Croatian Ferry Tickets for the Elafiti: How Booking Works

A practical guide to catching the boat from Dubrovnik to the Elafiti islands, with booking tips and where to stay.

Routes and operators

The Elafiti islands — Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan — lie just off Dubrovnik's coast. The main departure point is Gruž harbour, about 3 km from the Old Town. Jadrolinija runs the scheduled car ferry to Šipan (via Lopud and Koločep on some departures), taking around 50 minutes to Lopud and 1 hour 20 minutes to Šipan. In summer, frequent passenger boats also leave from the Old Town port for Koločep and Lopud, taking 30–45 minutes. Tickets can be bought at the Jadrolinija office in Gruž or online; for the Old Town boats, buy at the kiosk on the promenade. Prices are reasonable, but we don't quote figures here as they change seasonally.

For Koločep and Lopud, the Old Town boats are the most convenient if you're staying in the Old Town or nearby. For Šipan, the car ferry from Gruž is the only option, and it's worth arriving 20 minutes early in peak season (July–August) to secure a spot. If you're driving, leave your car at Gruž; parking is limited on the islands. Timetables vary by season, so check the Jadrolinija website a day before travel. In low season (November–April), services are reduced to a few daily departures, so plan accordingly.

Booking in advance

For foot passengers, advance booking is rarely necessary except in peak summer (July–August) when the Old Town boats can fill up. The car ferry to Šipan should be booked ahead if you're bringing a vehicle, as capacity is limited. You can book online via the Jadrolinija website or at the ticket office in Gruž. For the Old Town boats, tickets are sold at the kiosk on the promenade; during peak season, buy your return ticket when you outbound to avoid queues. Note that some services are operated by private companies, so check which operator runs your preferred departure.

If you're staying on Lopud or Šipan, your hotel can often arrange tickets or give you the latest timetable. For day trips, aim for the first boat out (around 9 am) and return on the late afternoon boat (around 6 pm) to maximise your time. In July and August, boats are frequent, but in June and September, there are fewer departures, so plan your day around the timetable. Avoid relying on the last boat of the day if you're returning to Dubrovnik, as it can be crowded and occasionally cancelled due to weather.

Where to stay and what to skip

If you want easy access to the ferries and the Old Town, stay in Dubrovnik's Gruž area — it's a 10-minute walk to the ferry terminal and has good bus links. For a quieter base, Lopud is car-free and has a sandy beach at Sunj, while Šipan is greener and less developed. Koločep is the smallest and best for a peaceful day trip. We'd book a hotel in Gruž for a short break, or on Lopud for a relaxed island stay. Avoid staying on Šipan if you're without a car, as the ferry times are less frequent and the island is spread out.

Skip the crowded midday boats in August if you can; instead, take the early morning or late afternoon departure. If you're prone to seasickness, the larger car ferry to Šipan is more stable than the small passenger boats. Also, don't bother with the open-top tour boats that circle the islands — they're overpriced and you see less than you would by getting off and exploring. For the best weather, visit in June or September, when temperatures are pleasant and the boats are less crowded.

Questions, answered

Do I need to book ferry tickets in advance for the Elafiti islands?

For foot passengers, advance booking is usually unnecessary except in July and August. For the car ferry to Šipan, book ahead if bringing a vehicle. Otherwise, buy tickets at the port on the day of travel.

How long does the ferry take from Dubrovnik to the Elafiti islands?

From Gruž harbour, the ferry takes about 50 minutes to Lopud and 1 hour 20 minutes to Šipan. From the Old Town port, passenger boats reach Koločep in 30 minutes and Lopud in 45 minutes.

Which Elafiti island is best for a day trip?

Lopud is ideal for a day trip, with its sandy Sunj beach and car-free centre. Koločep is smaller and quieter, while Šipan is better for those with more time or a car.

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