Dubrovnik airport private transfers and minibus hire

Dubrovnik's airport is a pleasant coastal drive from the Old Town. The city's traffic rules are strict in season, and they catch vans as well as coaches.

Settling where to meet your driver

Dubrovnik Airport, also called Ruđer Bošković, does not publish a dedicated meeting point for coaches or chauffeurs. Your operator therefore arranges the spot directly with you ahead of arrival and sends clear directions, so there is no guesswork after landing. Keep the message on your phone, and share it with anyone travelling on a separate flight.

The public airport shuttle takes about 35 minutes to reach Ploče Gate and the Gruž bus station, so make sure your group knows the private vehicle is not the shuttle.

Mercedes-Benz Vito passenger van, front view

Worth knowing at Dubrovnik Airport (Ruđer Bošković)

The airport shuttle runs to Ploče Gate and Gruž bus station in about 35 minutes.

The Bus Web Shop applies to vans too

Dubrovnik runs a special traffic zone around the Old City, stretching from Ilijina glavica to Pile and Boninovo. Anything with 7+1 seats or more, whether 8+1 or anywhere from 9 to 30-plus, needs a paid reservation made through the Bus Web Shop, so executive vans are included along with minibuses and coaches. The rules apply through the main season, and also at peak periods and during events.

Even with a booking, tourist vehicles can stop nowhere but the drop-off zones by Ploče and Pile. For a hotel inside the walls, expect to walk from there with your luggage, and pack accordingly.

Hotels outside the walls

From the airport to the Old Town is about 20 km, usually 30-40 minutes by road. Many groups stay in Lapad, Babin Kuk, Gruž or Ploče, or in Cavtat, which makes arrivals simpler. A minibus is a good fit for a wedding party or small group; for 30 or more, a midi coach is more comfortable than two smaller vehicles.

Day trips to Ston, Kotor and Mostar

From Dubrovnik, Ston is about 55 km away and Kotor in Montenegro about 90 km, while the drive to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina covers roughly 140 km. Kotor and Mostar involve a border crossing; the usual drive times, 2-3 hours for Kotor and 2.5-3 hours for Mostar, allow for it, but carry passports and keep the schedule relaxed.