Korčula is one of the most beautiful islands in Croatia. It’s famous for its medieval Old Town, beautiful beaches, and delicious local wines . Korčula town is often referred to as the ‘Little Dubrovnik’ because of the resemblance these destinations share. Both of them have similar medieval history and Korčula Old Town looks somewhat similar to the old part of Dubrovnik. If you’re staying in Dubrovnik and looking for a day trip options, Korčula is definitely one you’d enjoy. Here’s how to get from Dubrovnik to Korčula and what to expect out of each way of traveling between these locations.
Korčula Island is located 120 km northwest of Dubrovnik , and it’s easily accessible by catamaran, ferry, bus, or via private transfer . Each of these has some advantages and disadvantages, and it’s up to you to choose the one that will fit your needs best. After all, the most important thing is that you reach Korčula and experience this amazing island.
1. Catamaran from Dubrovnik to Korčula (Best Option) We’re starting our travel from Dubrovnik to Korčula with one of the most used options – high-speed catamaran. This is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Korčula from Dubrovnik and these catamarans connect Dubrovnik with many islands on the route and usually run between Split and Dubrovnik with stops at the islands on this route.
Operators: TP Line, JadrolinijaDuration: 1.5 to 2 hours Availability: Seasonal (April to October) Departure Point: Gruž Port in Dubrovnik Arrival Point: Korčula Town Port (great if you want to explore only the Old Town)Best For: Travelers who want a direct and comfortable trip .
Pros & Cons of the Catamaran Pros Cons Fast and direct Limited departures in winter No transfers needed Can be crowded in peak season Comfortable and scenic ride Affected by rough seas and bad weather
2. Ferry from Dubrovnik to Korčula via Orebić (Best Year-Round Option) This route from Dubrovnik to Korčula takes us across the Pelješac peninsula, another beautiful part of southern Croatia. If you’re taking this route, we suggest exploring Pelješac too since it’s famous for its wines, gastronomy, and beautiful beaches. Also, this will be a scenic ride so enjoy it. First, you’re going to need to reach Orebić on Pelješac and take the short ferry ferry ride from Orebić to Korčula.
Step-by-Step Route:
Dubrovnik to Orebić: You can either drive or take a bus to Orebić (2-2.5 hours from Dubrovnik ).Orebić to Korčula: Take a short taxi ride from Orebić to Korčula Town or a car ferry to Dominče (5 km away from the Old Town).
Ferry Operator: JadrolinijaBest For: Travelers visiting in winter or those traveling with a car .Dubrovnik to Orebić Bus Cost: €10-€15 Ferry from Orebić to Korčula Cost: €3-€5 per person, €25+ for a car
Pros & Cons of the Orebić Ferry Route Pros Cons Available all year Requires a bus or car transfer to Orebić More departure times Longer traveling time than a catamaran Great for road trips A less convenient option if you are without a car
3. Private Tour or Transfer from Dubrovnik to Korčula (Fastest and Most Comfortable) Dubrovnik to Korčula tour or private transfer is a carefree way of reaching Korčula from Dubrovnik and seeing a lot of other places along the route. These Dubrovnik to Korčula tours are available either by boat or by a vehicle and each of them is different. If you choose the land option, you have the chance to explore the Pelješac peninsula as you travel to Korčula, and if you choose the sea option, you can stop at some of the most famous places on Elaphiti Islands or Mljet Island.
Duration: Around 2.5 to 3 hours (including ferry crossing if traveling by land).Best For: Couples, families, and small groups wanting an exclusive service .Cost: Starting from €150-€250 (depending on the boat/vehicle and number of passengers).
Pros & Cons of a Private Transfer Pros Cons Fast and comfortable More expensive than other options No waiting for buses or ferries Must be arranged in advance Best for groups or families Limited availability in peak season
4. Bus from Dubrovnik to Korčula (Budget-Friendly Option) There are also direct buses from Dubrovnik to Korčula that you can take and these are the most budget-friendly option for traveling between these 2 destinations. Bus ride also includes the ferry crossing so you don’t need to worry about anything else. You sit on a bus in Dubrovnik, enjoy the scenic ride, and exit at Korčula Town.
Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours (including ferry transfer in Orebić)Operator: ArrivaDeparture Point: Dubrovnik Main Bus Station located in Gruž PortCost: Approximately €15-€20 Best For: Anyone who’s ok with a longer journey and wants to save some money.
Pros & Cons of Taking a Bus Pros Cons Affordable Slower than the catamaran Includes ferry crossing Very limited daily departures Scenic coastal drive Less comfortable than a private transfer
Which Option Is Best for You? In this table, you can find all the ways of traveling to Korčula from Dubrovnik summarized in a nice visual way for easy comparison.
Transport Option Best For Duration Cost Direct Catamaran Convenience & Speed 1.5 – 2 hours €25-€45 Ferry via Orebić Year-round travelers, road trips 3+ hours €10-€30 Private Transfer Comfort & fast travel 2.5 – 3 hours €150-€250 Bus + Ferry Budget travelers 3 – 3.5 hours €15-€20
Before You Venture From Dubrovnik to Korčula Many people staying in Dubrovnik opt to do at least one day trip during their vacation. And when it comes to day trips from Dubrovnik, there are plenty of options for additional experiences. Some choose to visit Montenegro, a neighboring country famous for places such as Kotor and Kotor Bay. Some choose to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina and places such as Kravice Waterfalls, Počitelj, and Mostar. Some visit the southernmost national park in Croatia located on Mljet Island .
And some choose to experience Korčula , an island with amazing beaches, nature, history, and adventure options. If you decide to visit Korčula, we wish you a nice weather and some great time.
