Dubrovnik Cruise Ship Port Guide

How to get to the port, by air, train, road

Getting to Dubrovnik’s cruise ports is straightforward with several ways to travel.

Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) sits 22km from the port, with regular taxis and shuttle buses running between them. It’s about a 30-minute drive or 45 minutes by shuttle.

There isn’t a train station in Dubrovnik, but you can catch buses from major Croatian cities and nearby countries. The main bus terminal is in Gruž, which is a quick walk to the cruise port.

If you’re coming by car, you’ll need to use the D8 coastal road. From Zagreb, take the A1 motorway down to Split, then follow the coastal route.

You can park at the port, but during busy times it’s worth booking your space ahead.

Port Parking Options

Dubrovnik cruise port has several parking choices for both short and long stays.

There’s a paved car park right next to the terminal building, with round-the-clock security and good lighting to keep your car safe.

1. Main Terminal Car Park: The nearest to the cruise ships, with hourly and daily rates, plus both covered and open-air spaces.
2. Economy Car Park B: A 400-metre walk from the terminal, with cheaper weekly rates – great for longer cruises.
3. Short-Term Drop-off Area: No charge for the first 15 minutes – handy for dropping off or collecting passengers.
4. VIP Parking: Special spaces near the terminal entrance where you can get valet parking.

You can save up to 20% by booking your parking spot online beforehand, which also means you’ll have a guaranteed space when it’s busy.

Local Transport & Transfers

Getting from the cruise port to central Dubrovnik is straightforward. The shuttle bus runs every 15 minutes between the port and Pile Gate (the Old Town’s main entrance), and it’ll set you back about €2 – just pay the driver when you hop on.

Fancy a taxi? You’ll spot them queued up by the cruise terminal. It’s roughly a 10-minute journey to the Old Town, costing around €15. If you’re in a group, this might work out well for your wallet.

For a cheaper option, catch public bus #8 near the port – it goes to Pile Gate and costs €1.60 per ride. There are also private transfer services at the terminal, but you’ll need to sort these out beforehand.

Port Terminal Facilities

The port terminal has three main bits: a tourist information desk, toilets, and a small café. Nothing fancy here, but you’ll find what you need to keep comfortable while coming or going.

The terminal gives you:

1. Free Wi-Fi in the main building (though it can get quite slow when busy)
2. A currency exchange booth open 8 AM to 6 PM every day
3. Cash machines from several Croatian banks, including OTP and PBZ
4. Storage lockers for your bags at €5 per day

The tourist desk team can speak several languages and will help you with maps, bookings, and local tips.

If you’re stuck waiting for transport, you can pop into the air-conditioned café for basic snacks and drinks that won’t break the bank.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

Sitting around at the terminal is alright for a bit, but there’s loads to see in Dubrovnik before you hop on your cruise.

Have a lovely two-hour stroll along the old city walls – you’ll get brilliant views of the Adriatic Sea and those gorgeous orange rooftops.

Pop down to the Stradun, the main street with its limestone pavement, where you can find nice local eateries, shops and places serving proper Italian ice cream.

Pop into the Franciscan Monastery to see one of Europe’s oldest working pharmacies, or take a ride up Mount Srđ in the cable car for some cracking views of the city.

If you’re mad about Game of Thrones, join one of the tours showing you where they filmed King’s Landing.

History buffs will love wandering around Pile Gate, the Old Port, and having a look at the Cathedral of the Assumption.

Walks near the port

Fancy a nice walk near Dubrovnik’s port? There are lovely walking routes that link up with the city’s main sights. You’ll get brilliant views of the Adriatic Sea and the Old Town as you go. Most walks take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how fast you fancy going.

1. Port to Old Town Walk: Follow the seaside path from Gruz Port to Pile Gate, passing Lovrijenac Fortress (25 minutes)
2. Lapad Peninsula Loop: Walk around Lapad’s waterfront, with its beaches and cafes (40 minutes)
3. Port to Danče Beach: Take the rocky coastal path to this quiet swimming spot (15 minutes)
4. Gruz Market Route: Wander from the port through the local market to see fresh produce and everyday Croatian life (10 minutes)

Top tip: Pop on some comfy shoes and bring some water with you, especially when it’s hot in summer.

Dining and Shopping

Feeling hungry after your walk? You’ll spot loads of places to eat and shop near Dubrovnik’s cruise port.

The Gruz area has proper Croatian restaurants where you can tuck into fresh seafood, local wines and traditional dishes like pašticada and black risotto. There are plenty of laid-back cafes and bakeries selling burek pastries and coffee too.

For a bit of shopping, pop over to Gruz Market where locals sell fresh produce, Croatian olive oils, lavender bits and bobs, and handmade souvenirs.

Just remember the market starts early and wraps up by early afternoon. If you fancy something more upmarket, you’ll find boutiques with Croatian designer gear, jewellery, and top-notch wines along the main street.

Most shops can sort out shipping if you don’t want to lug your shopping back to the ship.

Accommodation near the port

There are plenty of nice hotels and guesthouses just a short walk from Dubrovnik’s cruise port in the Gruz area.

