Taxis in Dubrovnik are generally reliable in terms of safety and vehicle quality, but they are often criticized for being exceptionally expensive, especially for the short "airport-to-old-town" run. Standard "blue-and-white" licensed taxis are plentiful at the airport and Pile Gate, and they are required to use a meter. However, during the peak summer months in 2026, traffic around the city’s single entrance road can be so gridlocked that a 10-minute journey can take an hour, causing the meter price to skyrocket. Many travelers now find Uber or Bolt to be more "reliable" for budgeting because the apps provide a fixed price upfront, avoiding the "meter-creep" caused by traffic. One unique aspect of Dubrovnik is the water taxi service, which is a highly reliable way to bypass the road traffic if you are traveling between the Old Town and nearby hotels in Lapad or Cavtat. While a traditional taxi driver will get you to your destination safely, it is always wise to confirm the estimated fare before starting the trip to avoid "sticker shock" upon arrival at your destination in this high-priced Mediterranean hotspot.