Exploring Dubrovnik: Airport Activities And Adventures

what to do in dubrovnik airport

Rudjer Boskovic Dubrovnik Airport, officially named Cilipi Airport, is located just 15km from the city and is Croatia's third-busiest airport. With stunning coastal scenery, iconic Game of Thrones filming locations, and enchanting cobblestone streets, Dubrovnik has plenty to offer. When it comes to travelling to and from the airport, you have several options, including shuttle buses, taxis, Ubers, and pre-arranged transfers. While taxis are readily available, they can be quite expensive, with fares ranging from 30 to 40 euros for a one-way trip to the city centre. Public transportation, such as buses 11 and 27, offers a more affordable and adventurous alternative, with tickets costing around 12-15 HRK. Shuttle bus services are also available, providing direct transfers to the Old Town and the city centre, with tickets priced at 7.5 to 10 euros one-way.

Characteristics Values
Transport options Public bus, shuttle bus, taxi, Uber, pre-arranged transfer, private transfer, car
Airlines Air France, British Airways, Croatia Airlines, EasyJet, Lufthansa, Ryanair, Turkish Airlines
Food and drink options Coffee, sandwiches, snacks
Money exchange Two money exchange offices, one at international departures and one at international arrivals
Wi-Fi Free Wi-Fi available in the passenger area; two dedicated internet booths with stronger Wi-Fi
Taxi prices Approximately 30-40 euros one-way to the city centre; rates increase for destinations outside the city limits or on the islands
Shuttle bus prices 7.5-10 euros one-way, 14 euros return
Bus timetable Buses depart 90 minutes before domestic flights and 2 hours before international flights

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Getting to and from the airport

Getting to and from Dubrovnik Airport

Dubrovnik Airport, officially named Cilipi Airport, is located just 15 km from the city. It is Croatia's third busiest airport, so it can get crowded during the peak tourist season in June and August. If you are flying from Dubrovnik Airport, it is recommended to arrive at least two hours before your flight to pass through the required procedures smoothly.

There are several options for travelling to and from the airport, including public buses, shuttle buses, taxis, Ubers, and pre-arranged private transfers. Here is some more information on each of these options:

Public Buses

Public buses are a cheap and convenient option for getting to and from the airport. Buses number 11 and 27 regularly travel between the airport and Dubrovnik's central bus station, with tickets costing around 12-15 HRK (Croatian Kuna) one way. The journey takes around 30-40 minutes, and buses are usually timed to coincide with flight arrivals and departures. You can also transfer to other buses if your final destination is somewhere in between.

Shuttle Buses

The airport shuttle bus service offers a direct connection between the airport and the city centre. It is a convenient option, especially if you are travelling to the Old Town, as it stops at Pile Gate and the ferry port. The shuttle bus departs from the airport 30-90 minutes after each flight arrival and costs around €7.50-€10 one way. Tickets can be purchased online, at the airport, or on the bus.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available at the airport's taxi stand and can take you directly to your destination. However, they can be quite expensive, with fares ranging from €30-€40 for a trip to the city centre. If you are travelling outside the city limits or to the islands, the rate can go up quickly. It is recommended to ask for the price of your journey before entering the taxi to avoid surprises.

Ubers and Private Transfers

If Uber is available in the city, it may be a cheaper alternative to taxis. Another option is to arrange a pre-arranged private transfer, which offers a hassle-free door-to-door service. Numerous companies offer pre-booked shared or private transfers, and you can easily arrange your transfer online or through a local agency.

Island Transfers

If you are travelling to the island of Korcula, the agency Korkya Info offers a shuttle bus service that connects the airport with Orebic on the mainland and several towns on the island.

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Where to eat and drink

Dubrovnik Airport itself doesn't offer many options for food and drink, so it's best to eat before you arrive. You can expect to find coffee, sandwiches, and snacks at booths like Tisak, and there are three coffee shops, one in both Domestic and International Departures, and a third in International Arrivals.

Once you're in Dubrovnik, you'll find plenty of options for eating and drinking. Fresh, locally-sourced seafood is at the top of most menus, and full-bodied reds are in most people’s glasses. From filling octopus burgers and refreshing beer in a family-run eatery to fresh oysters, outstanding sushi, and champagne in a fine dining restaurant, Dubrovnik has it all.

For a magical experience, head to Buza Bar, where you can sip cocktails or Croatian red wine in a bar carved into the rock face, with magnificent views of the Adriatic Sea. You can also watch the brave cliff divers leaping into the ocean, or catch a movie projected onto the cliff face.

For fresh oysters, Bota Oyster Bar is the place to go. All of their oysters are sourced locally from the owner's farm on the Pelješac peninsula. They also serve delicious sushi, fantastic tartare, and even tempura oysters.

