Planning to visit Dubrovnik by car?
Here’s everything you need to know about stress-free parking:
- The best parking lots for exploring the old town
- Where to park near the main sites (ramparts, cable car, Gruž port)
- Cheaper options and some free solutions
- Zones to avoid, ZTL and safety tips
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Is it difficult to park in Dubrovnik?
Yes, parking in Dubrovnik is difficult, especially if you want to get close to the old walled city. The areas around Porte Pile and Porte Ploče are very expensive, spaces are scarce and the city police are vigilant about nuisance or unpaid parking. When preparing a visit, we prefer either a large parking lot or garage set back from the street, or accommodation with parking facilities to limit stress. We recommend that you do the same, and avoid improvising your parking in high season, at the risk of parking for a long time and paying dearly per hour.
WHERE TO STAY IN Dubrovknik
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Old Town
Hotel Villa 5DB – Check photos and availability
Lapad and Babin Kuk
Hôtel Royal Neptune – Check photos and availability
North coast
Hôtel Ninon Bed & Breakfast – Check photos and availability
Ploče district
Hotel Excelsior – Check photos and availability
Parking in Dubrovnik: summary
Avoid street parking
On-street parking in the immediate vicinity of the ramparts (zone 0 and the most central zones) is chargeable, time-limited and very expensive. Most spaces are managed by the city: payment is made at a pay-and-display machine (often cash only), and checks are frequent. We don’t recommend relying on a street parking space for the day, as we’ve found that these are mainly used for short stops. Instead, we recommend a dedicated parking lot, which is easier to manage for several hours.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Croatia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
See our tips (coming soon)
Free parking
Truly free options are very rare in Dubrovnik. A few residential streets up or towards Gruž still offer free spaces, but they are quickly taken up and some may be reserved for residents. More details later in the article.
The main parking lots for tourists
- Parking Gruž Port Parking – Outdoor, 24h/24, paying
Large parking lot with hundreds of spaces in the Gruž district, 3.5km from Porte Pile - Parking Grand Parking Dubrovnik – Outdoor, paying
The city’s largest parking lot (500 spaces), 3km from Porte Pile - Parking Dubrovnik Center Parking – Outdoor, chargeable
2.5km from Porte Pile, in the Gruž district - Parking Dubrovnik City Parking – Outdoor, chargeable, reservation possible
Small private parking lot (50 spaces) 3km from Porte Pile - Parking Zone 3 (Pile Kono) – Outdoor public, 6am to 10pm, chargeable
2km from the center, payment by parking meter - Garaža Ilijina Glavica – Covered, paying
The only covered parking lot, less than 1km from Porte Pile – best distance/price ratio - Old Town Parking (Zone 0) – Outdoor, chargeable
Very close to Porte Pile, very expensive (€10/hr), small parking lot - Parking Zicara et remparts (Zone 0) – Outdoor public, chargeable
Opposite the Buza Gate, between €5 and €20/hour depending on the season, payment in cash.
Details on each of the parking lots later in the article.
Prices vary according to distance from the center: parking lots in the Gruž district are around €3/hour and €25/day; those very close to Porte Pile can cost €10/hour or even more in high season!
12h package: between €20 and €30 depending on the parking lot
24h package: between €24 and €40 (over €80 for parking des remparts!)
Essential tips
- In high season, demand is very strong. It is imperative to arrive early in the morning to find a parking space in the parking lots near the center.
- If you’re staying in Dubrovnik, ask your accommodation provider about the options, as many hotels offer private parking – our selection of Dubrovnik hotels here
- The ZCR (Zone à Circulation Restreinte – Restricted Traffic Zone) prohibits car access to the entire old town. There are no tourist exemptions
- As in all tourist areas: do not leave any visible objects or luggage in the passenger compartment. Put all your belongings in the locked trunk before arriving at your destination
- And see all our tips for getting to Dubrovnik and our partner for renting a car in Croatia.
Accommodation with parking: our recommendations
If you want to simplify your stay, choosing accommodation with parking is often the best solution in Dubrovnik.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Hôtel Royal Neptune – Private pay parking (approx. €10/day), Babin Kuk
Check photos, photos and availability – and book now! - Hôtel Rixos Premium – Private parking available, Pile district
Check photos and availability - City Hotel Dubrovnik – Private parking available, Gruž district
Check photos and availability - Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik Hotel – Private parking available, Pile district
Check photos and availability - Hôtel Ninon Bed & Breakfast – Free private parking for guests, Brsečine village
Check photos and availability - See our selection of the best hotels in Dubrovnik
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in Croatia a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
Where to park to get closer to specific places in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is rich in attractions, many of them clustered in the historic center, but some off the beaten track. Here are our recommendations for each location.
