The bus service offers cheaper alternative for traveling from and to Dubrovnik and around Croatia.
Throughout Dubrovnik region, generally even the smallest villages have some sort of bus connection to Dubrovnik. There are express buses which cover longer distances and are very comfortable. In almost every larger town there is a bus station (Autobusna Stanica) where tickets are sold and timetables are clearly displayed. Usually the service is fast, efficient and there are many buses per day going to the most popular destinations. If you're travelling on a budget, we definitely recommend bus travel.
Dubrovnik buses & Main Bus Station short facts
Dubrovnik is served by frequent intercity and international buses, suburban lines along Dubrovnik Riviera and orange Libertas city buses that connect all neighborhoods with the Old Town and Gruž ferry port.
- The main bus station (Autobusni kolodvor) is in Gruž Port, a short city bus ride from the Old Town.
- Intercity and international buses arrive and depart from the main station - buy tickets online in advance in summer, or at the station.
- City buses are run by Libertas Dubrovnik and are the easiest way to move between the Old Town, Lapad, Babin Kuk, Gruž and Mokošica.
- Tickets can be bought from kiosks, Libertas points of sale, on the bus or via the Libertas app - check the official site for current prices and timetables.
- For day trips along Dubrovnik Riviera use suburban buses or the routes listed on the dedicated suburban bus lines page.
I am from Dubrovnik and use the buses frequently, especially when heading to the open market in Gruž for fresh fish, vegetables and fruit. After shopping I often enjoy walking back home along the seaside promenade, which is one of the nicest everyday routes in the city.
If you plan to visit museums, the Dubrovnik City Walls and other landmarks consider purchasing the Dubrovnik Pass, and gain access to all of the top attractions in Dubrovnik and Cavtat. A bus ticket is included in the price of the Dubrovnik Card.
Check the bus timetables and buy your bus ticket in advance.
Intercity and International bus connections to/from Dubrovnik
Travelling from/to Dubrovnik by bus during daytime vs during nighttime
Most long-distance buses between Dubrovnik and cities like Split, Zadar, Zagreb or Rijeka make several stops along the way, which can make sleep difficult on night departures. Daytime journeys let you enjoy coastal views but can feel longer and hotter in peak summer. If you want a quicker and more comfortable trip, look for departures with fewer intermediate stops and consider paying a little extra for a reputable operator with newer coaches.
For many routes there are multiple companies and departure times. Compare journey length, number of stops and user reviews before booking, and in high season reserve tickets in advance to be sure of a seat on your preferred departure.
I prefer taking the night bus to Zagreb because of the long travel time, and for Split I usually choose the very early morning departures. These timings make the trips more comfortable and avoid the busiest parts of the day.
Check if your bus route is included and buy your bus tickets online.
Recommended destinations outside Dubrovnik - suburban bus lines
There are many very popular and interesting destinations outside Dubrovnik that you should consider visiting. The regular suburban bus lines are a great way of traveling to those places. Some of the destinations we definitely would like to recommend are Cavtat , Mlini, Trsteno (Trsteno Arboretum beautiful botanical garden), Ston and Molunat. Check the timetables and go on your own exploration trip.
Dubrovnik suburban bus lines timetables
Intercity and International bus lines timetables
Where to buy bus tickets
For intercity and international routes you can buy tickets online through booking platforms or directly at the Dubrovnik Main Bus Station ticket office in Gruž. In high season it is wise to book in advance, especially for popular routes like Dubrovnik - Split or Dubrovnik - Zagreb.
City bus tickets for Libertas buses can be bought in several ways. The most flexible option is to buy a ticket from newspaper kiosks, Libertas kiosks at major stops such as Pile, Lapad, Mokošica and at the main bus station, or at many hotel receptions and travel agencies. A single ride bought on the bus usually costs a bit more than a ticket bought in advance, while short-term passes (hourly, daily, three-day) offer better value if you ride often. As prices change, always check the official Libertas website or app for the latest details.
For suburban buses along Dubrovnik Riviera (for example to Cavtat, Mlini, Trsteno or Ston) you normally buy your ticket directly from the driver when boarding the bus. Have cash or a payment card ready and ask the driver if you are unsure about the correct stop or zone.
If you plan to combine public transport with sightseeing, consider the Dubrovnik Pass, which includes a bus card for city routes as well as entry to major attractions. This can be the easiest way to cover both transport and admission fees during a short stay.
