More about: Transfers to/from Dubrovnik
To move in Dubrovnik and enjoy the best things this city has to offer you must choose a method of transportation that suits your needs. For that you must take into account the number of people traveling with you and the volume of your luggage. Consider also that the airport is only 20 kilometers from the center of Dubrovnik so it will be a quick trip when traveling to or from there.
You can travel by private transport, by bus or order a cab. All forms of transportation have their own advantages. In addition, you can take into account other factors such as the price of each type of service, in order to make the most appropriate decision.
1. A private transfer: exclusive and comfortable
Dubrovnik Airport is only half an hour away from the city center, so hiring a private transfer can be a good option. The price of this type of transfer will depend on the model of the car and the number of seats. In any case, this is the most comfortable and safest way to get to your hotel.
Although it is not the cheapest way of transfer, it has many advantages. After a long flight you will not have to arrive at the airport looking for transportation. Instead, you will be able to arrive directly to the place indicated by the transfer company. Normally the driver will wait for you inside the airport with a sign that should have your name written on it.
As it is a private vehicle, you will be free to request one that has enough space for you and your group. I recommend this option if you plan to travel with more than three people since together you will be able to split the cost and travel comfortably.
Traveling in a private vehicle is ideal for arriving on time and discovering all the secrets of this Adriatic Sea city by participating in some of the best boat tours in Dubrovnik.
Details of interest
- Duration of the trip: about 30 minutes.
- Price: about 20 €.
- Advantages of using this method: you will not have to worry about solving any inconveniences as the private company will take care of everything. They are usually punctual and responsible.
- Disadvantages of using this method: it is necessary to book in advance. It can be expensive if you are traveling alone.
- How to book this transportation: to book you must contact the company one or two days in advance.
- Recommended if... you want to travel without worries and receive help with your luggage.
2. By private bus: shared and comfortable transportation
If you don't have enough money for a private transfer but still want to travel comfortably, I have the best option for you! From Dubrovnik airport you can travel by private bus. Platanus Shuttle Bus is the official airport bus and is cheaper than a private shuttle. If you buy two trips you can get a discount.
This bus takes you directly to the Old Town of Dubrovnik. The stop is specifically at Ploče gate, the eastern gate of the old part of the city. It then continues its journey to the main station which is located away from the center. I recommend you to check where your hotel is so you know where to get off.
On the other hand I suggest you to check the bus schedule on their website and calculate your waiting time from the moment you arrive at the airport. You can also use this schedule as a guide to use when you need to leave the city. Keep in mind that you may have to wait up to an hour and in others you may have to run to avoid missing the bus. Keep these details in mind to choose the option that suits you best.
Details of interest
- Duration of the trip: about 1 hour or more depending on the waiting time.
- Price: around 10 €.
- Advantages of using this method: these buses usually have WiFi and comfortable seats, so the trip to your destination will be quiet and safe.
- Disadvantages of using this method: keep in mind that the bus will not take you to your hotel, so you may have to take a cab downtown.
- How to book this transportation: you must go to the website and buy your ticket.
- Recommended if... your hotel is close to the downtown bus stop and you don't mind sharing your transportation with strangers.
3. By public bus: less comfortable, but economical option
Among the most economical options is the public bus. The trip on them can take around 40 minutes or less. The price of these trips is very low compared to the rest of the options in this list, so it goes very well if you want to save some money. However, to use it you must be very clear about which area of the city you want to go to, as you must choose between lines 11, 27 and 38.
Note that these lines make a stop at Pile Gate, the western gateway to the old part of Dubrovnik. In order to better plan your trip, I recommend you to check the timetables on the Libertas Dubrovnik website. However, be aware that the waiting time can be very long, so be prepared.
On the other hand, the public bus is not the best option if you are carrying a lot of luggage. It can be a bit cumbersome to board the bus and find a place for each bag. I recommend this option if you are traveling light. It's even good if you want to get straight to exploring the Old Town.
Knowing how to use the city's public bus will put you at an advantage the rest of the days. You will be able to use it at any time and you will save money, as the other option for getting around the city is by cab and it is usually much more expensive. If you learn how to get around by bus you can even go out and enjoy the things you can do at night in Dubrovnik without getting lost and always reach your destination without any problem.
Interesting details
- Duration of the trip: about 1 hour.
- Price: about 4 €.
- Advantages of using this method: it is an economical option and you will be able to meet the locals from the very first moment of your stay in the city.
- Disadvantages of using this method: it can be difficult or uncomfortable to travel with a lot of luggage on a public bus.
- How to book this transportation: no reservations are needed.
- Recommended if... you want to save some money.
4. Uber: order transportation from your phone
Ordering an Uber is the easiest option on this list, but not the safest. Although the app gives you the option to book in advance, the driver is completely free to cancel the ride if he/she wishes. It can be a good last minute option.
