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. A drive southwards toward Dubrovnik will entail traveling through Bosnia and Herzegovina, which borders on a small section of the Adriatic coastline. Note that you'll need to show your passport on entering Bosnia and Herzegovina and upon exiting and re-entering Croatia only a few miles later. During the busy summer months, there could be a wait at the border checkpoints.
Dubrovnik is connected by bus to many major cities in Croatia, but traveling from Zagreb or other cities in northern Croatia can mean a long trip that could take a good part of the day. Buses arrive and leave Dubrovnik from the city's main bus station, located about 2 miles (3.3. km) north of the old town.
There are also many sea links with Dubrovnik from Split and neighboring Adriatic islands, making this a scenic way to make the journey. Traveling to Dubrovnik by train is not an option as there are no train services operating to Dubrovnik. Look into private car or boat transfer services if you want to have maximum flexibility and the freedom to set your own schedule.
If you're looking to explore the highlights of Croatia's Dalmatian region, this 10-day tour starts with a walking tour of Dubrovnik, followed by sea kayaking around nearby Lokrum island. Other stops include Korčula and Hvar islands and the coastal city of Split.
From Zagreb
Duration: 1 hour - 12.5 hours
The quickest way to travel from Zagreb to Dubrovnik is by plane. Croatia Airlines operates daily flights between the two cities with a flight time of one hour. If you're looking to drive or take a private transfer, the 373-mile (600 km) drive will take at least six hours. The journey time by bus is 8.5 to 12.5 hours, depending on the route and how many stops are scheduled along the way. There are up to 13 direct buses making the trip from Zagreb to Dubrovnik every day, including night buses.
From Split
Duration: 3 - 6 hours
The easiest way to travel from Split to Dubrovnik is by private transfer or rental car: a trip that will take at least three hours. Traveling by bus is economical and will only add 30 minutes to one hour to the total journey time. There are 25 direct daily bus services between Split and Dubrovnik, including night buses. Taking the sea route is another option. The fastest boat connection is 4.5 hours with Kapetan Luka's catamaran service. Jadrolinija operates a ferry service between Split and Dubrovnik with a journey time of six hours.
From Hvar
Duration: 1.5 - 3.5 hours
The sea route is a popular way to travel from Hvar Island to Dubrovnik. The fastest option is the catamaran service operated by Kapetan Luka, which takes 1.5 hours. Jadrolinija also has a ferry service linking the two destinations, which takes significantly longer: 3.5 hours.
From Korčula
Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours
There are a few different travel options if you're planning on making the trip to Dubrovnik from Korčula. If you're driving a rental car or using a private transfer service, you'll need to take the car ferry from Dominče, a short drive from Korčula Town to Orebić, located on the Pelješac peninsula. From here, continue down the peninsula and then the coast to Dubrovnik. The total journey should take 2.5 to 3 hours.
Another option is to travel by bus, a journey that takes 3 to 3.5 hours. There are two daily buses making the trip from Korčula Town to Dubrovnik. There are also boat connections between the two destinations operated by Jadrolinija, Kapetan Luka, and G&V Line, with up to four daily departures during the summer season. The trip takes 2 to 3 hours.