Is the Dubrovnik cable car worth it?
I made it just in time for sunset… And I am so glad I did.
The views from the top of Mount SRD were incredible!
If you are heading to Dubrovnik and want to enjoy the stunning views of the Old Town and Adriatic Sea, then this blog is for you!
Dubrovnik is one of the best Croatian cities, and the cable car is a great activity.
Keep reading for more details about how you can enjoy the famous ride!
Sunset views of Dubrovnik from the cable car.
How to get to the Dubrovnik cable car.
The Dubrovnik Cable Car is located at Ulica Petra Krešimira IV, just outside the eastern entrance to the Old Town of Dubrovnik:
Ulica Petra Krešimira IV 2, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.
The main attractions in Dubrovnik are close to the Old Town, which means there are various options for reaching the cable car station.
Walking.
The Dubrovnik cable car station is around a 10 minute walk from the Old Town. If you are staying in the Old Town, then from the Pile Gate, look for the signs for the cable car. If you can’t see the signs, then look above the city for the cable cars heading down Mount SRD, which will point you in the right direction.
If you are staying in another area in Dubrovnik, head to the Old Town.
By Car.
Driving isn’t a great option in peak summer months, as Dubrovnik gets very crowded, so parking spaces are usually scarce. If you have travelled from outside of the City, then try to find a parking space somewhere near the Old Town and follow the above instructions.
Parking near Dubrovnik Old Town.
If you are visiting the Dubrovnik cable car via a rental car then you should plan where to park in Dubrovnik.
Parking near Dubrovnik Old Town is possible, with several options available to you. Buža parking is close to the city walls, or a little further out, is Gradac parking.
The average cost of parking near Dubrovnik Old Town is 40 Kuna (£4.55).
By Uber or Taxi.
There are Uber and taxi services available in Dubrovnik, which can be booked through the various apps. There is an abundance of availability, but like with everything else in the city, expect to pay a premium.
By Bus.
There are public buses that go to the cable car station. The bus stop is located near the Pile Gate. This is a good option if you are staying near the ferry terminal/bus station, as the main bus route goes straight past there.
By Boat.
This option ticks the box of a ‘travel experience’ more than the other options.
If your accommodation is on one of the Elafiti Islands, you can catch a boat to the cable car station. This option offers beautiful scenery.
Dubrovnik Old Town at dusk.
Dubrovnik cable car schedule.
It takes less than 4 minutes for the cable cars to travel between the lower and upper stations, which means that there are regular journeys throughout the day, so the waiting time is usually less than 10 minutes - even in peak tourist months.
The opening times vary depending on the year.
Here are the opening times for each month:
December & January = 9 am until 4 pm.
February, March & November = 9 am until 5 pm.
April & October = 9 am until 8 pm.
May = 9 am until 9 pm.
September = 9 am until 10 pm.
June, July & August = 9 am until midnight.
You can find out real time updates on whether the cable car is operating here.
Please bare in mind that the last cable car sets off upwards half an hour before closing time.
Some tips to enhance your cable car experience:
Buy your tickets online in advance to avoid the queues.
Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds (especially in peak months).
Consider combining the cable car ride with other Dubrovnik highlights to cut costs.
Dubrovnik cable car costs.
Adult round-trip ticket.
203,43kn (£23.50).
Adult one-way ticket.
113,02kn (£13).
Kids round-trip ticket (4 - 12 years).
52,74kn (£6).
Kids one-way ticket (4 - 12 years).
30,14kn (£3).
Any kid up to 4 years of age can travel for free.
Dubrovnik Cable Car in the daytime (source: Dennis Jarvis, Flickr).
Dubrovnik Mountain SRD views.
The top of Mount SRD is a great scenic viewpoint in Dubrovnik from its position being over 400 meters above sea level.
From your position perched above the ‘pearl of the Adriatic’, you will experience a beautiful panoramic view of the Old Town, Adriatic Sea and Elaphiti Islands.
This makes for one of the best Instagram spots in Dubrovnik for sure!
(source: Dennis Jarvis, Flickr).
What to do at the top of Mount SRD in Dubrovnik.
Once you reach the top of Mount SRD via the cable car, it isn’t just the awesome views you get rewarded with.
There are other activities up there also:
Panorama Restaurant & Bar.
The Panorama Restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy some Mediterranean cuisine with a view. If you book in for sunset, it makes for an amazing experience with the best panoramic dinner views in the Balkans.
Museum of Croatian War of Independence.
This very detailed museum on top of Mount SRD explains the history of Dubrovnik through exhibits, videos and information boards, and is displayed in Croatian and English. There are some very interesting photographs of the war.
You will also find some souvenir shops to grab your Dubrovnik mementos.
Night time at the top of Mount SRD.
Some non touristy things to do in Dubrovnik.
When you ask tourists what they want to do in Dubrovnik, some common answers are ‘see the walls’, or ‘visit the Jesuit Stairs’, and rightly so, as they are amazing experiences in Croatia, however, these activities can become very crowded in peak summer months. Here are some activities that are off the beaten track and will give you a more relaxed experience in Dubrovnik.
Go sea kayaking.
This is a great way to explore the city's coastline and get some exercise at the same time. The trail usually starts at Fort Lovrijenac and takes you past some of the most scenic spots in Dubrovnik, such as the Old Town walls and the Lokrum Island. If you don’t feel adventurous, then head to Buza bar, a secret cliff bar which gives you a great spot to watch the kayakers on the Adriatic.
Chill and watch a film at an outdoor cinema.
There are two open-air cinemas in Dubrovnik, Kino Jadran and Kino Slavica. They show a variety of international and subtitled Croatian films in the summer months. It's a great way to experience Croatian culture and enjoy a movie under the stars, in lovely warm temperatures.
Go hiking in the Elafiti Islands.
These islands are located just off the coast of Dubrovnik and offer stunning views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. There are a variety of hiking trails to choose from, suiting all fitness levels.
Visit a local market.
This is a great way to experience the local culture and buy fresh produce, souvenirs, and other items. The Gunduliceva Poljana is the main market in Dubrovnik.
Where to stay near the Dubrovnik cable car?
These hotels near the Dubrovnik cable car are all good options for you to consider.
Budget hotels near Dubrovnik cable car.
This budget option is located a stone throw away from the lower cable car station & Old Town, so is a great option to base yourself for a reasonable cost.
A 3 star hotel located close to the cable car, offering fantastic views of the ancient Old Town. This is also close to Buza & Porporela Beaches.
Mid-range hotels near Dubrovnik cable car.
Located 50 meters from the Cathedral in Dubrovnik, this option ticks every box for location, right in the heart of the Old Town.
Luxury hotels near Dubrovnik cable car.
This high rated 5 star hotel features a wine bar and restaurant in its 18th Century Baroque Palace and is located less than 300 meters from the cable car station.
This 4 star hotel is one of two situated within the Old Town walls in Dubrovnik, so a great option for a trip to remember. It is within walking distance of the cable car station.
Final thoughts on whether the Dubrovnik cable car is worth it?
There is no doubt that the Dubrovnik cable car is on the pricey side for an excursion, however, you won’t find an alternative activity in the city that is much cheaper. This is just the nature of prices throughout Croatia, as it rises in popularity.
The reward is worth it in my opinion. The spectacular views are one of a kind experience as you get to fully embrace the ancient character of a historic city.
Take the cable car journey just before sunset to get the full value from your experience!