Dubrovnik, also known as ancient Ragusa, is a top tourist spot for anyone vacationing in Croatia. However, its location in southern Dalmatia, squeezed between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, can make getting there a bit tricky.
Driving to Dubrovnik isn’t the easiest option since cars aren’t allowed in the city center, and most of the available parking is paid. While there’s no direct railway service to Dubrovnik, buses take up the slack, providing connections to places like Zadar, Rijeka, Sarajevo, Split, and Zagreb. The main bus station is conveniently situated at the entrance to the old town.
A more convenient way to get to Dubrovnik from the center-south is by sea. Jadrolinija, a Croatian ferry company, offers frequent trips to Dubrovnik from Bari. Tickets range from 40 to 99 euros in the low season (up to June 20 and from September 1) and 48 to 119 euros during high season weekends. Additional costs include 15 euros for port taxes, security, and a fuel surcharge.
You can also visit Dubrovnik by joining a cruise that includes a stop in Venice, which often has Dubrovnik on its itinerary. Alternatively, flying into Dubrovnik is another option. While cheap flights to Croatia are generally rare, Dubrovnik is relatively well-connected. The airport, however, is about 20 km from the city. To get to Dubrovnik on a budget, you usually need to transfer buses near the town of Cavtat, just a few miles away. There are also more costly shuttle services and taxis, which run about 30 euros.