🌐 Cross-border City Guide
Dubrovnik
Croatia · DBV Airport
Scenic Coastal
Mostar
Mostar · Bosnia
Hire a car from Dubrovnik to Mostar to explore with comfort and confidence. Find the lowest possible rates on cross-border rentals in one place.
~130 km
Via M6 / M17 route
~2h 30m
Drive Time
Brgat–Ivanica
Border Crossing
Per Day
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Route Overview
Car rental Dubrovnik to Mostar
Key facts before you go – distance, documents, and the best time to drive.
Parking Mostar
~€0.77/hour in the central zone
Old Town is pedestrian-only
Permit
Required at booking
Cannot be added at counter
Insurance
BiH endorsed
CDW valid in Bosni
One-way drop-off
Not standard on this route
Confirm per supplier
Crossing Difficulty
Easy Crossing
The Dubrovnik → Mostar route crosses the border only once at Metković/Doljani. It’s usually the quieter of the Herzegovina–Dalmatia crossings, taking 5–15 minutes.
Document Required
📘 Passport
📋 Insurance certificate needed
👨✈️ Driving Licence
💳 Credit Card
Why go: Mostar’s 16th-century Stari Most is UNESCO-listed, framed by Ottoman old town lanes and riverside cafés. The fortress village of Počitelj and the turquoise Kravica Waterfalls are located just off the road down, with around a 2–2.5-hour drive from Dubrovnik.
Demand & Border Queues
ℹ️
May–June and Sep–Oct offer the best mix of price and short border queues. Book 4–6 weeks ahead for July–August.
Vehicle fleet
Car Categories Available
Browse our range of vehicles to find the perfect match for your cross-border adventure.
*The prices above are subject to change without prior notice. Since costs vary by vehicle class, dates, supplier, and season, we recommend checking real-time rates to get the most accurate price.
Border crossings
Which crossing to use from Dubrovnik
Choose your crossing based on your route and expected queues. Border waits can change significantly during summer and peak travel periods.
| Crossing | Distance from DBV | Drive Time | Peak wait | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gornji Brgat–Ivanica Recommended | ~25 km | ~30 min to border | 15-45+ min | Most direct route from Dubrovnik to Mostar; typically the best choice for the inland drive |
| Klek–Neum | ~75 km | ~1 hr to border | 30 to 60 min | Alternative via the coastal route; useful if combining Mostar with Neum or the Pelješac area |
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At the checkpoint – step by step
Metković: Croatia exit → Bosnia entry
A quick overview of the process involved at each stage of the border to save you from last-minute surprises.
Croatian exit control
An officer checks all passenger passports. Keep your rental agreement and Green Card together within easy reach to save time when cars queue behind you.
Bosnian entry control (Doljani)
Your passport is stamped here. Officers specifically look for the written cross-border authorisation on your rental agreement, and cars are often turned away.
Driving rules in Bosnia
Max speed is 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on open roads, 130 km/h on motorways. Headlights stay on at all times. Your rental must come with a warning triangle.
Return: Bosnia exit → Croatia re-entry
Standard duty-free allowances apply. Return queues at Doljani can be at least 2 hours long in peak travel season. Try to return in the late afternoon or early morning.
Karasovići: the inland alternative
🌉
The Pelješac Bridge means Dubrovnik to Mostar now requires only one border crossing at Doljani. Crossing via Klek requires a second crossing that barely saves any time.
💡
10-30-minute delays are common on regular days and can be more than 30-60 minutes long on July-August weekends and up to 2 hours during peak rush hours. Weekdays between 10:00 and 15:00 have the shortest queues, and Friday and Sunday evenings are the busiest.
Vehicle Guide
Which car category suits the Dubrovnik–Split drive?
The A1 and D8 are both well-paved modern roads – this is not terrain that requires anything special. The deciding factor is where you plan to park along the way.
- Family Trip
- Solo drive
- Business Travel
- Long Stay
- Coastal Road Trips
- Eco-Travel
Family Trip: Personalised rental options for families planning trip to Croatia with kids and luggage
Van/Minivan
7-9 seats
Ideal for family journeys and seating everyone comfortably
From €42 /day
Automatic SUV
5 seats
Best for long beyond city routes and handling different terrains
From €22 /day
Full-size cars
2-5 seats
Comfortable city and long coastal drives for groups of 3-4 adults
From €64 /day
Tips for this trip
Solo drive: Ideal for solo adventures below options lean toward smaller, efficient cars
Convertible
2-4 seats
Open top on Croatia’s Adriatic coastline & enjoy scenic views
From €62 /day
Compact Automatic
5 seats
Easily plan multi city trips with reduced stress on steep roads
From €36 /day
Electric Economy Cars
4-5 seats
Smart & sustainable choice for solo city travel
From €48 /day
Tips for this trip
Business Travel: For the right balance between comfort, cost, and professionalism choose from the versatile options below.
