During the tourist season, Dubrovnik is well connected by sea to nearby islands such as Lokrum, Mljet and the Elaphiti Islands, as well as more distant destinations like Split, Lastovo, Brač and Hvar.
At first glance, the system can feel confusing for first-time visitors, with different companies, seasonal timetables and limited connections on some routes.
In this Dubrovnik ferry guide, we explain how boat routes from Dubrovnik work, which islands you can reach, how much tickets cost and what to know before planning your trip.
If you are travelling by boat in Croatia for the first time, it helps to understand how ferries and catamarans work, as explained in our guide Croatian Ferry System Explained: Cars, Catamarans, Tickets and Boarding.
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Where boats leave from in Dubrovnik
Which islands you can reach from Dubrovnik
Where ferries and boats leave from in Dubrovnik
Boats and catamarans from Dubrovnik to the Elaphiti islands, Mljet, Korčula, Lastovo, Brač, Hvar and Split leave from Gruž ferry port, on Obala Stjepana Radića Street.
Nearby you will also find the main bus station, the cruise terminal, taxi ranks and stops for local bus lines, which makes it easy to combine boat travel with other types of transport.
The boarding point for boats to nearby islands is directly opposite the Jadrolinija building, while international departures are located right next to the Port Authority building.
Not all boats leave from the same location.
Local boats to Lokrum, Cavtat and Mlini, as well as many island tour boats, leave from the Old Port just outside Dubrovnik’s city walls.
The Old Port in Dubrovnik’s Old Town is relatively small. As soon as you pass through the Fish Market Gate, you will see the pier, the Luža building where you can buy tickets for Lokrum and several tour agency stands offering island trips.
From the same pier, taxi boats also run to Cavtat and Mlini.
Getting to the ferry port in Dubrovnik
How you get to the port depends on where you are coming from, but from most parts of Dubrovnik it is about a ten-minute ride by bus or taxi.
If you are leaving from the Old Town, the easiest option is to take bus 1A or 1B, get off at the fifth stop by the Gruž fish market, and then simply cross the road.
If you are arriving directly from the airport, you can also take the shuttle bus to Gruž bus station and then walk for two or three minutes to the ferry terminal.
For a broader overview of getting around Dubrovnik and planning your stay, see our Dubrovnik Travel Guide for 2026.
Boat companies operating from Dubrovnik ferry port
Several companies run boat routes from Dubrovnik ferry port in Gruž, with the main operators being Jadrolinija, TP Line and Kapetan Luka (Krilo). Each company has its own timetable and ticket sales system.
It is worth noting that the only ferry from Dubrovnik that takes cars is the international service to Bari in Italy. All other boat routes from Gruž are passenger catamarans and fast boats.
Buying boat tickets from Dubrovnik to the Elaphiti Islands, Mljet, Korčula and Split
Tickets for Jadrolinija, TP Line and Krilo catamarans and fast boats can be bought online through their official websites or mobile apps. This is generally the best option, since it is wise to buy tickets in advance as some departures do sell out days ahead.
The other option is to buy tickets at the port. For Jadrolinija, this means the building opposite the pier, while TP Line and Krilo have kiosks right next to the boarding area.
It is also possible to buy a ticket directly on board if there are still seats available. Card payment is possible in all cases.
All operators allow one piece of larger luggage per passenger, usually up to 20 kg, while additional luggage usually requires an extra standard ticket. Bicycles and other unusual baggage are allowed only if there is space on board, so it is best to arrange this in advance.
Buying a ticket for the boat to Lokrum and taxi boats to Cavtat and Mlini
The boat to Lokrum leaves from the Old Town harbour. Tickets can be bought online through the official Lokrum Reserve website, as well as at the harbour in the Lokrum Reserve building right next to the departure point. Card payment is possible.
The adult ticket costs 30 euros and, in addition to the return boat ticket, also serves as an entrance ticket to the Lokrum nature reserve. For children aged 7 to 18, the ticket costs 5 euros, while younger children travel free.
Taxi boats to Cavtat and Mlini are operated by tourist agencies with stands right next to the pier. The journey takes around 20 minutes, and prices vary by agency, usually around €30–40 per person.
Which islands you can reach by boat from Dubrovnik
From Dubrovnik, you can reach several islands in southern Dalmatia by boat. The closest and easiest trip is Lokrum, with boats leaving from Dubrovnik’s Old Port.
From Gruž ferry port, regular boat routes connect Dubrovnik with the Elaphiti Islands (Koločep, Lopud and Šipan) and the island of Mljet, while during the tourist season there are also catamaran services to Korčula, Lastovo, Hvar, Brač and Split. The international ferry to Bari in Italy also leaves from Gruž.
