Dubrovnik Airport to City Center: Best Transportation Options & Tips
You’ve booked your flight to Dubrovnik Airport, and your Adriatic adventure is officially underway. One thing you’ll notice pretty quickly after landing, though, is that the airport sits about 20 km south of the city. While that might sound a bit inconvenient at first, getting into Dubrovnik is actually straightforward once you know your options.
Dubrovnik Airport is small, easy to navigate, and well-organized, so you won’t waste much time figuring things out. As soon as you exit the terminal, you’ll find several transport choices lined up outside, ranging from budget-friendly buses to door-to-door transfers. The key is choosing what best fits your schedule, budget, and travel style.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most practical ways to get from the airport to Dubrovnik’s Old Town and surrounding neighborhoods. We’ll also share a few tips we picked up during our own visit, including what’s worth booking in advance, how long each option realistically takes, and which choice makes the most sense if you’re arriving late at night or traveling with luggage. Whether you want the cheapest ride or the easiest one, you’ll be sipping your first coffee inside the city walls in no time.
Arriving at Dubrovnik Airport: What to Expect
Dubrovnik Airport, officially known as Čilipi Airport, is about 15 kilometers (9 miles) southeast of Dubrovnik’s historic city center. In 2017, the airport expanded its capacity and modernized its facilities by opening the new Terminal C, significantly improving the experience and operational efficiency. One notable feature of Dubrovnik Airport is its runway, the longest in Croatia. This extended runway allows the airport to accommodate larger aircraft, including wide-body jets for long-haul international flights, making Dubrovnik more accessible to travelers from distant destinations.
Croatia is a member of the European Union and, as of January 1, 2023, it has also joined the Schengen Area. Thismeans that border controls between Croatia and other Schengen countries have been lifted, allowing passport-free travel across much of Europe.
When we visited back in 2022, passport checks were still in place, as Croatia had not yet joined the Schengen Zone. Since its accession, however, these internal border controls have been removed, making travel smoother and more seamless and bringing Croatia even closer into the European travel network.
Getting from Dubrovnik Airport to the Old Town
Since Dubrovnik is a top Mediterranean destination (especially after Game of Thrones), many full-service and low-cost carriers fly to Dubrovnik, especially during the summer. This means the transportation from the airport to the city got a boost, and there are many options for getting to the town.
Airport Shuttle Bus
One of the easiest and most popular ways to get from Dubrovnik Airport to the city is by using the airport shuttle bus. The system is very well organized and straightforward, especially if you’re visiting Dubrovnik for the first time. Just keep in mind that Dubrovnik Airport does not have a train connection, so buses are the main form of public transport from the airport.
The non-stop airport shuttle runs directly between the airport and the city, stopping at key locations including Pile Gate (Old Town), the ferry port, and Dubrovnik’s main bus terminal in Gruž. This makes it a convenient option whether you’re staying inside the city walls or in other parts of Dubrovnik.
The shuttle operates 7 days a week and is scheduled around flight arrivals and departures. Buses usually leave the airport about 30 minutes after each flight lands, and they wait for delayed flights, so there’s no need to worry if your plane arrives early or late.
Important note: The airport shuttle mainly runs during the tourist season. When we visited in mid-May, the service had not started yet, so availability can vary depending on the time of year. Always double-check before your trip if you’re traveling in the shoulder season.
The current price is around €10 per person, one-way (prices are now in euros, as Croatia no longer uses the Kuna). Tickets can be purchased at the airport or directly from the driver.
Overall, when it’s running, this shuttle is the cheapest and most hassle-free way to travel between Dubrovnik Airport and the city, especially if you don’t want to deal with taxis or transfers.
Taxi or Uber
As with most airports, the taxi rank is located directly outside the terminal, and taxis are readily available upon arrival. A taxi ride from Dubrovnik Airport to the city typically costs around €35–40, depending on traffic and your exact destination. The journey usually takes about 25–30 minutes.
Using Uber is also a popular option and often works out slightly cheaper than a traditional taxi. Uber operates reliably in Dubrovnik, and you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a ride, even during busy periods. Prices vary based on demand but are generally a bit lower than standard taxi fares, especially outside peak hours.
Both options are convenient if you’re traveling with luggage, arriving late at night, or prefer a door-to-door transfer without waiting.
Pre-booked shared or private transfers
This is how we traveled to and from the airport during our trip. Since we visited in the off-season, the airport shuttle was not yet operating, which is why we chose alternative options.
For our return to the airport, we initially considered using Uber. However, our flight was early in the morning, and we left our Airbnb at 5:30 a.m., so we weren’t entirely sure how reliable Uber availability would be at that hour. When we checked around 4 a.m., we did see a few cars available, but we decided not to risk it.
Instead, we had already arranged a pre-booked private transfer. We used the Dubrovnik Airport Private Transfer service, which was easy to book and very reliable. When we arrived, the driver was already waiting for us at the airport, and there were no issues with the early-morning pickup on our departure day. We also communicated with the driver via WhatsApp to confirm the pickup time, which made everything smooth and stress-free. There are quite a lot of companies providing the service, but we can recommend this particular one. The driver gave us some excellent tips on what to see and what to eat; although his English was very limited, he tried hard.
The total cost was €70 for a round trip, which worked out to €35 per ride. Although the website lists prices in the local currency, paying in euros was no problem. We paid cash directly to the driver.
Overall, it was a very pleasant experience. Having a driver waiting for you feels a bit fancy, and more importantly, it’s extremely comfortable and convenient, especially for early flights or off-season travel.
Accommodation in Dubrovnik
Finding where to stay is always a challenge. You look for the best prices, location, the best everything. When it comes to Dubrovnik, there is plenty to choose from. There are especially hundreds of private apartments you can book.
Our number one recommendation is, do not book anything directly in the city. First of all, it is very expensive. But secondly, you won’t get this view (see below).
Get one of the many Airbnbs available on the hill. You will have to walk up the stairs once a day when returning, but it’s worth it. We enjoyed the marvelous view, and breakfast tastes better with such a view. Most of the Airbnbs you will find on the hill overlooking Dubrovnik. And the stairs are not as bad. You only have to take them once a day when returning. If a penguin can do it, so can you.
Getting from Dubrovnik Airport to the city is a smooth and manageable experience. Whether you choose the airport shuttle, a taxi, or a pre-arranged transfer, you’ll find the options marked and easy to navigate. The scenic drive into Dubrovnik offers a stunning first glimpse of the Adriatic coast, setting the tone for the days ahead. Just a bit of planning and a quick pace off the plane can make all the difference in starting your trip on the right foot.
Pack you back and get ready to explore Dubrovnik!
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