Travel from Dubrovnik to Split

1. As I said in reply to a previous post, for the past couple of years there has been a question mark over whether the Rijeka-Dubrovnik ferry will run, that is only finalised late in the day. If it doesn't run this year, and you don't want to rent a car, there are regular buses. See https://www.autotrans.hr/en-us/home or http://www.balkanviator.com/en/bus .
2. It is feasible to visit an island - but would it make any sense? With only three days allocated to Dubrovnik and Split, when would you fit it in? It is going to take at least half a day to travel from Dubrovnik to Split - the bus takes 4+ hours. With such a tight schedule, if visiting an island is a 'must do', then visit Lokrum, about 20 minutes boat ride from the Old Town in Dubrovnik. Regards Richard

Thank you for your information Richard, I'm finding it a bit difficult to find things on this new site, such as the search button. I just threw visiting an island out there because my daughter said it was a must see. Since we really can't change our stay in Italy and we have to be in Berlin by May 20, this is all the time we can allow for Croatia. I don't really relish the thought of a bus ride but will do if I have to.
How is the driving over there? Is it good idea to rent a car to Split or is the drop off charges prohibitive?

I don't have any problems with driving in Croatia, and remember I am a Brit, more used to driving on the left, unlike Croatia. Driving from Dubrovnik to Split you have the option of using the autoput/freeway for about 50% of the journey, but you probably won't want to, as you would then miss the coastline. The coastal road is known as the Magistrale, and is a two lane road – very occasionally three lanes. In May it will be quiet, but don't expect to be driving at much more than 50mph most of the time. There are also a number of small towns along the way, which obviously slow things down.

I'm afraid I can't tell you about one-way rentals. When I am there, I am either in my own car, or a rental car that I return to the airport. In addition to local Croatian companies, American multinationals like Avis and Hertz operate in Croatia, so I'm sure your local office can advise on what they would charge. From what I understand though, a car for a day is likely to be USD 300, while the bus would be USD 20 per person.

Don't be too worried about the idea of a bus ride. The standard of the buses is good, and the journey time is only about four hours. Four hours on a bus is far more interesting than the time you will have spent sitting on a plane getting to Europe. If you take the bus, don't forget to sit on the left side to get the best views of the coastline.

Richard

Your schedule seems a bit tight to add most islands, if you were in Split a little longer, getting to Hvar is easy, but after spending half a day getting to Split, it will be too late to catch a ferry to Hvar and see anything, plus I trust you want to look around Split as well.

The islands are certainly nice, but Dobrovnik and Split are still on the water and offer much the same experience.

My husband's family lives in Dubrovnik, been there many times. Just spend the 3 days there and enjoy the city and beaches. You can get the bus by the cable car to the airport and not have as much running around.

We were recently in Croatia and rented a car from Fleet, through Autoeurope. We picked it up in Dubrovnik, and returned it in Zagreb, with no drop fee; so don't worry about that issue. However, with just three days, I think the suggestion to just stay in Dubrovnik makes sense. You could make one of those days a trip to Ston and Mali Ston, to see something a little different. The only part of Split that really impressed us was Diocletian's Palace, admittedly pretty impressive. With that long ride/drive as part of the day, though, you would have to get going very early to have time to see even that one sight.

I suggest maybe to try and see Peljesac peninsula & Island of Korcula during one day of your stay in Dubrovnik - check it out here - Korcula day tour . The wine there is great :) But it's such a short time and this trip would last the whole day so I'm not sure if it's worth losing one day of Dubrovnik - it surely is if this is not your first time in Dubrovnik.. Regarding traveling from Dubrovnik to Split - bus, car rental or car transfer would be three best options. Maybe even take a tour from Dubrovnik to Split and stay in Split after the tour is finished. That way You get the ride in a mini van wich is great way to travel to Split and a guided tour of Split - check it out here - Split trip from Dubrovnik . I think this combination would probably be my first choice.

All the best and enjoy your trip!

Hello Gonzy,
we are going to Dubrovnik this summer also. I wish You could tell us something more if you already visited. We were thinking of two options for a day trip while being there. We like private tours better than a group tour so by searching the web we found out Dubrovnik Luxury Travel - maybe someone already had experience with them for a private tour? So the first option would be private tour to Montenegro. And the second option would be boat rent for a day and trip to Island of Mljet. We only have time for one day trip from Dubrovnik so any help would be greatly appriciated.

Thanks in advance!
Mark

Mark - We took public buses and ferries to Mljet a few years ago so a private tour is not required. Mljet is a nice day trip. We enjoyed Kotor Bay more, but we had a rental car and spent the night at a small hotel on the bay a mile or two from Kotor. Swimming on the bay was followed by drinks/dinner on the bay. Both are good choices. Enjoy your trip!

Thank You for your answer but You didn't make the decision any easier :) Well I guess if both are great it's a win win situation!
Thanks again!