Aug
The quick answer
Old Town is pedestrian. Park just outside the zone and walk in. The city runs official paid parking with clear signs, simple payment, and day tickets that suit visitors. If you want zero hassle, use one of the larger city car parks near the centre, then stroll to Stari Most.
Where to park for Stari Most and the bazaar
These central, city operated car parks are reliable and well signed. They are an easy walk to the bridge.
- Katedrala In front of the Cathedral of Mary Mother of the Church. Good for the west bank and a straightforward walk into Old Town. Typical pricing at this site: day ticket 10 KM. Hourly 1.50 KM during charge hours.
- Federalna Behind the Federal Government building on the main boulevard. Central position. Day ticket 10 KM. Hourly 1.50 KM.
- Đački Behind the former student home on Kralja Tvrtka. Day ticket 10 KM. Hourly 1.50 KM.
- Ćiro Area of the former HIT building near the theatre and government buildings. Day ticket 10 KM. Hourly 1.50 KM.
- Stadion In front of the city stadium. Useful on very busy days or during events. Day ticket 10 KM. Hourly 1.50 KM.
Private lots also operate near Old Town with flat daily prices. Quality, shade and security vary. Read the board at the entrance and ask for a receipt. If unsure, choose the city sites above for transparent pricing.
Street parking zones and prices
Most streets near the centre fall into two city zones. Follow the sign at your exact bay.
- Zone I Higher tariff streets close to the centre. 1.50 KM per hour. Daily ticket 20 KM. Short stay limits can apply on some stretches.
- Zone II Surrounding streets with a lower tariff. 1.00 KM per hour. Daily ticket 15 KM. Longer stays are usually allowed than in Zone I.
If you plan to explore for half a day or more, a day ticket is usually better value than stacking hourly payments and it avoids short stay limits.
When parking is charged
Posted hours apply and change with the season. Always read the sign at your bay.
- Summer schedule from 1 April to 31 October Monday to Friday 07:00 to 21:00 Saturday 07:00 to 15:00
- Tourist streets in peak summer from 1 June to 30 September Charging also runs on weekend days 07:00 to 21:00
- Sundays and public holidays outside those tourist streets Commonly free, subject to the local sign
On very busy days the city may extend controls in specific streets. The sign is the rule.
How to pay for parking
You have three simple options. Keep your proof of payment while you are parked.
- SMS Send your number plate by text message to the city service shown on the sign. Zone I: send to 0838801 Zone II: send to 0838802 You will receive a confirmation text. That message is your proof of payment for inspectors.
- Official app The GoParking mobile app covers city parking. Pay hourly or daily by card and extend from your phone. You can start a session after you park if needed, as long as you are within the grace time shown on the sign.
- Pay machine Many streets and car parks have machines. Choose hourly or daily. Follow the prompts, pay by cash or card where available, and display the ticket if the machine instructs you to do so.
Short stay limits can apply to hourly SMS sessions in busy streets. Zone I is commonly limited to two hours. Zone II often allows up to four hours. Day tickets and the special city car parks listed above avoid those caps.
Malls and covered parking
Mepas Mall offers covered parking. The first hour is typically free, then posted hourly rates apply. It is a simple walk or a short taxi ride to Old Town. This is handy in very hot weather or if you want a guaranteed space for a couple of hours.
Practical tips from locals
- Arrive early in summer to avoid the midday crowd.
- Favour the west bank for simpler access and a pleasant walk to the bridge.
- Do not leave valuables in view. Use the boot and lock the car.
- Read the bay sign for zone, hours and any local restrictions.
- Keep your confirmation text, app receipt or paper ticket until you drive away.
- On peak days, consider Stadion or Ćiro first and walk in. You will often park faster than circling close to the bridge.
Frequent questions
Where is the best place to park for Old Bridge ?
Choose a city car park near the centre such as Katedrala or Federalna. You get a clear day price and a simple walk into the pedestrian zone. It beats circling narrow streets near the bridge.
Can I pay by card ?
Yes. The GoParking app accepts cards. Many machines also take cards. SMS is quick if your phone plan supports local texts.
Is parking free on Sundays ?
Often yes, except for certain tourist streets during peak summer which run weekend charging. The posted sign at your bay is the final word.
Can I park overnight ?
Yes where the sign allows it. If you plan to leave the car, a day ticket in a city car park is good value and avoids short stay limits on on-street bays.
What happens if I find a notice on the windscreen ?
It usually means you overstayed or did not pay. The notice explains how to settle it, often online or at a bank. Handle it promptly to avoid extra fees.
What if I get a parking ticket by post after I leave ?
The city or operator may send a notice based on your plate. Pay it as instructed. If a notice is sent to us as the vehicle owner, we supply your contract details to the authority as the law requires and an admin fee may apply for processing.
