Dubrovnik Airport („Ruđer Bošković“) is located about 20 km southeast of Dubrovnik. It is the third-largest airport in Croatia, handling over 3 million passengers annually. While it primarily serves Dubrovnik, it’s also a key gateway for travellers heading to coastal towns in Montenegro.
In the video below, I show you what it’s like to arrive at the airport and travel into Dubrovnik with the shuttle bus.
Travel options from the Airport
Below, I explain the various options for travelling from the airport to Dubrovnik city centre, Montenegro, and other places in the region: shuttle bus, local bus, taxi, taxi apps, and private transfer.
Airport to City Centre by Shuttle
Shuttle buses from the airport to the city centre are operated by Platanus year-round. As I showed in the video, the shuttle departs right outside the arrival terminal’s main exit.
In Dubrovnik, the shuttle stops at the Ploče Gate (Old Town) and the Main Bus Station, which is near the ferry port.
The travel time to the city is between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Timetable shuttle bus
From the Airport: There is no fixed schedule for the shuttle bus departing from the airport. (There is a fixed schedule for buses going to the airport.)
As a rule of thumb, the bus departs about 30 minutes after each plane’s arrival. In the summer period, there are over 30 daily departures from the airport.
You can see the current timetable on the operator’s website here. Please note that changes can occur if flight arrival times are officially rescheduled (not merely delayed).
Prices
A single ticket costs €10, while a return ticket costs €15.
You can buy tickets online or at the sales desk just before exiting the terminal.
Airport to Montenegro by bus
There are no intercity buses departing directly from the airport. Therefore, travelling to Montenegro or other destinations in Croatia requires first going to the Dubrovnik bus station and catching a connecting bus from there.
Local bus to Dubrovnik city center
The company Libertas operates the public bus lines 11, 27, and 38, which stop at the main road in front of the airport.
These buses are not very frequent — there are only a handful of daily departures. The price for the city bus to the Dubrovnik city centre is about €5.
You can find more information about the city buses here.
Airport to Dubrovnik by Taxi or Taxi-app services
Taxis are available right outside the terminal’s main exit. The travel time to Dubrovnik is typically 30–40 minutes.
The official price for a taxi to the Dubrovnik city centre is €50.
Here you can see the taxi prices to other destinations.
Taxi-app service
Wizi, Bolt, and Uber are the main rideshare services available from Dubrovnik Airport. The pick-up location is just outside the terminal.
Prices for these taxi-app services vary significantly. During my last visit, I saw fares ranging from €20 to €40, depending on the time of day. I also spoke with several Uber drivers who mentioned that many drivers are reluctant to accept rides due to the low fares.
I have also read multiple reports online of people waiting over an hour to get an Uber from the airport, so it seems to be a matter of timing.
Please note: Currently, you cannot take a rideshare service to Montenegro. While the app may show a price and allow you to book, drivers will not take you across the border.
Private Transfers – The Most Comfortable Option
Booking a private transfer is often the most convenient choice. The driver will wait for you in the arrivals area with a name sign.
- To Dubrovnik city centre: around €40 for a 4-person vehicle / €50 for a minivan.
- To Montenegro: Private transfers are usually the best option. You still clear the border, but it’s cheaper and more comfortable than a regular taxi.