Automatic Sedans
4-5 seats
Classic business travel vehicle combining comfort + efficiency
From €48 /day
Standard Cars
4-5 seats
Balance of comfort & space makes them best for business trip
From €32 /day
Tips for this trip
Long Stay: For trips spanning 21 days or more across Croatia, here’s a breakdown of best options.
Monthly rental
Select any vehicle
An affordable option with lower per day prices than daily rentals
From €16 /day
Long Term Car Rental
Varied vehicle options
For substantial savings rent for 3+ weeks
From €22 /day
Automatic Car
4-9 seats
Most reliable for trips on mountainous terrain & coastal hills
From €34 /day
Tips for this trip
Coastal Road Trips: Review our breakdown of the best categories for coastal drives in Croatia.
Convertible
2-4 seats
Ideal for enjoying top-down views of the Mediterranean coastline
From €62 /day
One Way Rentals
Select any car
Pick up in one city, return in another for enhanced flexibility
From €25 /day
Compact SUV
5 seats
Perfect for coastal trips: elevated views & extra space
From €35 /day
Tips for this trip
Eco-Travel: Choose from 3 matching low-emission and eco-friendly options suited for sustainable travel.
Electric Car
4-5 seats
Modern eco friendly EVs to enjoy a greener way of driving
From €55 /day
Hybrid
4-5 seats
Great alternative to traditional gasoline vehicles for long drives
From €35 /day
Small Compact
4-5 seats
These hit the right spot for island hopping & coastal drives
From €34 /day
Tips for this trip
Utilize apps like Chargemap and PlugShare to check real-time availability, charger type, and user reviews for charging points.
Once you Arrive
What to do in Mostar with a rental car
The best day trips and stops around Mostar, ranked by how far they are from the city.
Stari Most & Old Town
In Mostar
Walk across the 16th-century Old Bridge and explore the Kujundžiluk bazaar. The area is pedestrian-only, so park outside the old town. Climb the Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque minaret for the best bridge views.
Blagaj Tekija
15–20 min from Mostar
A Sufi monastery built into a cliff beside the Buna River spring, and one of Bosnia’s most photographed landmarks. Entry: 10 KM (€5.12).
Počitelj
25–30 min from Mostar
A fortified Ottoman village 30 km south of Mostar. Climb the fortress tower for Neretva River views and try fresh pomegranate juice from roadside stalls.
Kravica Waterfalls
40 min from Mostar
A 40 km drive south via the M17 highway to a wide, horseshoe-shaped waterfall dropping into a turquoise pool. You can swim here from late May through September. Entry costs 20 KM (€10.24) year-round.
Međugorje
30 min from Mostar
A Catholic pilgrimage town 25 km southwest of Mostar, known for reported Marian apparitions since 1981. Worth visiting for its atmosphere and nearby vineyards, even if you’re not a pilgrim.
Sarajevo
2–2.5h from Mostar
A scenic drive through the Neretva Canyon via Konjic and Jablanica. Best enjoyed as an overnight trip. Highlights include Baščaršija, the Latin Bridge, and the War Tunnel Museum.
🌉
Toll roads in Bosnia: The scenic M17 route to Sarajevo is toll-free. The parallel A1 motorway costs about 10 BAM (€5), payable by cash or card. No vignette is required.
💡
Parking in Mostar: Parking costs 1.50 KM/hour in the central zone and 1.00 KM/hour in outer areas. The Old Bridge area is pedestrian-only, so park nearby and walk.
Explore beyond Croatia
Cross Country Car Rental from Dubrovnik
Explore the available rental options and find the right fit for your cross-border journey.
Your help hub
Frequently Asked Questions
- Planning Your Trip
- Rental Costs
- Cross-Border Requirements
- Pickup & Return
🚗
What is the best time to rent a car from Dubrovnik to Mostar?
