Deciding between Dubrovnik and Split as the starting point is one of the first choices you’ll make. While both cities sit along the stunning Dalmatian coast, they offer different first impressions. Dubrovnik, with its dramatic walled city and Adriatic views, feels like stepping into a storybook, while Split offers a more laid-back blend of ancient history and coastal life.
As you plan your route along the Dalmatian coast, it’s worth thinking about how you’ll move between these destinations. When you rent a car, you can freely stop in hidden coves, linger in quiet seaside towns, or take the scenic inland detours. Our guide breaks down everything you need to know to choose the best starting point in Croatia.
Choosing between Dubrovnik and Split depends on what you enjoy. For history, Dubrovnik’s intact Old Town (city walls, forts, and museums) is amazing. If you crave beaches and island hopping, Split is ideal. Nearby islands like Hvar and Brač, as well as parks, offer easy nature escapes.
Nightlife and dining are also a tie-breaker. Split has a larger club and bar scene, while Dubrovnik focuses on restaurants and relaxed seaside cafés. Split is slightly more authentic and less touristy than Dubrovnik. Finally, consider your budget. Split is generally much cheaper for hotels and food, whereas Dubrovnik costs more during peak season.
The ideal route varies depending on whether you have a short or long trip. A short trip of 5 to 7 days might focus on one city. For example, a one-week loop can start in one city and end in another along the coast.
A longer road trip of over 10 days can include both and even Croatia’s national parks. Split lies on the main highway to Zagreb, so it’s easier if you drive north; Dubrovnik means a more coastal drive first.
Split’s airport is about 23 kilometres (30 min) from the city, and Dubrovnik’s airport (Čilipi) is ~22 kilometres from town. Both cities offer car rentals at the airport and downtown offices.
If you only have a few days, you might spend all your time around one city and nearby sites. With about a week or more, you can comfortably visit both Dubrovnik and Split. A popular itinerary is to start in Dubrovnik and drive up the coast to Split (or vice versa), then continue north. For a shorter stay of 3 to 5 days, one city may be enough.
Split has lower accommodation and meal prices. In high season, Dubrovnik’s hotels often charge a premium. Car rentals in summer in either city can run €60 to 120/day, so book early. Fuel costs are similar whichever way you drive. For tolls, Zagreb–Split is about €26; Zagreb–Ploče (toward Dubrovnik) is €33. If dropping off a rental car in the other city, watch for one-way fees.
Split Airport (SPU) is near Trogir, with buses and taxis to Split. Dubrovnik Airport (Čilipi) offers shuttle and bus services to the city. Split sits on the motorway; Dubrovnik is reached via the coastal D8 road. The Pelješac Bridge lets you drive to Dubrovnik without leaving Croatia. Dubrovnik Airport has many rental agencies and long hours, making it easy to rent a car in Dubrovnik. The Old Town is pedestrian-only, so you pick up or park outside the walls. Split also has rental offices near the port and in the city.
Starting in Dubrovnik, you’ll begin in the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” It’s a small city on the Mediterranean coast, famed for its crimson roofs and medieval walls. Plan to spend a day or two enjoying the city before hitting the road. Dubrovnik is an attraction with museums, restaurants, and a compact airport. After leaving, you’ll drive along winding coastal roads with great sea views.
Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a must-see first. The medieval city is entirely ringed by thick stone walls. You can walk the ramparts for sea-and-city panoramas. Inside, stroll the marble Stradun main street past the Rector’s Palace and the cathedral. Nearby forts like Lovrijenac and Bokar guard the harbour. You might also ride the cable car to Mount Srđ for sweeping views back at the city. In short, spend your first day soaking up this UNESCO jewel before driving north.
From Dubrovnik, the classic route is north along the coast. For example, the drive to Ston (34 miles) takes under an hour. Ston boasts its own long medieval walls and salt pans, a great first stop. Continuing, you’ll cross the Pelješac Bridge onto the Pelješac peninsula.
You can ride a ferry from Orebić to Korčula Island, or keep driving along the D8 coastal road through quaint towns like Trsteno. The highway D8 leads to the Makarska Riviera (centres like Omiš, Brela, Makarska) and eventually to Split. Inland, you could detour through Bosnia (Mostar is ~2h away) or head toward Plitvice Lakes. Basically, from Dubrovnik, you are set for a scenic coastal journey.
Starting in Split, you begin in Croatia’s second city. Split blends old and new: a big port city and tourist hub, with lots of flats and hotels. It also has excellent transport links, including a major airport, trains to Zagreb, and modern highways. Expect a livelier urban feel than in Dubrovnik.
The Diocletian’s Palace area will likely dominate your first day, and you have easy access to nearby national parks. Starting here means you’ll head on well-built roads right away, making it a practical option when comparing Dubrovnik or Split.
Split’s crown jewel is Diocletian’s Palace. Built by the Roman Emperor, this massive old palace is now a maze of cafés, shops, and ancient cellars. Wander through the palace and down to the waterfront Riva promenade. Climb the bell tower for panoramic city views. Behind the palace, quiet stone lanes and the local market give a slice of daily life. Don’t miss Bačvice Beach or Marjan Hill for scenic views.
From Split, you have many options. Northward, you can follow the coast past Trogir and Šibenik to Zadar and Istria, or head inland to national parks. Southbound, you’ll enjoy the Makarska Riviera scenery, eventually leading toward Dubrovnik. Ferries from Split’s harbour also let you island-hop to Hvar, Brač, and Vis before continuing by road.
Whether you start in Dubrovnik or Split, Croatia will charm you with its coast. Choose Split if budget and quick road links are your priority. If you want that iconic medieval view from day one, Dubrovnik delivers. Either way, the drive between them is part of the adventure.
Rent a car in Dubrovnik or Split with Final Rentals to make the most of your journey and discover Croatia’s coast on your own terms. Select your pickup location, enter your travel dates, and choose a vehicle for your trip. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
It depends on your priorities. Split has a larger airport and sits on the main highway, making it easier to reach by car. Dubrovnik is smaller but offers a stunning walled city immediately. Split is often cheaper, while Dubrovnik provides a stronger scenic appeal from the start.
The driving distance is about 240 kilometres, which takes roughly 4 hours. The route follows the coastal highway via the Pelješac Bridge.
Many agencies operate at Dubrovnik Airport and the port. You must park outside the Old Town, but once on the road, the coastal drive to Split is straightforward and highly scenic.
