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As a budget traveler, I found myself facing the challenge of getting from Venice to Dubrovnik without breaking the bank. After exploring all the magical sights of Top Things To Do In Venice,
I had to figure out the most cost-effective way to reach the Pearl of the Adriatic. Here's my detailed breakdown of all possible routes, including the one I personally took!

Getting from Venice to Dubrovnik or Dubrovnik to Venice if you just do the opposite
Train from Venice to Ancona (Italy) & ferry to Split and Dubrovnik

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Train: Venice to Ancona (4 hours) โ 58โฌ
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Ferry: Ancona to Split (70โฌ)

You can book your ferry tickets through Directferries
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Exploring Split and then taking a Bus from Split to Dubrovnik (26โฌ)
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Tickets are available through 2a7zq8ta
- Cost: โฌ154.00 total, which includes the ferry ride and transportation from the Dubrovnik airport.
Train from Venice to Bari (Italy) & ferry to Dubrovnik
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Train: Venice to Bari (8 hours)
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Ferry: Bari to Dubrovnik (overnight)
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Cost: โฌ120-150 total
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Bus Journey from Venice to Dubrovnik
This is by far the most hectic of all because you will eventually have to travel for around 18 hours in total to reach to Dubrovnik.
- Take a Bus from Venice to Zadar and then from Zadar to Dubrovnik for 70 โฌ.
Get you tickets from 2y3bwhvd
Flying from Venice to Dubrovnik

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Dubrovnik from Venice is by air. While there's no direct flight between these cities, you can find connecting flights through major European hubs. The total journey typically takes 4-6 hours, depending on the connection.
However at the time of writing this post I was really unlucky the only option I could see was from Warsaw Poland and that was taking in Total or 16 hours, but that is not problem in case you want to explore Warsaw Poland as well ๐
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Pro tip: Before your Venice departure, make sure you've made the most of your time by checking out the Venice City Pass to save on attractions and transportation.
Ferry and Bus Combinations
While there's no direct ferry service between Venice and Dubrovnik, you can combine different modes of transportation:
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Take a ferry from Venice to various Croatian ports
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Continue by bus or rental car to Dubrovnik
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The journey takes longer but offers beautiful coastal views
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My Transportation Choice: Bus + Ferry Combo
While flying might be faster, I discovered a much cheaper alternative. Here's the exact route I took:
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First, I took a bus from Venice to Zagreb, Croatia spent some time exploring Zagreb. (39 โฌ)

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After that I took another Bus from Zagreb to Split and Explored Split. (21 โฌ)

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From Split I took the bus to Dubrovnik, however I also had the option to take the ferry down the stunning Dalmatian coast to Dubrovnik which would cost around 50 โฌ per person for me. (16 โฌ)
But the the Ferry normally doesnโt run during the time of December to March, I mean I was not able to find any ferry booking option and I could only find it from April onwards.


The whole journey was pretty awesome because I divided the trip, but the money I saved was absolutely worth it. Plus, the coastal views along the way were breathtaking โ something I would have missed from a plane!
Cost Breakdown of My Journey
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Bus ticket from Venice to Zagreb: โฌ39
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Bus ticket from Zagreb to Split: โฌ21
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Bus Ticket from Split to Dubrovnik: โฌ16
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Snacks and water: โฌ40
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Total: โฌ116 (compared to โฌ200+ for a flight) along with exploring some of the places in Croatia which was already on my list.
Money-saving tip: Before leaving Venice, I made sure to check out the Pay To Enter Venice requirements to avoid any unexpected costs. I also grabbed some affordable snacks from local supermarkets for the journey.
Bonus Stop in Zagreb
Bonus Stop in Split
Since my route went through Split, I took advantage of this by spending a day there. Here's what I discovered:
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Explored the Things To Do In Split Croatia
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Found some amazing Cheap Eats In Split Croatia
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Learned that Is Split Expensive
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Discovered that Is Split An Island In Croatia but a beautiful coastal city!
Where I Stayed in Dubrovnik
After the long journey, I crashed at one of the best Hostels In Dubrovnik. If you're wondering about accommodation options, I've written a detailed guide on Where To Stay In Dubrovnik Croatia Based on my experience, flying into Dubrovnik airport is a convenient choice.
Making the Most of My Time
Once I arrived, I dove straight into exploring. I:
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Walked the city walls (pro tip: go early morning to avoid crowds)
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Visited all the Game Of Thrones Locations In Dubrovnik (as a huge fan, this was a highlight of my trip from Dubrovnik to Split!)
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Discovered countless Things To Do In Dubrovnik Croatia
I even managed to squeeze in some fantastic day trips:
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Explored Dubrovnik To Bosnia Day Trip
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Visited the stunning Dubrovnik, which is easily accessible from the Dubrovnik airport. Dubrovnik To Mostar Day Trip
My Personal Tips from the Journey
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Book your bus ticket at least a week in advance for better rates
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Download offline maps and bus/ferry timetables - internet can be spotty
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Pack light - you'll be grateful when navigating bus stations and ferries, especially if you're flying out of Dubrovnik airport.
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Bring a reusable water bottle and snacks
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Have some Croatian Kuna ready for small purchases
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Download a currency converter app - I kept getting confused between euros and kuna!
Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely! While the journey was long, the money I saved went straight into experiences like kayaking around Dubrovnik's walls and enjoying fresh seafood by the harbor, making it the best way to spend my time. Plus, the journey itself became part of the adventure, giving me stories to tell and views I'll never forget.
If you're planning this journey and want to learn about some alternatives, you might want to check out my experience doing a Rome To Venice Day Trip first. Also, if you're timing your departure from Venice, consider experiencing Easter In Venice - it's magical!
Remember, sometimes the slower, cheaper route gives you the best stories to tell. My budget journey from Venice to Dubrovnik turned out to be one of the highlights of my entire European adventure!
Travel Tips
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Book transportation in advance during peak season (July-August)
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Consider the overnight ferry as a unique travel option. Pay To Enter Venice when planning your departure
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If you're starting in Rome, you might want to check out the Rome To Venice Day Trip before heading to Dubrovnik
Consider visiting during Easter in Venice for a unique cultural experience
Planning Your Extended Croatian Adventure
If you have extra time, consider:
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Visiting Is Zadar Worth Visiting (spoiler: it's definitely worth it!)
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Checking out the Top Things To Do In Zadar Croatia
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Renting A Car In Zadar Croatia for more flexibility
Conclusion
While getting from Venice to Dubrovnik requires some planning, it's a journey worth taking. If you're starting your trip in Italy, you might also want to check out the Rome To Venice Day Trip. Remember, sometimes the longer route offers more adventures and better stories to tell!
FAQs - How to Get from Venice to Dubrovnik
Q: What are the main travel options to get from Venice to Dubrovnik?
A: The main travel options to get from Venice to Dubrovnik include taking a bus, ferry, train, or flight. Each option has its own travel times and fare considerations.
Q: Is there a direct flight from Venice to Dubrovnik?
A: Yes, there are direct flights available from Venice to Dubrovnik operated by various airlines including Croatia Airlines and EasyJet. It's advisable to check for availability as flights may vary by season.
Q: How long does it take to travel from Venice to Dubrovnik by bus?
A: The bus from Venice to Dubrovnik typically takes around 12 to 14 hours, depending on the route and any stops along the way. Make sure to check the bus schedule for exact travel times.
Q: Can I take a ferry from Venice to Dubrovnik?
A: Yes, you can take a ferry from Venice to Dubrovnik, which offers a scenic view along the Adriatic coast. The ferry ride generally takes about 12 hours and may require a booking in advance.
Q: What is the quickest way to travel from Venice to Dubrovnik?
A: The quickest way to travel from Venice to Dubrovnik is to fly. Direct flights can take approximately 1.5 hours, making it a time-efficient option for your trip.
Q: Are there any travel options that go via Trieste?
A: Yes, you can travel from Venice to Dubrovnik via Trieste, typically by taking a bus or train to Trieste and then continuing your journey. This may involve additional transfer times.
Q: What is the cheapest way to get from Venice to Dubrovnik?
A: The cheapest way to get from Venice to Dubrovnik is usually by taking a bus. While travel times are longer compared to flights, bus fares can be more economical.
Q: How can I find the best way to travel between Venice and Dubrovnik?
A: To find the best way to travel between Venice and Dubrovnik, consider comparing travel times, fares, and convenience of each option. Websites and travel apps can provide travel information and help with trip planning.
Q: What should I know about public transport in Dubrovnik?
A: Public transport in Dubrovnik mainly consists of buses that connect different parts of the city and surrounding areas. You can take a bus from the airport to your hotel or use local buses to explore attractions.
Q: Can I fly from Dubrovnik to Venice for a return trip?
A: Yes, you can fly from Dubrovnik to Venice, and there are various airlines that operate this route. It's a convenient option for a return trip, especially if you wish to save time.
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