The most common routes include the following.
| Route | Sailing time | Price (one way) |
| Dubrovnik – Lokrum | 10 minutes | €30 return ticket |
| Dubrovnik – Koločep | 30 min | €5.40 |
| Dubrovnik – Lopud | 45 min | €5.40 |
| Dubrovnik – Šipan | 60 min | €5.40 |
| Dubrovnik – Mljet | 1 to 1.5 hours | €8 to €20 |
| Dubrovnik – Korčula | 2 hours | €25 |
| Dubrovnik – Split | 4.5 to 5 hours | €50 |
The prices listed above refer to the seasonal price list.
Boat from Dubrovnik to Lokrum
Lokrum is the closest island to Dubrovnik and one of the most popular short trips from the city.
Boats leave from the small harbour in the Old Town roughly every 30 minutes during the tourist season. The ride takes around ten minutes.
As mentioned earlier, it is only possible to buy a return ticket, which includes entry to the special nature reserve. The price is €30 for adults and €5 for children.
Dubrovnik to the Elaphiti Islands by boat
The Elaphiti Islands lie northwest of Dubrovnik and include Koločep, Lopud and Šipan.
Regular ferries and passenger boat services connect Dubrovnik with these islands several times a day and the journey is short: around half an hour to Koločep, 45 minutes to Lopud and one hour to Šipan, depending on which boat you take.
A one-way ticket for an adult from Dubrovnik to any of these islands costs €5.40, while travel between the islands is slightly cheaper at €4.30.
These islands are among the easiest and most popular trips from Dubrovnik and are ideal for a one-day island trip.
Dubrovnik to Mljet catamaran
Mljet, known for its national park and natural beauty, is one of the most beautiful islands in southern Dalmatia.
Fast catamaran services operated by TP Line and Kapetan Luka (Krilo) connect Dubrovnik with Mljet during the tourist season. The journey usually takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, with ticket prices ranging from €8.70 to €20, depending on the route and operator.
There are only a few catamaran departures a day from Dubrovnik and they arrive at Sobra, Polače or Pomena ports depending on the operator and departure time.
Since there are not many departures, it is advisable to check the timetable and buy tickets in advance.
How to get from Dubrovnik to Korčula
Korčula is one of the most popular destinations you can reach by boat from Dubrovnik.
Passenger catamarans connect the two several times a day during the season, and the journey takes around two hours. A one-way ticket costs €25 per person.
Korčula is often included in island-hopping itineraries along the Dalmatian coast.
Dubrovnik to Korčula by car
If you are travelling to Korčula by car or with more luggage, another option is to take the ferry from Orebić on the Pelješac peninsula.
From Dubrovnik, you can reach Orebić by car or local bus, then continue to Dominče on Korčula. The ferry ticket costs €4.40 per person, while a passenger car costs €16.20. The crossing takes around 20 minutes.
For more information about transport from Dubrovnik to Pelješac, see our guide Detailed Dubrovnik Transport Guide 2026: Airport Transfers, Buses, Ferries and Intercity Travel.
Dubrovnik to Hvar, Brač and Split by boat
During the season, boats leave Dubrovnik daily and connect the city with Korčula, Hvar, Brač and Split.
The journey to Hvar takes around 3.5 hours, to Brač around 4.5 hours, and to Split around 5 hours, depending on the operator. In high season, tickets for all these routes cost 50 euros per person, regardless of the operator.
This route is especially popular in summer when travellers combine several destinations along the coast. Keep in mind that these sailings can sell out very quickly, so it is a good idea to buy tickets a few days in advance.
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Dubrovnik to Bari ferry
During the season, Jadrolinija’s ferry Dalmacija leaves Dubrovnik for Bari several times a week. The journey takes 8 to 10 hours depending on the departure time.
The ferry is modern and well equipped, with a restaurant, bar and facilities for children on board.
Ticket prices range from €78 to €105 for adults one way, while children’s tickets are around 40 percent cheaper. Cars and other vehicles can also be transported.
Should you buy boat tickets from Dubrovnik in advance?
It is not unusual for boat tickets from Dubrovnik to sell out quickly during the summer months, especially from June to September. This is particularly common on popular routes such as Dubrovnik to Korčula or Split.
Buying tickets a few days in advance is usually a smart idea.
Outside the main season, tickets can often still be bought on the day of travel.
Taking a car by boat from Dubrovnik
One of the things that often surprises travellers planning a trip through southern Dalmatia for the first time is the lack of domestic ferries carrying cars in this part of the coast.
