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.

The "better" option depends on whether you value speed and cost or scenery and comfort. The bus is generally faster (taking about 3.5 to 4.5 hours) and cheaper (usually costing €15 to €25). Since the completion of the Pelješac Bridge, buses no longer have to cross the border into Bosnia, making the trip much more predictable. The ferry (catamaran), however, offers a vastly superior experience; it takes about 5 hours and costs more (typically €45 to €55), but it serves as a "mini-cruise," stopping at islands like Hvar and Korčula along the way. In 2026, most travelers recommend the ferry during the summer months for the fresh sea air and stunning coastal views, while the bus is the preferred choice in the winter when ferry services are reduced and the weather can make the sea choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, the bus is the safer bet year-round.