Driving from Split to Dubrovnik: Complete 2025 Guide with Route Options, Scenic Stops & Drive Times

This stretch is a highlight of any Croatia coastal road trip itinerary.

Route Overview

Start: Split
End: Dubrovnik
Distance: ~220 km (depending on route)
Drive Time: 2,5 to 4 hours (more during peak season)
Tolls: Yes (A1), Bridge = Free
Border Crossing: No longer required (Pelješac Bridge opened)

Split to Dubrovnik route options

Route 1: A1 highway via Pelješac bridge (fastest)

Distance: 233km

The easiest way to get from Split to Dubrovnik is to go by highway. From Split, you simply go north, enter the D1 and drive the entirety of the highway to the south of Croatia. The highway’s last point is near Ploče, a famous Croatian port city. From there, you’ll have to drive the D8 (magistrala), and will arrive in Dubrovnik after roughly one and a half hours of driving the D8. During the route, you’ll drive across the Pelješac bridge, and through the Neretva valley, both exceptional sights in their own right.

Key features:

• Modern highway conditions with multiple lanes
• Gorgeous 2.4-kilometer Pelješac Bridge
• No border crossings required
• Toll costs approximately €8-12 for passenger cars

Route 2: D8 coastal road (most scenic)

The second route, and one that I’ll recommend to any fan of this blog, is to go old school. The scenic drive from Split to Dubrovnik along the D8 is widely considered one of the most beautiful routes in Croatia. From Split, simply take the old road (D8) all the way to Dubrovnik. This way you’ll see some of the prettiest sights in Croatia, and it’ll only take an hour and a half more. Honestly, this is a much better idea because it saves you money on tolls, provides great sights, is amusing and very much Medditerranean, and is just plain fun. This is arguably the most scenic drive from Split to Dubrovnik, especially in the golden hours of sunrise or sunset.

Why choose the coastal route:

• Spectacular Adriatic Sea views throughout
• Access to Croatia’s most beautiful beaches
• Authentic Dalmatian town experiences
• Plenty of photo opportunities
• No toll costs

Important: during peak summer months, this route can take up to six hours due to very high traffic.

Split to Dubrovnik drive time (fast or scenic)

Fastest route (A1 highway): 2 hours 50 minutes without stops
Scenic route (D8 coastal road): 3 hours 45 minutes minimum
With scenic stops: Full day experience (6-8 hours)

The actual Split to Dubrovnik drive time varies a lot based on your route, season, and potential stops. Summer traffic can add 2-3 hours to any journey, while winter travel flows smoothly.

Driving Distance Split to Dubrovnik: Route Breakdown

The driving distance from Split to Dubrovnik depends on the route you’re driving:

• Highway route: 236 km via A1 and Pelješac Bridge
• Coastal route: 218 km via D8 road
• Alternative routes: Various inland options available (not really advisable)

The bottom line is this: if you’re interested in getting to Dubrovnik fast, you’ll drive the highway. If you’re in it for the best coastal views in Croatia, then there’s no reason to look anywhere other than the D8.

Pelješac Bridge: Croatia’s engineering marvel

The Pelješac Bridge is one of Europe’s most significant recent infrastructure achievements, and the most important infrastructure project in Croatia’s modern history. This cable-stayed bridge, completed in 2022, connects the Croatian mainland to the Pelješac Peninsula, eliminating the need for border crossings into Bosnia, and speeding up traffic immensely. It’s connected with dozens of kilometers of new fast roads to get you to Dubrovnik safer and faster.

Bridge Specifications:

• Length: 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles)
• Height: 55 meters (181 feet)
• Cost: €526 million
• Constructor: China Road and Bridge Corporation

Travel Impact: The bridge eliminates the previous requirement to transit through Bosnia’s Neum Corridor, creating Croatia’s first contiguous territory connection since independence. There is currently no toll fee for crossing the Pelješac Bridge.

Best Scenic Stops: Split to Dubrovnik Coastal Drive

Between Split and Ploče

If you’re driving between Split and Ploče via the D8, there are dozens of locations to stop, enjoy the views, have a coffee or take a dip in the Adriatic. There are numerous small villages and towns on the road, as well as many great beaches, including some of the best and most popular beaches on the entire Croatian coast. I strongly suggest that you take a break and take a dip on your drive.

Between Ploče and Dubrovnik

The route between Ploče and Dubrovnik takes you through the Neretva valley, a natural gem known for being the biggest producer of fruit in Croatia. There, you can park on the side of the road and buy local fruit such as watermelons, oranges or lemons, all grown just meters away in the Neretva estruary. It’s quite a sight! From there, you’ll climb upwards and will be able to park in one of several wine-focused rest stops that are actually owned by wineries from the region. This allows for great views of Pelješac peninsula and some subtle relaxation while you’re preparing for the next leg.

Scenic stop highlights:

Ston

Distance from Dubrovnik: 55 km

The medieval town of Ston is home to Europe’s longest fortress walls (5.5 km) and Croatia’s best oyster farms. This UNESCO candidate site offers:

• Ston Walls: Magnificent 14th-century fortifications
• Ston Oysters: Croatia’s finest seafood delicacy
• Salt pans operating since Roman times
• Venetian-era architecture

Trsteno Arboretum: Game of Thrones gardens

Distance from Dubrovnik: 24 km

Trsteno Arboretum doubles as King’s Landing gardens in the HBO series Game of Thrones. This 15th-century botanical garden features:

• 500-year-old Oriental plane trees (Europe’s largest specimens)
• Neptune fountain with baroque styling
• 25 hectares of exotic plants and Mediterranean gardens
• Game of Thrones filming location tours available

The arboretum’s trees, measuring 45-60 meters tall with 5-meter diameter trunks, create an otherworldly atmosphere.

Best Time to Drive Split to Dubrovnik

Optimal Seasons:

• May-June: Warm weather, fewer crowds, reasonable traffic
• September-October: Perfect temperatures, golden hour lighting, minimal traffic
• Winter months: Fastest drive times, potential weather challenges

Peak Season Considerations (July-August):

• Highway traffic increases by 50%
• Coastal road can require 6+ hours
• Accommodation prices peak
• Early morning departure recommended (before 8 AM)

Plan your drive

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