Quick summary

If your only concern is the budget, you’ll be surprised to find out that flying (through London and on low cost airlines), taking a ferry (via Italy) and taking a train cost about the same. As for the time spent traveling, it’s all about finding the best connections….so you are basically left to choose whatever suites your travel style best.

Flights from Croatia to Greece

Croatia Airlines offers seasonal flights from Athens to both Dubrovnik and Zagreb. But what do you do outside the summer season? Fly through a major European hub, of course. And choose low cost airlines.

For example, EasyJet flies out of Zagreb, so you can book a flight to London Gatwick (€32 per person one way in June 2012) and then another flight to Athens (£50.99/€61 per person one way in June 2012). Surely beats the Lufthansa connection via Frankfurt at €178 per person one way, doesn’t it?

Another option is to fly from London to Thessaloniki (£40.99/€49 per person one way in June 2012). And it also beats the option to connect via Budapest on Malev (€197 per person one way in June 2012).

Or you can fly from Dubrovnik to London on the same airline (€36 per person one way in June 2012) but the route is available from mid-April only.

The conclusion is really simple: if you want to fly from Croatia to Greece, your best bet is to fly from Zagreb to London and then take another flight to Athens. Because both routes are served by low cost carriers you won’t pay that much but be prepared to spend a night in London, depending on the flights’ schedules.

Read more about:

>> Flights to Athens
>> Flights to Thessaloniki
>> Flights to Croatia

Ferries from Croatia to Greece

Unfortunately, although there were rumors about a direct ferry connection between Croatia and Greece, nothing has been done and you’ll have to connect through Italy.

So, the first step is to take a ferry from Dubrovnik to Bari. Jadrolinija operates most ferries on this route and you will pay €37.50 one way, during the low season for a seat on the deck. During the high season (Jun 24 – Aug 28), the same seat costs €45 one way. The travel time is about 7 h.

Read more about:
>> Getting from Dubrovnik to Bari
>> How to get from Croatia to Italy by ferry

Once in Bari, you can take another ferry to Igoumenitsa, Patras, Cephalonia/Kefalonia or Corfu. The crossings take between 8 h and 15h depending on where you want to arrive in Greece.

>>read more about How to get from Italy to Greece by ferry

You can also connect via Ancona. There are two connections from Croatia to Ancona: Zadar and Split. And from Ancona you can take another ferry to Patras or Igoumenitsa; but the crossing time is between 15 h and 21 h.

Price-wise, Bari – Patras costs €55.40 per person, one way ; while Ancona – Patras costs €69.00 per person, one way.

Trains from Croatia to Greece

An easy way to travel between Croatia and Greece by train is to connect via Budapest (Hungary) and Bucharest (Romania).

There are direct trains from Zagreb Glavni Kolod to Budapest Keleti (because that’s where you’ll board the train to Bucharest Nord Gara A). Trains leave Zagreb at 4:08 p.m. daily. The travel time is about 7 h.

>>read more about Getting from Zagreb to Budapest

There are two connections daily from Budapest Keleti to Bucharest (Bucuresti) Nord Gara A: 7:10 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. The travel time is 14 ½ h.

From Bucharest board the train to Thessaloniki. There’s only one connection per day and the travel time is 18 h.

It is a very long route but on all night trains you can choose a cabin. Prices aren’t available online as you are crossing four countries, but you can also get Eurorail pass for this part of Europe. From personal experience on part of this route, it’s safe to say that prices average around €30- €50 per person one way, for each leg of the journey.

>>read more about Getting to Greece by Train

Buses from Croatia to Greece

Figuring out bus connection from Croatia to Greece is even harder than figuring out the train connections. Actually there aren’t any bus connection from Zagreb to Central/Eastern/Southern Europe, so if you try to replicate the itinerary above, you’ll still need to travel by train either to Bucharest or to one of the Romanian border cities (Arad, Timisoara, Oradea). From there you can catch a bus to Thessaloniki or all the way to Athens. Eurolines serve the route from Romania to Greece.

Driving from Croatia to Greece

First of all, ask whether you can take the rental car over the border and across several countries. Then, you can plan the route overland via E-75 and E75 , if you depart from Zagreb. It’s 1564 km to get to Athens and should take about 16 hours to drive. However, make sure to stop along the way.

