Getting to Dubrovnik by land

For the more independent traveller arriving in Dubrovnik by car there are a few regulations that you need to follow. The basic requirements for driving in the Republic of Croatia are a full and valid driver’s license, an insurance certificate and a green card that covers Croatia.

Main routes to Dubrovnik:

The main highway in Croatia, the A1, is currently in the process of being completed from Zagreb in the north to Dubrovnik in the south.

This highway is a toll road. So far the motorway finishes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Dubrovnik and after that you have to take the coastal road (Adriatic Highway) which is only in places a dual carriage way. Although the coastal road is picturesque it is also winding and during the summer months can be congested. Bear in mind that this coastal road passes through Bosnia and Herzegovina in the town of Neum and therefore you will need to cross four borders, passport and driving license required. This border can also cause congestion in the summer months.

International driving distances:

London – Dubrovnik – 2,232 kilometres - 1,387 miles

Berlin – Dubrovnik – 1,651 kilometres - 1,026 miles

Paris – Dubrovnik – 1,911 kilometres - 1,188 miles

Vienna – Dubrovnik – 946 kilometres - 588 miles

Madrid – Dubrovnik – 2,653 kilometres - 1,649 miles

Explore the county

Whilst you have your car in Dubrovnik there are many opportunities to explore the surrounding areas. Just a short twenty minute drive from the city in any direction will bring you into the Dubrovnik countryside. If you are after something more built up then the city of Split is a three hour drive along the A1 highway. Montenegro is also close, around a 40 minutes drive from the city centre to the border. And don’t forget that Mostar, Sarajevo and Međugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina are all within driving distance.

Driving distance for day trips:

Split – Dubrovnik – 229 kilometres - 142 miles

Mostar – Dubrovnik – 143 kilometres - 89 miles

Sarajevo – Dubrovnik – 270 kilometres - 168 miles

Podgorica – Dubrovnik – 160 kilometres - 100 miles

Korčula – Dubrovnik 151 kilometres - 94 miles

Follow the law:

Drinking and driving is strictly forbidden and can cause heavy fines and the loss of driving license. The legal limit in Croatia is 0.05% of alcohol in a driver’s blood. There are regular road side stops by the police and this can result in being tested.

Dipped headlights are compulsory for all vehicles in reduced visibility and a fine can be imposed. From the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March it is compulsory to drive with dipped headlights at all times (day and night).

Vehicle insurance is compulsory at the least third party insurance. A green card is also required for all foreign drivers in Croatia. Don’t forget that if you are driving to Dubrovnik from northern Europe you will cross a border in Neum (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and therefore you will also have to have a green card that covers Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Motorcycle riders must wear a crash helmet. The wearing of a crash helmet is compulsory in Croatia and a fine will be imposed on the spot for anyone failing to do so. Children under the age of 12 are forbidden to ride on a motorcycle.

A full and valid driving license in required for all drivers inside the Republic of Croatia.

Petrol stations:

In the vicinity of Dubrovnik there are four petrol stations operated by the INA company. They are located in Komolac, Orsan marina, Župa and the one nearest the city on Vladimira Nazora Street. The stations in Župa and Komolac work 24 hours a day.

Further Information:

Visit the website of the Croatian automobile club (HAK) for further information – www.hak.hr

Drive safely and enjoy your time in Dubrovnik.

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