How to Get from Dubrovnik Cruise & Ferry Port to the Old Town (2026 Guide)

Whether you're arriving in Dubrovnik by cruise ship or ferry, getting to the Old Town is surprisingly easy.

Both cruise ships and passenger ferries arrive at Port of Gruž, about 3 km (1.9 miles) from Dubrovnik Old Town. Depending on your budget and how much luggage you're carrying, you can reach Pile Gate – the main entrance to the Old Town – by local bus, taxi, Uber, Bolt or even on foot.

As a local Dubrovnik guide, this is one of the questions I'm asked almost every day. The good news? There isn't a wrong choice – it simply depends on what suits you best.

Quick comparison

Where do cruise ships and ferries arrive?

One question often confuses first-time visitors:

Are Dubrovnik Cruise Port and Dubrovnik Ferry Port the same place?

Almost.

Cruise ships dock at Dubrovnik Cruise Port, while ferries from Split, Hvar, Korčula and other Croatian destinations arrive at the nearby Dubrovnik Ferry Port.

Both terminals are located within Port of Gruž and are only a short walk from each other, so the transport options to the Old Town are practically identical.

Once you leave either terminal, you'll immediately find:

• 🚌 local buses
• 🚕 taxi rank
• 🚗 Uber and Bolt pickup area
• 🚶 walking route towards Dubrovnik Old Town

There is no need to book a transfer in advance unless you simply prefer the convenience of having someone waiting for you.

Option 1 – Take Bus 1A or 1B (Best Budget Choice)

If you're travelling with a backpack or light luggage, this is usually the option I recommend first.

The local bus stop is located just outside the cruise terminal. If you're arriving by ferry, you'll find another bus stop only a couple of minutes away.

Simply board Bus 1A or Bus 1B and get off at Pile Gate, the main entrance to Dubrovnik Old Town.

The journey takes around 10 minutes, depending on traffic.

Bus information

• 🚌 Lines: 1A and 1B
• ⏱️ Journey time: around 10 minutes
• 💶 Ticket price: €2.50 per person
• 🎫 Where to buy: directly from the driver
• 🏰 Destination: Pile Gate (Old Town entrance)

For most visitors, this is the easiest and most affordable way to reach the Old Town.

If you're carrying several suitcases or travelling with very young children, Uber, Bolt or a taxi may be a more comfortable option. Otherwise, the local bus does exactly what you need—quickly and inexpensively.

Option 2 – Uber & Bolt (The Most Convenient Choice)

If you'd rather avoid waiting for a bus or you're travelling with luggage, Uber and Bolt are excellent alternatives.

Both services operate in Dubrovnik and are commonly used by locals and visitors alike. After leaving the cruise or ferry terminal, simply request your ride through the app and follow the pickup instructions.

In normal traffic conditions, the journey to Pile Gate takes around 10–15 minutes.

Prices vary depending on demand and the time of day, but Uber or Bolt are often competitively priced compared to regular taxis.

Uber & Bolt

• 🚗 Journey time: around 10–15 minutes
• 📱 Book: Uber or Bolt app
• 💶 Price: depends on demand
• 🎒 Best for: travellers with luggage, couples and families

My advice: if you're travelling with two or more people, Uber or Bolt often offer excellent value and save you the hassle of carrying luggage on the bus.

Option 3 – Taxi

If you prefer a traditional taxi, you'll find a taxi rank directly outside both the cruise terminal and the ferry terminal.

There's usually no shortage of taxis when cruise ships arrive.

Unlike buses, taxi fares are not fixed, so I always recommend asking for the approximate price before starting your journey. That way there are no surprises when you reach the Old Town.

Taxi

• 🚕 Journey time: around 10–15 minutes
• 📍 Taxi rank: directly outside the terminal
• 💶 Price: ask the driver before departure
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for: families, heavy luggage and direct transport

For visitors travelling with several suitcases or anyone who simply wants a direct ride, a taxi is still a perfectly good option.

Option 4 – Walk to Dubrovnik Old Town

Many visitors don't even consider walking—but you might be surprised.

The distance from Port of Gruž to Pile Gate is around 3 km (1.9 miles) and takes approximately 40 minutes on foot.

If you're travelling light, the weather is pleasant and you're not in a hurry, it's actually a nice walk towards the Old Town.

Google Maps makes the route easy to follow, and it's a good opportunity to get your first impression of Dubrovnik before entering the historic centre.

Walking

• 🚶 Distance: around 3 km (1.9 miles)
• ⏱️ Walking time: about 40 minutes
• 💶 Cost: Free

I wouldn't recommend walking if you're carrying heavy luggage or arriving during the hottest part of the summer, but on a pleasant spring or autumn day it's an enjoyable option.

Which Option Would I Choose?

People often ask me the same question:

"So... what would you recommend?"

There isn't a single "best" option for everyone.

The good news is that Dubrovnik is compact, and getting from the cruise or ferry port to the Old Town is quick and straightforward whichever option you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you walk from Dubrovnik Cruise Port to the Old Town?

Yes. The walk from Port of Gruž to Pile Gate, the main entrance to Dubrovnik Old Town, takes around 40 minutes. If you're travelling light and the weather is pleasant, it's an enjoyable walk. If you're carrying luggage or visiting during the hottest summer months, taking a bus, Uber or taxi is usually a better choice.

Is Dubrovnik Ferry Port the same as the Cruise Port?

Almost.

Both terminals are located within Port of Gruž and are only a short walk from each other. Whether you arrive by cruise ship or by ferry from Split, Hvar or Korčula, you'll use exactly the same transport options to reach Dubrovnik Old Town.

Which bus goes from Dubrovnik Cruise Port to the Old Town?

The easiest option is Bus 1A or Bus 1B.

Both buses stop just outside the cruise terminal and also serve the nearby ferry terminal before continuing to Pile Gate, the main entrance to Dubrovnik Old Town.

The journey usually takes around 10 minutes.

Can I buy the bus ticket on the bus?

Yes.

You can simply buy your ticket directly from the driver when boarding.

The current ticket price is €2.50 per person.

Is Uber available in Dubrovnik?

Yes.

Uber operates throughout Dubrovnik, including the cruise and ferry port. Bolt is also available, giving visitors another convenient option for getting to the Old Town.

Is it worth taking a taxi?

Absolutely, especially if you're travelling with luggage or in a group.

Just remember to ask the driver for the approximate fare before the journey begins.

Should I rent a car if I'm visiting Dubrovnik Old Town?

Personally, I wouldn't.

If your plan is simply to visit Dubrovnik Old Town, using the bus, Uber, Bolt or taxi is usually easier than dealing with parking and traffic around the historic centre.

Final Thoughts

Getting from Dubrovnik Cruise Port or Ferry Port to the Old Town is much easier than many first-time visitors expect.

Whether you choose the local bus, Uber, Bolt, taxi or even decide to walk, you'll normally reach Pile Gate within 10 to 40 minutes.

As a local guide, my advice is simple:

• 🚌 travelling light → take Bus 1A or 1B
• 🚗 carrying luggage → Uber or Bolt
• 🚕 travelling with family → Taxi or Uber
• 🚶 beautiful weather → enjoy the walk

There isn't a wrong choice—only the one that best matches your travel style.

Last updated: July 2026

Written and verified by:
Ivan Vuković Vuka
Licensed Dubrovnik Tourist Guide