Driving Dubrovnik to Split: Best Routes & Places to Stop on the Way
Driving Dubrovnik to Split is the fastest and easiest way to get between the two cities. The drive is 232km and takes just under 3 hours to complete. The drive is relatively easy, and going from Dubrovnik to Split by car is a great choice as it gives you much more freedom and flexibility.
We recently took a road trip across Croatia, and decided to drive both the coastal road from Split to Dubrovnik and the A1 highway from Dubrovnik to Split.
Based on this experience, we’ve reviewed the best driving route, tips for driving in Croatia, and where to stop between Dubrovnik and Split.
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How to get from Dubrovnik to Split by Car
There are 2 main ways to get from Dubrovnik to Split by car, either take the D8 Coastal Road or the A1 Highway. Below is information on both routes as well as on renting a car..
Where to Rent a Car in Dubrovnik
There are many places to rent a car in Dubrovnik, including downtown or at the Dubrovnik Airport. I personally use Discover Cars to find the highest-rated and best rental car.
☑️ Click Here to Find and Book a Rental Car in Dubrovnik
Tip: If you are flying to Dubrovnik, I suggest exploring the city for a few days before renting a car to drive to other places. However, if you already have a rental car, check out this guide for cheap parking in Dubrovnik.
Driving Routes for Dubrovnik to Split
There are two main routes to choose from when driving from Dubrovnik to Split: The A1 Highway (E65) or the D8 Coastal Road.
Leaving from Dubrovnik, you will start on a coastal road D674 and follow it for about 1.5 hours. From there, you will cross the bridge and then decide on continuing on a coastal road or taking the highway.
Pelješac Bridge
After driving on the D674 coastal road, you will come to the Pelješac Bridge. The Pelješac Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that opened to the public in 2022.
The best part about this bridge is that you can now bypass the Neum Border Crossing. Prior to this bridge, it was necessary to drive through Neum, which is a part of Bosnia and required going through border control.
Not long after the Pelješac Bridge, you will need to decide if you want to take the A1 Highway Route or stay on the D8 Coastal Road.
🚘 Route Option 1: A1 Highway
Taking the A1 Highway (Road E65) is the fastest way to get from Dubrovnik to Split. The drive is 232 km and takes around 2 hours and 50 minutes.
The highway is in great condition and at many points has two lanes on each side, making it easy to pass. The road is also smooth and is an easy drive.
There are tolls along the A1 Highway, but in our experience the tolls were not very much and it was worth it for the quick and easy drive to Split.
One thing to note is that you pay tolls when exiting the toll road rather than upon entering it.
🚘 Route Option 2: D8 Coastal Road
The D8 Coastal Road is a two-lane road along the coast. Taking the D8 Route from Dubrovnik to Split will be around 218km, but the drive takes closer to 3 hours and 45 minutes.
It is a beautiful drive, perfect for those that have extra time and prefer a more scenic route.
The road is in good condition, but keep in mind it does go along cliff edges at times and it is important to watch other cars since it is only a two-lane road.
6 Best Places to Stop between Dubrovnik and Split
One of the best parts about going from Dubrovnik to Split by car is the flexibility to stop at unique places along the way.
Below is information on where to stop between Dubrovnik and Split. Keep in mind you won’t be able to see everything in one drive.
1. Beach Prapratno
📍 Location: 20230, Metohija, Croatia
Beach Prapratno is a small beach along the Adriatic sea, just a few kilometers off from road D674.
This beach has beautiful crystal clear waters and is truly a hidden gem. Unlike most beaches in Croatia, this beach has golden sand instead of pebbles, which adds to its charm.
2. Medieval Town of Ston
📍 Location: 20230, Ston, Croatia
The town of Ston is located just off from Road D674, making it a convenient stop along your drive from Dubrovnik to Split. Ston is known for its charming old town, impressive stone walls, and for its delicious Oysters.
The best thing to do during a short stop in Ston is wander the streets of the old town, which is filled 14th century, Venetian style buildings. If you like seafood, you’ll want to try some of the famous Ston Oysters in town.
If you have the time and energy, you can also hike up to the Ston Fortress or walk along portions of the Ston Walls. The Ston Walls span for over 5km and are the longest complete fortress system in Europe.
3. Biokovo Nature Park
📍 Location: Biokovska cesta, 21325, Biokovo, Croatia
If you drive along the D8 Coastal Road, you can stop at the Biokovo Nature Park. The park is located on Mount Biokovo, which overlooks the Makarska Rivera.
While the Biokovo Nature Park has many viewpoints and hiking trails, the most popular attraction is the Biokovo Skywalk. It is the first skywalk in Croatia and is an impressive 1228 above sea level.
Due to the Biokovko Nature Park being on a mountain, it is typically open seasonally and can close due to weather conditions. For info on opening times, check the Skywalk website.
4. Makarska Rivera
📍 Location: 21300, Makarska, Croatia
The Makarska Rivera is also located along the D8 Coastal Road route from Dubrovnik to Split.
