Is there a bus from Dubrovnik Airport to Split?

There is no direct bus from the Dubrovnik Airport to Split. You will first need to travel to the Dubrovnik bus station to catch a bus to Split, however, the tickets usually need to be bought ahead of time. This trip takes 6 hours from the airport to your hotel.

Is Croatia safe for female or solo travelers?

Yes, Croatia is incredibly safe for visitors regardless of gender or group size. No special safety rules apply when in Split, but do follow the basics: keep your wallet safe, don’t carry large amounts of cash, and be respectful of local culture and rules.

What is the fastest way to get from Dubrovnik Airport to Split?

Taking a private car transfer with Daytrip is the fastest way to make your transfer from Dubrovnik Airport to Split. You'll cover the 155 miles (250 km) in 3.5 hours.

Does Split have rocky beaches?

Yes. Most of Split’s beaches are rocky, although a few pebble and sand beaches can be found closer to resorts and hotels. For the most comfort and to protect your feet, opt for swimming shoes with a heel strap instead of flip flops.

How do you get from Dubrovnik Airport to Split?

You can travel by car or by bus from the Dubrovnik Airport to Split. The drive takes 3.5 hours, while the bus is around 6 hours. There are no direct flights between Dubrovnik and Split, and the beautiful mountain ranges make traveling by train difficult and slow.

How many days should I spend in Split?

Split is a great base camp for day trips, so plan at least 3-7 days. If you only want to see Split, stay 2 nights. But extend your trip to see the many islands, national parks, and hiking trails nearby. Daytrip has dozens of travel options from Split to nearby cities and national parks.

Private car transfer
from Dubrovnik Airport to Split

Door-to-door
in 3 h 30 min

From ...
per seat

Comfortable
car

One way

Cancel for free 24 hours before departure

Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2024

Excellent

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Dubrovnik Airport.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 3 h 30 min.

Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Split.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

In total

254 km
3 h 30 min

Visit these sights on the way

Arboretum Trsteno

The oldest arboretum in the world has weathered war, fire, and Game of Thrones. An Ancient Verdant Escape

Ston

In the Southern Dalmatian region of Croatia, unbeknownst to many due to size, lies a city with an impressive defensive wall nicknamed “The European Wall of China”. The European Wall of China

Rizman Winery

This winery offers a unique gateway to South Croatian winemaking and traditions this great craft entails. Dalmatia's Liquid Gold

Medjugorje

While its name means 'between the hills', this small village is a sacred destination for millions of pilgrims. A spiritual destination

Mostar

This charming riverside town is renowned for its UNESCO-listed Old Bridge (Stari Most), the Balkans' most celebrated span. A crossroads of culture

Klis Fortress

Although its television debut has made it well known, this ancient fortress is still a gem with plenty of space to wander. The City of Meereen from Game of Thrones

Overview: car trip from Dubrovnik Airport to Split

The roads in southern Croatia wind in between the rugged Dinaric Alps and the shimmering Adriatic Sea. As you depart from the Dubrovnik Airport to Split, the salty air of the coastal islands will greet you as you travel north. Once back on the mainland, you’ll travel through villages and pass by ancient olive groves, each offering a window into a traditional agrarian lifestyle that many believe to be a relic of the past.

This drive takes 3.5 hours and follows 157 miles (254 km) of highways, country roads, and shining suspension bridges. On the way, you have the opportunity to visit sites important to Croatian culture, such as Medjugorje, a Catholic pilgrimage site. You can also cross into Bosnia to visit Mostar and its famous bridge. Overall, this drive will show you a little bit of everything the region has to offer during your stay in Split.

About Split

Before stepping off the plane to begin your transfer from the Dubrovnik Airport to Split, get to know your final destination a little bit better!

Split: fit for an emperor

Split is one of the Mediterranean's oldest settlements, as it is in the perfect location on the Adriatic Sea for local and long-distance shipping. Split’s written history began 1,700 years ago when the Greeks saw its potential and founded Aspalathos. The Roman Emperor Diocletian chose this humble trading port with stunning rock beaches and lush vegetation for his retirement palace in the 4th century BCE. The construction of Diocletian’s Palace is considered the beginning of Split’s history as a major city.

Ancient Romans, Byzantines, Dalmatians, Venetians, and Ottomans took turns capturing and losing Split over the centuries until it landed squarely in Yugoslavia. Split was spared much of the physical damage from the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s and continues to be an incredibly popular vacation destination in independent Croatia.

Split today

Split in the 21st century is Croatia’s second-largest city and the largest city on the coast. Its major ferry port is an entryway to the Adriatic Sea, with most of its traffic connecting popular islands like Hvar, Brac, and Vis. Italy is also only a few hours away by ferry.

If you feel like you’ve been here before, you may have seen Split on film and television! Game of Thrones was filmed here, as well as scenes from Twilight: Breaking Dawn and Winnetou. Split’s ancient layout and breathtaking scenery make it the perfect backdrop for both Hollywood and your next vacation.

From Dubrovnik Airport to Split: travel tips

Keep these tips in mind when planning your Dubrovnik Airport to Split transfer!

Remember that Croatia uses the euro now

Things may look a bit different in your wallet from the last time you were in Croatia! In 2023 Croatia adopted the euro and it has fully replaced the kuna. The bigger supermarkets and stores will accept card payments, but for the most part, you will need cash for stops at restaurants and shops during this journey.

