Dubrovnik's public buses are the easiest and cheapest way to travel between the Old Town, Gruž, Lapad, Babin Kuk, and other parts of the city.

This comprehensive guide covers current 2026 pricing, route navigation, boarding etiquette, and the vital steps required if you are using a Dubrovnik Pass.

Dubrovnik Bus Tickets & Prices (2026)

Bus fares in Dubrovnik depend entirely on where you buy them. Purchasing your ticket in advance at a kiosk not only saves money but also provides a much more flexible transit ticket.

Single Ticket (60 Minutes)

€1.73

Unlimited rides and transfers for 60 minutes after first validation.

Buy: Libertas Ticket Offices or Tisak newsstands.

Two-Ride Ticket

€3.19

Includes two rides. Note that each ride is valid for 30 minutes after validation.

Buy: Libertas Ticket Offices.

Onboard Ticket

€2.50

Valid for one ride on the bus where purchased. No transfers allowed.

Buy: Directly from the driver.

24-Hour Pass

€5.31

Unlimited travel across the city network for 24 hours from first validation.

Buy: Libertas Ticket Offices.

💳 Carry a Small Amount of Backup Cash

Most buses accept contactless cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. However, card terminals occasionally experience connection issues, so carrying a few Euros in cash is still a good backup.

📍 Libertas Ticket Offices
📱 Finding the Right Bus

Google Maps works well in Dubrovnik and is usually the easiest way to find bus routes, stops, and departure times.

Using Dubrovnik Public Buses with a Dubrovnik Pass

Bus travel is included with every Dubrovnik Pass. You can either exchange your pass for a paper bus ticket or scan the pass directly from your phone.

Official Libertas ticket office at Pile Gate where return bus tickets can be purchased before boarding
Libertas Ticket Office at Pile Gate

Two Ways to Use Your Pass

1. Exchange for a Paper Ticket (Recommended)
Show your Dubrovnik Pass at any Libertas Ticket Office and receive a paper bus ticket. This is the quickest and easiest option when boarding.

2. Scan Your Pass on the Bus
If a ticket office is closed or busy, you can scan the Dubrovnik Pass QR code directly from your phone at the onboard validator.

Note: Your Dubrovnik Pass activates the moment it is first scanned, whether on a bus or at an attraction.

Tip: Redeeming a paper bus ticket counts as a pass scan and activates your Dubrovnik Pass. However, the printed ticket then functions independently and only starts its own validity period when first used on a bus.

Not sure if the Dubrovnik Pass is worth it? Compare costs, attractions, and ticket options in our complete guide.

Dubrovnik Pass Guide →

Dubrovnik Bus Routes: Old Town & Main Transit Hubs

For most visitors, the only stop you need to remember is Old Town (Pile Gate). Located just outside the city walls, it is Dubrovnik's main bus hub and is served by most local routes.

Most Useful Routes

  • Port Gruž & Main Bus Station ↔ Old Town: Bus 1A, 1B, or 3.
  • Lapad ↔ Old Town: Bus 4.
  • Babin Kuk ↔ Old Town: Bus 6.

Most city routes are numbered 1–9 and run at least every 20 minutes during the day.

To find exact departure times, check the official Libertas timetable .

Routes 10+ generally serve suburban communities outside the main city area.

Arriving by cruise ship? See our dedicated Port Gruž transit guide.

Port Gruž Guide →

Boarding Rules & Ticket Validation

The validator can be confusing for first-time visitors. Understanding the process beforehand makes boarding faster and easier.

Close-up of the digital NFC ticket validator terminal located next to the driver onboard Libertas buses
Ticket Validator & QR Scanner

1. Board Through the Front Door

Enter through the front door beside the driver. The middle and rear doors are for exiting passengers only.

2. Use the Top Screen for Tapping

The top screen is used for:
  • 🎟️ Paper tickets
  • 💳 Contactless bank cards
  • 📱 Apple Pay & Google Pay

Hold your ticket or payment device flat against the screen until you hear a beep.

📱 Scanning a Digital Dubrovnik Pass

Digital Dubrovnik Passes do not use the top screen. Instead, scan the QR code using the scanner underneath the validator.

For the best results:

  1. Set screen brightness to 100%.
  2. Zoom in, but keep the entire QR code visible.
  3. Place your phone flat under the scanner with the screen facing up.

Once validated, the machine will print a paper transit ticket.

Important: Keep this ticket with you for the entire duration of your pass. Lost tickets cannot be replaced.

For the latest timetables, fares, service updates, and network information, visit the official Libertas Dubrovnik website .