# Croatian Coast — Dubrovnik to Istria by Ferry & Bus: Route, Transport, and Insider Tips
Traveling from Dubrovnik’s dramatic southern shores up to Istria in the north is the ultimate way to experience Croatia’s coastline — from historic cities and enchanting islands to turquoise bays. For international travelers, efficient transport planning is key to a smooth, memorable, and budget-friendly trip. This guide offers a suggested route, detailed transport options for each section, direct route links, and practical tips you won’t find in basic schedules.
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## Recommended Route: 7–10 Days Along the Coast
### Suggested Itinerary:
1. Dubrovnik → Korčula
2. Korčula → Hvar
3. Hvar → Bol (Brač Island)
4. Bol → Split
5. Split → Makarska
6. Makarska → Plitvice Lakes
7. Plitvice Lakes → Rijeka
8. Rijeka → Pula
You can extend or shorten the trip according to your interests and available time. The mix of islands, cities, and a touch of nature strikes a perfect balance between scenery, culture, and relaxation.
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## Dubrovnik → Korčula
### How to Get There
- **Direct Ferry** — The fastest and most scenic option, especially in summer with daily sailings: [Dubrovnik to Korčula](/routes/dubrovnik-korcula) (operators: Direct Ferries, Ferryhopper, 12Go, Bookaway).
- **Bus** — A land route is available, but it’s long and tiring; not recommended.
**Insider Tip:**
Ferries fill up quickly in peak season — book your ticket in advance on operator sites. Sunset departures are particularly beautiful.
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## Korčula → Hvar
### Transport Options
- **Direct Ferry** — Korčula to Hvar, a popular and frequent crossing (Direct Ferries, Ferryhopper, Bookaway).
- **Via Split** — If no direct ferry is available, you can connect via Split and visit more islands.
**Editor’s Note:**
Island ferries are usually small and fast. If you’re prone to seasickness, take precautions before boarding, especially on windy days.
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## Hvar → Bol (Brač Island)
### Continuing On
- **Direct Ferry** — [Hvar to Bol (Brač Island)](/routes/zagreb-bol-brac-island) (Ferryhopper, Bookaway), the easiest solution.
- **Via Split** — If the direct ferry isn’t running, take a ferry to Split, then a short onward ferry to Bol.
**On-the-Ground Advice:**
Short island hops are a great way to savor the Adriatic — sit on deck and soak in the views, even if you catch a bit of sea spray.
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## Bol (Brač Island) → Split
### Getting There
- **Frequent Ferries** — [Bol (Brač Island) to Split](/routes/bol-brac-island-zagreb) (Direct Ferries, Ferryhopper, Bookaway, 12Go).
- **Catamaran** — Usually faster; a good choice if you’re short on time.
**Seasonal Note:**
During peak season (July–August), ferries run more often, but also fill up quickly — book early, especially for morning and late afternoon departures.
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## Split → Makarska
### How to Get There
- **Intercity Bus** — Split to Makarska (Omio, Bookaway, 12Go), with several daily departures and stunning coastal scenery.
- **Car Rental** — Ideal for those wanting flexibility, but parking is difficult in high season.
**Editor’s Insight:**
Buses are comfortable and air-conditioned, but on rainy days the sea views are less impressive — consider timing your journey for clear weather.
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## Makarska → Plitvice Lakes
### The Most Convenient Options
- **Direct Bus** — [Makarska to Plitvice Lakes](/routes/zagreb-plitvice-lakes) (Bookaway, Omio), about a 5-hour journey.
- **Car Rental** — Good if you want to stop in small towns along the way.
**Editor’s Recommendation:**
It’s worth spending a night near Plitvice, especially if arriving by bus — you’ll enjoy the park with fewer crowds in the early morning or late afternoon.
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## Plitvice Lakes → Rijeka
### Continuing North
- **Bus** — [Plitvice Lakes to Rijeka](/routes/plitvice-lakes-zagreb) (Omio, Bookaway, 12Go), a comfortable trip of a few hours.
- **Stopover in Zagreb?** — Some travelers break up the trip with a night in Zagreb, but if you prefer the coast, head straight to Rijeka.
**Important Note:**
Buses in this region are reliable and punctual, but not all have large undercarriage storage — check luggage policies in advance.
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## Rijeka → Pula
### Reaching Istria
- **Bus** — [Rijeka to Pula](/routes/rijeka-pula) (Omio, Bookaway, 12Go), the fastest and most frequent option.
- **Train** — Exists but is slower; buses are generally more efficient.
**Editor’s Suggestion:**
Rijeka’s buses are modern and comfortable — a great way to make the final jump before starting your Istrian adventure.
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## Alternative Routes and Combinations
- **Split → Korčula** — If you miss Korčula from the south, you can reach it from Split: [Split to Korčula](/routes/split-korcula).
- **Split → Hvar** — Another popular route for those starting or ending in Split: [Split to Hvar](/routes/split-hvar).
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## Budget Considerations
### Price Ranges (Estimates Only)
- **Island Ferries:** 30–60 shekels per person for short crossings; longer or seasonal routes cost more.
- **Intercity Buses:** 40–80 shekels per ride, depending on distance.
- **Car Rental:** 200–300 shekels per day, not including fuel or insurance.
### Where to Save
- Booking tickets in advance (especially ferries) ensures better prices and a guaranteed spot.
- Overnight bus journeys can save you a night’s accommodation.
- Use public transport in larger cities — parking is expensive and traffic restrictions are common.
### Where to Splurge
- Scenic island ferry rides — the experience is worth the extra cost.
- A night on a small island (Bol, Hvar, or Korčula) — offers a unique, less touristy vibe compared to the big cities.
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## Quick Practical Summary
- **Route:** Dubrovnik → Korčula → Hvar → Bol → Split → Makarska → Plitvice Lakes → Rijeka → Pula
- **Main Transport:** Ferries between islands, intercity buses, car rental as needed
- **Relevant Route Links:**
- [Dubrovnik to Korčula](/routes/dubrovnik-korcula)
- Korčula to Hvar
- [Hvar to Bol (Brač Island)](/routes/zagreb-bol-brac-island)
- [Bol (Brač Island) to Split](/routes/bol-brac-island-zagreb)
- Split to Makarska
- [Makarska to Plitvice Lakes](/routes/zagreb-plitvice-lakes)
- [Plitvice Lakes to Rijeka](/routes/plitvice-lakes-zagreb)
- [Rijeka to Pula](/routes/rijeka-pula)
- [Split to Korčula](/routes/split-korcula)
- [Split to Hvar](/routes/split-hvar)
**Key Takeaway:**
Croatia’s magic isn’t measured in kilometers, but in the experience of connecting sea, town, island, and nature. Plan ahead, choose seasonal routes for the best scenery, and let yourself enjoy the easygoing pace of the Croatian coast.
Croatian Coast — Dubrovnik to Istria by Ferry & Bus
Last updated: 4/2/2026