This is the route from Zagreb to Athens without ferry crossings

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Photo credits: Athens Airport , Ferry , Budapest Keleti by Cristina Puscas and may not be used without permission

Weather

The sunny and warm days replace the early spring weather and it’s already possible to swim in the southern islands, by the end of the month.

Some temperatures:

Dubrovnik avg high 21C/70F; avg low 13C/57F
Hvar avg high 21C/71F ; avg low 14C/58F
Split avg high 21C/70F ; avg low 13C/57F
Zagreb avg 16C/60C

Facilities

Ferries to Croatia are available on all routes now and there are more connections than during early spring. For the domestic routes it’s not possible to book in advance, but if you travel internationally it might be a good idea to via a travel agency. If you want to travel between the Croatian islands the ferries are still spottier than you expect , so check if there’s a ferry available on the route you want to travel.

While for the domestic flights the airfare doesn’t change from season to season, when you fly from abroad, flights to Croatia start to increase in May but the prices also get more expensive. Still, it’s cheaper than flying in July or August. But do make sure to book your ticket in advance.

Accommodation is not hard to find but the prices start to rise because everyone is gearing up for the high travel season. Book your hostel bed ahead of time or consider camping.

Things to do

May 1 is Labor Day but worry not because those who work in the tourism sector are providing all the services. So, no disruptions in transport, either.

May is definitely the month of flowers in pretty much any European city. Croatia makes no exception and Split is home to the International Flower Fair , which takes place in the basement halls of Diocletian’s Palace. Or you can head to Zagreb by the end of the month for the Zagreb Flower Show which features 120 florists.

>>read more about Things to do in Zagreb

St Duje (St Domnius) is the patron saint of Split and he is celebrated on May 7. So, expect to find competitions, processions and games in the city.

If you missed Cannes Festival, head to Dubrovnik International Film Festival, which begins right after the other has ended. Sure, it’s not as star-populated but it’s easier to get into.

The mild weather makes Dubrovnik a delight to visit. Take a walk on the beach, sip some coffee in a stylish café and do some people watching. You can also visit the Sponza Palace and the Cathedral

>>read more about Things to do in Dubrovnik

Thanks to the nice weather, it’s a delight to plan some time in the nature in May. You can plan to visit the Plitvice Lakes National Park or Krka Waterfalls .

>>read more about the National Parks

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Weather

Spring has settled in, at last , and the flowers are in full bloom. You might actually be able to swim for an hour or so at noon along the coast.

Some temperatures:

Dubrovnik avg high 16C / 62F; avg low 10C/50F
Hvar avg high 17C/63F ; avg low 10C/51F
Split avg high 17C/63F ; avg low 8C/48F
Zagreb avg 11C/51C

Facilities

Ferries to Croatia restart their schedule if they’ve been stopped over winter and those with fewer connections during the cold season add more trips. Prices are slightly lower than during summer. But if you plan to travel from mainland to the islands or between the islands, make sure to check the schedule in advance as the service is spottier than during summer.

While for the domestic flights the airfare doesn’t change from season to season, when you fly from abroad, expect to find cheaper flights to Croatia than during summer and an increased number of flights. Still, book the ticket at least a month in advance and avoid flying around Easter.

Accommodation is also easy to find and the prices are lower than during summer. But since April is a popular time to visit Croatia especially for those on a low budget, book your hostel bed ahead of time and try to avoid traveling around Easter (unless you plan to spend Easter in Croatia, of course).

Things to do

April is the best month to visit Zagreb. The flowers are in bloom and the city looks absolutely amazing. Don’t miss the Botanical Garden and the parks. Also, plan to visit the museums and the Cathedral or do some shopping at the market.

>>read more about Things to do in Zagreb

The mild weather and lack of visitors make Dubrovnik a delight to visit. While you won’t be able to swim in the sea, you can definitely walk on the beach. You can also visit the Sponza Palace and the Cathedral

>>read more about Things to do in Dubrovnik

April is also a good month to plan outdoor activities , so head to the Plitvice Lakes National Park or Krka Waterfalls . The splendid waterfalls are swollen with water and the rivers are also at their peak so those who want to try rafting and kayaking will be delighted.