I usually buy my bus tickets at kiosks in advance, so when the bus arrives it is just a matter of validating the ticket and getting on board. It saves time, especially in summer when queues can be long and buses are busy.
Main Bus Station (Gruž) - your arrival hub in Dubrovnik
Obala pape Ivana Pavla II 44a (Gruž harbour, next to ferry/cruise port)
The station is about 3 km from the Old Town (Pile gate) - roughly a 10-minute taxi ride or a short bus ride away. A taxi stand is located directly next to the Dubrovnik Main Bus Station, making it easy to continue your trip if you are carrying luggage or arriving late in the day. Taxis are available throughout operating hours and offer a quick connection to the Old Town and Lapad.
tel: (+385) 60 305 070
Working hours
Every day: 06:30 - 22:00
Intermission: 09:00 - 09:30 and 16:00 - 16:30
Baggage storage working hours
Every day: 06:30 - 22:00
First hour: 0,66 EUR, Each next hour: 0,66 EUR
Here are also some important phone numbers for Dubrovnik if you need quick access to essential contacts while in Dubrovnik.
What is at the station
- All intercity and international buses to/from Dubrovnik arrive and depart here, including domestic Croatian routes and cross-border coaches. Many suburban buses also start or stop at the station.
- Facilities include a ticket office / information desk, luggage storage (handy if you arrive before check-in), toilets, ATMs, a small shop or newsstand, and a sheltered waiting area — useful especially during hot summer or rainy weather.
- Free Wi-Fi and public telephone boxes are often listed among the station’s amenities.
- A taxi stand is located outside the main entrance, offering a quick alternative to city buses, often used by travelers with heavy luggage or arriving late.
When the station is open
The station ticket office and main services generally operate daily from 06:30 to 22:00 (some short intermissions may occur during mid-morning and mid-afternoon hours). For early-morning or late-night arrivals with long-distance buses - plan accordingly and check your operator’s schedule.
How to get from the station to Old Town or other parts of Dubrovnik
- Local buses: Several city/suburban lines connect the station area (or nearby bus stops) with key destinations such as Old Town (Pile gate), Lapad, Babin Kuk and more. Common lines: 1A, 1B, 3, 7, 8. Buses run often and are a budget-friendly option.
- Taxi / ride-share: Taxi stand directly outside the station: convenient when carrying luggage or if buses are sparse (especially late at night). Taxi to Old Town typically takes ~10 min.
- Walking + ferry/bus-ferry combos: If you’re traveling to coastal neighborhoods or islands, station’s proximity to the ferry port can be useful, ideal for combining bus + ferry travel.
Useful tips for travelers
- If you arrive early and want to explore Dubrovnik without carrying large bags, use the station’s **luggage storage** (fee is around €0.66 per item per hour - cash only).
- Buy local bus tickets in advance (at kiosks, station shop or local vendors) rather than on the bus if possible, it’s often cheaper and more convenient. For intercity buses it is smart to book in advance during high season.
- If you arrive late or with lots of luggage, consider taking a taxi, especially if buses are less frequent outside peak hours.
- For ferry connections to islands, note that the station is right next to the ferry/cruise port making it a useful multimodal hub (bus ↔ ferry).
Explore Dubrovnik Region - you wont regret it !
Exploring Dubrovnik Region is a great way to enrich your travel experience when visiting Dubrovnik and Croatia. Regular public transportation will take you to most places worth seeing. Sometimes it is wise to buy tickets in advance, depending on where you wish to go. Ask your host, tourist information offices or at the Main Bus Terminal in Gruž for more information. If you prefer independence from timetables and schedules, consider renting a car to explore the Dubrovnik Riviera at your own pace.
Be sure to also check suburban timetables for bus lines that connect Dubrovnik with towns, townships and villages along Dubrovnik Riviera.
If you prefer an organised experience instead of planning everything yourself, take a look at our overview of day trips from Dubrovnik. It is a good starting point for choosing guided excursions to nearby islands, coastal towns and countryside highlights without worrying about timetables or transport logistics.
Explore Dubrovnik Region by bus - suggested day trips
Suburban buses from Dubrovnik make it easy to explore nearby towns and villages without a car. Below are a few of the most practical day trips you can do by bus, with typical journey times and approximate ticket prices.
Cavtat and Župa Dubrovačka coastal villages
The most popular suburban route is line 10 from Dubrovnik to Cavtat. Buses run frequently throughout the day from the Main Bus Station in Gruž and major city stops, passing through Mlini, Srebreno, Soline and Plat along the way. The journey usually takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and where you get on.
