Split to Dubrovnik by Car: Best Route and Tips

The route

The main road is the D8 (Jadranska magistrala) for the scenic coastal section and the A1/A6 motorway for faster stretches. The full route goes: Split → Omiš → Makarska → Ploče → Neum (Bosnia border) → Dubrovnik.

Note: the route passes through Neum, a short stretch of Bosnian territory. You will cross two international borders — Croatia to Bosnia, then Bosnia back to Croatia — so you need your passport and the rental company must permit this.

Border crossing at Neum

The Neum corridor is only about 10 km wide. Border queues can be long in July and August — allow an extra 30 to 60 minutes in peak season. Since 2024, Croatia and Bosnia are not in the same Schengen zone, so passport checks apply.

The Pelješac Bridge (opened 2022) allows drivers to bypass Neum entirely via Croatian territory. The bridge is toll-free and the preferred option if you want to avoid any border delays. Route via the bridge adds about 15 minutes distance but removes the border crossing.

Stops worth making

• Omiš — 30 km from Split. A fortress town at the mouth of the Cetina river gorge. Good for a morning coffee stop.
• Makarska — 70 km from Split. The main resort town of the Makarska Riviera, with a long promenade and views of Biokovo mountain. Worth stopping for lunch.
• Ston — just after the Pelješac Bridge (if taking the bridge route). Famous for its medieval walls and oysters. The Pelješac peninsula is one of Croatia's best wine regions.
• Slano — a quiet bay about 50 km before Dubrovnik, good for a swim before arriving in the city.

What car to take

For two people with standard luggage, a compact car like the VW Golf or Polo is perfectly fine. For families with more bags or the wish to go off the main road, an estate or SUV gives more comfort. The road is entirely sealed and well maintained.

If you plan to visit the Pelješac peninsula or Korčula Island (ferry from Orebić), an automatic gearbox makes the drive along narrow mountain roads noticeably more comfortable.

One-way rental Split to Dubrovnik

Motion Rent offers one-way rentals where you pick up the car at Split Airport and return it in the Dubrovnik area. A one-way fee applies and is confirmed before payment. This is the most practical option if you are flying into Split and out of Dubrovnik (or vice versa).

Parking in Dubrovnik

The Old Town is closed to vehicles. The nearest public car park is Ilijina Glavica (also called Dubrovnik Parking), about a 10-minute walk or a short cable car ride from Stradun. It fills up by 9am in peak season — arrive early or stay outside the centre and walk in.

Best time to drive

May, early June and September offer the best combination of good weather and manageable traffic. July and August are the busiest months — expect significant congestion near Makarska, around Ston and approaching Dubrovnik. If you must drive in peak season, leave before 8am or after 6pm.