You can find everything from budget rooms to fancy places to stay, all making it easy to get to both the port and public transport.

Good spots to stay near the port include:

1. Berkeley Hotel – sea-view rooms and a restaurant 400 metres from the terminal
2. Hotel Petka – good value with brilliant waterfront spot and port views
3. Hotel Adria – up on the hill with lovely views across Gruz harbour
4. Guest House Glavić – comfy flats with small kitchens about 5 minutes away on foot

It’s worth booking early if you’re coming in the busy cruise season, as these handy places tend to fill up fast.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Getting ready for your first cruise from Dubrovnik’s port is simple with a bit of planning ahead. Show up at least three hours before departure – you’ll need the time for security and check-in. Bring your passport, booking details and filled-in cruise paperwork.

Sort out a small bag with your daily bits and bobs, since you won’t see your main bags until later. Remember to pack some local money, sun cream and a water bottle. You’ll find cash machines and a currency exchange at the terminal.

It’s worth booking your port transfer beforehand to save any hassle, and grab the port’s mobile app to keep an eye on your ship’s timing. Have a look at the weather forecast and pack clothes suitable for both the port and your first night on the ship.

Customs & Immigration at The Port

Getting through customs and immigration at Dubrovnik’s cruise port is simple. Have your passport and cruise ship card handy when you leave and come back to the ship. Croatian officials work quickly, and you’ll likely be done in minutes.

While you’re in port, keep these customs rules in mind:

1. Always carry your actual passport (not a copy) when you’re on land.
2. Tell officials about any shopping worth more than €430 when you return.
3. You can’t bring fresh fruits, veg or meat back onto the ship.
4. Keep your cruise card within reach – you’ll need it at several security points.

If you’re not from the EU, you’ll receive a passport stamp upon entry. The customs area sits right in the port terminal, which makes things easy for cruise passengers.

See what’s on offer from the Port of Tunis (La Goulette) for a different Mediterranean cruise destination.

Local Currency & Payment Options

You’ll need to know about money when you arrive in Dubrovnik. Croatia now uses the euro (EUR) – they switched from the kuna in January 2023.

You’ll spot plenty of cash machines near the port and all around the Old Town, with decent exchange rates.

You can use major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard in most shops, restaurants and tourist spots.

Still, it’s worth having some cash on you for smaller bits and bobs, taxis, or shopping at local markets.

While some sellers show prices in both euros and dollars, you’ll get a better deal paying in euros.

If you’re using your card, choose to pay in euros instead of your home currency – this helps you avoid extra fees.

These days, lots of places take contactless payments and you can use Apple Pay or Google Pay too.

Emergency Contacts

When you need help in Dubrovnik, ring 112 – it’s the European emergency number that puts you through to ambulance, police and fire services.

You’ll get English-speaking staff on the line day and night to help with any emergency.

Good numbers to save in your phone:

1. Police: 192
2. Dubrovnik General Hospital: +385 20 431 777
3. Tourist Police: +385 20 443 555
4. Port Authority Security: +385 20 313 333

If you’re on a cruise, save your ship’s emergency number too.

Keep your travel insurance info handy, and if you take regular medicines, bring copies of your prescriptions.

It’s worth knowing where the nearest chemist is to the port, just in case.

History of The Port

The story of Dubrovnik’s port goes all the way back to the 7th century, though these days it’s more about keeping ships and people safe.

Back in the day, the port helped make Dubrovnik a proper maritime powerhouse, and it really hit its stride in the 15th and 16th centuries when it went toe-to-toe with Venice in sea trade.

The original port sat in the Old City harbour, but when ships started getting bigger, everything moved to the newer Gruž port in the early 1900s.

They made it quite a bit bigger in the 1980s, and in 2005, they did it up properly to fit those massive cruise ships that pop by nowadays.

You can still spot bits and bobs from the port’s glory days in the old harbour, while Gruž now sees more than a million cruise passengers coming through each year.

Environmental Initiatives at The Port

Since 2015, Dubrovnik’s port has really stepped up its environmental game. You can see how serious they’re about being green through their many programmes and strict environmental rules.

1. They’ve got power points for cruise ships to plug straight into the local grid, which means fewer fumes whilst ships are moored.
2. Their fancy waste facilities can process and recycle about 60% of the rubbish from ships.
3. Water testing stations keep an eye on pollution levels as they happen.
4. Electric buses ferry cruise passengers between the port and Old Town.

The terminal area uses solar-powered lights everywhere, and they’ve got clever systems to collect rainwater for the gardens.

Any ship wanting to dock needs to meet the port’s eco-standards first – it’s all part of their green certificate scheme.

Accessibility Information for Disabled Passengers

The cruise port in Dubrovnik is easy to use if you have mobility needs.

You’ll spot wheelchair ramps all over the terminal and flat, even ground from where your ship docks to the exit. There are disabled toilets on both floors, and lifts to get between levels.

If you’d like, you can get free wheelchair help from when you arrive until you reach your transport.

