Can you do a daytrip from Split to Dubrovnik?

Enjoy a full-day excursion from Split to Dubrovnik, where you will tour inside the historic city walls and along the limestone streets of the Old Town.



Yes, you can do a day trip from Split to Dubrovnik, but it makes for a very long and demanding day. The drive takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours each way (covering about 230 km), meaning you will spend at least 7 hours in transit. In 2026, travel has been made significantly easier by the Pelješac Bridge, which allows travelers to bypass the Bosnian border at Neum, eliminating the need for passport controls and potential customs delays. A typical day trip departs Split around 7:30 AM and returns by 8:00 PM, giving you roughly 4 to 5 hours to explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town, walk the historic walls, and have lunch. While feasible via organized bus tours or private transfers, many travelers find it "rushed" given the rich history of the "Pearl of the Adriatic." If you are short on time, it is a viable way to see the city's highlights, but if your schedule allows, an overnight stay is recommended to truly appreciate the atmosphere once the day-trip crowds have departed.

Yes, you can do a day trip from Split to Dubrovnik, but it will be a long and busy day due to the distance (about 230 km / 143 miles one way). Here’s what you need to know:

Transport Options:

  1. By Car (Best Option for Flexibility)
    - Drive Time: ~3 hours (one way) via the A1 and D8 highways (coastal road).
    - Pros: Freedom to stop at scenic spots like Ston (famous for its walls and oysters) or Makarska Riviera.
    - Cons: Parking in Dubrovnik is expensive (~€10-15/hr in the Old Town area).

  2. By Bus
    - Duration: ~4.5 hours (one way) with FlixBus, Arriva, or Libertas Dubrovnik.
    - Cost: ~€20-30 one way.
    - Pros: No need to drive; some buses have Wi-Fi.
    - Cons: Limited time in Dubrovnik (last return bus is usually around 6-7 PM).

  3. Private Tour or Taxi
    - Cost: €300-500+ for a private driver (more comfortable but expensive).
    - Pros: Customizable stops (e.g., Pelješac Peninsula, Trsteno Arboretum).

  4. Ferry (Not Recommended for a Day Trip)
    - No direct ferry; you’d need a combination of ferries and buses (too time-consuming).

Sample Itinerary (If Driving or Taking an Early Bus):

  • 6:00 AM: Depart Split.
  • 9:30 AM: Arrive in Dubrovnik.
  • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Explore Old Town (City Walls, Stradun, Rector’s Palace, Lovrijenac Fortress).
  • 1:00 - 2:00 PM: Lunch (try Proto or Lady Pi-Pi).
  • 2:00 - 4:00 PM: Cable car to Mount Srđ (panoramic views) or relax at Banje Beach.
  • 4:30 PM: Start return trip.
  • 7:30 PM: Back in Split.

Is It Worth It?

  • Yes, if: You’re short on time and really want to see Dubrovnik.
  • No, if: You prefer a relaxed trip (consider staying overnight).

Alternative Idea:

If you want a less rushed experience, consider a 2-day trip with an overnight stay in Dubrovnik or a stop in Mostar (Bosnia) along the way.

Would you like recommendations for specific attractions or restaurants in Dubrovnik?

People Also Ask

With its dramatic terracotta rooftops, stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, and explosive international fame thanks to Game of Thrones, it's easy to see why people become infatuated with the Pearl of the Adriatic after spending even one day in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

MORE DETAILS

1 Split (Croatia) - Dubrovnik (Croatia) Travel from Split to Dubrovnik by bus. There is no train connection available. The journey time is 4 hours. The bus ticket price starts at 13 EUR.

MORE DETAILS

Without a doubt, driving is the best way of getting from Split to Dubrovnik. Boarding a ferry and cruising along Adriatic is another excellent way to get from Split to Dubrovnik during summer. There are between 20 and 30 daily bus connections between Split and Dubrovnik, including a night bus.

MORE DETAILS

Split is more relaxed and fun, centrally located, offering more day trip options, better nightlife, and slightly cheaper prices than Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful walled cities in the world, very elegant, with better beaches and hotels than Split. Both towns are must-visit places in Croatia.

MORE DETAILS

By far, the most efficient and best way to travel from Split to Dubrovnik is by car. It is the fastest way to get between Dubrovnik and Split, taking about 3 hours, and to be honest, you have the most flexibility when traveling by car to take any travel route you like and make stops along the way.

MORE DETAILS

Forget your passport for the drive between Split and Dubrovnik. Yes, Split is in Croatia. Yes, Dubrovnik is also in Croatia. But, you have to LEAVE Croatia in order to get from one to the other.

MORE DETAILS

How many days in Dubrovnik do you need? SHORT AND SWEET - TWO DAYS IN DUBROVNIK IS ENOUGH TIME TO EXPLORE OLD TOWN AND SEE THE TOP SIGHTS. FOUR DAYS IS IDEAL IF YOU WANT TIME TO RELAX BY THE BEACH/POOL AND ADD ONE OR TWO DAY TRIPS. 2 days in Dubrovnik is just enough time to explore Old Town and the surrounding areas.

MORE DETAILS

The rides from Dubrovnik to Split take a minimum of 3 hours 45 minutes; what's more, when you travel by bus, you don't need to worry about traffic or delays en route. Just relax and enjoy the journey with free WiFi and plenty of legroom.

MORE DETAILS

There are 7 rides daily from Dubrovnik to Split. The fastest bus on this connection has 5 stop(s). How much is the bus ticket between Dubrovnik and Split? You can get from Dubrovnik to Split for as little as $9.99.

MORE DETAILS

The easiest and quickest way to travel to Dubrovnik is to fly: Dubrovnik airport has several international connections as well as daily flights to the capital Zagreb, and other domestic destinations, including Rijeka, Osijek, and Split. Dubrovnik is also accessible via Croatia's excellent highway and road network.

MORE DETAILS

Dubrovnik to Split & Split to Dubrovnik by UBER => 1.500 Kuna (223 US$ / 200 Euro) Dubrovnik to Sarajevo => from 958 Kuna.

MORE DETAILS

It is true that Dubrovnik is more expensive than other destinations in Croatia. This is heavily due to Dubrovnik serving as the main filming location for Star Wars and Game of Thrones, which has led to a huge increase in visitors making it the most popular destination in Croatia.

MORE DETAILS