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Dubrovnik Ruđer Bošković Layover Guide (DBV)

What are you looking for in DBV?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) is an international airport located in Čilipi, about 15 km (9 miles) from downtown Dubrovnik. The airport officially opened in 1962. Dubrovnik, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is a historic coastal city in southern Croatia. It’s famed for its medieval Old Town, stunning sea views, and cultural heritage. Dubrovnik is a popular tourist destination offering rich history, scenic beauty, and diverse leisure activities.

Can you leave Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a layover at Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), you may exit the secure zone and enter Croatia. Non-EU/Schengen passengers must clear border control and possibly hold a Schengen visa based on nationality. Transit passengers remaining airside on an onward international transfer do not require an entry visa subject to visa policies. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Walk the City Walls Enjoy a 360° panorama of terracotta rooftops, the Adriatic Sea and historic fortifications on Dubrovnik’s iconic medieval ramparts. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Bus No. 10 to Pile Gate (~40 min) or taxi (~20 min))
• Stroll Stradun Promenade Wander along Dubrovnik’s gleaming limestone main street lined with cafés, baroque buildings and lively shops, feeling centuries of history underfoot. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: Bus No. 10 to Pile Gate (~40 min) or taxi (~20 min))
• Ride the Cable Car Ascend Mount Srđ for breathtaking bird’s-eye views of the Old Town and Elaphiti Islands, ending with a panoramic sunset if timed right. (Time required: 1 hour including queue / Airport to here: Bus No. 10 to Pile Gate, then 5 min walk or taxi (~25 min))
• Explore Fort Lovrijenac Discover the “Gibraltar of Dubrovnik,” perched on a cliff with dramatic sea vistas and centuries-old cannons overlooking the city walls. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Bus No. 10 to Pile Gate (~40 min) or taxi (~20 min), then 5 min walk)
• Relax at Banje Beach Unwind on pebbled shores with crystal-clear water, sip a cold drink at the beach bar and watch kayakers glide along the city walls. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Bus No. 10 to Pile Gate (~40 min) or taxi (~20 min), then 5 min walk)
• Visit Rector’s Palace Step into the former seat of Dubrovnik’s rulers, home to intricate Gothic-Renaissance architecture and a museum showcasing city treasures. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: Bus No. 10 to Pile Gate (~40 min) or taxi (~20 min), then 5 min walk)
• Day-trip to Lokrum Island Cross to this lush island nature reserve with botanical gardens, peacocks, a saltwater lake and ruins of a medieval Benedictine monastery. (Time required: 3 hours / Airport to here: Bus No. 10 to old Port (~35 min) or taxi (~20 min), plus 15 min ferry)
• Admire the Franciscan Monastery Marvel at one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies, Gothic cloisters and Baroque treasures within this serene religious complex. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: Bus No. 10 to Pile Gate (~40 min) or taxi (~20 min), then 5 min walk)

Things to Do in Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Three business lounges—Adriatic (Schengen) plus Sky and Atlantic (Non-Schengen)—are located on the 3rd floor. Access is via airline status, lounge membership or day-pass purchase. Each offers comfortable seating, refreshments, Wi-Fi, charging points and runway views, making them ideal spots to unwind or work quietly before your flight. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
No on-site airport hotel exists. The closest accommodations are in Cavtat and the Konavle area, including Hotel Konavle (1.9 km), Apartments Villa Lukas and Hotel Croatia. Most provide shuttle transfers, free parking and breakfast. For more variety, Dubrovnik’s Old Town and Lapad Bay offer additional hotels 15 km away with regular transport links. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
The terminal closes nightly from midnight until 04:00, so there’s no overnight access, sleeping pods or lounge availability during those hours. Seating in public areas is limited and not designed for rest. For guaranteed rest, pre-book a nearby hotel. During operating hours you can sit in cafés, but benches offer minimal comfort.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary Wi-Fi spans the entire terminal. Simply connect to “Dubrovnik Airport (free)” for an initial 15 minute session and re-register as needed for longer access. Two pay-per-use internet kiosks in the check-in and departures areas serve non-Wi-Fi devices. USB and electrical outlets are widely available for charging laptops and phones.

SIM/eSIM Card: Tourist SIMs from the main Croatian operators—Hrvatski Telekom, A1 and Tele2—are sold at Tisak kiosks and convenience stores in arrivals. Starter packs begin at about 50 HRK (€7) for basic data; tourist bundles up to 200 HRK (€30) add more data and call minutes. eSIMs (Airalo, Holafly) offer instant QR-code activation and data-only plans without a physical SIM. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: A taxi stand outside Terminal B serves licensed vehicles with metered fares. The 30-minute trip to Dubrovnik’s Old Town costs approximately €35–€40. Drivers accept cash or card and must provide an invoice on request. For fixed rates, pre-book through official apps or reputable companies, especially during peak traffic times.

Train: There is no train station at Dubrovnik Airport. The nearest rail services run from Ploče, about 25 km north. To connect, take the shuttle or taxi to Dubrovnik’s main bus station, then catch onward transport to Ploče. For schedules and ticketing, see the national rail operator: https://www.hzpp.hr (more info).

Bus: The Platanus shuttle bus links the airport with Dubrovnik Main Bus Station (Gruž) and the Old Town’s Ploče Gate. Buses depart about 30–45 minutes after each flight, from early morning until late evening. One-way fares are €10; open-return tickets €14. Timetables adjust daily to flight arrivals. (more info)

Shuttle: Official airport shuttles by Platanus sell tickets at the arrivals desk in Terminal B. Services depart shortly after each flight, first to last daily. Stops include Old Town (Ploče Gate), Gruž Bus Station and optionally the Cable Car station. Single journeys cost €10; round-trip €14. Schedules vary with flight times.

Car rentals: Leading agencies—Avis, Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, Budget—maintain desks in the arrivals hall with car parks just outside. Drivers need a valid license, credit card and be at least 21 years old (age and fee restrictions may apply). Pre-booking online secures vehicle choice, lower rates and faster pick-up upon arrival. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Adjacent to the terminal are short-term (P1) and long-term (P2, P3) lots, connected by a covered walkway. The drop-off zone offers 5 minutes free. Rates start at €1 per hour, with daily maximums around €15. Machines accept cash or card. P2 and P3 provide reduced rates for extended stays.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

The airport’s information desk provides left-luggage, luggage wrapping and lost-and-found services (tel: +385 20 773 328). There are no self-service lockers inside the terminal. Alternatively, third-party networks like Stasher offer secure storage near the airport from about €5/day—bookable online and drop-off at partner hotels and shops. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks