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Dubrovnik Cable Car: The Ultimate Guide for 2025
You’ve just landed on the ultimate guide to the Dubrovnik cable car!
If you’re gearing up for a trip to this stunning coastal city and wondering about the must-dos, riding the cable car is likely on your list. But is it worth the trip? What are the costs? Are there any alternatives? I’m here to answer all these questions and more.
Having called Croatia my home since 2014 and being a regular visitor to Dubrovnik, I’ve come to know the ins and outs of the city. I also have friends in Dubrovnik who have shared their local insight with me to make sure you get the most out of your trip.
In this guide, I’m thrilled to share everything you need to know to plan your cable car adventure. From ticket prices to the best times to visit, and even some insider tips on making the most of your journey to the top of Mount Srd, I’ve compiled all the essential information right here.
Let’s dive in!
History of the Dubrovnik Cable Car
The Dubrovnik cable car, known as “žičara” in the Croatian language, was constructed in 1969, when it began transporting people from the Old Town to the top of Mount Srd. It was the first cable car to be built in the region, transporting up to 15 people at a time.
In 1991, amidst the turmoil of the Croatian War of Independence, the cable car was severely damaged and forced to stop operating.
After years of inactivity, 2010 became a landmark year for the cable car. It underwent a complete restoration, reemerging as a modern and improved version of its former self. Once again, it began to transport visitors to the peak of Mount Srd, continuing its legacy as an iconic symbol of Dubrovnik.
Riding the Cable Car in Dubrovnik
The cable car has two cabins, each accommodating up to 32 passengers. It glides up 778 meters from the lower base to the upper base in just 3.5 minutes. It’s such a cool experience to watch the picturesque Old Town get smaller and smaller as you climb the mountain, offering a truly unique perspective.
Pro tip: Stand at the base of the cabin for the best view on the way up!
Perched 405 meters above sea level, the upper station gives you uninterrupted panoramic views of Dubrovnik, Lokrum Island, and the expansive Adriatic Sea. There is a large terrace at the top with a glass railing where you can soak in the view, but personally, my favorite spot is to the left on the rocks overlooking the Old Town.
The cable car also offers free Wi-Fi on board, so you can easily share live footage of this experience with friends and family online. But if you have Airalo, you won’t have to worry about wifi 😉
Accessibility
All cable car facilities are fully accessible to those with limited mobility, including both stations, cabins, restrooms, and an elevator, ensuring everyone can enjoy the breathtaking views from the top.
Dubrovnik Cable Car Specs
Cabins: 2
Capacity per cabin: 32 + 1
Empty cabin weight: 3,100 kg
Cabin weight with passengers: 5,650 kg
Travel speed: 6.5 m/s
Travel time: 3:30 min
Safety
Rest assured that the Dubrovnik cable car is not only scenic, but completely safe to ride. The cable car is equipped with modern safety features including monitoring wind speeds. If at any point the wind exceeds the safety threshold on any part of the route, the cable car will automatically stop until conditions improve.
In the case of possible lightning, the cable car will temporarily suspend service as a precautionary measure.
Dubrovnik Cable Car Opening Hours
The cable car operates between March 1st and October 31st and closes for the low season. It’s opening hours vary based on the time of year:
| Months | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| January | Closed |
| February | Closed |
| March | 9:00 to 17:00 |
| April | 9:00 to 21:00 |
| May | 9:00 to 23:00 |
| June | 9:00 to 24:00 |
| July | 9:00 to 24:00 |
| August | 9:00 to 24:00 |
| September | 9:00 to 23:00 |
| October | 9:00 to 20:00 |
| November | Closed |
| December | Closed |
The Dubrovnik cable car operates on a flexible schedule, setting off as soon as it has a sufficient number of passengers ready to embark. This means there are no fixed departure times.
The line to go up can be looooong, as in 30 minutes to an hour wait (sometimes more) in high season. You’ll want to make sure you get to the departure point ahead of time, especially if you’re aiming for specific moments like sunset or if you have a dinner reservation (more on that later).
If you do want to watch the sunset from the top of Mt Srd, I suggest planning on getting to the top about 30 minutes before sunset. This extra time ensures you’re not just rushing to the view but also soaking in the breathtaking scenery and the special atmosphere at the top.