Travellers can enjoy fewer tourist crowds, warm weather, and relatively lower rental and accommodation prices in May–June and September–October. July and August are peak months with maximum footfall and highest rates.
| Period | Weather | Border wait | Rates |
| Jan–Mar | Cold, quiet | Low | Cheapest |
| Apr–May | Mild, green | Low–moderate | Good value |
| Jun | Warm | Moderate | Rising |
| Jul–Aug | Hot, peak season | Longest (up to 1–2 hrs) | Highest |
| Sep–Oct | Warm, fewer crowds | Moderate | Good value |
| Nov–Dec | Cold, quiet | Low | Cheapest |
💡 Plan a weekday border crossing between 10:00–15:00 to avoid dealing with the longest queues if you’re day tripping to Kravica Waterfalls.
🚧
Are there tolls on the way from Dubrovnik to Mostar?
There are no tolls on the direct route from Dubrovnik to Mostar. The Pelješac Bridge was built to bypass the old Bosnian Neum corridor. From there to Mostar, you drive mostly on regional roads (not the tolled A1 motorway). So this route is toll-free on both sides of the border. The only cost involved is the parking fee upon reaching Mostar.
⚠️ A part of the A1 motorway on the route from Mostar toward Sarajevo does carry a toll. But it’s a separate drive and not part of the standard Dubrovnik–Mostar route itself.
⏰
How long does it take to drive from Dubrovnik to Mostar?
It’s about a 130 to 140 km journey that requires 2 to 3 hours of driving time on regular days, including the Metković/Doljani border stop. You will need extra time to stop at Počitelj or Kravica Waterfalls along the way. Peak summer months require more travel time due to the longest border queues.
🚗
Which is the cheapest car type to rent from Dubrovnik to Mostar?
Economy and compact cars are overall cheaper categories that travellers often book for cross-border travel on this route. They’re also practical choices for easy parking and driving in Mostar’s Old Town, with its largely pedestrian areas and narrow streets.
| Category | Relative cost | Best for |
| Economy / Mini | Cheapest | Solo travellers, couples, tight parking in Mostar’s old streets |
| Compact | Low–mid | Small families, extra luggage |
| SUV | Higher | Mountain roads, larger groups |
| Premium | Highest | Comfort-focused travelers |
ℹ️ Cross-border and permit fees are usually charged as a flat amount per rental. This means that a cheaper car only reduces the daily rental price but not your border fee.
🛡️
How much is the security deposit for a Dubrovnik to Mostar rental car?
The exact amount varies by supplier and car category, but rental companies usually hold an average refundable security deposit of about €1000–€1,400 for economy and compact cars. The deposit can reach up to €3,500 for larger or premium vehicles at pickup. As long as the car is returned with no damage or tickets, the amount is fully released after 10-21 days.
⚠️ A majority of rental companies require the main driver’s credit card for the deposit hold during car collection. Prepaid and debit card transactions are usually declined; a higher amount is held when accepted.
🛂
How much is the cross-border fee from Dubrovnik to Mostar?
The cross-border fee is mainly based on your chosen car type, destination, and supplier policies. A per-rental fee of around €50 is usually charged for EU countries, and around €70–€100 for non-EU destinations. Additional insurance on top of the cross-border authorisation fee may also be required in some cases.
| Supplier type | Typical cross-border fee (Bosnia) |
| Majority international suppliers | ~€50 per rental |
| Local/domestic suppliers | ~€70–€100 per rental |
| Additional mandatory insurance (some suppliers) | Charged separately, varies |
⚠️ Carefully review the Geographical Restrictions and the applicable fee in the supplier terms before booking a cross-border rental with us.
🟩
Do I need a Green Card to drive a rental car to Mostar?
Besides a written authorisation from the supplier, an international insurance certificate known as a Green Card is generally required for taking a rental car to Bosnia & Herzegovina. This additional insurance protects you against accidental vehicle damage outside Croatia.
✅ Ask your supplier if a Green Card is included as part of the deal or requires a separate fee. Also make sure that its physical copy is attached to your rental agreement.
🛡️
Is my rental car insurance valid in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Yes, provided you have the supplier’s prior authorisation and a Green Card for driving in a non-EU country like Bosnia. Cross-border rentals from Croatia provide the mendatory Third Party Liability coverage. Many deals also include added CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) and Theft Protection as added benefits.
⚠️ Unauthorised cross-border travel invalidates your CDW and third-party liability cover. Vehicle damage and third-party claims in such cases and those caused by any unregistered drivers in the rental agreement are to be borne by the main driver.
📄
What documents do I need for cross-border car rental from Croatia to Bosnia?
A standard set of documentation required for taking a cross-border rental outside Croatia is as follows:
↩️
Can I pick up a rental car in Dubrovnik and return it at Mostar Airport?
