Dubrovnik to Split:
Best Way to Get There (2025)
Private transfer, bus, ferry, or rental car? We break down every option with real prices, journey times, and a clear recommendation for each traveller type.
The route: what to expect
The Dubrovnik to Split route is one of the most scenically spectacular drives in Europe — 230 kilometres of Adriatic coastline, limestone mountains, and historic towns.
Since the opening of the Pelješac Bridge in July 2022, the drive between Dubrovnik and Split is entirely within Croatia — no border crossings, no stops in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The bridge spans the Pelješac channel and connects the Pelješac peninsula to the Croatian mainland, bypassing the former Neum corridor entirely. This cut journey times by 20–30 minutes compared to the old route and eliminated the BiH border checks.
If you are taking the bus, note that some older routes and timetables still show the Neum crossing — check with the operator that your specific service uses the Pelješac Bridge route.
Private transfer: the stress-free option
A private transfer from Dubrovnik to Split costs €320 for a sedan (up to 3 passengers) or €385 for a Mercedes Vito van (up to 7 passengers). That price is fixed — no meter, no surprises. Your driver handles the border crossings, knows the road, and can stop at viewpoints or towns along the way if you ask.
For groups of 4–7 people, the van at €385 works out to €55–96 per person — comparable to or cheaper than bus tickets when you factor in baggage fees and the 1.5-hour time saving. For families with young children, avoiding a 4.5-hour bus journey is worth the premium on its own.
Bus: cheapest but slow
Several operators run daily buses between Dubrovnik and Split, including Flixbus and local Croatian carriers. Tickets cost €15–25 per person and the journey takes 4–4.5 hours including the BiH border crossing and stops at Ploče and other towns. Buses depart from Dubrovnik's main bus station in Gruž harbour.
The bus is a perfectly reasonable option for solo travellers or couples without much luggage who are not in a hurry. Air conditioning is standard on modern coaches. The main frustrations are the fixed schedule (no flexibility if your plans change) and the luggage hold, which requires queueing to retrieve bags at each stop.
Ferry: scenic but seasonal
A high-speed catamaran ferry runs between Dubrovnik and Split during summer (approximately May to October). Tickets cost €20–35 per person and the crossing takes around 4 hours. The ferry is a genuinely beautiful way to make the journey — you see the Dalmatian islands from the water rather than the highway.
The limitation is season and schedule. Ferries do not run year-round, and departures are typically once or twice daily. If your travel dates or times do not align, the ferry is not an option. Check Jadrolinija and Krilo for current schedules.
Rental car: freedom with complications
Renting a car gives you complete flexibility — stop when you want, take the coastal road, visit Ston or Pelješac peninsula on the way. Prices start from €50–80 per day before fuel. The complications: parking in Split's old town is extremely limited and expensive, and returning a car rented in Dubrovnik to Split typically incurs a one-way drop fee.
Book your Dubrovnik → Split transfer
From €320 · Fixed price · Direct · Border crossings included