Port Gruž is located about 3.5 kilometers from Dubrovnik Old Town, but getting there is easy. The journey typically takes just 5–10 minutes, and for most cruise passengers the local bus is the simplest and cheapest option.
Local buses, taxis, Uber, and Bolt all connect the cruise port with Pile Gate, the main entrance to Dubrovnik Old Town.
Quick Decision Guide
🚌 Best Overall
Bus 1A, 1B or 3
€2.50 per person, 5–10 minutes, direct to Pile Gate.
🚗 Fastest
Uber or Bolt
Usually €8–14 total for the vehicle.
🚕 Most Convenient
Official Taxi
Available immediately at the pier but usually the most expensive option.
🚶 Not Recommended
Walking
35–45 minutes along a busy road with little sightseeing value.
Where to Catch Your Bus, Uber or Taxi
Bus Stop Location
After leaving the cruise terminal area, walk toward the main road running alongside the harbor.
The bus stop is directly outside the ferry terminal and market area. This is where buses to Pile Gate and Dubrovnik Old Town stop.
This is also the easiest pickup point for Uber and Bolt.
Open Bus Stop in Google Maps ↗Option 1: Local Bus to Dubrovnik Old Town (Best Overall)
Which Bus to Take
Look for 1A, 1B, or 3. All three stop next to Port Gruž and head straight to Pile Gate, the main entrance to Dubrovnik Old Town.
Because three different routes serve this stop, a bus usually arrives every 15–20 minutes.
The journey takes just 5–10 minutes, and Pile Gate is the final stop, so it's easy to know when to get off.
Fare & Payment
The onboard fare is €2.50. Contactless payment is accepted directly on the bus.
For ticket types, transfer rules, and Dubrovnik Pass instructions, see our complete Libertas bus guide.
Complete Dubrovnik Bus Guide →Option 2: Uber or Bolt (Fastest)
If your goal is to reach the City Walls before the excursion crowds arrive, Uber and Bolt are usually the fastest option.
- Typical fare: €8–14 total
- Travel time: 7–10 minutes
- Ideal for groups of 2–4 people
Request your ride from the same road where the buses stop rather than trying to coordinate a pickup inside the port area.
Option 3: Official Taxis (Most Convenient)
Official taxis wait directly at the cruise port and provide the simplest door-to-door option.
The journey itself is short, but quoted flat rates commonly range between €20 and €25.
If price matters, Uber and Bolt are normally significantly cheaper.
Option 4: Walking (Not Recommended)
Walking from Port Gruž to the Old Town takes around 35–45 minutes and follows a busy urban road with limited shade. Most cruise passengers will save both time and energy by taking the local bus instead.
How to Return to Port Gruž
Get Your Ticket Before the Bus Arrives
If you plan to return to Port Gruž by bus, buy your ticket at the Libertas Ticket Office while you're waiting at the Old Town bus stop.
Tickets are slightly cheaper than onboard fares, and having one ready makes boarding easier and faster.
Using a Dubrovnik Pass? You can also collect your paper bus ticket here.
Libertas Bus & Pass Guide →🎯 Travel Tip: Watch for Bus 8
Most visitors returning from the Old Town wait exclusively for Bus 1A, 1B, or 3. However, Bus 8 also serves Port Gruž and can sometimes have noticeably shorter queues during the late afternoon rush.
If a Bus 8 arrives while you're waiting at Old Town bus stop, boarding it can be an easy way to get back to Port Gruž sooner.
⏰ Expect Crowds Between 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM
Late afternoon is when Pile Gate becomes the primary transit bottleneck for thousands of cruise passengers, tour groups, and independent visitors heading back toward Port Gruž.
Long queues for buses are common during this period. Be sure to leave yourself an extra time buffer if your ship has a strict all-aboard deadline.
Recommended Strategy
For most cruise passengers, the winning strategy is simple:
- Walk to the main road outside Port Gruž.
- Take the next bus to Pile Gate.
- Get off at Pile Gate.
- Buy your return ticket in advance before heading back.
It is the cheapest, simplest, and most reliable way to travel between Dubrovnik Cruise Port and the Old Town.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Dubrovnik Old Town from Port Gruž?
The distance is approximately 3.5 km. By bus, taxi, Uber, or Bolt, the journey typically takes 5–10 minutes.
Which bus goes to Dubrovnik Old Town?
Buses 1A, 1B, and 3 all run from Port Gruž to Pile Gate, the main entrance to the Old Town.
Can I pay by card on Dubrovnik buses?
Yes. Contactless cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted onboard.