Travelling to Dubrovnik by bus & Dubrovnik Main Bus Station

Bus travel is one of the most affordable ways to reach Dubrovnik, continue around Croatia and travel onward to neighboring countries.

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

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, about 3 km from Pile Gate and the Old Town.
• The station is open daily from 06:30 to 22:00, with short ticket-office intermissions during the day.
• Intercity and international buses arrive and depart here; in summer it is sensible to reserve popular routes several days ahead.
• Luggage storage is available at the station for 1.00 EUR per started hour.
• Current city fares include 1.73 EUR for a 1-hour ticket and 2.50 EUR when buying a single ride on the bus.
• For day trips along the Dubrovnik Riviera, use suburban Libertas lines or the dedicated suburban bus guide.

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.

Local buses in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik's local public transport is operated by Libertas Dubrovnik. The orange city buses connect the main visitor areas, including Pile Gate and the Old Town, Gruž Port and Main Bus Station, Lapad, Babin Kuk and Mokošica. Since the Old Town itself is pedestrian-only, buses stop outside the city walls, with Pile serving as the main hub for most visitors.

If you are arriving at Dubrovnik Main Bus Station or Gruž ferry port, local buses are usually the cheapest way to continue to the Old Town, Lapad or Babin Kuk. Visitors staying in Lapad and Babin Kuk also use the city buses frequently for trips to Pile and the historic centre.

Dubrovnik city bus tickets

Current Libertas fares include 1.73 EUR for a 1-hour ticket and 2.50 EUR for a ticket bought on the bus. A 24-hour ticket costs 5.31 EUR, while a 3-day ticket costs 11.95 EUR. Buying before boarding is usually cheaper and quicker.

For the current route map, line numbers, timetables and a quick route finder between Pile, Gruž, Lapad and Babin Kuk, see the complete Dubrovnik city bus map and timetable.

If you plan to visit the Dubrovnik City Walls, museums and other major sights, consider the Dubrovnik Pass. It includes local city bus transport together with entry to key attractions; airport transfers and most suburban routes require separate tickets.

For longer journeys, booking online is especially useful when you need a specific departure, are travelling in July or August, or are crossing an international border.

Travelling to Montenegro? In summer there is also a seasonal passenger ferry from Dubrovnik to Kotor and Budva. If your dates are flexible, compare the bus with the Dubrovnik to Montenegro ferry.

Day bus or night bus from Dubrovnik?

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.

Dubrovnik suburban buses and easy day trips

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 or directly at the Dubrovnik Main Bus Station ticket office in Gruž. For domestic Croatian routes, Arriva is a useful first check when it operates your journey. For international routes, or when you want to compare several operators, Bookaway can be useful. In high season it is wise to book ahead, especially for popular routes like Dubrovnik - Split or Dubrovnik - Zagreb. To compare options, jump back to long-distance bus tickets from Dubrovnik.

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 the Dubrovnik Riviera, tickets can normally be bought when you board, while some tickets and passes are also available through Libertas sales channels. Payment options can change, so check current Libertas information if you are relying on card payment rather than cash.

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.

Dubrovnik Main Bus Station (Gruž)

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

Price: 1.00 EUR per hour

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 coaches to and from Dubrovnik use the station, and several local or suburban services stop in the surrounding Gruž transport area.
• Facilities include the ticket office, luggage storage, public toilets, ATMs, a small shop/newsstand and a covered waiting area.
• The official 2026 station price list charges 1.00 EUR per started hour for luggage storage and 1.00 EUR for the public toilet.
• A taxi stand is directly outside the station, and app-based ride services also operate in Dubrovnik.

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 Libertas lines serve the Gruž transport area and connect it with Pile/Old Town, Lapad and Babin Kuk. Check the current city map and timetable for the best line at your arrival time, because routes and stopping patterns can change.
• 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. The current official price is 1.00 EUR per hour.
• 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 the Dubrovnik Region by bus

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.

The current Libertas one-way fare to Cavtat is 4.00 EUR. Check the latest timetable before leaving, especially outside the summer season.

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.

Services toward Trsteno and the west coast are less frequent than the Cavtat route. Check the current Libertas westbound timetable and fare for your exact stop before travelling rather than relying on a generic regional price.

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.

The current Libertas one-way fare to Ston is 6.40 EUR. Departures are less frequent than on shorter suburban routes, so plan both the outbound and return journey before you go.

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.

Bus ticket prices and luggage fees

Local bus travel in Dubrovnik is inexpensive compared with taxis: the current Libertas fare is 1.73 EUR for a 1-hour ticket, 2.50 EUR for a ticket bought on the bus, 5.31 EUR for a 24-hour ticket and 11.95 EUR for a 3-day ticket.

Long-distance bus fares vary by operator, departure time and demand. Comparing the exact journey is more useful than relying on a fixed route price, particularly for Dubrovnik - Split, Zagreb and international routes where several operators may be available.

Large luggage is normally stored under long-distance coaches, but baggage charges and allowances are set by the individual operator. Check what is included when booking rather than assuming a fixed per-bag fee.

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. Buying before boarding is cheaper than buying a single ride from the driver, while daily and three-day tickets can be useful if you expect to use buses repeatedly.

• 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.