The Makarska Rivera stretches for 60km from the towns of Brela and Gradac, and consists of beautiful coastline with bays, small villages, and gorgeous beaches.
The main town along the Makarska Rivera is Makarska, which has a beautiful old town square and seaside promenade.
5. Modro Jezero: The Blue Lake
📍 Location: 21260, Imotski, Croatia
If you decide to take the A1 Highway from Dubrovnik to Split, you can take a detour to Modro Jezero, also called the Blue Lake. In total, the detour will take an extra hour of drive time but it is worth it if you love hidden gems and nature.
The Blue Lake is located just outside of the small town of Imotski. It is a large lake known for its beautiful blue water and is a popular swimming spot.
Nearby the Blue Lake is the Red Lake, which is much smaller and is surrounded by unique red cliffs. You can’t swim at the Red Lake but it is still pretty scenic.
6. Klis Fortress
📍 Location: 21231, Klis, Croatia
Just before you get to Split, is the impressive Klis Fortress. This fortress has a complex history and was used for centuries as a fortification.
It is unknown when construction first began, but archeologists have found that people were settled on the fortress grounds as early as the 3rd century BCE.
In modern times, Klis Fortress has become famous as it was the filming site for Khaleesi and the city of Meereen in the Game of Thrones tv series.
Tips for Driving Dubrovnik to Split
On our recent trip to Croatia, we drove all across the entire country (including driving Split to Dubrovnik and then back Dubrovnik to Split).
Based on these experiences, below are a few tips for driving Dubrovnik to Split:
🚗 Speed limits are typically 130 km/h on highways, open roads it is usually 90 km/h.
🚗 Always opt for full-coverage insurance or make sure you have full coverage car insurance through your credit card.
🚗 On the toll roads, you’ll receive a ticket when entering and when you exit the road you will put that ticket in the machine to make your payment (similar to leaving a parking garage in the US).
🚗 Use caution on the coastal roads – while it is scenic, it is important that the driver pays attention to the road. There are some pull-off spots along the way.
🚗 If you do pull-off the road, make sure its a designated pull-off spot and be very careful getting back on the road as cars sometimes drive really fast around these winding roads.
🚗 To find, compare, and book car rentals in Croatia, you can use Discover Cars.
Other Ways to Get from Dubrovnik to Split
Besides traveling by car, here are a few other ways to get from Dubrovnik to Split or from Split to Dubrovnik:
Private Transfer
If you prefer not to drive, taking a private transfer is the fastest and most convenient way to get from Dubrovnik to Split.
This highly-rated private transfer will take you from Dubrovnik to Split, so you can enjoy the scenic views on a stress free ride.
Taking a private transfer is perfect for families or groups, or those who prefer not to haul around luggage on public transport.
☑️ Click Here to Book a Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Split
Bus
The cheapest way to get from Dubrovnik to Split is by bus. The journey takes about 4 hours. There are a few different bus companies that go this route, including Flixbus.
Flixbus is geared towards tourists and is a coach style bus. I have used them in other places in Europe and had pretty good experiences.
Ferry
There are 2 Catamaran Ferry companies that run routes between Dubrovnik and Split, and it typically takes close to 5 hours as there are other stops along the way.
The Jadrolinija Catamaran runs a route between Split and Dubrovnik from June-September and the Krilo Catamaran goes from April-October.
Ferries are a great option if you plan to stop at one of the islands such as Hvar on the way to Split. However, keep in mind ferries are dependent on weather conditions and can be canceled or postponed.
FAQ: Dubrovnik to Split by Car
The best way to travel from Dubrovnik to Split is by car. The drive is scenic and easy, and will take less than 3 hours. There are also places to stop along the way which make driving from Dubrovnik to Split a fun road trip.
The drive from Dubrovnik to Split is nice as the roads are in good condition and there are scenic views along the way. There are also interesting places to stop during the drive, which make it a great idea to drive from Dubrovnik to Split.
Driving in Croatia is fairly easy for Americans. Just like in the US, they drive on the right side of the road in Croatia. The main roads are well-maintained and in good shape, making it easy to drive.
The drive from Split to Dubrovnik is incredibly scenic, especially if you take the D8 coastal route. This route will take you past picturesque villages and there will be plenty of sea views along the way. Even if you take the A1 highway you will still have over an hour driving along the Adriatic coastline which is a beautiful drive.
☑️ Find and Book a Rental Car in Dubrovnik
The Wrap-Up: Driving Dubrovnik to Split
Driving Dubrovnik to Split is a great way to experience Croatia, as you have the freedom to follow your own schedule and make stops along the way. The drive is also incredibly scenic, which makes going from Dubrovnik to Split by car totally worth it!
Planning to Visit Split? Check out this 2 day itinerary for Split
Related Posts about Croatia:
🇭🇷 Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?
🇭🇷 What is Dubrovnik Famous For?
🇭🇷 Best Wine Tours in Dubrovnik
🇭🇷 How to Get from Split to Trogir
🇭🇷 Is Plitvice Lakes Worth Visiting?
