PaoloCast2

We’re (one couple) planning two plus weeks in Slovenia and Croatia that will take us to Split and then on to Dubrovnik where we expect to fly from back to the states. It appears that we won’t want or need a rental car in either city and we’re wondering how frequent and convenient are the buses from Split to Dubrovnik in mid to late May.
It would be nice to enjoy the scenery and save the hassle and cost of additional rental days if we could drop the car in Split and take a bus. Thanks all. I’ll post a separate question on our draft itinerary later.

rialtogrl

There are buses all day; some are faster than others. You can see the timetable here (but the schedule for May is not there yet.. still, you will get an idea.)

http://www.ak-split.hr/EN/vozni.red/index.html

kja

The bus is a GREAT option!

baky_22

Hello,there are many bus companies,,, this one can be solution http://www.promet-makarska.hr/meduzupanijski_eng.html
But better to wait few days before you are coming in Split cause it might be changed.
However, have a nice stay in Croatia

PaoloCast2

Thank you very much. It certainly looks as though I'll leave the driving to the bus and enjoy the scenery, save a few kuna, and not worry about where I'm going to park.

Are reservations required far in advance, or can I wait until I arrive in Split where we'll be for at least a few days?

kja

Whether you need to reserve rooms in advance depends, I think, on your comfort level -- many of the nicer, more affordable lodging options may be booked in advance. But you are still in shoulder season, so you should have options, even if not the ones you might have preferred. I was in the area in late May of 2009, and IIRC, many rooms in Split had been booked ahead -- but I think there was a major sporting event there when I visited.

rialtogrl

kja I think maybe he's talking about the need to reserve the bus tickets? I would DEFINITELY book hotel rooms in advance because as you say the nicer more affordable lodgings should be booked ahead, even in May.

But for the bus I don't think it is necessary in May. You could go to the station the day before, or morning of your journey, to buy the tickets.

kja

Thanks for clarifying, rialtogrl! I was taking the question about advance reservations in it's broadest possible sense, to include transportation, lodging, meals, and sight-seeing. The only thing that I thought the OP might want to reserve in advance would be lodging. But I could be wrong!

baky_22

In my opinion, would be good to have reservation before ( if we're talking about accommodation) and about busses- maybe would be good to take ticket day before ( just go on main bus station in Split on Riva- near marine) and take it cause it depends when u will have bus line to Dubrovnik.)
May is not really crowded but still,,,, we are talking about Split and Dubrovnik- most popular cities on Croatian coast.

My advice is to book all that before than come and have problems.

His_Dudeness

We just came back from Croatia and Slovenia if you want to check out our trip report.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...a-slovenia.cfm

PaoloCast2

Thanks again all. I've depended on my friends on Fodor for great advice on many trips. And at the risk of leaving someone out, Andrew's and His-Dudness trip reports have been especially helpful.

I'm 99% convinced to take the bus from Split to Dubrovnik.

In a few weeks or less, I'm going to start a new post on my draft itinerary. Unfortunately, right now we're thinking of scrapping our original plan to start in Ljubljana and take the train to Zagreb to pick up the rental car for the rest of the trip. We hope the refugee situation improves, but right now it doesn't look good. Hopefully, we'll do Ljubljana combined with Fruilli.

rialtogrl

-Hopefully, we'll do Ljubljana combined with Fruili.-
And Istria! If you are not going to make it on this trip.

nukesafe

When you do take the bus from Split to Dubrovnik make sure you choose seats on the right hand side of the coach. That way you will have unobstructed views down the cliffs to the blue water and scenic villages clinging to the incredible coastline.