Split to Dubrovnik

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

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Split and Dubrovnik are the two jewels of Croatia's Dalmatian coast, and the journey between them is one of the most scenic in Europe — whether you take it by sea or by road. The distance is deceptively short (roughly 230 kilometres by road), but the route has a twist: the highway passes briefly through Bosnia and Herzegovina at Neum, which matters for border procedures. Here is how to travel between the two cities in practice.

The scenic and memorable way: catamaran

The most rewarding way to make this journey is by sea, and in the summer season you have two main operators to choose from.

Jadrolinija, Croatia's national ferry operator, runs a catamaran service along the Dalmatian coast that calls at several islands — including Hvar, Korčula and Mljet — before reaching Dubrovnik. This is not a point-to-point express; it is an island-hopping service, and the journey from Split to Dubrovnik via the islands takes the better part of a day. The trade-off is magnificent: you pass through some of the most beautiful coastline in the Mediterranean, with the option to disembark at islands along the way and catch a later service.

Krilo (operating as Kapetan Luka) runs a faster catamaran service during the peak summer season, connecting Split to Hvar, Korčula and Dubrovnik with fewer island stops. Journey times to Dubrovnik on the faster Krilo service are around 3 to 4 hours depending on stops, compared to the longer Jadrolinija island route.

Both services operate mainly in the summer (roughly April to October); off-season sailings are much reduced or suspended. Book ahead in July and August — these boats fill up quickly, especially at weekends and around Croatian public holidays. Tickets are available through each operator's website and at Split port.

The bus: crossing through Bosnia and Herzegovina at Neum

FlixBus and Arriva (among others) operate coaches between Split and Dubrovnik, and the journey is typically around 4 to 4 hours 30 minutes by direct service. The route follows the A1 motorway south from Split, then joins the coastal D8 road through Ploče before entering Bosnia and Herzegovina at Neum — a narrow strip of Bosnian coastline that splits Croatia's territory — and re-entering Croatia south of Neum before descending into Dubrovnik.

This border crossing is the detail that catches many travellers off guard. Although Croatia is now part of the Schengen Area, Bosnia and Herzegovina is not, and crossing at Neum means crossing into and back out of Schengen. In practice, border checks at Neum are usually brief for EU/Schengen passport holders, but it does mean you pass through two border controls (outbound and inbound). Non-EU travellers should check whether their visa or entry permission covers this transit; some types of Croatian or Schengen visa may not automatically cover a brief Bosnian transit. See the visa requirements guide for general guidance, and always confirm with the Bosnian and Croatian embassies for your specific passport.

In summer, the Neum corridor can cause significant delays at peak times, particularly in July and August when Croatian tourist traffic is at its highest. Allow buffer time for bus journeys and do not book tight onward connections.

The Pelješac Bridge, which opened in 2022, bypasses the Neum corridor entirely for road traffic — Croatia's main coastal motorway now uses it. However, some older bus routes may still route through Neum depending on the operator and stops, so check your specific service.

Driving and the Pelješac Bridge

The drive from Split to Dubrovnik is roughly 230–240 km and takes around 3 to 3 hours 30 minutes on the motorway using the Pelješac Bridge, which means staying entirely within Croatia and bypassing the Neum border crossing completely. The Pelješac Bridge is a striking piece of engineering and the drive across it, with views across the Pelješac Channel and the Neretva delta, is genuinely impressive.

If you are driving a hire car, check whether it is permitted to cross into Bosnia and Herzegovina should you wish to stop at Neum (some hire car companies restrict cross-border use). With the Pelješac Bridge, this is no longer necessary for the direct Split–Dubrovnik route, but it may matter if you are taking detours.

Dubrovnik has very limited parking and some access restrictions within the old city walls — factor in time for parking and the walk or shuttle into the historic centre. The cable car to Mount Srđ above Dubrovnik is a short distance from the old town and worth combining with your arrival.

Is there a train?

No. There is no rail connection between Split and Dubrovnik. Croatia's rail network does not extend south of Split along the Dalmatian coast, and Dubrovnik has no train station. Rail is simply not an option for this journey.

Which should you choose?

In summer, the Krilo catamaran is the most enjoyable way to travel: scenic, island-capable and no border complications. The Jadrolinija island route is for those who want to spend a day exploring the islands rather than rushing to Dubrovnik. The bus is a practical year-round option, but allow time for the Neum corridor if your service routes that way. Driving is best if you want a hire car in Dubrovnik, and the Pelješac Bridge makes it straightforward. For context on border crossings and Schengen entry, see the Schengen 90/180-day rule guide.

Frequently asked questions

Does the bus from Split to Dubrovnik cross into Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Some services still route through the Neum corridor in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which means two border crossings. Others use the Pelješac Bridge and remain in Croatia throughout. Check your specific bus service before you book, especially if your visa situation is complicated by a brief Bosnian transit.

How long does the catamaran take from Split to Dubrovnik?

The faster Krilo service takes roughly 3 to 4 hours with island stops. The Jadrolinija island-hopping route is longer and better thought of as a scenic day journey rather than a direct transfer.

Can I stop at Hvar or Korčula on the way from Split to Dubrovnik?

Yes. Both Jadrolinija and Krilo call at Hvar and Korčula; you can disembark, spend time on the island, and pick up a later service to Dubrovnik. Plan carefully in peak season as boats fill up.

What is the Pelješac Bridge and does it change the drive?

The Pelješac Bridge, opened in 2022, connects the Croatian mainland south of Ploče directly to the Pelješac peninsula, allowing road traffic to bypass the Neum corridor in Bosnia and Herzegovina entirely. Driving Split to Dubrovnik now stays completely within Croatia via the bridge.