Yes. Plenty of deals with leading international and Croatian suppliers can be booked for flexible one-way car rentals. Availability may vary by supplier, location, and season. An additional drop-off fee also applies based on your chosen car type and the distance between the pickup and return locations; this is not to be confused with another relevant cross-border fee.
ℹ️ Sometimes one-way travel is restricted for specific car segments, such as luxury or premium. Find available deals by using your travel deals to search on our platform, and refer to the rental terms to confirm the applicable one-way fee for your preferred rental.
🚘
Is after-hours pickup available at Dubrovnik Airport?
DBV is one of the major Croatian airports, where many suppliers offer an after-hours service. However, this is not standard practice for all, as opening hours can vary and not all rental desks are staffed 24/7. After-hours pickup must be arranged in advance and is subject to additional fees. If your flight arrives late or earlier than the supplier’s office hours, inform them ahead of time so they can make arrangements.
✅ You can share your flight details when booking a rental car, so the supplier can estimate your flight’s arrival and ensure an on-time car delivery.
⛽
Do I need to return a car hire with a full fuel tank?
Most suppliers use a full-to-full policy, wherein you receive the car with a full tank and must return it full. A missing fuel plus a service fee is usually charged for returning the vehicle with less fuel than the agreed-upon fuel policy – usually at a higher rate than the pump price.
💡 Fuel up just before returning the car rather than well in advance, and keep the receipt safe to avoid any disagreement at drop-off.
Still have a question?
Our support team is available 24/7 via chat, email, and phone.
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Top Locations, Airports and Companies
Browse car rental locations across Croatia, including airports, cities, trusted suppliers, and popular travel routes.
- Car Rental Airport
- Car Rental Cities
- Car Rental Bus & Train Station
- Car Rental Companies
- Car Rental Port/ACI Marina
| Airport | Code | From | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubrovnik Airport Book Early | DBV | €4/day | South Dalmatia |
| Osijek Airport | OSI | €13/day | Northeastern Croatia |
| Pula Airport Popular | PUY | $7/day | Istria |
| Rijeka Airport | RJK | €7/day | Coastal Road Trips |
| Split Airport Most popular | SPU | €5/day | Central Dalmatia |
| Zadar Airport | ZAD | €9/day | National Parks |
| Zagreb Airport Lowest rate | ZAG | €4/day | Nationwide Road Trips |
| City | Region | From | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biograd na Moru | Dalmatia | €40/Day | Nautical hub |
| Čakovec | Northern Croatia | €/17 day | Historic Međimurje center |
| Cavtat Quiet alternative | Dubrovnik Riviera | €27/day | Quiet seaside resort |
| Dubrovnik Plan parking | South Croatia | €26/Day | Access ban in old town |
| Karlovac | Central Croatia | €15/day | River junction city |
| Kastela | Dalmatia | €20/day | Bay coast town |
| Mlini | Dubrovnik Riviera | €38/Day | Peaceful Riviera village |
| Opatija | Kvarner | €27/day | Historic seaside resort |
| Osijek | Slavonia | €15/Day | Cultural center |
| Porec | Istria | €26/Day | Popular seaside resort |
| Pula Cheapest | Istria | €7/day | Roman sites & wine |
| Rabac | Istria | €40/day | Scenic resort town |
| Rijeka | Central Croatia | €12/day | Port city base |
| Rovinj | Istria | €13/day | Romantic coastal town |
| Samobor | Central Croatia | €15/Day | Charming market town |
| Seget Donji | Dalmatia | €35/Day | Quiet coastal village near Trogir |
| Sesvete | Slavonia | €41/Day | Large Zagreb suburb |
| Slano | Southern Croatia | €30/Day | Peaceful coastal bay |
| Split Great value | Dalmatia | €8/Day | Ferry access |
| Srebreno | South Croatia | €30/Day | Coastal bay suburb |
| Trogir | Dalmatia | €26/Day | UNESCO old town island |
| Umag Downtown | Istria | €13/day | Northern coastal gateway |
| Vela Luka | Dalmatia Islands | €25/day | Island port town |
| Zadar Great value | North Dalmatia | €8/Day | Islands nearby |
