Need help planning your day trip to Dubrovnik from Split? You’ve come to the right place!
In this article I have included everything you need to know to plan the perfect Split to Dubrovnik day trip. Including how to get to Dubrovnik, what to do once there, what to pack, and more.
Located on the Dalmatian Coast, Split and Dubrovnik are two of the most popular destinations in Croatia. With their picturesque old towns, beautiful beaches and stunning nature, it’s easy to see why.
Dubrovnik is especially popular, thanks to its feature in the world famous TV show; Game of Thrones. Its iconic red roofs and towering Old Town walls are simply breathtaking.
That said, Split has more to offer in terms of day trips, as there are more unique islands and national parks in its surroundings. Which is why many travellers choose to base themselves in Split, and visit Dubrovnik on a day trip.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in, and start planning your perfect Split to Dubrovnik day tour!
Table of Contents
How to get from Split to Dubrovnik
Taking a day trip to Dubrovnik from Split is pretty easy. Dubrovnik is around 142 miles (230 kilometres) from Split, and there are several different ways to get there.
Split to Dubrovnik by car
Driving from Split to Dubrovnik is fairly straightforward. The coastal route takes around three hours but it can take longer in high season (the peak summer months).
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.
There are a few different car rental companies in Split for you to choose to hire a car from, the only problem could be finding a place to park once you arrive in Dubrovnik.
If you already have a car as part of a longer Croatia itinerary then driving is the easiest option.
However, I wouldn’t recommend renting one just for this Split to Dubrovnik day trip, as you’ll be better off with public transportation or an organised tour.
Click here to book your rental car in Split!
Bus from Split to Dubrovnik
The bus from Split to Dubrovnik is a good choice if you don’t want to drive yourself. Buses regularly connect the two cities; but the journey takes around four and a half hours, so it’s not exactly the quickest route.
When I last visited Croatia, this is how we got from Dubrovnik to Split. The bus is pretty efficient, but I personally think it takes a bit too long if you’re only visiting Dubrovnik on a day trip.
By ferry
There are even ferries, making a boat trip from Split to Dubrovnik very doable. However, it does take some time, racking up at 4 hours 15 minutes, costing 210 HRK. It runs only between May and October.
With a Split to Dubrovnik tour
The most straightforward way is to join a Split tour to Dubrovnik, joining one means that you can just sit back and relax during the journey.
There’s a selection of different tour options available, including this full-day trip from Split, this tour begins with a trip along the beautiful Dalmatian coast in an air-conditioned minivan.
You’ll stop off along the way to lap up some views of the Adriatic Sea.Once you’re in Dubrovnik, you’ll head to discover the city’s historic monuments with a professional tour guide.
Click here to book your full-day tour to Dubrovnik from Split or Trogir!
There’s also this Dubrovnik Private Day Trip from Split if a group tour isn’t your thing. That way you will have maximum flexibility, and will be able to stop along the way and see what you want in Dubrovnik.
Click here to book your private Split to Dubrovnik tour!
Best things to do on a Split to Dubrovnik day trip
It’s good to have your Dubrovnik bucket list figured out before heading out on your Dubrovnik day tour from Split.
Whether you join an organised tour or discover Dubrovnik independently, it always helps to get a bit of background before you go, so here’s a run-down of some of the best things to do in Dubrovnik to get you started.
Walk on the Old Town walls
Part of what makes exploring the Old Town of Dubrovnik so great are its massive city walls. These ancient walls were built in the 13th century to protect the city from invaders, and were fortified even more in the 15th century.
This time around, towers were added for extra defensive goodness.
They still stand to this day and can be explored on foot. They’re pretty impressive, especially when you take into consideration the fact that they have never been successfully overcome by an invading force.
The old city walls form a perfect ring around the Old Town, and walking the whole loop can take up to 2-3 hours. From here you get stunning views over the rooftops of Dubrovnik.
They’re open for you to discover every day from 9AM to 3PM, and access costs 150 Croatian Kuna (HRK).
Explore the Old Town
Within the old walls is the Old Town itself, the most historic part of the city that makes up the core of Dubrovnik. It’s here that you’ll find the main attractions of the city, including the Rector’s Palace.
There’s also Sponza Palace, an attractive building built in the 16th century, and the Church of Saint Blaise, which is located in the main square in Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
Right in front of the church is Orlando’s Column; this is a tribute to the city’s hero, Orlando, and dates back to 1618. These and many more sights make wandering the narrow streets of the Old Town super charming.
Walking through the medieval streets of the Old Town will feel like stepping back in time. You could spend hours wandering around the charming streets, admiring the unique architecture.
Go on a kayak sunset tour
Walking on the Old Town walls and discovering the town will take up pretty much all morning, leaving you with a free afternoon to try your hand at some cool water sports.
