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Dubrovnik Airport to Old Town: Best Transport Options

Wondering how to get from Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) to the Old Town? This guide compares shuttle buses, public transport, Uber, Bolt, taxis and private transfers to help you choose the best option for your trip.

Landing at Dubrovnik Airport is exciting, but after collecting your luggage one question usually comes next: what’s the easiest way to get to Dubrovnik Old Town?

As a licensed Dubrovnik tour guide, I answer this question almost every day. After guiding visitors around Dubrovnik for many years, I’ve answered this question hundreds of times. Here’s my practical advice on the easiest, fastest and most convenient transport options.

Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) is located approximately 22 km (14 miles) from Dubrovnik Old Town. Depending on traffic, the journey usually takes between 25 and 40 minutes, although during the busiest summer days it can occasionally take a little longer.

The good news is that reaching the city is straightforward. Which transport option is best depends on your budget, luggage, arrival time and where you’re staying.

Quick Answer: Which Transport Option Should You Choose?

If you simply want my recommendation, here’s a quick comparison.

For most first-time visitors, I usually recommend the Platanus Shuttle Bus. It offers the best balance between convenience, price and simplicity.

1. Platanus Shuttle Bus – The Best Option for Most Visitors

If you’re staying near Dubrovnik Old Town or close to the Main Bus Station in Gruž, the Platanus Airport Shuttle is usually the option I recommend first.

Approximate journey time: 30–40 minutes

Approximate fare: €10 one way

The shuttle timetable is coordinated with arriving flights, so you normally won’t have to wait long after landing.

The bus stops at:

• Pile Gate (Old Town) – the main entrance to Dubrovnik’s historic centre
• Dubrovnik Main Bus Station (Gruž)

From either stop, you can easily continue by local bus, taxi or simply walk if your accommodation is nearby.

Tickets can be purchased:

• online
• at the airport ticket counter
• directly from the driver

Both mobile tickets (QR code) and printed tickets are accepted, so there’s no need for additional ticket validation before boarding.

If it’s your first visit to Dubrovnik, this is usually the transport option I’d recommend first. It’s reliable, reasonably priced and takes away most of the stress after a flight.

2. Libertas Public Bus – The Cheapest Way to Reach Dubrovnik

If your priority is spending as little as possible, the Libertas public bus is the cheapest way to travel from Dubrovnik Airport.

Approximate journey time: 35–50 minutes

Approximate fare: €4–5

Depending on the route, buses 11, 27 and 38 connect the airport with Dubrovnik and nearby areas.

Unlike the airport shuttle, public buses make several stops along the way, so the journey takes a little longer.

If you don’t mind spending a few extra minutes travelling, it’s an excellent value-for-money option.

Tickets can usually be purchased from the driver (cash) or via the Libertas mobile app. If you’re using a paper ticket, remember to validate it when required.

This option is ideal if you’re travelling light and don’t mind a slightly longer journey.

3. Uber and Bolt

Both Uber and Bolt operate in Dubrovnik and are often cheaper than regular airport taxis.

Approximate fare: €25–35

Approximate journey time: 25–35 minutes

If you’re travelling with luggage or staying in an apartment outside the Old Town, this is a comfortable door-to-door option.

The apps show the estimated fare before you confirm the ride, making it easy to compare prices.

Like in most destinations, prices may increase during busy periods or when several flights arrive within a short time.

This option is particularly convenient if your accommodation isn’t within walking distance of Pile Gate or the Main Bus Station.

4. Taxi

Official taxis are available directly outside the arrivals terminal.

Approximate fare: €35–50

Approximate journey time: 25–35 minutes

This is the quickest and simplest option if you want to head straight to your accommodation without waiting for public transport.

Card payment is usually available, although carrying a little cash is always a good backup.

If you’re arriving very late at night or simply want the fastest possible transfer, a taxi is still a perfectly good option.

Just keep in mind that airport taxis are generally more expensive than Uber or Bolt.

5. Private Transfer

If you’re travelling with family, friends or several suitcases, a private transfer can be an excellent choice.

Approximate fare: €40–70

Approximate journey time: 25–35 minutes

Your driver will meet you in the arrivals hall and take you directly to your accommodation.

Many visitors choose this option simply because it’s the most relaxed way to start their holiday after a long flight.

Do You Really Need a Rental Car?

Personally, I rarely recommend renting a car if you’re planning to stay in Dubrovnik.

Parking can be challenging and much of the city operates under a special traffic regime. Unless you’re planning to continue exploring southern Croatia, Montenegro or Bosnia and Herzegovina, you’ll probably enjoy your stay much more without worrying about parking.

Most of Dubrovnik’s main attractions are within walking distance, so many visitors discover they simply don’t need a car during their stay.

If your holiday is focused on Dubrovnik itself, I honestly believe you’ll have a much more relaxed experience without a rental car.

FAQ: Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik

Explore Dubrovnik with a Local Guide

Getting from the airport to the Old Town is only the beginning of your Dubrovnik experience.

If you’re visiting for the first time and would like to discover the city with a licensed local guide, I’d be delighted to welcome you on one of my walking tours.

Whether you’re interested in Dubrovnik’s fascinating history, Game of Thrones filming locations, hidden streets or simply want to understand the city beyond the guidebooks, I’d love to show you Dubrovnik through a local’s eyes.

 Explore my Dubrovnik tours here

I hope this guide helps you start your Dubrovnik trip as smoothly as possible.

See you in Dubrovnik!