Where to Park in Dubrovnik with a Rental Car

🅿️ Parking in Dubrovnik with a Rental Car: Costs, Rules & Tips

Dubrovnik 🇭🇷, often called the Pearl of the Adriatic, is one of the most visited cities in Europe. While the medieval Old Town is breathtaking, it also presents a challenge for travelers with rental cars: parking.

The Old Town is pedestrian-only, and the surrounding streets are narrow, expensive, and often full. But don’t worry — with the right knowledge, you can enjoy Dubrovnik stress-free 🚗✨.

This guide covers everything you need to know about parking in Dubrovnik with a rental car in 2025: costs, rules, zones, garages, and insider tips.

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🏰 Can You Park Inside Dubrovnik Old Town?

No ❌. The UNESCO-protected Old Town is fully pedestrian-only. Cars are not allowed inside the walls. You’ll need to park outside and walk in.

Closest entry points:

• Pile Gate – main entrance to Old Town.
• Ploče Gate – eastern entrance.
• Buža Gate – less busy, smaller entrance.

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💰 Parking Costs in Dubrovnik

Parking in Dubrovnik is among the most expensive in Croatia. Prices vary depending on zone, distance to Old Town, and season.

Parking Type	Cost (€)	Notes
Street Parking (Zone 0 – near Old Town)	€5–10/hour	Very limited, max 2h
Street Parking (Zone 1 – wider center)	€3–5/hour	Slightly cheaper
Street Parking (Zone 2 – suburbs)	€1–2/hour	More available, longer stays
Public Garages 🏢	€20–40/day	Ilijina Glavica Garage near Pile Gate
Hotel Parking 🏨	€10–20/day	Check in advance, limited spaces
Free Parking ✅	Outside city, shopping malls	Requires bus/taxi to Old Town

💡 Tip: The Ilijina Glavica garage is the safest and closest option for most visitors.

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🚦 Dubrovnik Parking Zones Explained

Dubrovnik has different zones (A, B, C) with different tariffs.

• Zone A (Old Town surroundings): €5–10/hour.
• Zone B (wider city center): €2–4/hour.
• Zone C (suburbs & residential): €1–2/hour.

Parking machines accept kuna cards in the past, now €uros, or mobile apps.

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🅿️ Best Parking Garages in Dubrovnik

1. Ilijina Glavica Garage

• Location: 10 minutes walk from Pile Gate.
• Price: €30–40/day.
• 700+ spaces.
• Safest and most popular.

2. Hilton Imperial Hotel Parking

• Exclusive but expensive (~€20–25/day).
• Very close to Old Town.

3. Dubrovnik Shopping Mall Parking

• Free for customers.
• Can combine with bus ride to Old Town.

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📊 Parking at Hotels & Apartments

• Many hotels in Dubrovnik do not include parking.
• Boutique hotels in Old Town usually have no parking at all.
• Larger resorts (e.g., Lapad area) often provide private parking (€10–20/day).
• Airbnb/apartments: always confirm if “free parking” is available.

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🌍 Free & Cheap Parking Alternatives

If you don’t want to pay €30/day near Old Town, here are options:

• Lapad district – many hotels with free or cheap parking.
• Residential zones (Zone C) – €1–2/hour, bus ride to Old Town.
• Shopping malls (DOC, Mercante) – free if shopping.
• Park & Ride – unofficial, but many tourists use suburban lots + bus.

💡 Pro Tip: Staying outside Dubrovnik (e.g., Zaton, Cavtat) gives cheaper/free parking + short drive to the city.

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🛂 Parking Rules & Fines in Dubrovnik

• 🚫 Illegal parking → fines €50–150.
• 🚓 Cars blocking traffic → may be towed (€100+ fine + towing fee).
• ⏰ Maximum street parking in Zone 0: usually 2 hours.
• 🅿️ Always display a valid ticket on the dashboard.
• 📱 Use apps (PayDo, Dubrovnik Parking) for easier payment.

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🏝️ Where to Park for Day Trips from Dubrovnik

If you plan road trips, consider parking for excursions:

• Kotor (Montenegro): €1–2/hour, plenty of spaces.
• Mostar (Bosnia): €1–2/hour near Old Bridge.
• Split (Croatia): €2–4/hour, or €20–30/day in garages.
• Mljet Island: Park at ferry terminal in Prapratno.

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✅ Tips for Stress-Free Parking in Dubrovnik

• 📅 Book a hotel with parking → saves time & stress.
• 🚙 Choose a compact rental car → easier to park.
• 🛡️ Never risk illegal parking → fines + towing are strict.
• 📱 Use Parkopedia to find garages in advance.
• 🅿️ Be prepared to walk 10–15 minutes from parking to Old Town.

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⚖️ Renting a Car vs. No Car in Dubrovnik

Option	Pros	Cons	Best For
Rental Car 🚗	Freedom, day trips, explore Montenegro/Bosnia	Expensive parking, stress near Old Town	Families, explorers
No Car 🚶	No parking issues, use buses/taxis	Limited day trip options	City-break tourists

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🌟 Final Thoughts

Parking in Dubrovnik can be tricky 🅿️, but with the right strategy, it’s manageable. Expect high costs near Old Town, but also know there are cheaper or free options in suburban areas.

If you book a hotel with parking and plan your day trips smartly, your Dubrovnik road trip will be smooth and unforgettable 🚗✨.