Finding a rental car in Dubrovnik is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands all around Croatia with no booking fees. Pick up at Dubrovnik Airport for the widest selection and competitive rates, or choose city centre car hire if you’re already in town. If you’re planning day trips to Montenegro or Bosnia and Herzegovina, request cross-border permission and carry your passport and the vehicle’s green card.
Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
---|---|---|
Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) | • Pick up your car right after you land • More car types to choose from • Often better prices • Most major rental companies are here |
• Extra airport fees are possible • Long lines when many flights arrive • 22km from Old Town |
Dubrovnik City Centre | • Good if you are already in the city • No extra airport fees • More choice of pickup times |
• Fewer car types to choose from • Prices may be higher • Driving in heavy city traffic right away |
Lapad/Babin Kuk | • Less traffic than the city centre • Often near major hotels • Easier parking |
• Fewer rental companies • You might need a taxi to get there |
On average, car rentals in Dubrovnik cost around €49 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €15 per day.
Compare pickup locations on our site: Airport often has the best selection and prices, but check if airport surcharges make a city or Lapad/Babin Kuk pickup cheaper overall.
Time your booking to the season: For Dubrovnik in July–August, book 3+ months ahead. In May–June or September, 1–2 months is fine. In April or October, 2–3 weeks can still snag deals. Winter has plenty of availability.
Pick a smaller, manual car if you’re comfortable. It’s usually cheaper and easier to park around Dubrovnik.
Return to the same location to avoid one-way fees, unless your route really needs a one-way.
Avoid cross-border fees when you can: To reach Split, use the A1 or the Pelješac Bridge route to stay within Croatia and skip the Bosnia transit at Neum.
Skip paid extras and fuel smart: Use your phone with offline maps instead of renting a GPS, and refuel outside the Old Town where prices are lower.
Area | Parking Options | Costs & Regulations (Approx.) |
---|---|---|
Old Town | • No public parking within walls • Public garages outside walls • Street parking in blue zones |
• Maximum stay often limited to 2-3 hours in closest zones • Mobile payment options available |
Lapad/Babin Kuk | • Hotel parking (if staying there) • Street parking • Small public lots |
• More affordable than Old Town • Some free parking available further from beach |
Suburbs | • Generally easier to find parking • Mix of free and paid zones |
• White lines usually indicate free parking • Blue lines indicate paid zones |
Traffic Regulations:
Get a rental car to see:
Pelješac Peninsula – wineries, beaches
Mljet National Park – Prapratno ferry
Kotor, Montenegro – Bay of Kotor
Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Is it worth renting a car in Dubrovnik if I'm only staying in the Old Town? If you're only visiting the Old Town, you don't need a car because it's a walking-only, pedestrianised area. However, renting a car for 2 or 3 days is a great way to explore the areas around Dubrovnik.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Croatia? If you have an EU licence, you don't need any other documents. If you're from outside the EU, you don't always need an International Driving Permit (IDP). But you should carry one if your licence isn't in the Latin alphabet or if your rental company asks for it. Many companies do, so it's best to check.
What type of car is best for the coastal roads? A small or medium-sized car is best for Croatian roads. The roads along the coast are winding but in good condition. You might find it hard to park a larger car in towns and cities.
How much should I budget for tolls and fuel? If you're driving around the area for a week, plan to spend about €50-80 on fuel and €20-40 on tolls. The final amount depends on how much you drive and the size of your car.
Can I take the rental car on ferries to islands? Yes, many rental companies let you take their cars on local ferries. You should check your rental company to get their permission first. It usually costs €20-50 for a car to cross, depending on the trip and car size. Passengers need to buy their own tickets.
What insurance coverage is available? You can often get insurance like a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) that has a zero excess. This means you won't have to pay for any damage to the rental car. This extra cover usually costs about €15-25 more each day.
Is parking difficult to find in Dubrovnik during summer? Yes, it can be hard to find a park, especially near the Old Town. We recommend you look for a hotel or apartment that includes parking. Another option is to take a bus or taxi into the busiest areas during the summer months.