If you're looking for an intimate dining experience, Taj Mahal has only a handful of tables, so it's perfect for a cosy night of exotic food. For wine lovers, D’Vino, the first fully dedicated wine bar in the city, is a must-visit. They stock over 100 varieties of domestic wine, 76 available by the glass, and specialise in local wine from the Pelješac peninsula and neighbouring Korčula island. They also serve tailor-made meat and cheese platters to complement their wines.

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Money exchange

Dubrovnik Airport has currency exchange counters in the arrivals hall, which are open during international flight arrival times. However, it is recommended that you bring some local currency with you, as exchange rates at the airport can be unfavourable.

There are several money exchange offices in Dubrovnik where most major currencies are exchangeable for the local currency, the Croatian Kuna (HRK). These include local banks, hotel receptions, post offices, and private souvenir shops. The commission for transactions varies, so it is advisable to check the details before exchanging. You can expect to pay around 3-4% of the total transaction value as a fee.

If you have euros, you won't have any issues using them for payments, as Croatia is part of the Eurozone. However, if you need to exchange other currencies or require a larger amount of local currency, there are a few options available to you.

You can order your travel money online and either have it delivered to your home or collect it at a branch or the airport. Some providers offer a travel money card that you can order, top up, and use for spending and withdrawals while abroad. This can often provide better exchange rates and lower overall costs compared to exchanging currency at the airport or physical locations.

Alternatively, you can use an ATM to withdraw cash in the local currency. However, be aware that ATMs in airports and hotels usually charge higher fees. Look for ATMs from banks like Zagrebacka and Erste, which have no ATM fees, or KentBank, which doesn't levy a service fee throughout Croatia.

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Public transport options

If you're looking for a cheaper option to get to and from Dubrovnik Airport, public transport is the way to go. The airport itself does not have a train station, so your options are shuttle buses, local buses, and taxis or pre-arranged transfers to the town centre.

Shuttle Buses

The recently introduced non-stop airport shuttle service to and from Dubrovnik Airport makes travelling to the town pretty simple. The shuttle bus will take you to the Pile, Old Town bus stop, ferry port, and Dubrovnik's main bus terminal. The shuttle service operates for each flight's arrival or departure, seven days a week, all year round. It leaves the airport 30 minutes after each flight arrival and costs 7.50 euros one way. You can book a ticket online in advance, at the airport, or on the bus. The shuttle bus also goes to the main bus station in Dubrovnik, which is where you should head if you plan to take a ferry or catamaran to an island.

Local Buses

Local buses are another option, but they don't run as frequently as the shuttle buses. Buses 11, 27, 31, and 38 travel between the airport and Dubrovnik, and you can transfer to other buses if your final destination is elsewhere. Tickets cost €2.39 if purchased on the bus.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available at the airport, but they are quite expensive, with rates of 30 to 40 euros for a trip to the city centre. If you take a taxi, it is customary to tip the driver a small amount, but it is not expected.

Pre-arranged Transfers

Numerous companies offer pre-booked shared or private transfers from the airport to the town and back. This option is best if you want to reach your final destination quickly with minimal hassle. The transfer price is around 32 euros for 1-3 people, depending on your destination.

Shuttle Bus to Korcula Island

If you're heading to Korcula Island, the Korkya Info agency offers a shuttle bus service that connects Dubrovnik Airport with Orebic (on the mainland) and several towns on the island. Timetables, prices, and booking options can be found on their website.

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Private transfers

When booking a private transfer, it is essential to provide accurate information about your flight and accommodation details to ensure a smooth experience. You can also specify any special requirements, such as wheelchair-accessible vehicles. While private transfers offer flexibility, it is advisable to book in advance to secure your preferred vehicle and ensure availability.

The cost of private transfers varies depending on the company, vehicle type, and distance travelled. Some companies offer low-cost options, while others provide premium services with additional amenities. It is recommended to research multiple providers and compare prices to find the best option for your needs and budget.

Frequently asked questions

You can take a shuttle bus, taxi, or pre-arranged transfer. The shuttle bus costs 7.5-10 Euros one-way and leaves the airport 30 minutes after each flight arrival. A taxi will cost 30-55 Euros one-way and takes 20-22 minutes.

The airport has limited food and drink options. You can get coffee, sandwiches, and snacks at booths like Tisak, but it's recommended that you bring your own food or eat before arriving at the airport.

Taxis in Croatia are quite expensive, so it's best to use public transportation if possible. Always ask for the price of your journey before entering the taxi, as the final cost may be higher than expected. Tipping is not expected but rounding up the fare and giving a small amount is customary.

Dubrovnik is known for its picturesque cobblestone streets, seaside location, and charming historical ruins. The Rector's Palace, which served as the seat of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa, is a popular attraction. The city also offers various tour packages that include hotels, tours, and transfers, making it easy to explore the city and other Croatian destinations.

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