A kayak tour allows you to see a different side of the city. You’ll be heading out on a tour of Dubrovnik’s waterfront by kayak, one of the most popular tours in Dubrovnik!
A guided tour will take you around the coast, showing you the coves and caves that you would never see otherwise.
There’s also the option to stop off for a swim at the beautiful Betina Cave.
And if you really want to make the most of this, then I would recommend heading out at sunset, when you can watch the city begin to glow in the light of the setting sun – it’s pretty incredible!
Click here to book your kayak tour in Dubrovnik!
Or click below to see prices & availability for your chosen date!
Take the cable car to the viewpoint
Make your way out of Dubrovnik and go for a cable car ride up to Srd Hill. The hilltop has been connected to the city below by cable car since 1969.
This is an awesome way to get pretty much a bird’s eye view of the city from above – you can see why those old city walls were never broken through by invaders!
On a clear day you can see up to 30 miles (60 kilometres) away. And as you might expect, sunset from this spot is even more spectacular, so I’d definitely suggest heading here in the late afternoon/early evening.
Up here you will also find a restaurant, which has amazing views. Tickets for the cable car cost 150 HRK for a round-trip, 85 HRK for a single.
Join a Game of Thrones filming locations tour
Game of Thrones fans cannot miss out on the chance to see some of the most iconic filming locations from the sensational HBO series.
There are various locations dotted around Dubrovnik that provided the setting for King’s Landing, the fictional capital city from the series. The best way to see these sites is by joining a specific Game of Thrones tour.
Most tours will lead you to prime locations like Fort Lovrijenac, which is where scenes for the Red Keep were filmed; the Jesuit Staircase, which is where that infamous “walk of shame” happened; and you’ll recognise Lokrum Island as being the setting for the City of Qarth.
It’s also on Lokrum Island that you’ll find the Iron Throne.
There are various tours you could opt for, depending on how much time you have. This two-hour tour, for example, covers a lot of the highlights, but there are also more in-depth ones out there.
Click here to book your Game of Thrones filming locations tour in Dubrovnik!
Or click below to see prices & availability for your chosen date!
Explore the Rector’s Palace
This 13th-century edifice was once home to the Rector – the senior official of the Republic of Ragusa, of which Dubrovnik was a part – as well as government offices.
Though it definitely looks the part from outside, it’s also possible to head inside to take a glimpse at its medieval interiors – and to learn more at the Cultural History Museum located within.
The museum boasts 20,000 historical objects, spanning from the 14th to the 20th century, and is a fascinating place to explore. It’s open from 9AM to 7PM and costs 100 HRK to enter.
Best Split to Dubrovnik day tours
Can you do a day trip from Split to Dubrovnik? Of course you can.
But if you don’t feel like doing it independently, and you’re looking for an awesome Split to Dubrovnik day tour, here are a few great examples to get your trip off to a good start.
Dubrovnik Day Tour from Split or Trogir
This full-day tour from Split to Dubrovnik begins with a trip along the beautiful Dalmatian coast in an air-conditioned minivan. You’ll stop off along the way to lap up some views of the Adriatic Sea, of course.
Once you’re in Dubrovnik, you’ll be whisked around the city’s historic monuments by a professional guide on a 90-minute tour. Finish up with free time to explore before being taken back – no hassle!
Click here to book your full-day tour to Dubrovnik from Split or Trogir!
Or click below to see prices & availability for your chosen date!
Dubrovnik Full-Day Tour from Split and Trogir
This is one of the best value-for-money tours from Split to Dubrovnik. For starters, you’ll be picked up directly from your accommodation, from where you’ll be taken to Dubrovnik.
You’ll be shown around the main sights of the city, including the coastal promenade, the old walls and city gates, as well as the square and iconic buildings of the Old Town.
After the tour winds down, you get three hours of free time in which to enjoy wandering around at your own pace. Then you’ll be driven back to your accommodation in Split.
Click here to book your Split to Dubrovnik day tour!
Or click below to see prices & availability for your chosen date!
Dubrovnik Private Day Trip from Split
For maximum flexibility, this private tour to Dubrovnik is perfect. It’s a great option for large groups, as the maximum capacity is 8 people, which makes the price per person very affordable.
Including hotel pick-up, this tour will last all day, and take you to visit the highlights of Dubrovnik from Split. being a private trip you can stop where you want along the way, and see whatever you want in Dubrovnik.
Click here to book your private Split to Dubrovnik tour!
From Split & Trogir: Dubrovnik Guided Day Tour
If you prefer your tours in a small group rather than with a coach-load of other people, then this full-day tour of Dubrovnik from Split is the one for you.
You’ll be toured around the UNESCO World Heritage-recognized Old Town, learning all about the rich history of the city as you go from a local guide.