>>read more about the National Parks

With the warm weather also come the festivals. Palm Sunday and Easter festivals take place in the country and there are also some special religious events. Jurjevo (St George’s Day on April 23) marks the beginning of spring. He is the patron saint of harvest and fertility.

In Zagreb, the St Mark’s Festival is a music festival which features local folk music as well as classic music. Most concerts take place in St Mark’s church.

In Split you can attend the Croatian Theatre Festival which highlights theatre groups from around the country. But if you don’t speak Croatian, you can head to the Guitar Festival in Split (last week of April).

In Porec, the end of April is dedicated to the wines produced in this area.

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Weather

October weather is mild enough to allow for outdoor activities. Generally speaking, autumn is one of the best times to visit Croatia. It’s still possible to swim in Southern Dalmatia.

Some temperatures:

Dubrovnik avg high 20C / 69F; avg low 13C/56F
Hvar avg high 20C/69F ; avg low 14C/58F
Split avg high 20C/69F ; avg low 12C/54F
Zagreb avg 11C/51C

Facilities

Ferries to Croatia are still available from Italy but there aren’t as many connections as during summer. Prices are also slightly lower than during summer. Should you plan to travel from mainland to the islands or between the islands, make sure to check the schedule in advance as the service is spottier than during summer.

While for the domestic flights the airfare doesn’t change from season to season, when you fly from abroad, expect to find cheaper flights to Croatia than during summer. Still, book the ticket at least a month in advance.

Accommodation is also easy to find and the prices are lower than during summer. But since October is a popular time to visit Croatia especially for those on a low budget, book your hostel http://www.croatialogue.com/hostels bed ahead of time.

Things to do

Two major festivals take place in October in Croatia. The film festival in Zagreb features Croatian films, as well as up-coming international directors. And if you like truffles head to the Istrian Truffle Days which take place Livade, near Motovun. You can indulge in these delicacies for a fraction of the price you’ll pay in France or Italy.

The nice weather allows for sightseeing, so if you are in Zagreb don’t miss the museums, the market or the Cathedral. The things to do in Zagreb also include: the Medieval fortress of Medvedgrad and the Botanical Garden.

Dubrovnik is definitely known for its beaches and nightlife, but other things to do in Dubrovnik include: visiting the Sponza Palace, taking photos at the Great Onofrio Well or visiting the Cathedral.

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Zadar is located in northern Dalmatia and also has a Roman heritage. The old town is worth your time and so are the remains of the Roman Forum. During summer, spend some time on the beaches.

Although both cities are served by an airport, the short distance between them (160 km) doesn’t require a flight. You can fly via a connection in Zagreb, though , and the single fare starts at €240.

Quick summary

Generally speaking, buses tend to be cheaper than trains. And in this case, they are also faster.

Buses from Split to Zadar

You can catch a bus between Split and Zadar. There are 22 connections per day and you can find them here . Buses leave by the hour from 5 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. The travel time is about 2h 30 min. Some of the bus companies operating on this route are: Brioni, Autotrans Rijeka and Autotransport. Unfortunately, there is no pricing information available.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Croatia

Trains from Split to Zadar

The Split to Zadar connection is the only one which runs along the coast. The travel time is about 3 ½ h and there are 3 trains per day between the two cities. Trains depart split at 8:25 a.m., 2:41 p.m. and 9:18 p.m. On the way back, catch the trains from Zadar at 7:40 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. You can check out the schedule here . Unfortunately, there is no pricing information available.

>>read more about Train Travel in Croatia

Driving from Split to Zadar

You can rent a car in Split and drive the 160 km to Zadar in about 2 hours (via A1/E65/E71). This route has tolls.

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Bari, located in the Apulia region of Italy , is a major commercial center and port , located on the Adriatic Coast. It is well know as being a major ferry transportation hub for those leaving Italy to visit neighboring countries, such as Croatia and Greece. But aside from this, Bari also boasts a lovely old town, with many historic buildings and sites.

Although both cities are served by airports, there aren’t any direct flights between them. The only option is to connect via Zagreb and Rome, which means you’ll pay a lot (from €293 one way in Spring 2012) and spend about 27 hours traveling.