The port runs accessible buses with lifts to the Old Town every 15 minutes.

Need to hire mobility equipment? Pop over to the information desk in the terminal.

The staff are trained to help passengers with different disabilities, and you can book special assistance before you arrive through your cruise company or the port’s website.

Cruise Insurance and Medical Facilities at The Port

The Dubrovnik cruise port has a handy medical centre on the ground floor of the terminal, alongside its easy-access facilities.

You’ll spot medical staff who speak multiple languages whenever cruise ships come and go – they’re ready to sort out everything from small scrapes to serious emergencies.

It’s worth getting proper travel insurance before sailing to Dubrovnik. Your policy needs to cover:

1. Medical transport from the port to local hospitals
2. Emergency care at Dubrovnik General Hospital
3. Money back if port-related problems mess up your plans
4. Protection if your bags get lost or delayed at the terminal

The port’s medical team works hand-in-hand with local doctors and your ship’s medical staff to keep your care running smoothly.

If you need quick medical help, just ring the port’s emergency number or tell any staff member at the terminal.

Families: Child-Friendly Services and Activities

Families coming through Dubrovnik’s port will be pleased to find loads of child-friendly facilities throughout the terminal.

There’s a brilliant children’s play area with colourful climbing frames, slides and fun games. You’ll also find a family loo with changing tables and a quiet spot for nursing mums.

To keep the little ones busy, there’s a small cinema showing cartoons and family films in several languages. Free Wi-Fi keeps teenagers happy, and the terminal’s café has a special children’s menu full of wholesome snacks and treats.

If you’re planning to explore the city, pop by the port’s information desk for family-friendly city maps that show the best spots for kids, including ice cream shops and easy walking paths.

The staff can also help sort out family tours, including Game of Thrones walks that children absolutely love.

Local Cultural Highlights and Events

When you arrive at Dubrovnik’s cruise port, you’ll find yourself in the middle of brilliant cultural events happening all year.

The city keeps its old traditions going strong while adding new celebrations that show off its history and artistic flair.

Must-see cultural events include:

1. The Dubrovnik Summer Festival (July-August), where you can watch theatre, classical music and dance shows performed under the open sky within the city walls.
2. The Feast of St. Blaise (February 3rd), when the locals celebrate their patron saint with street parades and time-honoured ceremonies.
3. Dubrovnik’s Winter Festival (December), which turns the Old Town into a festive Christmas scene filled with local handicrafts and music.
4. The Good Food Festival (October), a proper celebration of Dalmatian food with cooking classes, wine sampling, and special menus across local restaurants.

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

Peak cruising in Dubrovnik happens from May to October – that’s when you’ll get nice warm weather and not much rain.

July and August are properly hot, hitting 29°C, but they’re also rammed with tourists. If you want to dodge the biggest crowds, try going in May, June or September instead.

Winter (November to March) is much quieter with fewer ships about, but loads of places and restaurants cut their hours back.

It gets quite cool, around 10°C, and there’s more rain. Some cruise companies don’t even run trips during these months.

April and October are lovely middle-ground months with temperatures sitting at about 18°C.

You won’t bump into as many tourists as in summer, and most places are still open.

These months tend to have cheaper fares too, and it’s easier to find a cabin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Rough Are the Waters Typically Around Dubrovnik’s Cruise Port?

The waters near Dubrovnik’s cruise port are typically quite calm, with more than 270 peaceful sailing days each year. The Adriatic Sea is rather gentle here, particularly during the main cruise months from April through October when the harbour enjoys natural protection from rough conditions.

Are There Any Local Cruise Ship Photographers Available for Special Occasions?

Professional photographers work at both the cruise port and in Dubrovnik’s Old Town. You can sort out booking them beforehand through your cruise line, or get in touch with local photo studios if you’d like photos for a special occasion.

What Percentage of Cruise Ships Actually Dock Versus Anchor Offshore?

Around 60% of cruise ships pull right up to Dubrovnik’s main port, whilst the other 40% drop anchor in Gruž Bay. It really comes down to how big the ship is and how busy the port gets during the peak holiday months.

Can Passengers Store Luggage at the Port During Pre-Cruise City Exploration?

Save yourself a headache and sort your bags first! Both Gruž Port and Old Town have storage spots where you can drop your luggage while you wander around the city before your cruise. It’ll set you back about £5-10 per bag – nice and simple.

Do Any Local Tour Guides Offer Exclusive Early-Morning Port Area Tours?

Local guides run early-morning walks around the port area, but you’ll need to book ahead. The tours usually begin at 7 AM and show you the harbour’s historical sights.

Conclusion

The bustling cruise port of Dubrovnik sits right on the bright blue Adriatic Sea, making it brilliant for Mediterranean holidays. You’ll arrive at a place where old stone walls tell tales from the past, and clear waters sparkle below your ship. No matter if you’re new to cruising or you’ve done loads of trips before, this sunny harbour has top-notch facilities and loads of history. It’s a proper starting point for your time at sea, and you’ll find it dead easy to get around.

Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Split Cruise Ship Port.