When we were originally setting up this trip, we took the recommendations of several of our Fodor friends to drop the rental car as we arrive in Split (at the airport) and take the bus to Dubrovnik.
Now that we are getting close, I began looking at this and seeing what appear to be at least two bus companies – perhaps more – that go from Split to Dubrovnik. It will be on a Thursday (May 26).
Ideally, a reserved seat bus so that we can get sea-side windows leaving around 9:30 AM would be nice. We will arrive in Split a few days before, so should we wait until then and go to the bus station and purchase tickets or is there an advantage in doing it on-line before we leave?
Again, we appreciate all your comments and suggestions so far. [We’re very comfortable with the great advice you all gave on the SIM card options.] Thanks again.

Why not consider going by Ferry instead? I took an overnight ferry from Reijka to Dubrovnik that I think stopped at Split at 7 am and arrived in Dubrovnik at about 4 pm. It's a more relaxing way to go.

Belinda was this recent? As far as I know that ferry does not exist anymore. The good thing about ferries is you can get on deck and walk around.

Now there is a catamaran, but you can't go on deck. Still, it is another alternative.. here's the info.
http://www.krilo.hr/images/Sailing_s..._DUBROVNIK.pdf

Paolo I usually just buy a bus ticket the same day, but if its possible to prebook with one of the companies and choose the seats you want, then why not? I hope you will report back.

When I was there, advance reservations weren't necessary. That said, things could have changed, and if the specific time of departure is critical to you, then booking advance could be worthwhile. If prices are different for advance booking, and if price is an issue, plan to buy your ticket as soon as you reach Split.

Rialtogirl is right: FB Liburnia doesn't run any longer between Rijeka - Split - Hvar - Korcula - Dubrovnik. The only open deck ferries go from Split straight to Vela Luka/Korcula. Korcula - Dubrovnik can be done by catamaran or bus only.

Thanks. I'm going to stick with the bus. When I looked at BusCroatia and GetByBus (which appear to be on-line ticket sellers) they both show a 10:00 AM departure from Split to Dubrovnik - arriving at 14:30. That is much preferred over the earlier and later departures. They show a price of about 17E pp which sounds about right. It also appears that there are at least 3 companies (PROMET, CAZMARKARKA, and AUTOTRANS.) I don't have it up right now, but I think the 10:00 AM bus was PROMET. So, am I correct in assuming multiple bus companies? The BusCroatian site looks like the easier portal. Any thoughts?

I like to take care of what I can early, and 34E isn't taking a big financial plunge -- and since I'll be in Split for a few days, I can take the tix to the station to confirm. Thanks again.

Thanks. I'm going to stick with the bus. When I looked at BusCroatia and GetByBus (which appear to be on-line ticket sellers) they both show a 10:00 AM departure from Split to Dubrovnik - arriving at 14:30. That is much preferred over the earlier and later departures. They show a price of about 17E pp which sounds about right. It also appears that there are at least 3 companies (PROMET, CAZMARKARKA, and AUTOTRANS.) I don't have it up right now, but I think the 10:00 AM bus was PROMET. So, am I correct in assuming multiple bus companies? The BusCroatian site looks like the easier portal. Any thoughts?

I like to take care of what I can early, and 34E isn't taking a big financial plunge -- and since I'll be in Split for a few days, I can take the tix to the station to confirm. Thanks again.