Ferries from Dubrovnik to Bari

There are two ferry companies which operate ferries between Dubrovnik and Bari:

• Azzuraline
• Jardolinija

Jardolinija operates both car and passenger ferries on this route. The ferry doesn’t run between mid November and late March. Most connections are available between early June and late September. From Dubrovnik to Bari, there are departures on Mon (1 p.m.), Tue (10 p.m) , Thu (1 p.m.) , Fri (1 p.m.) and Sun (1 p.m). The travel time is 7 h. From Bari to Dubrovnik, ferries depart on: Tue (10 p.m.), Thu (10 p.m.), Fri (10 p.m.) , Sat (10 p.m.), Sun (10 p.m.) and Mon ( 10 p.m.)

For prices, look under “international lines” on the website. During the low season, a deck seat costs €37.50 one way, while during the high season (Jun 24 – Aug 28), it costs €45 one way. Over the weekends, a single ticket is €52. There are also cabins available for this route.

Although Azzurline also says they run a ferry on the same route, finding the schedule and prices on their website proved to be impossible (couldn’t find anything listed for 2012).

>>read more about Croatia Ferries

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Korcula is the most populated island off the coast of Croatia, located close to Dubrovnik. It is known for the many cycling tracks which can be used year round (thanks to the mild weather).

Quick summary

The cheapest and easiest way to get between Dubrovnik and Korcula is the passenger ferry which sails two times a week during the summer. During the rest of the year, catch a bus from Dubrovnik to Korcula (which includes the ferry crossing).

Ferry from Dubrovnik to Korcula

Jadrolinija runs ferries between Dubrovnik and Korcula two days per week . They operate between end of May and end of October. Ferries depart Dubrovnik on Thursday and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and arrive in Korcula at 1 p.m. on the same day. On the way back, catch the ferry from Korcula at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Saturday and arrive in Dubrovnik at 6:30 p.m.

To find the price, go to “coastal lines” under Prices on the web site. During the low season, the single adult fare is €12, while during the high season (June 24 to Aug 28) it’s €14. Cabins are also available. You get 20% discount if you get a round trip ticket.

>>read more about Croatia Ferries

Buses from Dubrovnik to Korcula

Buses from Dubrovnik to Korcula leave Dubrovnik every day at 3 p.m. and arrive in Korcula at 6:15 p.m. It uses the ferry crossing Orebic – Korcula (Domince). The fare is 100 kuna (about €13.30) and includes the ferry crossing. The buses are operated by Autotrans .

Another option is to travel by bus from Dubrovnik to Orebic and then take the ferry to Korcula Town. Buses to Orebic depart Dubrovnik daily at 2:15 p.m. and arrive in Orebic at 4:15 p.m. This bus route doesn’t operate on Sundays and public holidays. From Orebic take the ferry to Korcula (for €13 one way).

>>read more about Bus Travel in Croatia

Driving from Dubrovnik to Korcula

You can rent a car in Dubrovnik and take the E65 and Route 414 to Korcula. The 119 km also include the Domince (Korcula) – Orebic ferry crossing. The total journey time is about 2 ½ h.

The ferries are operated by Jadrolinija and they run year round. There are 14 crossings each day (from 00:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. departing Orebic and from 00:10 a.m. to 9:40 p.m. departing Dominice). To look for prices, click the “local lines” on the website. An adult single ticket is €13 one way and for a compact car you’ll pay €63 one way. There is 20% discount if you buy a round trip ticket.

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The island of Hvar and especially Hvar Town is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Adriatic Sea. During the summer season – May to September – the city gets very crowded and the prices spike. The beaches, the vineyards, the harbor along with the impressive fortifications make this town a pleasure to visit, regardless of what you want to do here.

Passenger Ferries from Dubrovnik to Hvar

The only way to get between Dubrovnik and Hvar is by ferry. There are both fast ferries (passengers only) and car ferries available (in case you’ve rented a car during your vacation in Croatia).

The ferries only operate between end of May and end of September. The depart from Dubrovnik on Thursday and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and arrive in Stari Grad (island of Hvar) at 5 p.m. On the way back, catch the ferry from Stari Grad at 9:15 a.m. and you’ll be in Dubrovnik at 6:30 p.m. The ferries are operated by Jadrolinija .

