How to Get to Miljet from Dubrovnik | Passenger & Car Ferry Guide
Mljet is Croatia’s greenest, lushest island, located just 30 kilometers from Dubrovnik. I’m always surprised by how few tourists make their way to Mljet from Dubrovnik; despite its close proximity to Croatia’s tourist hub and the fact that it’s an insanely beautiful island, it is still not a popular spot for international travelers. Mljet remains one of Croatia’s best kept secrets, and is most frequented by local Croatian tourists, rather than international ones.
If you have a rental car and will be taking the car ferry (or it’s your first time navigating the Croatian ferry system in general), it can be a little intimidating, but getting to Mljet from Dubrovnik is super straightforward and easy!
Whether you want to visit as a day trip or plan to stay for a few nights, here is every way to reach Mljet from Dubrovnik.
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- Factor in extra buffer time for your itinerary. Between the early arrival window, potential delays from weather, and the crossing time itself, ferry trips can easily eat up half your day. I always build in some flexibility rather than running a tight schedule and having something right after.
- If you miss your ferry, don’t panic. If tickets for your intended departure time sell out, just purchase a ticket for the next one and make the most of the wait! You can wander around the Lapad area if you’re leaving from Port Gruž, or enjoy the beautiful beach that’s a 10 minute walk from Prapratno ferry port.
- Bring cash just in case. While credit cards are almost always accepted at the ticket kiosks, I like to have euros on hand, just in case. You also need cash if you plan to purchase anything at the cafe area on the ferry.
- Double check the seasonal schedule before arriving at the port. Departure times vary from month to month, and low season sailings are far less frequent than what you’ll find in summer. Always check the most current timetable a day or two before you plan to travel, since routes can also be affected by weather.
Get the full breakdown on where to stay, the best beaches, Odysseus Cave, and everything else you need to plan your trip!
How to Get to Mljet from Dubrovnik Via Car Ferry
If you have a rental car (which is the best way to experience Mljet), you will have to drive from Dubrovnik to the small port village of Prapratno, where the car ferry port is located.
Getting to Prapratno Ferry Port from Dubrovnik
From Dubrovnik, simply drive along the scenic D414 coastal highway until you’ve reached the port, just past Prapratno beach. Driving time from Dubrovnik to Prapratno is about 1 hour, but may take longer depending on traffic conditions.
Once you’ve arrived, you can just park your car on the road (there may already be a line of cars waiting for the ferry) and then go up to the ticket vendor to purchase your tickets.
There are 70 parking spots available on the ferry, so I suggest arriving early to ensure you secure your spot, especially if you plan to visit in the peak summer months. If you arrive and car tickets are sold out already, just buy a ticket for the next ferry and spend time relaxing at beautiful Prapratno beach while you wait! There are 6 ferries that run daily during peak season, and 4 during low season.
Once it’s time to board, traffic controllers will guide you on to the ship and tell you where to park. Once you’re parked, you’ll immediately have to get out of your car and head up to the passenger sitting area (staying in your car during the ferry ride is prohibited due to safety reasons). If it’s a nice day out, I recommend sitting on the deck area of the ship: the views are beautiful and the sea breeze is quite refreshing!
How to Get to Mljet from Dubrovnik Via Passenger Ferry
If you don’t have a rental car, the best option is to book tickets for the passenger ferry that leaves from Dubrovnik’s Port Gruž. It’s faster than the car ferry route, since you won’t have to drive an hour to Prapratno Ferry Port, and it drops you right into Pomena or Sobra, depending on which line you book. I personally suggest booking the Ferry to Pomena, which is the best base for those visiting Mljet without a rental car. Pomena is a seriously perfect base; it offers plenty of accommodation options and is within walking distance to Mljet National Park.
Passenger tickets can be booked in advance via Bookaway.
Skip the guesswork and lock in your seats ahead of time! You can book both of these passenger ferry routes online through Bookaway.
Getting to Port Gruž in Dubrovnik
Getting to Port Gruž is about a 10 minute drive or 20 minute walk from the Old Town. If you’re staying inside the city walls, I suggest getting an Uber or taxi to the port, since it’s the easiest option (especially if you are traveling with luggage) and will only cost a few euros.
If you’re backpacking or just on a tighter budget, you can opt for the local bus (line 1A, 1B, or 3) which leaves from various stops around Dubrovnik, though I’d only recommend this if you’re comfortable navigating local transit and have some extra time built into your morning.
Taking a Day Trip to Mljet from Dubrovnik
If you’re short on time, you can absolutely visit Mljet as a day trip from Dubrovnik! While you could do a self-guided version from the Gruž port, I highly recommend opting for a guided tour or hiring a private charter for the day. Navigating Mljet is difficult, as there are limited transportation options once you’re on the island. Joining a guided tour will take you to all of the highlights around the island without having to figure out navigation on your own!
Ferry Schedules
Conclusion
I hope you’ve found this guide helpful, and you feel a little less nervous about navigating the ferry to Mljet. I know I was a little stressed about taking a car ferry for the first time, but it ended up being super easy and straightforward! Croatia has a fantastic ferry system, so getting from Dubrovnik to Mljet should be a breeze. Have an amazing visit!
Check out my other Croatia blog posts to help plan your trip!
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