Stops along the way include a trip to the Franciscan Church (home to one of the oldest pharmacies in the world), the picturesque Rector’s Palace, and Lovrijenac Fort.
Don’t miss out, book your Split to Dubrovnik day trip here!
Or check out below prices & availability for your chosen date!
Is a Split to Dubrovnik day trip worth it?
Yes and no. While it’s totally worth visiting Dubrovnik, I don’t know if it’s worth doing a day trip from Split to Dubrovnik.
The journey time between the cities is quite long, and it won’t give you enough time to discover Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is a stunning city, with lots of beautiful corners just waiting to be discovered.
Obviously, if you can spend a night in the city of Dubrovnik (or multiple nights), you’ll have plenty of time to see more – and do more exciting things.
You can add to your Dubrovnik itinerary things like checking out the Elaphite Islands, getting more time to hang out at the beach, soaking up a few more sunsets.
That said, if your Croatia itinerary is tight and you can’t stay in Dubrovnik, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t go there for only one day as day trip.
One day is enough to see the Old Town, check out the old city walls, see a few Game of Thrones location sites, and even pop into a few of the attractions like the Rector’s Palace and the Franciscan Church.
The tip here is definitely to get up early in the morning to make the most of your Split to Dubrovnik day tour!
Click here to book your full-day tour to Dubrovnik from Split or Trogir!
What to pack for your Dubrovnik day trip from Split
You don’t really need anything special beyond your usual travel essentials and normal outfits. However, I’ve listed below a few items that will make your Split to Dubrovnik day trip smoother.
Power bank– you don’t want your phone to run out of battery while you’re busy capturing the picturesque streets of Dubrovnik!
Stainless steel water bottle– save money and reduce plastic consumption by bringing your own water bottle and refilling it. It’s a win-win!
Sunscreen– I visited Croatia in September, and the sun was still really hot! Don’t ruin your trip by getting sunburnt.
International adapter – Depending on where you’re travelling from you might need an adapter to charge your electronics.
Fast drying towel – Whether it’s for the shower of your hostel dorm, after a a kayak tour or to lie on the beach, you’ll need one of these. I love them because they dry quickly and don’t take up much space.
Where to stay for your Split to Dubrovnik day trip
If you’re staying in Split, I recommend staying in the Old Town. That way you will be close to all the main attractions of Split, as well as to the bus station for your Dubrovnik day tour.
I’ve listed below the place my friends and I stayed at, as well as some options for every budget. If you’re looking for more suggestions, check out my full guide on where to stay in Split.
Budget: Old Town Hostel– this hostel is right in the centre of Split, here you can find an affordable stay and friendly environment.
Click here to book your stay at Old Town Hostel!
Mid-range: Hotel Bellevue– located in the heart of Split, this cosy hotel offers everything you need for a relaxing stay.
Click here to book your stay at Hotel Bellevue!
Luxury: Villa Split Heritage Hotel – if you can afford to splurge a little on your stay, this is the place to do so. In the heart of the Old Town this hotel has a very traditional feel, with its exposed brick walls and outdoors courtyard.
Click here to book your stay at Villa Split Heritage Hotel!
If instead of doing a day trip you decide to spend longer in Dubrovnik, then here are some of the best places to stay in Dubrovnik for all budgets.
Similarly to Split, the Old Town is the best area to stay. It will be a little more expensive than accommodation further out, but you will be so close to all the main attractions that it will be worth it.
Budget: Hostel Angelina – This lovely hostel is right in the Old Town. It has spacious dorms and a fun sociable atmosphere.
Click here to book your stay at Hostel Angelina!
Mid-range: Buza Apartment– This hotel has awesome views over the Dubrovnik Old Town, as well as being just 30m from the nearest beach, while still offering an affordable price.
Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Buza Apartment!
Luxury: The Pucic Palace – If you’re looking to treat yourself, this is the perfect place to do so. Located right in the heart of the Old Town, this beautiful hotel has great views over the rooftops of Dubrovnik.
Click here to book your stay at The Pucic Palace!
Final thoughts on doing a Split to Dubrovnik tour
There you have it, the ultimate Split to Dubrovnik day trip guide! Have you been to Dubrovnik before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!
Dubrovnik is a stunning city, which should feature on everyone’s Europe bucket list. With its stunning Old Town and breathtaking nature, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most popular Mediterranean cruise destinations.
Personally, I find Dubrovnik prettier than Split, but there are more things to do around Split, such as day trips to Krka,Hvar Island & Hvar Town and Omis and Plitvice Lakes.
If you have the time, I suggest spending at least a night in Dubrovnik. If your Croatia itinerary is too tight, worry not, as you’ll still have an awesome time if you follow this guide.
I hope you found this Split to Dubrovnik day trip guide useful! If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!
Enjoyed reading about doing a day trip from Split to Dubrovnik
