Domestic and International bus connections from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is connected by frequent long-distance buses along the Croatian coast and to major cities inland, plus international routes to nearby Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Whether you’re heading to Split or Zagreb, or crossing the border to Kotor or Mostar, this guide shows where to depart, how to get tickets, and what to expect (especially in peak summer).

Tip: Bus timetables are seasonal and can change, always check departures for your exact date, and consider booking ahead for popular routes.

Bus travel from Dubrovnik quick overview

All intercity and international coaches depart from Dubrovnik’s Main Bus Station in Gruž, right by the port (handy if you’re combining buses with Dubrovnik ferry connections). Use the official station info to confirm live departures, then compare operators and prices using the route links further down this page.

• Departure point: Dubrovnik Main Bus Station (Gruž).
• Tickets: Buy at the station or online. If you buy online, arrive early enough to collect/validate your ticket at the station ticket office (the station advises no later than 30 minutes before departure).
• Best time-saver: In summer, book in advance and arrive early, traffic and queues around Gruž can delay last-minute plans.
• International routes: Passport checks are standard on cross-border buses; add buffer time for border queues (often longer in July-September).
• Airport connection: If you’re arriving via Dubrovnik Airport, the airport shuttle bus links the airport with the Main Bus Station area.

Where do buses leave from in Dubrovnik?

All intercity and international buses depart from the Dubrovnik Main Bus Station in Gruž (the port area). It’s right next to Dubrovnik’s ferry hub, which makes it easy to combine bus travel with ferries and catamarans from Dubrovnik.

If you need a reliable point of reference for live departures/arrivals and station contacts, use the official station website: autobusni-kolodvor-dubrovnik.com.

• Station address: Obala pape Ivana Pavla II 44A, 20000 Dubrovnik.
• Look for signs: “Autobusni kolodvor” (main bus station) in the Gruž port zone.
• Local tip: If you’re taking a taxi/ride-hailing, ask for “Gruž bus station” or “Autobusni kolodvor” to avoid confusion with city-bus stops.

Dubrovnik Main Bus Station basics

To make your travel day stress-free, it’s worth checking the station essentials in advance, opening hours, ticket office info, luggage storage, and any small station/service fees that may be added to your fare. For a practical overview, see our Dubrovnik Main Bus Station (Gruž) guide, and for the latest official details (hours and contacts) use: Dubrovnik bus station: official contact and working hours.

• Address: Obala pape Ivana Pavla II 44A, 20000 Dubrovnik (Gruž / port area).
• Working hours: Every day 06:30–22:00 (breaks: 09:00–09:30 and 16:00–16:30).
• Contact: Tel. +385 60 305 070 • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
• Luggage storage (garderoba): Open daily 06:30–22:00 • Published rate: 1.00 € per hour.
• Station/service fees: You may see a small “bus station service” fee on top of the base fare; the official price list (from 01.01.2026) lists 0.40 € for domestic lines and 0.93 € for international lines, plus a 0.27 € platform ticket.

How to check timetables and choose the best bus

Bus schedules from Dubrovnik are seasonal and can change, so the fastest way to find the best option is to run a quick search and compare departures for your exact date. Use the search box below to check availability, timings, and prices, then book in a few clicks (especially helpful in summer when popular departures sell out).

• Step 1 (recommended): Use the search box below to find the best departure for your date (ideal for routes like Dubrovnik - Split and Dubrovnik - Zagreb).
• Step 2: Compare travel time (direct vs. more stops), arrival time, and comfort (some departures are faster or more convenient even if they cost slightly more).
• Step 3: Book ahead in peak season, July to September is the busiest period, and morning/early-afternoon departures often fill first.
• If you’re travelling internationally: Add buffer time for border checks (queues can be long in summer), and avoid tight onward connections.
• Last-minute check: For same-day travel, confirm any final changes on the official station board: live departures/arrivals.
• Important note about the station’s own online sales: If you buy via the official Dubrovnik bus station online system, you receive a barcode coupon by email and must pick up the printed ticket at the station ticket office no later than 30 minutes before departure.

Popular domestic bus routes from Dubrovnik: travel times + typical summer prices

If you’re planning to travel around Croatia by coach, the good news is that Dubrovnik has frequent year-round departures to the coast and inland. Below are realistic, traveler-friendly time and price estimates for the most searched routes. Use the links bellow to compare operators, see exact departure times, and grab the best fare for your date (summer seats can sell out on popular departures).

Important: Travel times vary by route stops and traffic. In peak summer, coastal roads can be slower, so build in a little buffer, especially if you’re catching a flight, ferry, or tour.

Tip for better prices: If your dates are flexible, try mid-week and earlier departures, then lock in seats as soon as you see a fare you like. The links below are the fastest way to compare options and prices.

Popular international bus routes from Dubrovnik: travel times + typical prices

Dubrovnik is one of the best bases in Croatia for crossing borders by bus, with easy connections to Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, and Albania. The routes below show realistic travel times and "from" prices. In peak summer, prices can be higher and border queues can add time, so always check your exact date before booking.

Note: Times and prices are approximate and can change with season, demand, and border waiting times. For the most accurate info, open the route and check your exact travel date.

