Car Hire at Dubrovnik Airport
This information is correct as of June 2015
It can be more tiring to use public transport when arriving at the airport after a long journey. A car rental can be the best option, as there are several that can be found in Dubrovnik Airport. Skyscanner offers a guide on these possible choices to help you navigate your way across this part of Croatia.
Where to hire a car at Dubrovnik Airport
There are various companies in Dubrovnik Airport where you can rent a vehicle for your trip. They are: Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Bingorent, Avis, Uni Rent, Peugeot Club, Europcar (National and Alamo), Last Minute Rent A Car, Milenium Car Rental, Fleet, and Sixt. The car rental desks are located outside the Arrivals Hall, where you can transact with the company of your choice. Your documents must be in order, however, as well as the payment methods.
What to expect when hiring a car from Dubrovnik Airport
The airport – being near towns such as Mocici, Avekovica, and Plat, to name a few – makes a reasonably distant port of entry to the southern part of Croatia. The major roads you will see here include the D8, which will allow you to go on to Jadranska cesta to reach Ul. Pera Bakica to Dubrovnik. There are no toll roads as of the time of writing in this part of Croatia, but the road can be breathtaking scenic as it winds along the coast. Hairpin turns are normal, though, so you need to be careful as you drive.
No information about congestion charges can be found at present. One thing to note, though, is that there are a number of petrol stations in the area around Dubrovnik, such as INA Komolac, INA Grad, INA Kupari, and Siroka 8.
Driving around Dubrovnik Airport
Dubrovnik, being the nearest major city from Dubrovnik Airport, can be reached within 30 minutes without traffic. This might take longer, depending on the traffic situation, as the airport is 21 kilometres away. Peak hours can happen between the early mornings and late afternoons when there is a rush to go between the city and back to the surrounding areas due to work or school. Road constructions, accidents, and town events can also affect the driving conditions, so be sure to check the news to estimate the additional time of the commute in case of traffic.
Making sure to learn about the parking options in Dubrovnik ahead of time is important, as it can be difficult to find an available spot here. Pay parking lots can be found here, with daily parking tickets you can pay by bank transfer or at the Sanitat office at the at the Marka Marojice 5. There are three parking zones here, with Zone 1 amounting to the highest charge which is about 30 Croatian kuna per hour or 360 kn per day.
Getting to your destination
From Dubrovnik Airport, you can reach the following destinations:
Mali Ston
The area of Ston and little Mali Ston, lying on an isthmus connecting the Peljesac Peninsula to the mainland, is one of the historic places of the country. One will find here different towers and forts, as well as a 5.5-kilometre wall, one of the longest fortifications in Europe.
To go to this part of Croatia, about 50 kilometres away from the northwest of Dubrovnik, you will have to go through D8 and then Zaton Doli. You will then have to follow D414 to your destination in Mali Ston. Upon reaching here, you can look for parking spaces by asking around at the police station. Lack of updated information about parking areas online makes it important for you to reserve a parking space, if possible, at your hotel or some other place of accommodation.
Split
One of the most historic cities, Split features Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, among other great landmarks. You will also see the Cathedral of St Domnius, the Synagogue, and the Town Museum amidst bars, cafes, and restaurants that add a modern vibe to this city of ancient history.
It might take more than three hours to reach Split from Dubrovnik, but the place is too majestic to miss. You will have to pass through tolls, though, as well as go through the border of neighbouring country, Bosnia and Herzegovina just to get through the other side of the country. This makes it necessary that you coordinate about this border crossing to ensure that it is all right to cross here. Going here is not impossible, though, so you can arrange to go to Skradin via Dubrovnik if you have the right travel documents with you. Parking spaces can be found aplenty here, but it can get crowded during the peak tourist season. Four parking spaces can be found here, which include Riva (closest to the city centre). Free parking can be found in the resident areas in the second or third zone, but you must always be careful where you park your car.
Skradin
The journey may be long, but the trip can be worth it as you traverse through various places. One of the oldest Croatian towns along the river Krka, this area has began its history since the time of the Illyrians. You will find here numerous attractive sites, such as waterfalls and islands, to beautiful historic landmarks such as the Church of Out Lody, the Church of St. Spirindon, as well as the Bribirska Glavica.
Being approximately 301 kilometres away, you will take at least three hours and 30 minutes to reach Skradin. Like the route going to Split, the road to Skradin has tolls, with part of the way crossing through Bosnia and Herzegovina. Proper coordination with the authorities is important here, just like in the trip to Split. Parking here can be arranged at the Krka National Park and other establishments in the area that offer pay parking spaces.