A one-way suburban ticket to Cavtat typically costs around 3-4 EUR per person. You buy the ticket directly from the driver when boarding, and payment is usually possible by cash and, on most buses, also by card.
Use this route for an easy half-day or full-day trip: you can swim at beaches in Mlini or Srebreno, or continue all the way to Cavtat for a seaside promenade, cafes and a quieter old town atmosphere.
For more information about what to see and do, see our dedicated guide to Cavtat and our practical overview of Dubrovnik suburban bus lines.
Trsteno Arboretum and the west coast
Westbound suburban buses from Dubrovnik towards Slano, Ston and the Pelješac peninsula stop in several small coastal villages, including Trsteno. From Dubrovnik it usually takes about 30-40 minutes by bus to reach Trsteno, depending on the line and traffic.
Typical one-way suburban fares on this stretch are in the region of 4-6 EUR per person. Tickets are bought directly from the driver when you board. Services are less frequent than on the Cavtat route, so it is important to check the current timetable in advance.
Trsteno is best known for its historic arboretum with sea views and shaded paths, making it a good choice for a quieter half-day trip away from Dubrovnik’s crowds. Many buses on the westbound suburban timetable stop close to the arboretum entrance.
For more about the site itself, see our page on Trsteno Arboretum, and use the Dubrovnik suburban bus lines guide to identify the most convenient departure for your dates.
Ston and the Pelješac peninsula
Suburban line 15 connects Dubrovnik with Ston on the Pelješac peninsula. The journey takes roughly 1.5 hours each way and passes several smaller settlements along the coast. This makes it a straightforward full-day trip if you want to see more of the region without renting a car.
One-way tickets to Ston usually cost around 5-6 EUR per person, bought directly from the driver when boarding. Departures are less frequent than on shorter suburban routes, so you should plan your outbound and return times carefully and always check the latest timetable before you travel.
Once in Ston you can walk a section of the famous stone walls, visit the old salt pans and try local oysters and other seafood in the town’s restaurants. If you are continuing further into the Pelješac peninsula, buses from Ston connect to other villages and towns, but they may not run every day.
For all these trips, remember that suburban timetables and prices can change during the year and may differ between summer and winter. Always double-check the latest information on the official Libertas website or via the Libertas app, and use our suburban bus lines overview as a practical starting point when planning your day by bus.
How cheap is bus travel ?
The good thing is that there are many different bus companies competing for the most popular routes, Dubrovnik - Zagreb, Dubrovnik - Split, Dubrovnik - Rijeka, Split - Zagreb, Dubrovnik - Zadar etc., which keeps the prices normal. If your hours are flexible check the prices at different times of the day. Larger baggage is placed under the bus and there is a small charge per bag (1-2 Euro per bag).
Dubrovnik public transport
Dubrovnik’s public transport is based on orange Libertas buses, which link the Old Town (Pile gate) with Gruž Port, Lapad, Babin Kuk, Mokošica and other neighborhoods, as well as nearby places along Dubrovnik Riviera.
Within the city there are several ticket options. A single ticket bought on the bus costs roughly the same as two short rides, while tickets bought in advance at kiosks or Libertas points of sale are slightly cheaper. Short-term passes such as hourly, daily and three-day tickets offer better value if you plan to use the bus several times a day. For exact current prices and a full list of ticket types, always refer to the official Libertas price list.
- City lines: local lines (such as 1A/1B for Mokošica - Pile, 4 for Lapad - Pile and 6 for Babin Kuk - Pile) run frequently throughout the day and evening, with slightly reduced services late at night and on Sundays. For an easy way to plan your journeys around the city, you can check local bus lines, timetables and ticket prices on the Dubrovnik city bus map.
- Suburban lines: buses connect Dubrovnik with Cavtat, Mlini, Župa Dubrovačka, Zaton, Trsteno, Ston and Pelješac peninsula - see the dedicated suburban bus lines page for a practical overview of routes and tips.
- Timetables & maps: you can also download the latest timetables and the city bus map from the official Libertas website or check them via the Libertas app, which shows live information on active lines and arrivals.
For more detail on routes beyond Dubrovnik, including timings and ticket tips, also see our dedicated page Dubrovnik Suburban Bus Lines.
For official timetables and any last-minute service changes always double-check the Libertas Dubrovnik website or download the Libertas app.
If you prefer a consolidated, English-language overview of all local bus connections, you can also consult the city bus timetable on our sister site Absolute Croatia.