See our article on Dubrovnik’s top attractions.
Where to park to visit the ramparts and the old town
Dubrovnik’s Old Town is entirely pedestrianized: no unauthorized vehicles are allowed to enter due to the CRZ. To stroll along the Stradun and reach Dubrovnik’s medieval city walls, the Garaža Ilijina Glavica (address: Zagrebačka Ul. 42) is the most convenient and cost-effective option. Located less than 1km from the Pile Gate, it allows you to reach the main entrance to the old town on foot in around 20 minutes. We particularly appreciate this covered structure, which offers real protection for the vehicle. If you’re looking for proximity at the expense of budget, theOld Town Parking (Zone 0), located directly in front of the Porte Pile, remains the most central option, but charge up to €10/hour, a rate to be reserved for short stays, or the even more expensive Parking Zicara opposite the Porte Buza. Spaces are also limited. The cheapest option is to use the parking lots in the Gruž district and take the bus, which takes 20 to 25 minutes.
Where to park to visit Fort Lovrijenac
Fort Lovrijenac, perched on its 37m rock to the west of the old town, can be reached on foot from the Pile Gate in just 5min. The Garaža Ilijina Glavica is therefore the best option for visiting this fortress. From this covered parking lot, access to the fortress is entirely on foot, with no major difficulties. We recommend combining this visit with a walk along the ramparts, accessible from the same area.
Where to park to reach the ferry port and the Elaphite Islands?
To reach the port of Gruž and take a ferry to the Elaphite Islands or other Dalmatian destinations, the parking lots in the Gruž district are a natural choice. Gruž Port Parking is located directly on Obala Stjepana Radića, opposite the port, just a few steps from the embarkation docks. From this area, the Grand Parking Dubrovnik and Dubrovnik Center Parking are also conveniently located. We particularly appreciate these options for excursion departures: you leave the vehicle for the day at a reasonable rate and embark with peace of mind.
Where can I park to go to Banje beach?
Banje Beach is located just outside Porte Ploče, to the east of the old town. The nearest parking lot is Parking Zicara. But rates are very high. We advise you instead to opt for the parking lots in the Gruž district, which are well served by bus lines 1A, 1B, 3, 9 to the Pile stop, then a short 10min walk takes you to the beach. In high season, we advise against parking in the streets immediately next to the beach, as spaces are very scarce and prices prohibitive.
The best parking lots for visiting Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik has several main parking lots for tourists, divided between the Gruž district (3-3.5km from the Pile Gate), the Pile Kono area (2km) and the places very close to the Pile Gate (less than 1km). Here are the details of each option.
Parking lots in the Gruž district (further away, less expensive)
Dubrovnik’s most affordable parking lots are located in the Gruž district. They are 3 to 3.5km from Porte Pile, around 10min by car, and are linked to the center by bus lines 1A, 1B, 2a, 3, 6, 8, 9, stopping at Porte Pile. Allow 20-30min for the bus journey. We recommend these options for full-day visits or multi-day stays: the price/neighborhood ratio is much better than a stone’s throw from the ramparts.
Gruž Port Parking
Gruž Port Parking is the large parking lot located directly on the quayside of Dubrovnik harbor, opposite the ferries to the Dalmatian islands.
- Address: Obala Stjepana Radića 39, 20000 Dubrovnik
- Hundreds of places
- Open 24 hours a day
- Paying
- Outdoors
- PRM spaces available
- High season prices: approx. 7 €/h, 30 €/day
- Distance from center: 3.5km from Porte Pile – 10min by car, 30min by bus (Luka Gruz stop, lines 3, 8, 9, 1a and 1b, get off at Porte Pile)
- Latest news on the port page here
Large Parking Dubrovnik
Grand Parking Dubrovnik is the city’s largest private, open-air parking lot, 3km from Porte Pile in the Gruž district.