| Zagreb Best value | Central Croatia | €5/day | Best value |
| Station | City | From | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubrovnik Bus Station Book early | Dubrovnik | €29/day | Book early for peak season |
| Rijeka Train Station | Rijeka | €40/day | Convenient city center pickup |
| Split Train Station Ferry connection | Split | €32/day | Steps from the ferry port |
| Zagreb Bus Station Lowest rate | Zagreb | €26/day | Great for eastern highway access |
| Zagreb Train Station | Zagreb | €32/day | Walk to downtown hotels |
| Supplier | Type | From | Fleet | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | Local | €25/day | Economy, Compact, SUV, Luxury, Vans | ⭐ 8 |
| AddCar | International | €48/day | Economy, Compact, SUV, Luxury, Vans | ⭐ 7 |
| Alamo Top rated | International | €25/day | Economy, SUVs, Minivans, Full-size | ⭐ 9.4 |
| AutoUnion | International | €40/day | Mini, Economy, Intermediate, SUV, Luxury | ⭐ 8.5 |
| Autowill | Local | €7/day | Economy, Compact, SUV, Vans | ⭐ 7.9 |
| Avant Car | Regional | €6/day | Economy, Sedans, SUVs, Luxury | ⭐ 8.6 |
| Avia Rent a Car Cheapest | Local | €5/day | Compact, Economy, Standard Sedans | ⭐ 8.8 |
| Carwiz | International | €6/day | Economy, Compact, SUVs, Luxury, Vans | ⭐ 8.6 |
| Dollar Thrifty Automotive Popular | International | €30/day | Economy, Compact, SUV, Full-size, Vans | ⭐ 9.2 |
| Enterprise Top rated | International | €24/day | Compact, SUVs, Sedans, Luxury | ⭐ 9.4 |
| Europcar | International | €9/day | Economy, Compact, Luxury, Vans | ⭐ 8.6 |
| Firefly | International | €17/day | Mini, Economy, Compact, SUVs | ⭐ 8.6 |
| Goldcar | International | €10/day | City Cars, Compact, SUVs, Minivans, Luxury | ⭐ 10 |
| Green Motion Cheapest | International | €3/day | Economy, Compact, SUV, Vans, Luxury | ⭐ 7.2 |
| Hertz Premium choice | International | €63/day | Economy, Compact, SUVs, Vans, Luxury | ⭐ 8.7 |
| Keddy by Europcar | International | €7/day | Economy, Compact, Standard, SUV, Vans | ⭐ 8.5 |
| Mack | Local | €28/day | Economy, Compact, Standard, SUVs, Luxury | ⭐ 8.6 |
| National | International | €13/day | Economy, Compact, Full-size, SUVs, Vans | ⭐ 8.7 |
| North Car Rental | Local | €32/day | Economy, Compact, Standard, SUVs, Vans | ⭐ 8.6 |
| Nova | Local | €26/day | Economy, Compact, Standard, SUVs, Premium, Vans | ⭐ 8.9 |
| Oryx | Local | €38/day | Economy, Compact, Standard, SUVs, Premium, Vans | ⭐ 8.6 |
| Prestigio Rent a Car | Local | €28/day | Economy, Compact, Standard, SUVs, Vans | ⭐ 8.9 |
| Routes | International | €8/day | Mini, Economy, Compact, Crossover, SUV | ⭐ 8.7 |
| Sixt Popular | International | €9/day | Luxury/Premium, SUV, Convertible | ⭐ 9.2 |
| Street Rent a Car | International | €9/day | Economy, Compact, Standard, SUV, Luxury | ⭐ 8.6 |
| Surprice | International | €13/day | Mini, Economy, Compact, Midsize, SUV | ⭐ 6.2 |
| XL Rent a Car Best Choice | Local | €34/day | Economy, Compact, SUV, Passenger Vans | ⭐ 9.1 |
| City | Region | From | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACI Marina Dubrovnik | South Croatia | €32/day | Marina base |
| ACI Marina Korčula Island favorite | Dalmatia Islands | €32/day | Island hub |
| ACI Marina Slano | South Croatia | €42/day | Quiet bay harbor |
| ACI Marina Split Lowest rate | Dalmatia | €27/day | Coastal port pickup |
| Split Port Lowest rate | Dalmatia | €27/day | Ferry access |
Car Rental Croatia
Josip Stjepan – Croatia Travel & Car Rental Specialist
Josip spent a decade coordinating vehicle logistics for Jadrolinija’s ferry network, matching rental cars to sailing schedules for Hvar, Brač, and Korčula. The job gave him insider insights into where exactly rental companies quietly pass costs onto tourists. Drawing from his extensive knowledge of Croatia’s ferry network, coastal routes, and driving conditions, he helps travellers compare rental options, plan efficient itineraries, understand toll roads, avoid unnecessary fees, and prepare for cross-border travel.
How this content is created:
- Based on real ferry and route data
- Reviewed by a local Split-based specialist
- Updated regularly for seasonal pricing changes