Renting a Car at Dubrovnik Airport

Dubrovnik Čilipi Airport (DBV) is the gateway to Croatia's most famous city — the walled Pearl of the Adriatic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with one of the best-preserved medieval fortifications in the world. A rental car is essential for day trips to Montenegro, Mostar, and the Dalmatian coast.

Prices from €25/day — slightly higher than Split due to seasonal demand concentration. The coastal road south to Montenegro and north to Split are among the most scenic drives in Europe.

Which Car Rental Companies Operate at DBV?

  • Europcar
  • Sixt
  • Hertz
  • Avis
  • Budget

Additional options are available through DiscoverCars and RentalCars.com, which aggregate independent local operators alongside the major brands — often at the lowest rates.

How to Pick Up Your Car at Dubrovnik Airport

1
Collect Your Luggage

Follow signs to baggage reclaim in the arrivals hall.

2
Find the Car Rental Desks

Rental desks are in the arrivals hall — follow 'Car Rental / Auto a Noleggio / Autonoleggio' signs after customs.

3
Present Your Documents

You need: booking confirmation, valid driving licence (≥1 year), passport or ID card, and the credit card used to book.

4
Inspect the Car

Walk around the car with the agent before signing. Photograph any existing damage.

5
Drive Away

Follow airport exit signs toward the city. Your sat-nav or phone maps will guide you from there.

What Documents Do You Need?

  • Valid driving licence — held for at least 1 year. EU licences accepted without translation throughout the EU/EEA.
  • Passport or national identity card.
  • Credit card in the primary driver's name for the security deposit (debit cards rarely accepted).
  • Non-EU licence holders may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if the licence is not in Latin script.

Young Driver Rules at Dubrovnik Airport

Drivers aged 18–24 can rent from most providers but typically pay a Young Driver Surcharge of €10–€25/day. The minimum rental age is usually 18, though some providers require 21 or 25 for premium vehicle categories.

Tips for Renting at DBV

  • The drive from the airport to Dubrovnik (25 km) passes through a brief section of Bosnia-Herzegovina near Neum — bring your passport even for this short trip.
  • Dubrovnik city centre parking is extremely limited; park at Ilijina Glavica (free) or the cable car station and walk down.
  • Montenegro (Kotor) requires your passport. Most providers allow Montenegro travel; confirm.
  • Drive early morning or late afternoon in summer to avoid the worst crowds and traffic.
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Getting from Dubrovnik Airport to Dubrovnik City Centre

With a rental car, driving from Dubrovnik Airport to Dubrovnik city centre takes approximately 30 min (25 km). Follow the airport exit signs toward the city — sat-nav or Google Maps will route you from there. Parking in the centre varies; check our tips above for the best options.

Driving in Croatia

Croatia uses right-hand traffic. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, 130 km/h on motorways. Blood alcohol limit: 0.05%. Motorway tolls apply. Headlights on at all times Oct–Mar. Currency: Euro (€).

Nearby Destinations Worth Driving To

  • Kotor, Montenegro — 90 km, 1.5 hr. A UNESCO-walled city in a fjord-like bay — one of the most dramatic settings in the Mediterranean.
  • Mostar, Bosnia — 150 km, 2 hr. Bosnia's most beautiful city — the restored Stari Most bridge, Ottoman architecture, and excellent coffee.
  • Split — 230 km, 3 hr. Diocletian's Palace and the Dalmatian coast north to Krka National Park.
  • Ston & Mali Ston — 60 km, 1 hr. The longest medieval walls in Europe — and the best oysters in the Adriatic.

For more planning help, read our car rental tips guide and find out which fees to watch for when you collect your vehicle.