You can say that 243 days of visits by cruise ships is quite a lot and makes the port of Dubrovnik pretty busy, especially in July, August and September.
The main port with its 1200 m long quay is located in Gruž district. All intercity and international ferries run from this port as well as most of the local ferries with exception of the Lokrum island ferry and Cavtat boats which run from the Dubrovnik Old Town port. Ferries leave from the pier at the southern point (to the left of the port building) while the cruise ships usually berth to the north (right of the port building).
Getting to Dubrovnik Ferry Port by public busses
The distance from the port to Old Town Dubrovnik is approximately 3.5 km - a 45 minute walk. Regular Buses 1A and 1B run back and forth every 10-15 minutes until past midnight during summer.
If you're located in the Lapad and Babin Kuk area of the city, you can reach the ferry terminal by taking bus number 7 to reach the ferry terminal. Please note that bus nr. 7 only runs once every hour.
A single ride ticket for local buses is 2 euros if purchased on board, and slightly cheaper if bought in advance at a kiosk. Check out all Dubrovnik city bus routes and timetables.
Getting to Dubrovnik Ferry Port from Dubrovnik Airport
Dubrovnik Airport is situated approximately 21 km away from Dubrovnik ferry terminal. Upon arrival, you have several transportation options. You can opt for a pre-booked transfer, or take a taxi directly to the ferry terminal for around 40 euros.
Alternatively, there are regular shuttle buses available from the airport to Dubrovnik, all of which stop at the Main Bus Station, just a few minutes walking distance from the ferry terminal. A ticket for the shuttle costs 10 Euro, round-trip ticket is 14 Euro and children under six are free of charge The journey typically takes 30 to 40 minutes.
Among the services for cruise ship passengers are the following: car parking for 300 cars, shuttle bus service to the old town and back, information offices, newsstands, food and beverage areas, luggage deposit and a lost and found service.
Cruise Destination
In the past several years Dubrovnik has become one of the major cruise ship destinations on the Mediterranean and due to a big interest from cruise companies, it also has to limit the number of cruise passengers.
In most cases the number of cruise passengers is limited to up to 8.000 per day, a number which is still discussed about as many of the ships arrive at the same time and leave at the same time, causing a floating congestion zone in the whole city.
Just imagine 10,000+ cruise ship guests, about 3,000 guests and 40,000 inhabitants on a bit over 21.35 km2. Point made.
We truly hope Dubrovnik will do its best to avoid being a one-stop (3-hour) destination and concentrate more on the guests overnighting and exploring its beauties. (those who actually know where they are)
Ferry timetables for boat connections from Port Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik By Ferry: Travel Information
Dubrovnik Ferry and timetables
Dubrovnik transportation by sea, Ferry Routes and Timetables