- Address: Vukovarska ul. 48, 20000 Dubrovnik
- 500 seats
- Private pay
- Outdoors
- PRM spaces available
- Price: approx. €3/hour, €25/day
- Online booking possible
- Distance from center: 3km from Porte Pile – 25min by bus (Placa Gruz or Lapad Stanica stops, lines 2a, 3, 6, 8, 9, 1a and 1b, get off at Pile)
- Latest news on the parking lot page here
Dubrovnik Center Parking
Dubrovnik Center Parking is a private open-air parking lot located in the Gruž district, just over 2.5km from the Pile Gate.
- Address: Vukovarska ul. 22, 20000 Dubrovnik
- Private pay
- Outdoors
- Secure: video surveillance
- PRM spaces available
- Price: €3/h, €24/24h
- Online booking possible
- Distance from center: 2.5km from Porte Pile – less than 10min by car, 20min by bus (Gradski Bazin or Lapad Stanica stops, lines 2a, 3, 6, 8, 9, 1a and 1b, get off at Pile)
- Latest news on the parking lot page here
Dubrovnik City Parking
Dubrovnik City Parking is a small, private, open-air parking lot with 50 spaces, 3km from Porte Pile. It offers shaded parking spaces and the possibility of booking in advance.
- Address: Zuljanska Ulica 1, Dubrovnik
- 50 seats
- Private pay
- Outdoors, shaded seating available
- PRM spaces available
- Price: less than €4/hour, less than €25/day
- Online booking possible
- Distance from center: 3km from Porte Pile – 25min by bus (Placa Gruz or Lapad Stanica stops, lines 2a, 3, 6, 8, 9, 1a and 1b, get off at Pile)
- Latest news on the parking lot page here
Pile Kono parking lots (intermediaries)
Between the Gruž district and the Pile Gate, the Pile Kono area offers a few intermediate options in terms of distance and price. We see them as a good compromise for visitors who want to reduce the walking distance while avoiding the rates of the more central locations.
Parking Zone 3 (public)
Parking Zone 3 is an open-air public parking lot managed by the city, open only from 6am to 10pm. Payment is made exclusively at the parking meter; please bring cash.
- Address: Put Od Republike 16, 20000 Dubrovnik
- Open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. only
- Public pay, payment by parking meter
- Outdoors
- PRM spaces available
- Distance from center: just over 2km from Porte Pile – bus lines 2a, 3, 6, 8, 9, 1a and 1b, get off at Pile
- Latest news: sanitat.hr
Parking I To Pile Kono
Parking I To Pile Kono is an open-air pay parking lot 15-20min walk from the old town via Porte Pile.
- Address: Ul. Ivana Matijaševića, 20000 Dubrovnik
- Paying
- Outdoors
- PRM spaces available
- Price: €4/hour, €40/day
- Distance from center: 30min walk from old town via Porte Pile
Parking lots near Porte Pile (very expensive)
For very short visits or if you want to park as close as possible to the city walls, the area immediately around the Pile Gate offers a few options. Their hourly rate is the highest in Dubrovnik: we recommend them for stops of a few hours or if you want to get as close as possible to the old town.
Garaža Ilijina Glavica | Best in Parking
The Garaža Ilijina Glavica is Dubrovnik’s only covered parking lot and the best value for money for visiting the Old Town. In our opinion, it’s the best option if you want to leave your car safely less than 1km from the Pile Gate.
- Address: Zagrebačka Ul. 42, 20000 Dubrovnik
- Paying
- Covered – closed garage
- Secure: yes
- PRM spaces available
- Price: approx. €3/hour, €30/day
- Distance from center: less than 1km from Porte Pile – 15min by bus (lines 2a, 3, 6, 8, 9, 1a and 1b, get off at Pile) or 10-15min on foot
Old Town Parking (Zone 0)
The Old Town Parking is a small open-air parking lot located directly in front of the Pile Gate. It’s the closest option to the main entrance to the Old Town, but also one of the most expensive in Dubrovnik.
- Address: Miletićeva ul. 1, 20000 Dubrovnik
- Paying
- Outdoors – small parking lot
- PRM spaces available
- Price: €10/h
- Distance from center: directly in front of Porte Pile
Zicara public parking lot and ramparts
The Zicara public parking lot and the parking lot along the ramparts are located opposite the Buza Gate, on the southern side of the old town. Prices vary greatly according to the season, and payment is made exclusively in cash. This is one of the most expensive parking lots.