Is there dedicated accessible parking ?
Marked bays exist in central areas and at malls. Use your permit and follow the local sign. Enforcement is active near main sights.
Can I bring a campervan into the centre ?
Large vehicles fit best in the larger edge-of-centre car parks such as Stadion or around the theatre and government area. Check the entrance board for height and time limits.
Do I need change for machines ?
Some machines take cards, some take coins only. The app or SMS method avoids the need for change.
Can I leave my car while I go on a day trip ?
Yes if the sign allows long stays. A day ticket at a city car park is the simplest option. Do not leave valuables visible.
Before you go
If you want a smooth arrival, book your car with us now. We show the final price before you pay and we meet you at arrivals if you are flying. Tell us where you are staying and we will suggest the nearest reliable car park for your first visit to Old Town.
Jul
The quick answer
You can drive from Mostar to Dubrovnik in about two and a half to three hours in normal traffic. The smoothest route is to cross into Croatia at a major border, join the motorway towards Ploče, then follow signs for the Pelješac Bridge which keeps you inside Croatia all the way to Dubrovnik. Bring passports, your rental agreement and the Green Card we provide for Croatia.
The two main routes that work well
Fast and simple
Mostar to the Bijača or Doljani border, into Croatia, short motorway run towards Ploče, then the Pelješac Bridge and coastal road to Dubrovnik. One international crossing at the start, then you remain in Croatia for the rest of the trip. The bridge removes the old double crossing at Neum and is the least stressful choice in peak season.
Scenic coastal option
Cross at Doljani into Metković, follow the Neretva delta to the coast, then continue on the Adriatic road. Views are lovely, speeds are lower and there can be summer queues near beach towns. Use this if you want a relaxed drive with photo stops.
Tip for families and first timers: choose the fast and simple route.
Documents and insurance you must carry
- Passports for all travellers. EU citizens can use national ID where permitted.
- Full driving licence for each named driver. If your licence is not in Latin script or you have an older paper licence, bring an International Driving Permit.
- Rental agreement in the car.
- Green Card for Croatia. We include it when you book cross border with us. Keep it with the rental papers.
Border officers may ask where you are staying and how long you plan to visit. Answer briefly and keep documents ready.
Step by step for a smooth crossing
- Set your destination to Dubrovnik Old Town or your hotel. Your sat nav will propose both main routes.
- Fill up in or near Mostar so you can skip the first stations after the border if they are busy.
- Approach a major border such as Bijača or Doljani. These crossings are designed for higher volumes and normally run round the clock.
- Join the Croatian motorway towards Ploče. Keep your entry ticket safe and pay by card or cash at the exit plaza.
- Follow signs for the Pelješac Bridge. The bridge keeps you in Croatia and avoids extra border checks.
- Rejoin the coastal road and follow signs for Dubrovnik. Expect slower traffic near resort towns and in the approach to the city.
Best times to travel
- Early morning or late evening is calmest in summer.
- Weekends, holiday eves and late mornings bring queues at borders and beach junctions.
- If you must travel in the middle of the day, add extra time and keep water and snacks in the car.
Tolls, fuel and rest stops
- Bosnia and Herzegovina does not use vignettes. Motorways and main roads in Croatia use toll booths. Take a ticket on entry and pay at exit. Cards are accepted.
- Service areas and fuel stations sit on both sides of the border. Prices can vary. If you plan to return the car in Mostar, keep your final fuel receipt for a full to full handback.
- Public toilets are cleaner at major service areas and shopping centres. Small cash can help at older facilities.
Parking in Dubrovnik
Street space near Old Town is scarce and priced for short stays. The main public garages are the sensible choice. Book a hotel with parking if you can. For a quick visit, use a public garage and walk or take a local taxi to the gate you want.
Safety and common sense
- Keep within the posted limits. Police run mobile checks on the approach to tourist towns.
- Do not leave valuables in view when you stop for photos.
- Use lay-bys or signed viewpoints for stops. Avoid sudden pulls off the main road.
- If an accident happens, take photos, move to a safe spot, call local police if there is any third party damage and call us for guidance.
Frequent questions
Do I need a Green Card to drive from Mostar to Dubrovnik ?
Yes. Your rental must be authorised for Croatia. We provide a Green Card as proof of insurance and place it with your rental agreement.
Is the Pelješac Bridge free to use ?
There is no separate charge to cross the bridge at the time of writing. Standard Croatian motorway and road rules apply on the approach roads.
Which border is better, Bijača or Doljani ?
Both are good. Bijača pairs neatly with the motorway stretch towards Ploče. Doljani is ideal if you prefer to drop onto the coastal road sooner. Pick the one your sat nav suggests for current traffic.
How long is the drive from Mostar to Dubrovnik ?