Keep your phone charged

There is nothing worse than knowing your phone is about to run out of battery, especially on a travel day! Invest in a portable battery pack and make sure it is fully charged before your flight to the Dubrovnik Airport. For extended battery life, turn off your Bluetooth and data when not in use, and don’t run unnecessary apps in the background.

How to get from Dubrovnik Airport to Split

The trip from Dubrovnik Airport to Split will take you through beautiful Dalmatia. The Dalmatian region makes up the bottom half of Croatia and has mountainous terrain, rocky shores, and hundreds of islands. Life in Dalmatia is slower and more agricultural. Villages and towns are small and intimate, as most of the country’s population lives in cities in the north. It is the perfect place to escape and relax. However, it is a double-edged sword, as traveling in this region requires pre-planning and patience.

The Dinaric Alps run entirely through Dalmatia. Their rugged beauty makes it difficult to build train and highway networks. Recent infrastructure projects have improved the roads and bridges but you will still have sections of road that cling to cliff sides and make tight turns through small towns. With this in mind, you have limited options for your journey from Dubrovnik Airport to Split. The only direct way to reach your accommodation in Split is by car.

Dubrovnik Airport to Split with a private driver

Driving is the fastest and most direct way to travel in this region. The drive takes 3.5 hours and will take you through some of the most scenic places on earth.

There is no direct highway, so the roads between Dubrovnik and Split require a skilled driver who is attuned to the local driving habits and laws. Squeezing through narrow alleyways in coastal towns and navigating foreign road signs are no way to start your vacation. After your flight, allow Daytrip to take the wheel.

Our local drivers have been driving these roads for years and can get you safely to Split. They’ll pick you up directly from the arrivals hall and navigate up the coast directly to your hotel in Split.

Or if you have the energy, stop for some sightseeing! Step into a Game of Thrones filming location at the Arboretum Trsteno, make a quick foray into Bosnia to see Mostar's iconic Old Bridge or stretch your legs walking the "European Great Wall" at Ston.

Dubrovnik Airport to Split by bus

From the Dubrovnik Airport, take a taxi or ride the shuttle bus to the Dubrovnik bus station. From there, multiple bus companies operate routes to Split. About 10 buses leave per day, but the tickets for most companies need to be bought ahead of time and printed out. This can be difficult to time due to all the possibilities for delays at the airport. Traveling by bus will take about 6 hours door-to-door.

Things to do when you get to Split

The drive from Dubrovnik Airport to Split is just the beginning of your Croatian vacation! Split has a little something for everyone.

Start your day on the Riva Promenade

Split’s waterfront Riva Promenade is lined with rustling palm trees, chatty cafes, and white tablecloth restaurants overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Croatia has a passionate coffee shop culture, so order a kava s mlijekom (coffee with milk) and watch the sailboats, yachts, and fishing boats glide around the harbor.

Play the game of thrones at the Diocletian’s Palace

For Game of Thrones fans, you already know what is coming! The Diocletian’s Palace was the backdrop for many scenes in this popular HBO show. Take a tour of the palace and see where the cinematic magic happens! The palace complex is a UNESCO-listed heritage site for its contributions to our knowledge about the ancient Greek world. It was also featured on the back of Croatia’s 500 kuna banknotebefore the country switched to the euro in 2023.

The Cathedral of St. Domnius is also part of the Diocletian’s Palace complex. It was built in the 8th century and is the oldest continuously operating Catholic cathedral in the world.

Bonus tip: During your Dubrovnik Airport to Split transfer your Daytrip driver can take you to Klis Fortress, another filming location for Game of Thrones!

Go island hopping

Much like sailors have been doing for thousands of years, you too can take to the high seas! Take a ferry to one of the nearby islands Vis, Brac, and Hvar for a day trip around the Adriatic Sea. Each island has biking trails, gorgeous beaches, and romantic town squares. Keep an eye on the schedule for the ferry back home to avoid an accidental overnight stay!

Climb Marjan Hill

For a change in scenery, take a hike or bike ride through the parks and trees on Marjan Hill. Uncover peaceful picnicking spots and hidden chapels with stunning views of the sea. Marjan Hill juts out into the sea for that perfect panoramic shot or family photo.

When is the best time to visit Split

Visit Split during the spring (March through June) or in September for the best experience. You won’t be the only person traveling from the Dubrovnik Airport to Split during the shoulder seasons, but you can still avoid the worst of the crowds.

July and August can be brutal, with highs of 90° F (32° C) and very little shade during the hours of 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Split’s glistening white limestone buildings keep the interior cool and comfortable, but the lack of trees around the old city center creates an urban heat island effect on the streets.

The Daytrip driver advantage

Local knowledge about the route from Dubrovnik Airport to Split
Including available sights:
English speaking*
All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.
Safety first!
We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.

World-class customer support

Available 24/7
Close relationship with drivers
Experts on the route from Dubrovnik Airport to Split

US +1 628 201 9501 UK +44 20 3318 1119 daytrip@daytrip.com

Flexible cancellation policy

Cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before the trip!
Changes: Free up to 24 hours before the trip!

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm

Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 13,600+ cities around the world.

Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.