Dubrovnik Cable Car Price
Dubrovnik is the most expensive city in Croatia, and the cable car is one of the most popular things to do here, so I’ve listed the current cable car prices below to help you better budget your trip.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult round-trip | €27 |
| Adult one-way | €15 |
| Children round-trip (4-12 years) | €7 |
| Children one-way (4-12 years) | €4 |
| Children up to 4 years of age | free |
The views from the top of Mount Srđ certainly come at a price, but they are worth every penny! I realize this can be expensive for some, especially families, so I’ve provided some cable car alternatives in this post so that you can get the same views at a fraction of the price.
Where to Buy Tickets
You can buy Dubrovnik cable car tickets at the lower cable car station or online on the official website. The cash register at the lower station accepts cash and credit cards, while the ticket machine accepts credit cards only.
Alternatively, you can go on a tour that includes the cable car ticket in the price of the tour.
This Super Saver tour is always my top recommendation because it includes the cable car ride, a guided walking tour of the Old Town, plus entry to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city walls. This is a particularly great option for cruise ship passengers.
How to Get to the Cable Car
Getting to the lower station of the Dubrovnik cable car is pretty straightforward. The station is located outside of the Old Town walls, so you’ll need to exit the historic center to reach it.
If you’re exiting the Old Town through the Pile Gate, a brief 12-minute-walk north will bring you to the station. Alternatively, if you’re closer to the Ploče Gate, it’s an even shorter stroll, taking around 3 minutes.
If you’re coming from another location, or if you need more specific guidance, simply tap the map below and follow the directions to get there from wherever you are.
If you are arriving by cruise ship or parking in Gruz Harbor, you have a couple of convenient options. You can hop on the number 8 bus line, which offers a direct route to the cable car station. Alternatively, a taxi ride is a quick and easy way to reach the station as well.
What to Do at the Top
Panorama Restaurant
At the top of Mount Srđ is the Paorama Restaurant, the restaurant with the most jaw-dropping views you will ever experience from a dining table. I personally haven’t had dinner here, but I have had dessert (Dubrovacka rozata and drinks), but the restaurant does get raving reviews for dinner.
They serve delicious and beautifully presented Mediterranean cuisine. It is a stunning place to dine and truly a one-of-a-kind experience you can have when visiting Croatia, so I’d recommend it. You can drop in, but if you have your heart set on dining here, definitely make a reservation online in advance to secure a table.
Fort Imperial
This 19th-century Imperial Fortress was strategically built at the top of the mountain under Napoleon’s rule in 1812. In the mid 1800s, it was taken over by the Austrians and used to defend agains the Ottoman Empire. In the 1990s, it was used as a military base during the Croatian War of Independence.
Today, the fortress houses the Homeland War and also has a roof terrace with beautiful views of the Old Town and islands down below.
Homeland War Museum
Housed inside the Imperial Fortress, the Homeland War Museum is an absolute must-visit if you’re interested in learning about Croatian history and the relatively recent homeland war. The museum, founded in 2003, provides a humbling glimpse into the war and its aftermath.
Through interactive displays and exhibits such as authentic uniforms, weapons, stories of real life experiences, and documents from the war period, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Croatia’s turbulent past.
Alternatives to the Cable Car
Taxi or rental car
Instead of taking the cable car up to the top of Mount Srd, you can drive up with a rental car or take a taxi. This is a good option if you don’t feel like waiting in line for the cable car or if you’re with a group and want to save some cash.
The drive up Mount Srd takes about 15-20 minutes, but be prepared for a bit of a challenge if you’re behind the wheel. The road, while well-maintained, features a series of winding turns, and some sections are both steep and narrow, so I only recommend this if you’re a skilled driver.
Once you reach the top, there is plenty of free parking.
I’ve driven to the top of Mt Srd before, or should I say, a local friend of mine drove us to the top. The route is incredibly picturesque, with countless gorgeous photo stops along the way.
If you don’t feel comfortable driving, you can also take a taxi from the Old Town to the top of Mt. Srd. Prices start at around €40, but it’s best to ask around and get a few quotes before committing to a driver. I’d also suggest checking Uber to make sure you’re getting a fair price.
Hiking
If you’re up for an adventure, it is totally possible to hike to the top of Mt. Srd. The trail is 1.5 miles uphill, and if you think that sounds easy, bear in mind that it’s a steep incline with lots of hairpin turns.
It will likely take you an hour to walk up, depending on how many times you stop to take in the views (which are truly magnificent) or break for water and to catch your breath.
