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Is the drive from Split to Dubrovnik worth it?

Split to Dubrovnik by car It's a pretty scenic ride along the Croatian coast, so even if it's a fairly long journey, the scenic route makes up for it. Bear in mind that you need to do a border crossing to go from Split to Dubrovnik, since the road crosses into Bosnia & Herzegovina.



Yes, the drive from Split to Dubrovnik is widely considered one of the most beautiful road trips in Europe. The route takes you along the "Dalmatian Coast" via the D8 coastal road (Jadranska magistrala), offering stunning views of the turquoise Adriatic Sea and the various islands of the archipelago. In 2026, the trip is easier than ever thanks to the Pelješac Bridge, which allows travelers to bypass the Bosnian border crossing at Neum, eliminating the need for passport control and long queues mid-journey. The drive takes approximately 3 to 4 hours of direct driving, but it is "worth it" primarily because of the stops you can make along the way. You can visit the historic town of Ston to walk its medieval walls and eat fresh oysters, or stop at the Makarska Riviera for a swim. While there are fast bus and ferry options, having a car gives you the freedom to explore the "Blue Lakes" of Imotski or the rugged Biokovo Skywalk. If you enjoy dramatic cliffs, winding roads, and Mediterranean scenery, this drive is a highlight of any Croatian itinerary.

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Driving in Croatia is easy, we drive on the right side and most roads are pretty wide. Trust us, you won't have any problems, just follow the traffic rules and enjoy the ride. There is no motorway between the cities of Dubrovnik and Split at this moment.

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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.

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8 Things You Should Avoid in Split
  • Scams. Let's be real – scams are happening everywhere. ...
  • Overpriced Restaurants. So many amazing restaurants in Split serve delicious traditional Croatian cuisine. ...
  • Pickpockets. ...
  • Crowded Areas. ...
  • Crowded Beaches. ...
  • Split's Football Frenzy. ...
  • Driving & Parking. ...
  • Brda (City's neighbourhood)


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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.

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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.

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Croatia's roads are smooth and easy to navigate, getting you from historic cities to national parks to sublime coastline in a jiffy. A tailor made Croatia self drive vacation makes things even easier, with route notes, maps and overnight stays all arranged for you.

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Dubrovnik a small town, so unless you plan to take day trips to islands or other attractions nearby, two days is the perfect amount of time to get to know this ancient city. (If you're interested in seeing on overview of our entire 2 week itinerary in Croatia, I've written up a summary of our trip here.

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Split is generally a safe city to wander around during the night. The city is well-lit with plenty of people around, creating a vibrant yet comforting environment. However, it's always good to be vigilant and stay in the more populated areas as quiet, less busy areas can have a higher risk of petty crime.

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They're considered beachwear, to be worn in coastal or lakeside resort towns. No one will be offended if you wear shorts, but you might be on the receiving end of some second glances.

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

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