Everything You Need to Know About Public Transport in Dubrovnik (2025)

One of the best things about exploring Dubrovnik is just how easy it is to get around. Thanks to the city’s efficient and reliable bus network, you can zip from one part of town to another without a hassle.

The local Libertas buses are clean, comfortable, and run regularly throughout the day, making them a super convenient option for both locals and travellers.

Whether you're heading to the Old Town (👉 See cool ways to explore the City Walls!), Lapad, or even further out, you'll be there in just a matter of minutes.

No rental car, no stress—just easy travel with beautiful views along the way. 💥 Top Things to Do in Dubrovnik – Our Picks!

The Pile Bus Stop, located by the western gate of Dubrovnik Old Town, is a central hub for city bus arrivals and departures

This webpage contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

How long is the bus ride from Babin Kuk or Lapad to the Old Town?

If you're staying at one of the hotels in Babin Kuk, getting to the Old Town is super easy — the bus ride takes just about 20 minutes.

Staying in Lapad? That’s another great area with lots of nice hotels. Just hop on bus number 6, and you’ll be in the heart of the Old Town in around 10 to 15 minutes.

Once you get to Pile (the main entrance to the Old Town), consider joining a sea-kayaking tour — it’s such a fun and unique way to see the City Walls and paddle around Lokrum Island!

How can I get from Dubrovnik Old Town to the ferry port by bus?

From your Old Town apartment, you can reach the ferry port in only 10 minutes - take buses no.1A, 1B, 3 and 8. From there you can board local boats to the Elaphite islands, Mljet, Korcula...

Or join organised boat tours, which is also great idea for spending a relaxed day... 👉 We handpicked island-hopping tours for you!

Is there a bus from Dubrovnik's cruise port to the cable car?

If you're coming in on a cruise, it's easy to reach the cable car station — just take bus number 8 from the port and you'll be there in about 15 minutes.

Want to skip the cable car? Try a fun buggy safari tour instead! With a driver at the wheel, you’ll head to a fantastic panorama spot above the city where you can soak in the views and snap some stunning photos. Even better — the meeting point is just a short walk from the cruise ships!

How much does Dubrovnik bus ticket cost?

The price of one ticket is €1.73 and those bought on the bus cost €2.50. The tickets are valid for 1 hour and must be validated in the machines upon boarding the bus.

If you are going to use buses all-day long, a 24-hour bus pass might be a good idea. It costs €5.31 and can be purchased from Libertas selling points.

Where can I buy Dubrovnik bus tickets?

You can buy bus tickets in a few different places around Dubrovnik. Look for Tisak kiosks – they’re all over the city – or head to one of the Libertas selling points, like the Main Bus Station or the booth at the Pile Bus Stop. Some travel agencies and most hotel reception desks also sell tickets.

If you prefer, you can just buy a ticket directly from the bus driver. You can pay with cash (try to have the exact amount) or a credit card.

Once you get on the bus, don’t forget to validate your ticket by inserting it into the little machine near the driver. If you’re not sure how to do it, most drivers are happy to help! 💥 Top Things to Do in Dubrovnik – Our Picks!

How do I use the Dubrovnik Pass on a bus?

This pass not only gives you free entry to several museums and the City Walls, but it also includes free bus rides around Dubrovnik.

The 1-day pass gives you 24 hours of unlimited public transport, the 3-day pass covers 72 hours, and the 7-day pass gives you a full 168 hours.

👉 Pro tip! When you first get on the bus, just show your digital pass to the driver. They’ll scan it and give you a paper bus ticket — make sure to hang on to it, because it can’t be reissued if you lose it!

How to get from the ferry/cruise port to the Old Town by bus?

You can easily reach the Dubrovnik Cable Car station from Gruž Port by taking city bus no.8 — a quick and convenient ride!

It’s super easy to get from the ferry or cruise port in Gruž to Dubrovnik’s Old Town — the ride only takes about 15 minutes, and it’s just 2.5 km away.

You can catch bus numbers 1A, 1B, or 3 from one of two nearby bus stops:

• The first one is right outside the cruise terminal
• The second is near the Port building, where you’ll also find a tourist information office.

These buses will take you straight to Pile Gate, the western entrance to the Old Town. Once you hop off at Pile, it’s just a short walk to Stradun, the main street of the Old Town. The entrance to the City Walls is just to your left as you step onto Stradun.

👍 Pro tip: Want a stress-free way to explore? Book the Dubrovnik Combo Tour (Old Town + City Walls). It departs from Pile at 9am and 4pm, and it’s a great way to see the city with a guide.

How to get from Lapad or Babin Kuk to Dubrovnik’s Old Town?

Stradun is the main street in Dubrovnik’s Old Town — and the whole area is completely car-free!

If you're staying in Lapad or Babin Kuk, getting to Dubrovnik's Old Town is super simple by bus. The ride takes about 15 minutes — unless there's traffic, it's quick and easy!

• Bus No. 6 is the most popular option. It runs every 15 minutes from early morning until 1 AM. This bus starts near hotels like Dubrovnik President Valamar Collection, Hotel Neptun, and others in Babin Kuk. It passes through Lapad, then heads through Gruž Bay (look out for hotels like City Hotel Dubrovnik and Boutique Hotel Porto) before arriving at the Pile Gate, the main entrance to the Old Town.

• Bus No. 4 is another great choice, especially if you’re staying near Hotel Palace or in Lapad Bay. It leaves every 20 minutes from a stop near Hotel Palace, travels past many Lapad hotels, and continues along Iva Vojnovića Street, passing by Hotel Lero, Hotel Rixos Premium Dubrovnik, and Hotel Bellevue, on its way to the Old Town.
  
  

What’s the best way to get from Lapad/Babin Kuk to the ferry port?

If you’re staying in Lapad or Babin Kuk and planning to catch a ferry to Korčula, Split, or maybe a boat trip to the beautiful Elaphite Islands or Mljet, then bus number 7 is your go-to ride.

It’ll get you to Gruž Port in about 10 minutes — pretty quick, right? Just a heads-up though, the bus isn’t super frequent; it runs roughly once every hour, so it’s a good idea to check the schedule and plan ahead.

By the way, Gruž Port is where loads of organized boat tours to nearby islands set off from. 👍 16 awesome island-hopping trips from Dubrovnik!

Exploring beyond Dubrovnik: Suburban buses made easy

If you want to visit the charming towns and beautiful spots just outside Dubrovnik, suburban buses are a great way to get around. Most of these buses leave from the main bus station and head north, south, and east of the city.

Heading north? You’ve got plenty of options. Buses 12, 15, 21, 22, and 35 go to Zaton Mali and Zaton Veliki. To reach Slano, catch buses 12, 15, 21, or 22.

For the historic town of Ston (consider taking Wine Lover's Tour of Peljesac Peninsula from Dubrovnik), buses 12 and 15 will take you there, and bus 21 goes all the way to Orebic.

Looking east? Bus no.10 is a popular choice to get to Cavtat, a beautiful seaside town. You can also take buses 10 or 16 to Mlini and Plat, while bus 11 heads to Molunat in the Konavle region (we took ATV/buggy safari tour there and loved it very much!).

Keep in mind that suburban buses aren’t as frequent as city buses, so it’s smart to check the schedule ahead of time. Planning ahead means more time enjoying your trip and less time waiting.

👉 Ready to explore? You can book buses within Croatia here!

More to Discover in Croatia

Saint Jacob's beach

Best time to visit Croatia

Getting from Split to Dubrovnik

Where to stay in Dubrovnik

About Dubrovnik Pass