If you are traveling in late June, July or August, you will find yourself in high season in this city. Therefore it will be a little more difficult to get an Uber. You should keep this in mind so that you have a second option in case this one doesn't work out. The price of an Uber ride may vary depending on the number of seats in the car. If you travel with more people you can divide the total amount and save a little.
The great advantage of this type of transfer is that you can ask to be taken right to the entrance of your hotel. This way you can get there quickly and safely. In addition, using the Uber app on your trip can help you to enjoy all the activities that Dubrovnik has for you. From anywhere in the city you can request a car as long as you have a signal.
Interesting details
- Duration of the trip: about 1 hour.
- Price: from 40 €.
- Advantages of using this method: it is not necessary to book and you can request an Uber at any time and place.
- Disadvantages of using this method: the quality of service you receive will depend on the driver who goes for you, as they do not respond to an internal policy.
- How to book this transportation: you can book in the app but it is not mandatory. Simply enter the app, mark the location of your destination and wait.
- Recommended if... you don't want to pay for a private transfer in advance.
5. Cab: last minute private option
Taking a cab is probably the most traditional option for traveling from the airport to the center of Dubrovnik and back. This option works very similar to private transfers, only you will be able to hire one without having to make a reservation in advance. The travel time to the center is less than an hour.
If you are traveling with children to Dubrovnik, taking a cab or private transport can be a good option. You will avoid a lot of stress and you can be at your hotel as soon as possible. In addition, these private services usually offer special seats for babies, in case you travel with them.
Another great advantage of cabs is that these drivers usually respond to a private company policy that requires them to offer good customer service. Therefore, they will be kind to you and will help you with your luggage if necessary. You can also choose the vehicle you want with the number of seats you need.
One of the companies that offer this service is Dubrovnik Airport Taxi. However at the airport you will find other options. You can compare prices and choose the one that suits you best.
Interesting details
- Duration of the trip: less than 1 hour.
- Price: from 50 €.
- Advantages of using this method: private cab drivers usually offer good service and customer care.
- Disadvantages of using this method: it can be more expensive, but it is possible to find economical options.
- How to book this transportation: It is possible to book in advance by contacting the company. However, you can request a cab as soon as you arrive at the airport.
- Recommended if... you want a quality private service but could not book in advance.
6. Renting a car: more expensive but convenient option
If you plan to stay in Dubrovnik for more than seven days I recommend you not only to look for a transfer to and from the airport, but also to solve your transfers in the city. For that you can rent a car that will allow you to move freely whenever you need it.
The cost per day of a rented car may increase depending on the model and the number of seats. To use this service it is necessary to book in advance. This way the company will have your car ready at the airport exit.
Another aspect you should take into account is the papers you need to drive legally in Dubrovnik as a foreigner. This will depend on your nationality, if you are from Spain your driving license will be useful also in Croatia. So you will have no excuses not to fall in love with this city.
Another important suggestion is to investigate different companies that offer this service. One of them is Car Flexi. On their website you can compare prices and offers to choose the most ideal one for you.
Interesting details
- Duration of the trip: less than 1 hour.
- Price: from 40 € per day.
- Advantages of using this method: you will be your own driver and you will be able to manage your time freely.
- Disadvantages of using this method: you must pay in advance and it is not the cheapest option.
- How to book this transportation: you need to contact the company in advance.
- Recommended if... you do not want to depend on a private or public company to arrive on time to all the activities you have planned.
Below is a table comparing all options
- An exclusive and comfortable private transfer
- Duration of the trip: about 30 minutes.
- Price: about 20 €.
- Advantages: the private company takes care of everything.
- Disadvantages: it can be expensive in case of traveling alone.
- By public bus, less comfortable but economical option.
- Travel time: about 1 hour.
- Price: about 4 €.
- Advantages: it is economical.
- Disadvantages: it can be difficult or uncomfortable to travel with a lot of luggage.
- By private bus, shared and comfortable transport
- Travel time: about 1 hour or more.
- Price: around 10 €.
- Advantages: they usually have WiFi and comfortable seats.
- Disadvantages: the bus will not take you to your hotel.
- Uber, order transportation from your phone
- Travel time: about 1 hour.
- Price: from 40 €.
- Advantages: you can order an Uber at any time and place.
- Disadvantages: the quality of service you receive depends on the driver.
- Cab, last minute private option
- Trip duration: less than 1 hour.
- Price: from 50 €.
- Advantages: they usually offer a good service.
- Disadvantages: can be more expensive.
- Renting a car, expensive and comfortable option.
- Travel time: less than 1 hour.
- Price: from 40 € per day.
- Advantages: you will be your own driver.
- Disadvantages: you must pay in advance.