Dubrovnik Cable Car

The Dubrovnik Cable Car is one of the top draws when sightseeing in the city. This modern, fast and very orange mode of transport takes passengers from the base station just outside the Old Town to the top of Mount Srd, the mountain that rises up above Dubrovnik. You’ll be absolutely in awe of the views from the top – a trip on the Dubrovnik Cable Car is highly recommended! Learn more about using the cable car and purchasing tickets here.

Dubrovnik Cable Car – History

Although this orange version of the cable car (žičara in Croatian) is pretty new, the original version of the cable car commenced operations as far back as 1969. That version (which had cabins that took just 15 people) was enjoyed by up to 2 and a half million people per year and was the first cable car to be built in the Adriatic region. Sadly, it was severely damaged during the siege of Dubrovnik in 1991 and stopped operating.

This modern incarnation underwent a €5 million renovation and was opened in 2010.

Dubrovnik Cable Car – Location

The lower station of the cable car is just ‘above’ the Old Town on Ulica Petra Kresimira IV. The quickest way to get there is to take one of the sets of steps up from the eastern end of Stradun – once at the top, you’ll see the base station signposted. This route does, however, involve a large number of steps. The alternative would be to exit the Old Town using Ploce Gate and then wind your way round on Dubrovnik’s streets to the station. (Again, you should see the signs pointing the way.)

Dubrovnik Cable Car – Journey

The cable car takes three and a half minutes to ascend (or descend!) the hill – travelling a distance of 778m, with the upper station located 405m above sea level. (The difference in elevation between the two stations is actually 367m.) The two large orange cabins take 30 people each, and overall it is a very smooth ride indeed. Position yourself at the base of the cabin and watch as Dubrovnik Old gets smaller and smaller as you woosh up to the top of the mountain. (Or the reverse, if you’re on your way down!) We would absolutely suggest you watch the amazing views and take your snaps/video; if you’re somehow bored of this, there’s free wifi onboard if you need to entertain yourself otherwise.

The cable car departs as soon as there are enough passengers.

Dubrovnik Cable Car – Tickets

You can purchase tickets online on the Dubrovnik Cable Car website – this may be advisable if you’re visiting in peak season and really want to visit on a particular day (or want to beat the queues for tickets).

However, for most of the year, it is simply easiest to turn up at the cable car station and purchase tickets there. You can purchase tickets in cash (Euros) or by debit/credit card.

Tickets cost €14.60 one-way/€26.54 return for adults, and €3.98 one-way/€6.64 return for children aged 4 to 12. Children under the age of 4 travel free. (Strollers/prams are allowed on board.)

The cable car runs year-round, operating longer hours in the summer months (e.g. until 11pm in July and August).

What to Do on Mount Srd

Once you’re at the top – what’s there to do? Plenty! Obviously, the first order of the day is to take in the astonishing views over Dubrovnik Old Town, the rest of the city, Lokrum and the other slightly more distant islands. Just drink it all in!

Once you’ve had enough of that, you may feel it is time for a proper drink. The Panorama Restaurant and Bar is located here and you’ll be able to enjoy a laid-back lunch (or dinner) on the wonderful terrace. Or simply enjoy a relaxing coffee or a glass of something cold.

Also located here is Fort Imperijal, an impressive structure built in 1810 when Dubrovnik was under French rule. The Fort houses the Dubrovnik in the Homeland War Museum which details the siege in Dubrovnik in 1991-2. It’s a fascinating museum although tough to take in given its subject.

For something completely different…what about a buggy safari? (I bet you weren’t expecting me to say that!) Buggy Safari Dubrovnik transports people on the ‘roads’ and through the woods at the top of Mount Srd. Don’t worry, you don’t have to do it yourself – you’ll be driven around at speed and off-road to explore!

View from Mount Srd, Dubrovnik — The gorgeous view from the top of Mount Srd

Alternatives to the Cable Car

Should you not wish to take the cable car but do still want to explore Mount Srd, you can walk the path up or down the mountain. Expect the walk to take about 1 hour, and do wear suitable shoes and bring along water and suncream. Alternatively, you may wish to take the cable car up and then walk (in the easier direction of) down.