Driving into Dubrovnik? Read This Before You Roll In

Driving into Dubrovnik? Read This Before You Roll In

Digital nomads, road trippers, and remote workers with a love for four wheels — this one’s for you.

If you’re planning to rent a car in Dubrovnik or arrive with your own vehicle, here’s what you need to know before heading toward the historic Old City.

Dubrovnik has implemented a special Traffic Management System around its UNESCO-protected Old Town (referred to as "the Zone”) — not to make your life difficult, but to protect its heritage and keep traffic sustainable in the city’s most sensitive areas.

The Zone covers the entire area surrounding the Old City, including Pile, Boninovo, Ilijina Glavica, Zagrebačka Street, Viktorija, and Ploče. Access is restricted from March 1 to November 30 and during high-traffic periods or special events. Entry is only allowed under very specific conditions.

So if you're thinking of rolling up in your campervan and parking with a view of the city walls — think again.

Here’s how to legally enter the Zone with a vehicle:

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  You’ve pre-booked parking through the City’s official prepaid system at Pile or the Cable Car lower platform



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  You’re staying in a hotel or private accommodation inside the Zone that has registered your license plate in advance



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  You’re arriving on a pre-registered minibus or shuttle via the Bus Web Shop



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  You’re entering the Zone in search of accommodation (allowed once), and either find a place and register your vehicle within 3 days, or leave and notify zona@dubrovnik.hr with your license plate and reason for entry

⚠️ If you enter without registration or fail to follow up, you risk a fine. So don’t just wing it.

Nomad Tip:

If you’re booking a stay in Dubrovnik and want to bring or rent a car, always check with your host if they can provide parking access and ensure they’ve registered your vehicle in advance. Many apartments and hotels outside the Zone offer parking, but you’ll still want to confirm.

Smart Parking = Less Stress

Dubrovnik has recently launched a prepaid parking reservation system at Pile and the Cable Car platform. Book your parking slot online and you’ll be automatically recognized by the system — no paper passes, no confusion, no fines. Just smooth sailing (or parking).

You can reserve your space through the City of Dubrovnik's official website.

So, nomads — yes, you can bring your car to Dubrovnik. Just do it the smart way.

Because nothing ruins a remote workday like an unexpected parking fine.