Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)

Below you will find all the information you need to know about Dubrovnik airport, including arrival, departure, and flight planning strategy for your next trip to Cavtat, including transportation options to and from the Dubrovnik airport to Cavtat.

Dubrovnik Ruđer Bošković Airport

When traveling to Cavtat by air, you'll arrive at Dubrovnik Ruđer Bošković Airport, named after the eminent Croatian philosopher, Ruđer Bošković. The airport's code is DBV. It's important to note that the airport is undergoing a name change from Dubrovnik Airport to Dubrovnik Ruđer Bošković Airport. Also, although often referred to as Dubrovnik Airport, it is actually located near the small village of Čilipi, which sometimes leads to it being called Čilipi Airport.

Transportation from the Airport to Cavtat

Traveling from Dubrovnik Airport to Cavtat offers several transportation options, including private car services, taxis, and ridesharing apps like Uber. The distance is relatively short, making all options fairly quick and convenient depending on your arrival time and personal preference.

Private Car Service

Dubrovnik Transfers provides reliable and comfortable transportation from Dubrovnik Airport to Cavtat. They offer professional services with a focus on convenience and customer care. Contacting them directly to arrange a ride is recommended, especially if you are arriving early in the morning or late at night. The cost for a transfer for two people from Dubrovnik Airport to Cavtat is typically around €25 one way. For those needing a van, especially when traveling with more passengers or lots of luggage, the price is about €50 per hour.

  • Contact Name: Krešimir Pehar

  • Email: du4utransfers@gmail.com

  • Phone: +385 983 45360

Taxi Service

Regular taxis are available at the airport. While they can be convenient, it’s essential to ensure that the meter is running during your trip or negotiate a flat rate upfront to avoid overcharging, as there have been reports of tourists being scammed on fares. The journey typically takes about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic.

Ridesharing Apps

Uber operates in the area and offers a cost-effective and convenient alternative. Prices vary depending on the type of vehicle and time of day:

  • UberX: Approximately €15

  • Comfort Vehicle: Approximately €20

  • Van: Approximately €24

This makes Uber a competitive option, especially for those comfortable with using the app and looking for a straightforward transfer without the need for advance booking.

Rental Car Options at Dubrovnik Airport

Dubrovnik Airport offers a variety of rental car companies, available through platforms such as Booking.com. We have consistently chosen one particular rental company over the past few years due to their reliable service, competitive pricing, and quality vehicles. Below you'll find the contact information for this recommended provider:

  • Company: Lutar Rent-a-Car Dubrovnik

  • Website: Lutar Rent-a-Car

  • Contact Name: Gordan Svalina, Director

  • Email: rentacar@lutar.rent

  • Phone: +385 91 153 4146

Late-Night or Early-Morning Arrivals

For late-night or early-morning arrivals, or simply for peace of mind, scheduling a private car service with Dubrovnik Transfers is highly recommended. This ensures that your transportation is pre-arranged, avoiding potential delays and the inconvenience of negotiating taxi fares or waiting for an Uber at the airport.

Arrivals

Dubrovnik's airport is compact, comparable to a regional airport in the United States. If you arrive directly from the USA, you will undergo passport control upon entry into the EU. If you have already transited through another EU country, you will not need to clear passport control again in Dubrovnik. After deplaning, simply retrieve your luggage at baggage claim and exit. If you have prearranged a driver, they will meet you just outside the baggage claim area, through the glass sliding doors. If renting a car, after exiting baggage claim, cross the parking lot to find a row of small kiosks representing various rental car companies.

The airport is generally free of scams, but be cautious of taxi drivers who may charge tourists inflated rates. Prearranging a car service is advisable (refer to the vendor section for recommended companies). For currency needs, ATMs are available, but watch for conversion fees (details later in this guide). Complimentary wifi is also provided at the airport.

If heading to Cavtat, it’s a brief 5-minute drive from the airport. If your destination is Dubrovnik, prepare for at least a 25-minute drive without traffic, potentially extending to an hour during peak times due to the single road connecting the airport and the city. Consider using the restroom before departing the airport to avoid stops en route.

Departures

For departures, it is recommended to arrive two hours before your flight if you are checking bags, or one hour if you are not, given that luggage allowances can vary from those of U.S. carriers. If you aren’t checking a bag, consider completing online check-in and obtaining your boarding pass before arriving at the airport. This allows you to bypass the check-in process and proceed directly to security. At Dubrovnik Airport, unlike in American airports where you directly approach the designated airline counter, you should first check the electronic board to locate your check-in counter. If you arrive early and your flight isn’t listed yet, just wait until this information is displayed. After checking in, you will go through a preliminary security check to verify your boarding pass, followed by the standard security screening. During this screening, you'll need to remove any liquids and larger electronics, such as laptops, from your carry-on items.

Once past security, you'll walk through the duty-free shop which offers a modest selection of souvenirs—perfect for last-minute gifts. Beyond the duty-free area, the airport splits into two sections: one for flights within the EU (e.g., Dubrovnik to Amsterdam) and another for flights leaving the EU (e.g., Dubrovnik to Turkey). If your flight is not exiting the EU, you'll find yourself in the right area just past the duty-free shop to head to your gate. However, if you're flying out of the EU, remember not to linger in this initial area post-duty-free. Instead, proceed directly to passport control to ensure a smooth departure process. Once you've cleared passport control, you can relax and wait for your flight.

In both sections, there are facilities to enjoy a coffee or snack, featuring cafes that offer basic refreshments such as coffee, pre-made sandwiches, and occasional salads. Shopping options are limited to a souvenir shop. Expect higher prices due to the airport's captive market; the setting is more café-like, focusing less on a wide range of pre-packaged snacks and more on providing a pleasant space to relax before your flight.

Flight Planning Strategy

When planning your journey to Cavtat from the US, it's crucial to be aware that there is only one direct flight option via United Airlines from Newark (EWR). If the direct flight doesn't suit your schedule, a viable strategy involves booking a flight to a major European hub that offers direct connections to Dubrovnik.

The most costly segment of your trip is typically the transatlantic flight from the US to Europe. However, once you're in Europe, flights to Dubrovnik tend to be more economical. This arrangement also provides an excellent opportunity to explore additional European cities. For example, during our last trip to Dubrovnik, we flew from the US to Amsterdam, spent a day enjoying the city, stayed overnight, and then proceeded to Dubrovnik on a morning flight. This not only makes the travel less grueling but also adds rich cultural experiences to your journey.

It’s important to note that booking separate tickets for each leg of your journey means that if the first flight is delayed or canceled, the second airline is not responsible for any needed adjustments. However, scheduling a buffer day between flights can significantly reduce the risk of complications. By spending a full day in your layover city, a delay in your initial flight will likely only cut into your sightseeing time, without risking your connection the next day. This strategy has proven reliable in our experience, ensuring we depart as planned without disruption to our travel itinerary.

Moreover, when booking with budget European airlines, be prepared for different baggage allowances than what you might be accustomed to with US carriers. It’s crucial to account for all potential baggage fees, which can accumulate and affect your budget. Always review and include these costs in your travel planning to avoid any surprises.