- Address: Hvarska ul. 48, 20000 Dubrovnik
- Paying public
- Outdoors
- PRM spaces available
- Price: between €5 and €20/hour depending on the season – payment in cash only
- Distance from center: opposite Buza Gate (sea side of ramparts)
DISCOVER Dubrovnik
Where can I park for free in Dubrovnik?
The free options in Dubrovnik are very limited, and you need to be careful. Here’s the alternative.
- High-rise residential areas: a few streets above the center or towards Gruž still offer free parking, but they are quickly taken up and some are reserved for local residents. Occupancy varies greatly according to the season.
Motorhome parking
For motorhome travelers, the Gruž district is the most suitable area to park in Dubrovnik, thanks to its large open-air parking lots. The other recommended option is Camping Solitudo de Babin Buk, on the Lapad peninsula. This campsite welcomes large vehicles in a green setting, about a 10-minute drive from the old town. We recommend this option.
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Where can I avoid parking in Dubrovnik?
Parking regulations in Dubrovnik are particularly strict. It’s best to be aware of the pitfalls before leaving the car anywhere, or risk financial penalties.
- ZCR (Zone à Circulation Restreinte) – old town within the city walls: it’s simply impossible to drive in the old town. Entrances are physically blocked. No exceptions are granted to tourists, whatever the situation.
- Very expensive central areas (near Porte Pile): rates can reach very high levels in high season, especially at Parking Zicara (up to €20/hr). We advise you not to try a badly-placed “stop for a minute” in front of the old town, even for a few minutes. You risk a fine, which can far exceed the cost of several hours’ parking.
- Reserved parking: parking spaces for residents, deliveries, cabs and buses are clearly marked. Failure to comply will result in fines and/or immediate impoundment.
FAQ – Parking in Dubrovnik
Where to park without walking too far in Dubrovnik?
For families with baby carriages, people with reduced mobility or simply those who prefer to avoid the gradients, we think the Garaža Ilijina Glavica parking lot offers the best distance/price ratio. Less than 1km from Porte Pile, with a reasonable rate of €3/hour. If proximity is more important than budget, the Old Town Parking, directly in front of the Pile Gate, remains the zero-walk option at €10/h. All the parking lots mentioned in this article have PRM spaces. We would also like to stress one important point: the ZCR prohibits all car traffic in the Old Town, including for people with reduced mobility.
Where can I find secure, covered parking in Dubrovnik?
If you’re leaving your car for several days or traveling with luggage, here are the safest options. The Garaža Ilijina Glavica is Dubrovnik’s only covered parking lot: an enclosed, illuminated, secure structure. As far as camera-secured parking is concerned, three private parking lots stand out: Dubrovnik Center Parking, Dubrovnik City Parking and Grand Parking Dubrovnik. All three offer online booking, so you’re guaranteed a space in high season. You can also choose a hotel with parking! Our list of hotels here.
Are there any 24-hour parking lots in Dubrovnik?
Good news for travellers arriving at night or leaving early in the morning: most of Dubrovnik’s private parking lots operate continuously, 7 days a week. These include Gruž Port Parking, Grand Parking Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik Center Parking, Dubrovnik City Parking and Garaža Ilijina Glavica. Parking Zone 3 (public), on the other hand, is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. only.
Where is the cheapest parking lot in Dubrovnik?
The most affordable parking lots are in the Gruž district: Dubrovnik Center Parking and Grand Parking Dubrovnik both charge €3/hour and €24-25/day. They are further from the center (3km), but well served by bus. The Zone 3 public parking lot is also inexpensive (around €2/hr), but it’s only open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and payment is by parking meter only.
Is it possible to book parking in Dubrovnik in advance?
Yes, for some private parking lots. Dubrovnik Center Parking (official website here), Dubrovnik City Parking (official website here) and Grand Parking Dubrovnik (official website here) all offer online booking. We strongly recommend booking in advance in July and August: spaces are scarce and prices may rise according to availability.
How do I get to the Old Town from the Gruž parking lots?
From the parking lots in the Gruž district, several bus routes link the area efficiently to the Porte Pile (main entrance to the old town). Lines 1A, 1B, 2a, 3, 6, 8 and 9. The arrival stop is Pile. Journey time approx. 20-25 min. Tickets can be purchased from the driver (approx. €2) or from a kiosk. If you have a Dubrovnik Pass, transport is included. Find out more here.
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