Dubrovnik Day Trips by Boat, Bus and Border
Dubrovnik Day Trips, Sorted by Distance
The shortest day trip from Dubrovnik needs only a ferry ticket, and the longest needs a passport and a long wait at a border. Sorting by distance is the clearest way to choose.
Under an hour by sea or road
Elaphiti Islands. The Jadrolinija local line leaves from Gruž for Koločep and Lopud, and the Jadrolinija local lines page lists current sailings. Lopud is car-free and has the sandy Šunj beach, and a full-day boat cruise with lunch usually costs €45 to €75.
Cavtat. A coastal town south of the city, reached by road, with seasonal boat services in summer. Check the schedule locally before relying on it.
About an hour by road
Ston and Mali Ston. Cross the Pelješac Bridge and you reach one of Europe’s longest medieval wall systems. The walkable stretch is commonly quoted near 5.5 km, and tickets come through the official Walls shop . Mali Ston is known for oysters, and the town holds an oyster festival each March. Pelješac wine and oyster tours cost much more than a bus, roughly €120 to €160.
Island day, about 1.5 hours
Mljet. The national park has two saltwater lakes, a Benedictine monastery on an islet and bikes for hire. The park entry is separate from the boat, so check the fee at np-mljet.hr . Take the catamaran out and plan to be back the same evening.
Across a border
Kotor and Perast, Montenegro. About two to three hours south. Perast has the island church of Our Lady of the Rocks, and Kotor has the Venetian fortifications above the old town. Excursions run about €55 to €75.
Mostar and Kravice, Bosnia and Herzegovina. About two and a half to three and a half hours north. The Stari Most bridge and the bazaar are the draw, with Kravice waterfalls for swimming. Excursions run about €55 to €80.
Both need a passport. Montenegro and Bosnia are outside Schengen, and the EU Entry/Exit System is adding wait times at borders. Delays vary widely and can be long in summer, so build slack into the day. Current rules are on the UK government’s Croatia travel advice . Browse Mostar day trips for coach options.
Split is an overnight
Split is about 230 km away. Driving takes 3.5 to 4 hours each way, buses take around 4.5 to 5.5 hours and catamarans 4.5 to 6 hours. Dubrovnik has no passenger railway, so there is no train alternative. See the multi-day trips page if you want to go.
Verdict
For a first trip, pick Lopud or Ston and keep the border days for a second visit. Bring your passport and a charged phone on any day that touches Montenegro or Bosnia.