Dubrovnik's location in southern Croatia makes the city an ideal starting point for regional exploration. Car rental in Dubrovnik opens access to places unreachable by public transport, while taxi trips prove expensive.
Dubrovnik's location in southern Croatia makes the city an ideal starting point for regional exploration. Car rental in Dubrovnik opens access to places unreachable by public transport, while taxi trips prove expensive.
You can pick up and drop off your booked car either in the city itself or at Dubrovnik Airport.
Visiting the Pelješac Peninsula or Konavle region is simply impossible without a car. It's also essential for neighboring country visits—Montenegro or Bosnia and Herzegovina. Journeys to Ston, Trsteno, or Cavtat become much more comfortable without bus schedule dependency.
Localrent offers huge vehicle selection for Dubrovnik rental, from affordable compact cars to luxury class and spacious minivans. The service provides many other undeniable advantages:
Localrent unites offers from reliable local rental companies on one platform, making it much easier to find vehicles for your perfect Dubrovnik vacation.
Required for rental contract processing:
Driver Requirements:
These conditions may vary by selected vehicle. Each Localrent car description specifies exact requirements. Use filters to see only available options.
You meet the rental representative at a place of your choice. When booking, you simply choose your preferred place and time, and a rental agent will meet you.
The right way to pick up a car:
Be sure to take detailed photos or videos of the car. Just in case.
That's all. The procedure usually takes about 20 minutes.
The drop-off takes even less.
If you made a deposit by card, be sure to keep all documents until the money is returned to your account.
Understanding Dubrovnik's unique traffic dynamics is crucial for smooth coastal navigation. The city combines modern highways with narrow historic streets, creating specific challenges for international drivers.
Critical congestion periods in Dubrovnik:
Key recommendations for optimal travel:
Historic area navigation: Old Town features complex one-way systems requiring careful attention to signage and local traffic flow patterns.
Seasonal road restrictions: Some Old Town adjacent areas close to vehicles April-October, except residents with special permits.
Mountain road challenges: Expect steep turns without guardrails on some sections outside the city—exercise extreme caution on coastal serpentines.
Local driving behavior: Mountain serpentine drivers often cut corners; secondary road markings may be worn; remain vigilant on guardrail-free mountain sections.
Mandatory equipment: Low beam headlights required November 1 - March 31.
Weather considerations: Winter brings road closures due to rain and landslides—check conditions before mountain travel.
Traffic density variations: Summer brings heavy traffic, especially approaching Old Town and Gruž Port. Winter improves conditions but introduces weather-related complications.
Motorcycle awareness: Active moped and scooter movement during tourist season requires constant vigilance.
Navigation app reliability: Google Maps often routes through tourist-restricted zones; Waze better understands local one-way traffic schemes.
Dubrovnik parking presents significant challenges, especially May-October. The historic center with narrow streets simply cannot accommodate large vehicle volumes.
Recommended Covered Parking Facilities:
Street Parking Zone System (5 zones with different rates):
Payment methods:
Free parking options:
Cost-saving strategy: Park in Gruž area and take bus 1A—saves minimum €30 daily. Best option: book accommodation with parking and explore central Dubrovnik on foot.
Main gas station networks include INA, Petrol, and Tifon, found in central areas and city approaches. Most major stations operate 24/7; smaller residential stations close at 9:00-10:00 pm.
Refueling Process:
Modern stations offer additional conveniences: mini-markets, coffee machines, restrooms, car wash services, and tire pressure checks.
Prices remain similar across stations (1-2% variation). For remote Dalmatian region trips, refuel in advance—mountain area stations are less frequent.
Most motorways in Croatia are toll roads. You can’t get on a toll road by mistake because as there are checkpoints with boom barriers at the entrance. You can pay in cash or by card.
Summer season reduces available vehicle selection in Dubrovnik, especially automatic transmission models. Book suitable options in advance.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Vehicle inspection — Upon receiving your voucher, carefully check vehicle condition during pickup—fuel level, existing damage, equipment. Document all discrepancies in report before contract signing
Dubrovnik's surroundings offer numerous interesting car-accessible locations:
Top Regional Destinations:
Cross-border travel: For Montenegro or Bosnia trips, use "Neighboring Countries Travel" filter during booking and add this option to orders. Montenegrin mountain roads prefer powerful engine vehicles.
Choose convenient pickup points during booking:
Available pickup locations depend on specific vehicles. Check selected car details for location options—some models offer airport-only pickup; others support delivery and office collection.
Local insights to avoid problems and maximize comfort:
Terrain reality: Dubrovnik has no flat areas—even airport to center travel involves continuous serpentines with steep gradients and turns. Without good air conditioning in summer heat, especially in Old Town approach traffic, conditions become unbearable. Avoid old models without climate control—they can't handle local +35°C shade temperatures.
Vehicle selection strategy: Dubrovnik isn't suitable for hybrids or very small cars. Even hotel parking exits often require sharp uphill starts. Best choice: 1.2L+ engines; for mountain travel, 1.4L+ recommended.
Private property awareness: 90% of courtyard spaces are private territory; 5 minutes in prohibited Old Town wall parking costs hundreds of euros in fines. Follow simple Dubrovnik parking rule: no "P" sign means prohibited—even if other cars are present (likely resident permit holders).
Payment preparation: Most parking machines don't accept cards or bills—always carry coins. Especially relevant at beach parking areas lacking mobile payment options.
Hotel parking verification: When choosing hotels with parking, check maps and verify distances. "5-minute walk" might mean 5 minutes climbing stairs. Confirm restricted vehicle zones nearby. Always ask: "Can I drive rental cars directly to the entrance?"
No, vehicles must be returned in the same country where collected.
Yes, for example, collect in Dubrovnik and return in Split. During booking, specify different locations in pickup and return fields to see available options.
Yes, Localrent features special filters showing only vehicles not requiring credit cards.
For city travel, choose compact but sufficiently powerful models like Renault Clio or Toyota Aygo. For mountain region trips, select more powerful engines—preferably 1.4L+.
Yes, but advance permit arrangement required. Add corresponding option during booking. Not all vehicles are available for international trips—use filters to choose among suitable cars.
Such offers are rare in Dubrovnik. If no deposit-free options are available for your dates, use filters to find vehicles with minimal security deposits.
can I pick up the car at one place and drop it off at another?
Hello! Yes, sure.
hi will the car have navigation?
Hello! No, navigation is optional equipment. The rental company will only provide it if this equipment is included in your booking.