Zadar to Dubrovnik by Ferry
Getting by ferry from Zadar to Dubrovnik could be a very nice sea crossing and an excellent opportunity to see the Croatian coast by slow (or faster) ferry. There is currently no direct ferry crossing that connects these two cities, although it used to be one for decades but was discontinued years ago.
However, by carefully planning your journey you can reach your destination with ease and really enjoy the travel and views across the sea and coast from the ferry as well as from bus windows which are all air-conditioned to ensure an enjoyable journey.
The total time involved for this route is at least 8 hours with three daily departure options. Here are the travel options:
Schedules, Tickets & Cost
| Route | Time | Frequency |
| Departs Zadar (bus) | daily | early & mid-morning + early afternoon |
| – Arrives Split | 2-3 hrs later | |
| Departs Split (ferry) | 3 times a day | early & mid-morning + mid-afternoon |
| – Arrives Dubrovnik | 4 to 5 hours later |
The first leg of the trip is Zadar to Split journey. It lasts between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the route. Departing in the early morning at about 5:00 you will arrive in Split just in time to get on the 07:40 ferry to Dubrovnik. The ticket price for this part is about 17 euros one way. Note: If you depart later from Zadar, you can count to get in Split on the ferry to Dubrovnik at 09:15 and 15:30.
The second leg of the trip is the Split to Dubrovnik ferry. It lasts between 4.5 and 5 hours, depending on the route. Departing at 07:30, 09:15, and 15:30 you will arrive in Dubrovnik at midday, 14:30, or 21:30. The ticket price for this part is about 40 euros one way. Note: On your way to Dubrovnik, the ferry stops in Brac, Hvar, Korcula, and Mljet.
Ticket booking and cost
An advance booking for this itinerary is really important as it involves tight schedules. Here is where to book your tickets:
- For the first leg of your journey, Zadar to Split, book your ticket here
- For the second leg of the journey, Split to Dubrovnik, ticket booking is here
- The total estimated one-way cost of both legs of the journey is 57 euros.
- The alternative is to take a bus all the way to Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik to Zadar by ferry
For the return journey, Dubrovnik to Zadar, you can start your trip in the morning or afternoon from Dubrovnik, at 07:00, 15:15, or 16:00 and you will be in Split at 13:00 or 21:00 depending on the day and itinerary. If you arrive early, there will be more options for your bus to Zadar. Evening arrival in Split is riskier to miss the bus that night, so the best is probably to start early. The total ticket cost is the same as above -> 57 Euro.
| Route | Time | Frequency |
| Departs Dubrovnik (ferry) | daily | early morning + mid-afternoon |
| – Arrives Split | 4 to 5 hours later | |
| Departs Split (bus) | daily | any time |
| – Arrives Zadar | 2 to 3 hours later |
Journey Map
On the above map, you can see both steps of the journey. Step 1 – Zadar to Split and step 2 Split to Dubrovnik.
Videos
Here is a short video that covers part of the journey. For the second leg of the journey ferry/catamaran videos check in this video channel, where you can see how your fast ferry looks, some interior clips, and some views from the windows.
If you decide to try this suggested route I would love to hear from you about your experience. Please, let me know your impressions.
Other journeys from & to Zadar:
