Dubrovnik is a beautiful coastal city in Croatia known for its medieval Old Town and stunning Adriatic views. If you’re visiting, you might wonder whether to rent a car in Dubrovnik or rely on other forms of transportation. In this guide, we’ll cover why having a car is the best way to get around Dubrovnik for travellers.
Dubrovnik’s Old Town is compact and pedestrian-only, so walking works well for short distances and sightseeing within the historic centre. Public buses and taxis are also available for moving between neighbourhoods. However, these transportation options in Dubrovnik often come with limitations such as fixed schedules, seasonal crowds, and rising costs during peak months.
For travellers who want flexibility and freedom, renting a car stands out as one of the best ways to get around Dubrovnik. A rental car allows you to travel on your own schedule, avoid waiting for buses, and move comfortably between the city and the surrounding areas. This is especially valuable if you plan to visit beaches outside the city, scenic viewpoints along the coast, or nearby towns and countryside that are not easily reached by public transport.
While buses and taxis can work for occasional short trips, they are less practical for exploring beyond Dubrovnik’s city limits. With a car, you can cover more ground in less time, enjoy air-conditioned comfort, and make spontaneous stops. For anyone looking to experience more than just the Old Town, renting a car is often the most convenient and rewarding choice.
Renting a car provides you with a private vehicle and puts you in control of your travel. This means flexibility in schedule and route, which can significantly enhance your experience. Let’s look at why renting a car can be worth it for travellers in Dubrovnik, especially if you want to go beyond the usual tourist spots.
Dubrovnik’s airport is the main arrival point for many international travellers. It’s located about 21 kilometres south of Dubrovnik Old Town, a 30-minute drive away. Picking up a Dubrovnik Airport car rental when you land can be a convenient way to start your trip. The airport has several car hire companies on-site. Here are a few tips to know before renting a car at Dubrovnik Airport:
It’s a good idea to book your rental car in advance before your trip. In peak season (summer months), Dubrovnik is very busy, and the demand for rental cars is high. Booking 2 to 3 months in advance is recommended to ensure you get the type of car you want, and you’ll often get a better price. During July and August, last-minute rentals can be expensive or sometimes unavailable.
To rent a car in Croatia, you need to meet the standard rental requirements. You must have a valid driving licence (your home country licence is acceptable as long as it uses the Latin alphabet), a passport, and a credit card for the security deposit. The typical minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old, though drivers under 25 may be charged a “young driver” fee by some companies.
If you’re from the UK or another non-EU country, you do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) as long as your licence is written in Roman letters—UK, US, and EU licences are all accepted. At pickup, the rental desk will photocopy your documents and place a hold on your credit card as a deposit. So, ensure your card has a sufficient available limit.
The process at the airport is usually quick. After doing paperwork at the counter, you’ll be directed to the parking lot just outside where the cars are kept. An agent may walk you to the car or give you instructions to find it. Take a few minutes to inspect the car for any existing scratches or dents, and report them. Adjust the mirrors, get familiar with the controls, and locate the fuel gauge.
From Dubrovnik Airport, there is a single main road (the D8 highway, also called the Adriatic Highway) that you will take to reach Dubrovnik city. It’s a two-lane road that winds along the coast with beautiful sea views. Drive carefully, especially if you’re not used to driving on the right-hand side. Follow the speed limit. It is usually 80 km/h on this stretch, with some lower speed zones in villages. After about 20 to 30 minutes, you’ll arrive on the outskirts of Dubrovnik. There are signposts for the city centre and major landmarks. If you have a GPS or map app, it will be very helpful for navigating the final turns into town, as the roads split towards different neighbourhoods.
You can choose to return the car to the airport at the end of your trip, or in some cases, arrange a different drop-off location. For example, return to Zagreb if you’re doing a one-way road trip. Please note that one-way rentals may incur an additional fee. But if you are only visiting the Dubrovnik region, you’ll likely pick up and drop off at Dubrovnik Airport. When returning, allow a little extra time before your flight to refuel the car and complete the drop-off formalities.
Renting a car in Dubrovnik is worth it if you plan to explore beyond the Old Town. You can embark on day trips to beaches, viewpoints, and countryside attractions that would be hard to reach otherwise. If you only want to stay within the Old Town and the immediate city area, then you can manage without a car and avoid parking hassles.
Rent a car in Dubrovnik with Final Rentals and start your trip from Dubrovnik Airport. With a simple booking process, instant confirmation, and a wide choice of vehicles, Final Rentals helps travellers explore Croatia on their own schedule. For extra convenience, download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