Plan for two and a half to three hours in normal traffic. Add more time in July and August and on weekend afternoons.
Can I take the car into Montenegro after Dubrovnik ?
Yes with prior approval. Add Montenegro when you book so we can prepare the insurance papers. There is an extra cross border fee for Montenegro.
What if the border is very busy ?
Carry on to the next large crossing rather than using a tiny local post. Major crossings process more cars and usually move faster. Early morning is your best friend in summer.
What if my car has a problem en route ?
Pull over safely. Call us and follow the roadside assistance number in your handover pack. We will guide you to the nearest practical solution.
Can I do a one way to Dubrovnik or Split ?
Yes. Select one way at booking. The fee shows before you confirm. We meet you at an agreed point and close the contract on the spot.
Before you go
Book your car with cross border to Croatia included and travel without last minute paperwork. If you tell us where you are staying in Dubrovnik, we can suggest the best parking option for your plan and the simplest route for your arrival.
Jun
The quick answer
Mostar Airport sits south of the city near Ortiješ. After you exit the terminal road, you join the airport road and then the M17 towards the city. You will pass several fuel stations within ten to twenty minutes of driving. Most accept cards. Keep your last receipt if you plan to return full to full.
After you land: first options within minutes
- Leave the airport and follow signs for Mostar.
- The airport road feeds you onto the main route towards town.
- You will reach the first cluster of stations before you hit the busier central streets. These are ideal if you want to top up a small hire car before checking in.
- If you prefer a quieter forecourt, continue a few minutes further towards the larger shopping areas. Access is simpler and turning back onto the main road is easier.
Tip for a smooth start: if you arrive late, head straight to your hotel and refuel the next morning. Stations on the approach to the centre usually open early and close late, and some run around the clock in peak season.
Before you return the car: the easy fill and handback routine
- If you fly out of Mostar, plan your last fuel stop on the way back from town to the airport.
- Use a station on the main approach rather than a tiny back street site. You will get better access and clearer receipts.
- Keep the printed receipt with the time stamp. It helps if traffic pushes your gauge down by a notch on the short drive to the terminal.
- At the airport, follow our handover directions. Show the receipt if asked and you are done.
Hours and payment that travellers ask about
- Most city stations open from early morning to late evening. Some run 24 hours in summer and on travel corridors.
- Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Older machines may be chip and PIN only. Contactless is common but not guaranteed.
- Keep a little cash for older pumps or if terminals go offline during storms.
- You pay at the cashier. Self service means you lift the nozzle, fill, then settle the bill inside.
Fuel types explained so you avoid misfuelling
- Petrol is called Eurosuper 95 and Eurosuper 98. Most hire cars use 95.
- Diesel is called Eurodiesel.
- The fuel cap label and the key tag show the correct fuel.
- If you are unsure, ask the attendant before you lift the nozzle.
- Misfuelling is not covered by basic insurance. If it happens, do not start the engine. Call us at once and we will guide you.
Full to full made simple
- We aim to supply airport pickups full. Return full and you will not pay a refuelling charge.
- If your pickup was at a different level, return at the same level you received.
- Use the dashboard range and pump totals as a guide. Topping off a small tank slowly in the last two litres helps you reach the brim without spills.
- Keep your last receipt until your deposit releases.
Common questions
How far is the first fuel stop from Mostar Airport ?
In normal traffic you will reach your first options within ten to twenty minutes of leaving the terminal area.
Do stations near the airport take cards ?
Yes in most cases. Card acceptance is widespread on the approach roads and inside the city. Keep a little cash as a backup in case a terminal goes offline.
Can I buy a car wash before return ?
Yes at many larger sites. Allow extra time if you want a wash. It is optional for our handback. We care more about the correct fuel level than a shine.
Is there LPG near the airport ?
Autogas is available in the wider area, but our fleet is petrol or diesel. Only use the fuel type shown on your cap label and key tag.
What if I cannot find a station that is open late ?
Refuel on the evening before if you have an early flight. If you forget, tell our agent at handover. We can charge a fair refuelling fee and show the calculation on your contract.
Do I need to keep fuel receipts ?
Keep the last receipt until your deposit releases. It is your proof of a full to full return if the gauge looks shy after driving from the pump to the terminal.
Can I prepay fuel and return empty ?
If available, prepay is shown during booking. Most travellers prefer full to full because it is usually cheaper and clearer.
Are there pay at pump machines ?
The region mainly uses pay inside. Some modern sites have pay at pump, but do not rely on it if you are rushing for a flight.
Do stations sell AdBlue ?
Yes at larger sites. If your car needs AdBlue on a long trip, call us first so we can advise the nearest suitable product.
Before you go
Book a car that fits your plan and avoid last minute detours. If you tell us your arrival time and hotel, we can suggest a simple first fill and an easy last stop before handback.