How to Get From Cavtat to Dubrovnik in 2024
Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that some links found in our posts are affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Planning a trip to Dubrovnik but want to save money on accommodation? Book a place to stay in Cavtat instead! Discover how easy it is to get from Cavtat to Dubrovnik in this guide.
Croatia has long been a common vacation destination for Europeans. In recent years, it’s grown more popular to visitors from all corners of the world. We won’t mention the name of the TV show which boosted Dubrovnik’s claim to fame but it’s certainly one of the top reasons people are now visiting Dubrovnik.
Unfortunately, there are always downsides to becoming such a favoured destination and high prices are one of them. From expensive accommodations to even cups of coffee, overpaying for everything can quickly become a drag.
So, how can you avoid this and still experience Dubrovnik? Stay in a neighbouring town instead and take a day trip (or few) to the old town.
Put this down as one of the top “Dubrovnik Travel Tips”: Cavtat is the best place to stay for visiting Dubrovnik. Although Dubrovnik requires some light travel to reach from Cavtat, the old town really couldn’t be simpler to get to when staying outside of the city.
In this guide, we’ve included the multiple ways to get from Cavtat to Dubrovnik.
Map of Cavtat and Dubrovnik
Getting to Cavtat
First, you’ll likely want to know where Cavtat is and how to get there. Most would be surprised to hear that it’s quicker and easier to get to than Dubrovnik!
One of the main reasons why Cavtat is the best place to stay when visiting Dubrovnik is its proximity to the airport. Cavtat is located less than ten minutes away from the international airport, the same airport which everyone flies into when travelling to Dubrovnik.
This means you’ll get off the plane and get to enjoy your vacation that much quicker without the additional transit time. Dubrovnik Airport is about seven minutes away from Cavtat which makes catching those early morning flights that much easier.
How Far is Cavtat from Dubrovnik?
Cavtat is a mere 20 km or 13 miles away from the center of Dubrovnik by car travel. The distance by boat is virtually identical as the sea route runs along the coastline and therefore the motorway.
An ideal drive from Cavtat to Dubrovnik would take you less than 30 minutes without any traffic. Since many different types of travellers visit Dubrovnik, the actual distance can be irrelevant as it will all depend on how you choose to get from Cavtat to Dubrovnik.
🛌 You May Like: The Best Beaches in Cavtat
How to Get To Dubrovnik From Cavtat
1. By Ferry or Boat
The most preferred way to travel from Cavtat to Dubrovnik is by ferry or boat. Cavtat has a harbour which is the hub for private boats, yachts and the ferry service between towns along the coast. A boat ride is undoubtedly much more scenic than travelling by car or bus and if you’re not in a rush, seeing the stops along the route are a lovely added bonus.
Cavtat to Dubrovnik Ferry FAQs
How long is the ferry ride from Cavtat to Dubrovnik?
If you opt for travelling by boat, the ride takes around 45 minutes.
Where does the ferry arrive in Dubrovnik?
The ferry arrives directly in the old port of Dubrovnik which is part of the historic Dubrovnik old town.
How much does the ferry cost?
Pricing can differ based on the provider (more on this below) but should not cost more than €8 – €10 per person. This is the cost for a one way ride. Young children are free!
When does the ferry operate and how frequently?
From May through October, the ferry operates on its most regular schedule. This means it departs quite frequently around every 45 minutes to an hour from Cavtat port. It’s recommended. to always check the official website of the operator for accurate timetables and not rely on third party websites.
Important Notes About the Cavtat to Dubrovnik Boat
1. It’s an Indirect Route: The typical ferry will make multiple stops along its route from Cavtat to Dubrovnik. Since the ride is not direct, account for appropriate travel time and possible crowds on board. Some notable stops include Srebreno, Plat and Mlini which are highly recommended for a visit of their own if you have the time.
2. Possibility of Bad Weather: The ferry and other boats or water taxis will not take you to Dubrovnik via sea in bad weather. If the water is choppy enough, you’ll unfortunately have no other option but to take a bus or taxi to Dubrovnik on that day.
3. There Are Various Boat Operators: In the U.S. or many other European states, you’ll have state owned and operated ferries that are known as the “official ferries” between island or sea locations. This is not the case in Croatia so be mindful of which ferry or boat you are actually booking.