Prices start at 14.50 euro per person, one way during the low season for a deck seat and 17.50 euro per person one way for the same seat during the high season (Jun 24 – Aug 28). If you get a round trip ticket, the discount is 20%. Cabin accommodation is also available. To look for the prices search under “coastal lines” on the website.

From Stari Grad you can catch one of the local buses to get to Hvar Town (or other place on the island). Or you can rent a scooter once you arrive and enjoy the scenic beauty of the island at your own pace.

>>read more about Croatia Ferries

Driving from Dubrovnik to Hvar

In case you prefer to drive between Dubrovnik and Hvar , there are three possible ferry crossings and routes. But the best option is the 234 km route along Route 116 which includes the Sućuraj – Drvenik ferry crossing. This ferry runs year round and there are three departures per day. You can complete the journey on this route in about 4 ½ h. This route is also operated by Jadrolinija.

To look for the prices, search under “local lines” on the website. An adult single ticket is 13 euro while for a compact car you’ll pay 6.50 euro one way.

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Split was originally built around the Diocletian palace and even today you can still see the old Roman walls, squares and temples.

Quick summary

With no train connection between Split and Dubrovnik, the bus is the cheapest option to travel. But if you want to drive on one of the most scenic roads in Europe, rent a car and you’ll be absolutely delighted.

Flights from Split (airport code: SPU) to Dubrovnik

Split Airport (SPU) is the second most important airport in Croatia and is located about 25 km from the city center. It handles flights to/from Europe, as well as domestic flights.

Dubrovnik airport (DBV), located about 20 km from the city center, is the third largest airport in Croatia. It is the base for Dubrovnik Airlines. Most of the flights it serves are seasonal, but the year round flights serve the country and some European destinations.

Croatia Airlines is the only airline flying between Split and Dubrovnik. Flights with a stop in Zagreb start at €53 one way per person, regardless of when you fly in 2012 and the total journey time is about 3 ½ h.

Buses from Split to Dubrovnik

There are 14 connections per day between Split and Dubrovnik. The timetable can be found here but there’s no way to find the prices or book the tickets online. Buses are operated by various companies, including: Croatia Bus, Autotrans Rijeka and Panorama Bus Zagreb. The journey time is about 4 ½ h.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Croatia

Driving from Split to Dubrovnik

You can rent a car in Split and drive Route 414 along the coast between Split and Dubrovnik. This route is a beautiful scenic journey through various travel destinations and small villages. The total journey time (including the ferry crossing) is about 4 ½ h.

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Dubrovnik is located on the Adriatic Sea coast and is one of the most well known tourist resorts in Croatia and Europe. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” , the city has been listed as a UNESCO site since 1979.

Quick summary

There is not train connection between Zagreb and Dubrovnik but bus fares start at about €27* per person one way. Flights take significantly less (just an hour) and start at €41 per person, one way. If you like scenic drives, then part of this route- from Split to Dubrovnik – will make you fall in love with Croatia.

Flights from Zagreb (airport code: ZAG) to Dubrovnik

Zagreb International Airport (ZAG) is located 17 km from the city center, to which is connected by buses. It is the most important airport in Croatia and a hub for Croatia Airlines. It handles flights within Europe, as well as domestic flights.

Dubrovnik airport (DBV) is located about 20 km from the city center and is the third largest airport in Croatia. Dubrovnik Airlines is based here. Most of the flights it serves are seasonal, but there are domestic flights and flights from some European capitals which operate year-round.

Flights between Zagreb and Dubrovnik are operated only by Croatia Airlines. The flight time is 1h 5 min. Regardless of when you fly in 2012, expect to pay from €41 per person one way for a flight between the two cities.

Buses from Zagreb to Dubrovnik

There are 8 buses per day between Zagreb and Dubrovnik , including several night buses. The total journey time is about 11 h. It’s not possible to book the tickets online. You can check the timetable here . Fares start at 205 Croatian kune (about €27) per person, one way and depend on the bus company you choose.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Croatia

Driving from Zagreb to Dubrovnik

You can rent a car in Zagreb and drive the 627 km to Dubrovnik on A1/E71. You should be able to cover the distance in about 7 ½ h but plan some stops along the way. This route also includes a ferry crossing (Trpanj – Ploce).

The route from Split to Dubrovnik is a beautiful scenic journey through various travel destinations and small villages.

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Note: *at the time the article was written

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