Border crossings: what to expect (Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina)

International buses from Dubrovnik are straightforward, but they do cross an external border of the Schengen Area. That means passport checks are normal, and in peak summer you should expect queues and occasional delays.

Pro tip: If you are traveling in July or August, treat published journey times as a baseline and add extra buffer for border queues.

Getting to the Dubrovnik bus station

Dubrovnik’s Main Bus Station (Autobusni kolodvor) is in Gruž, next to Dubrovnik’s ferry hub, around 3 km from the Old Town. You can get there by local bus, taxi, or on foot if you are travelling light.

• From the Old Town (Pile Gate) - The easiest option is the city bus from Pile Gate. Common lines serving the Gruž area include 1A, 1B, 3, and 8 (confirm the best stop and direction for your location). Check the latest routes, stops, and ticket tips in our Dubrovnik city bus timetables guide.
• From Lapad and Babin Kuk - Local buses connect Lapad/Babin Kuk with Gruž. Use our Dubrovnik city bus timetables guide to confirm the best line and direction, and for a visitor-friendly overview see the Dubrovnik Tourist Board bus guide.
• Taxi or ride-hailing - Fastest option with luggage. Travel time depends on traffic (summer congestion is common), so leave extra time for early-morning departures and weekend travel.
• Arriving by ferry or heading to the islands - You are already in the right place: the bus station sits by the port, making it easy to coordinate bus travel with Dubrovnik ferry connections and timetables.

Want a quick overview of what’s at the station (ticket office, facilities, luggage storage, and location)? See our Dubrovnik Main Bus Station guide.

Airport connection - shuttle bus from Gruž (Dubrovnik Airport - city)

If you are arriving via Dubrovnik Airport, the simplest shared transfer into town is the official airport shuttle bus. It runs around flight arrivals, stops near the Old Town, and continues to the Main Bus Station in Gruž (handy if you are staying in Lapad/Babin Kuk or connecting onward by bus or ferry).

• Stops (Airport to city): Dubrovnik Airport - Old Town stop (Ploče Gate / cable car area) - Main Bus Station (Gruž)
• Travel time: typically about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic
• Tickets: one-way 10,00 €; open return 15,00 € (valid for 15 days)
• How to buy: online or in person at the airport counter and in Dubrovnik (details in our Dubrovnik Airport shuttle bus guide)

Practical tips for bus travel from Dubrovnik

Bus travel from Dubrovnik is easy once you know the basics. These quick tips help you avoid the most common problems in peak season.

• Book early in summer - July to September is busy, and the most convenient departures can sell out. If your dates are fixed, lock in your seat as soon as you see a good option.
• Arrive with time to spare - If you are collecting a ticket bought via the official Dubrovnik bus station online system, you must pick it up at the ticket office no later than 30 minutes before departure.
• Expect small station fees on some tickets - Some departures include additional station-related fees (for example, platform/service items), so focus on the total price shown during booking.
• Know your luggage rules - Policies depend on the operator. Arriva allows up to two pieces of passenger luggage, up to 25 kg per piece.
• Keep your luggage receipt - If your bag goes in the luggage compartment, keep the receipt/tag until you collect it at your destination.
• International routes - Carry your passport and add buffer time for border checks, especially on weekends and in peak summer.
• Quick connections - If you are combining buses with ferries or catamarans, remember the Main Bus Station in Gruž is next to the port area, making transfers easier.

FAQ - Dubrovnik buses (domestic and international)

Where is the Dubrovnik bus station?

All intercity and international buses depart from the Main Bus Station in Gruž, next to the port area (very convenient if you are combining buses with ferries and catamarans).

Should I buy bus tickets in advance?

In peak summer (especially July and August), yes. The most popular departures can sell out, so booking ahead is the safest option. For last-minute travel, you can still buy at the station, but queues are common in high season.

Can I buy bus tickets online?

Yes. Many routes can be booked online, which is usually the easiest way to compare departures and secure a seat. If you use the official Dubrovnik bus station online system, you typically receive a barcode coupon and must collect the printed ticket at the station ticket office before departure.

How early should I arrive at the station?

Aim for 20-30 minutes early in summer, and earlier if you need to buy or collect tickets at the counter. If you are traveling internationally, add extra time for passport checks and possible border delays.

Do I need a passport for buses from Dubrovnik to Montenegro or Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Yes. These routes cross international borders, so carry a valid passport and allow extra time for border checks. In peak summer, queues can be long and can extend the total journey time.

Are there direct buses from Dubrovnik to Split and Zagreb?

Yes - Dubrovnik has frequent connections to Split and long-distance routes to Zagreb. Exact frequency and travel time vary by season and departure, so always check your date and compare options before booking.

How do I get to the bus station from the Old Town?

The easiest way is by local bus from Pile Gate toward Gruž. Confirm routes, stops, and ticket tips before you travel.

Is there an airport shuttle bus to the Main Bus Station?

Yes. The airport shuttle connects Dubrovnik Airport with the Old Town area and continues to the Main Bus Station in Gruž. It runs around flight arrivals, but exact timings vary by season.

Is luggage storage available at the bus station?

Yes, luggage storage is available at the Main Bus Station in Gruž, but fees and opening times can change.