If you do choose to hike, I would do so early in the morning when it is not as hot. If you hike in the afternoon, just make sure you plan your return before sunset so you’re not hiking down in the dark.
Also, make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen!
Bus
There is no bus that goes to the peak of Mount Srd, but the 17 bus line takes you from across the street from the Pile Gate to the small mountain village of Bosanka. The village is located about 4 kilometers northeast of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and the bus ride takes roughly 25 minutes.
From Bosanka, it’s about a 25 minute walk to the top where the cable car drops you off.
This is probably the cheapest alternative to the cable car ride. Bus tickets are relatively inexpensive at €2 and you can purchase them directly from the bus driver (cash only, so make sure you have change). Plus you get to enjoy some pretty epic views along the way, and the hike itself is a lot less difficult than starting from Dubrovnik.
Buggy Safari Tour
This is a super fun day trip from Dubrovnik where you’ll be picked up in the Old Town and go on a tour of Dubrovnik’s spectacular surroundings. You’ll start with a drive up the coastal road to Mount Srd complete with panoramic views of the city and shimmering Adriatic Sea down below.
Your guide will then take you off-road and into the heart of the mountain where you’ll explore historic sites, hidden fortresses, and gorgeous landscapes that the average tourist won’t even know exist! So if you’re looking to add a little adrenaline to your Dubrovnik trip, a Buggy Safari might just be the perfect way to do it.
FAQs
Is the cable car worth it in Dubrovnik?
Yes! Riding the Dubrovnik cable car is worth it if it’s your first time visiting the city. You really can’t beat the panoramic views of the Old Town from the top of Mount Srd.
Is the Dubrovnik cable car safe?
Yes, the Dubrovnik cable car is safe. It is equipped with modern safety features and operates with strict adherence to safety protocols, so you can feel confident knowing that it’s a secure experience for all passengers.
How long is the Dubrovnik cable car ride?
The Dubrovnik cable car journey covers a distance of approximately 778 meters and takes about 3.5 minutes to travel from the lower station to the upper station.
How far is the cable car from the port in Dubrovnik?
The lower station of the Dubrovnik cable car is about a 10-minute drive from Gruz Port, making it conveniently accessible for visitors arriving by cruise ship. You can easily reach the cable car from the port by taking a taxi or the number 8 bus line.
Final Thoughts
That wraps up our Dubrovnik cable car adventure! I hope you’re fully convinced to add the cable car ride to your itinerary—it’s totally worth it and will certainly be one of the top experiences you have while visiting Dubrovnik.
Before you go, make sure you check out these amazing day trips from Dubrovnik to complete your vacation.
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Croatia Travel Planning Guide
💸 What is the currency in Croatia?
As of January 1st, 2023, the official currency of Croatia is the Euro and NOT the Kuna (which is also the name of the national animal of Croatia).
🇭🇷 What language do they speak in Croatia?
Croatian is the official language of Croatia. Learn some phrases in Croatian before your trip with the Ling app!
🚑 Should I buy Croatia travel insurance?
10000% YES – Seriously, don’t leave home without it. You never know what can happen on the road. I like SafetyWing because they provide excellent coverage for as little as $1.50 a day.
📱 Will my phone work in Croatia?
Maybe – check with your provider to see if you’ll have service while traveling Croatia. If you don’t have service (or it’s too expensive) I recommend getting an eSIM like Airalo. Airalo allows you to have data while traveling without the high costs of roaming. They have super affordable plans available for 190+ countries, including Croatia. Download the app and get your plan before you leave home so that you have data as soon as you touch down in Croatia!
🏨 What’s the best way to book my Croatia accommodations?
For Croatia hotels, Booking is by far the best site.
🛫 What’s the best site to buy Croatia flights?
I always use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights.
🚗 Is it safe to rent a Car in Croatia?
Yes! – In fact, renting a car in Croatia is one of the best ways to see the country! I recommend Discover Cars because they check both local and international rental companies to ensure you get the best deal. (Get your Croatia road trip itinerary here)
💦 Is it safe to drink the water in Croatia?
Tap water in Croatia is completely safe to drink, so bring your reusable water bottle and fill up!
🪪 Do I need a visa for Croatia?
Depending on where you are coming from you may or may not need a visa to enter Croatia. Check the official Republic of Croatia Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for more information on who should apply for a visa.
