and we suggest you take the place by the window on the left side. This line is served by the Libertas, the public transport owner in Dubrovnik.
Bus Line: Libertas Bus No. 10 Duration: Cca. 30-40 minutes .Cost: Approximately €3-€5 per ticket .Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes throughout the day.Departure Points: Buses depart from Cavtat’s bus station and arrive at Dubrovnik’s main bus station (Gruž) . After your arrival, you’ll need to take another bus or taxi to the Old Town.Best For: Travelers who want a cheap and reliable transport option to Dubrovnik.
Pros & Cons of Taking the Bus Pros Cons Cheapest option Can be crowded in peak season Frequent departures Doesn’t arrive directly in Old Town (requires a short walk or another bus) No need to book in advance Possible traffic delays during the summer
3. Taxi or Private Transfer (Fastest and Most Comfortable Option) Private transfer is usually the fastest way of traveling from Cavtat to Dubrovnik. You can either get a regular taxi or book a private transfer van that is a bit more comfortable. In this way, you don’t need to worry about driving and the driver can pick you up and leave you at any location of your choice.
Duration: 20-30 minutes , depending on traffic conditions.Cost: Around €30-€50 for a standard taxi.Where to Find a Taxi: Taxis are available at Cavtat’s main taxi rank or can be booked online.Best For: Travelers who want a direct, fast, and carefree transfer .
Pros & Cons of Taking a Taxi or Private Transfer Pros Cons Fastest way to travel More expensive than the bus or boat Direct to your destination Traffic congestion can cause delays Comfortable and private Availability may be limited in peak season
4. Rental Car (Best for Flexibility and Exploring the Region) Finally, if you’re planning to explore more of the Dubrovnik Riviera and nearby attractions, renting a car and driving in Croatia might be the best option for you. If you just want to reach Dubrovnik from Cavtat, then we wouldn’t suggest renting a car. However, if you’re keen on exploring this part of Croatia, then doing it by car and at your own pace is the best option.
Drive Time: 20-30 minutes .Road Conditions: Roads in Croatia are well-maintained.Parking: Might be very limited and expensive near Dubrovnik Old Town.Best For: Travelers who want to explore beyond Dubrovnik , such as Konavle Valley, Montenegro, or Pelješac peninsula.
Pros & Cons of Renting a Car Pros Cons Flexibility to explore nearby areas Finding parking in Dubrovnik is difficult and expensive Enjoy a scenic drive along the coast Rental costs and fuel expenses No need to rely on schedules, explore at your own pace Not the best option for short visits
Which Option Is Best for You? Which of these options you choose, it’s completely up to you, the most important thing is that you arrive safely in Dubrovnik and enjoy all that this city offers. Here are all the ways of reaching Dubrovnik summarized.
Transport Option Best For Duration Cost Boat Taxi Scenic and relaxing travel 45-60 min €10-€15 Bus Budget travelers 30-40 min €3-€5 Taxi/Private Transfer Fast and convenient travel 20-30 min €30-€50 Rental Car Exploring beyond Dubrovnik 20-30 min Varies (rental & fuel)
Before You Venture from Cavtat to Dubrovnik Cavtat is a great place to stay near Dubrovnik and if we would need to choose one place as our base near Dubrovnik, we would probably choose Cavtat because of its peaceful atmosphere and proximity to Dubrovnik. As you can see from this article, reaching Dubrovnik from Cavtat is easy and it will leave you plenty of time to explore this historic place in Croatia. Also, if you’re staying in Cavtat, explore beyond Dubrovnik and head toward nearby Konavle which is famous for its vineyards and local specialties, as well as for many beautiful natural places.
Enjoy your stay in Cavtat!