If you are travelling by car, it is important to know that there are no domestic ferry routes from Dubrovnik that take vehicles.
From Gruž ferry port only catamarans and passenger boats operate, and these can only be boarded with luggage. Bicycles and similar means of transport are allowed only in limited numbers.
The exception is the international Dubrovnik to Bari ferry, which does take cars.
If you are travelling by car and want to move between islands, the only option from Dubrovnik is to drive to Pelješac, then take the ferry to Korčula, and later continue from Vela Luka by ferry towards Split. In practice, though, this option is usually much more expensive than simply taking a day trip from Dubrovnik to Korčula, returning, and then continuing the drive towards Split.
If island hopping is an important part of your trip, it is often much easier to plan the journey without a car.
If you are planning to travel without a car, our guide Travelling Without a Car in Croatia: What Actually Works and What Doesn’t covers what to expect.
Seasonal differences in timetables
Boat timetables differ significantly between the summer and winter seasons.
In summer there are more departures, as extra routes are added and many island services run daily.
In winter there are fewer sailings, some routes operate only a few times a week, and some are suspended completely until the season starts again.
Always check the timetable before planning your trip, especially outside the main tourist season.
Practical information for boats from Dubrovnik
For most catamarans and fast passenger boats, arriving at the port around 15 to 20 minutes before departure is enough. Boarding is simple: you show your ticket at the entrance, get on the boat and choose any available seat (as there are no assigned seats).
In summer there can be more passengers, so it is still wise to arrive a little earlier.
Luggage is handed to the crew, who place it in the luggage compartment during boarding, while smaller hand luggage can be taken with you to your seat.
All boats have toilets, air conditioning and are generally well maintained, and on most of them you can also buy water, soft drinks and snacks.
In case of bad weather, there can be minor timetable changes or delays, so it is always worth checking the departure status on the operator’s website before you head to the port.
If a sailing is cancelled, you are entitled to a refund. With most operators, if you need to change your plans, you can usually get back most of the amount as long as the change is made before departure.
If you miss the boat, you are not entitled to a refund.
The most common mistakes when planning boat travel
Many travellers assume boat routes work like city transport, with frequent departures throughout the day. The term “island hopping” can be misleading, as high demand often makes it impossible to simply hop on and off boats.
Another common mistake is planning island hopping without checking whether connections between islands actually exist on your travel dates.
Always check timetables in advance to avoid unexpected issues.
Frequently asked questions about ferries and boats from Dubrovnik
Where do boats leave from in Dubrovnik?
Almost all routes leave from Gruž ferry port, around three kilometres from the Old Town. The only exception is the boat to Lokrum, which leaves from the Old Port in Old town.
How early should you arrive for a boat in Dubrovnik?
For catamarans and passenger boats, arriving around 15 to 20 minutes before departure is usually enough.
Can you bring luggage on Dubrovnik catamarans?
Most operators allow one piece of larger luggage per passenger, which is usually placed in the luggage compartment. Smaller hand luggage can be taken with you to your seat.
Can you bring your dog on Dubrovnik catamarans?
Most operators allow smaller dogs, while rules for larger dogs vary depending on the operator. For a broader overview, see our guide Travelling with Dogs in Croatia.
Do boats from Dubrovnik run all year?
Some routes run all year, but many operate only during the tourist season.
How long does the boat from Dubrovnik to Korčula take?
Passenger catamarans between Dubrovnik and Korčula usually take around two hours, depending on the route and operator.
What happens if the sea is rough?
In bad weather, boats can be delayed or, more rarely, cancelled. This does not happen often in summer, but it is possible in spring and autumn.
Are island tours the same as ferry boats?
No. Organised boat tours offered by travel agencies are different from regular boat lines. Regular services are meant for transport between ports, while tours usually return to Dubrovnik the same day.
Which islands can you visit from Dubrovnik in one day?
From Dubrovnik, it is possible to do a day trip to Lokrum, the Elaphiti Islands of Koločep, Lopud and Šipan, Korčula, and the island of Mljet, depending on the boat timetable and departure times.
How do taxi boats work in Dubrovnik?
Taxi boats are operated by various tourist agencies and are not part of regular boat routes. They usually operate during the tourist season and are designed for quick transfers between locations that can also be reached by land, such as from Gruž to the coast opposite, or from the Old Town to Cavtat and Mlini. Because of this, prices are generally higher than public transport.
For a broader overview of Dubrovnik and what is actually worth seeing, read Dubrovnik’s Five Must-See Attractions (and 5 Popular Spots to Skip). For more practical questions about travelling in Croatia, see our Croatia Travel FAQ.