There is possibility for error if you book a boat claiming to be the Dubrovnik ferry and don’t pay attention to exactly which company is operating it. From most resources, you’ll find Adriana Cavtat (Ferry route 9993) to be the “official” ferry from Cavtat to Dubrovnik.
Although confusing, this also means your chances of finding a boat ride to Dubrovnik is very likely with the many options readily available. You can ask your hotel or host to arrange a ride for you in advance if you prefer to have plans scheduled.
Or, take a walk around the port and strike up a conversation with one of the operators directly. You might even get a better deal this way or find an affordable private boat to take you to Dubrovnik.
👍 You May Like: 7 Best Places to Visit in the Balkans
2. By Bus
The bus station in Cavtat is centrally located and is a surprisingly convenient way to get to Dubrovnik. Buses tend to get a bad reputation as a slower option to get anywhere and this bus isn’t necessarily an exception.
However, if you compare it to taking a boat or ferry ride, taking the Cavtat to Dubrovnik bus takes the same amount of time. Aside from being on land, the only other major difference of taking the bus is the price.
A bus ride will cost around €4 per one way which is more than half the price of a boat.
Which Bus Line to Take to Dubrovnik from Cavtat?
To get from Cavtat to Dubrovnik, you’ll need to take bus line 10 which runs about every hour. This route will get you to the central bus station in Dubrovnik near the new port.
Most travellers are interested in heading towards the old town so you will need to keep in mind walking down stairways to reach the major points of interest in Dubrovnik. The walk should take anywhere from 5 – 10 minutes from the Dubrovnik bus station
During high season, the bus will begin operating as early as 5am until midnight. The cutoff time is important to remember in case you lose track of time while out on the town.
Bus Tickets and Timetable
To purchase tickets, you can pick them up at any newsstand or tobacco store, similar to other European cities. Bus tickets are also available to purchase online but the process is a little tedious from stories we’ve heard.
The easiest and most assuring way to obtain a bus ticket is by purchasing it on the bus and directly from the driver. You’ll need to do this with cash. Lastly, stick to referencing timetables found directly on the official website of the bus operator which is here. The site is available in English and very easy to navigate.
Bus Stops Along the Way
Similar to the ferry line, the bus will make multiple stops. The bus is a great option to explore on a budget – don’t hesitate to venture off if you have the extra time. The abandoned resorts and buildings in Kupari are particularly super interesting to see and easy to access by public transportation.
3. By Car (or Taxi)
By car, you’ll be able to take the local motorway from Cavtat to Dubrovnik. The main road is quickly accessible from downtown Cavtat and gets you to Dubrovnik in just under 30 minutes. If you’re working with a tight itinerary, driving your own car, rental car or taking a taxi is an advantageous solution.
What you gain in convenience, you lose in cost. If you are taking a taxi, expect to pay anywhere from €30-€50 for one way.
Uber is available and does tend to cost less but it may be difficult to find a driver coming from Cavtat to Dubrovnik unless you catch one that’s near the airport. Hailing an Uber from Dubrovnik to Cavtat is much easier.
If you are driving yourself, you’ll just need to be prepared for parking fees which are relatively low. Some of Dubrovnik’s streets are off limits for tourist drivers and there will be designated parking lots where you’ll be able to park and walk into Dubrovnik. These parking areas can cost anywhere from €2 – €5 per hour.
Choosing to stay in Cavtat means you have more opportunities to explore beyond Dubrovnik, particularly if you opt for a rental car. We highly recommend utilising a car for checking out the area past Dubrovnik, if your itinerary allows for it.
Staying in Cavtat also means you’ll have a better chance of finding a place with free parking opposed to a hotel or apartment in Dubrovnik.
Adventurous Activities Near Cavtat and Dubrovnik
🧗🏻♂️ Zip Lining Park in Komaji Near Cavtat – BOOK NOW
🛶 Sea Kayaking Excursion to Sipan and the Elaphites Islands from Dubrovnik – BOOK NOW
🌊 Jet Ski Rental on Sunj Beach Near Dubrovnik – BOOK NOW
Cavtat to Dubrovnik Travel Resources
☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage
✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com
🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com
🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio
🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries
🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago
☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo
📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator
