Three and a half minutes. That’s how long the Dubrovnik Cable Car takes to lift you 778 metres from the lower station to the summit of Mount Srđ. When I stepped out at the top station, the view stopped me mid-stride. Dubrovnik’s Old Town spread below like a terracotta-roofed model, the Adriatic stretched to the horizon, and Lokrum Island sat perfectly framed in the foreground. The cable car is expensive. It’s still worth it.
Quick answer
The Dubrovnik Cable Car costs €30 for an adult return ticket and €17 for a one-way. Children aged 4 to 12 pay €8 return. Children under 4 travel free. Operating hours vary seasonally but generally run from 9am to midnight in summer (June to August) and 9am to 5pm in March and November. The Mount Srđ Cable Car usually closes for annual maintenance in December, January and February.
The cable car departs as soon as there are enough passengers. Buy tickets at the lower station (cash or card) or online to skip queues. The ride takes 3.5 minutes. Last departure from the lower station is 30 minutes before closing.
At a glance
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| €30 adult return, €17 one-way | Summer 9am–midnight, 9am–5pm (March and November) | Lower station: near Buža Gate, Dubrovnik | Children under 4 | 30 minutes before closing |
How much does the Mount Srđ Cable Car cost?
The cable car is privately operated and pricing reflects high demand. At €30 return, it’s one of Dubrovnik’s pricier activities. These prices were checked on the Dubrovnik Cable Car website in January 2026.
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Adult return | €30.00 | Ages 13 and over |
| Adult one-way | €17.00 | Ages 13 and over (popular with hikers) |
| Child return | €8.00 | Ages 4 to 12 |
| Child one-way | €5.00 | Ages 4 to 12 |
| Children under 4 | Free | With paying adult |
There are no senior, student, or disabled discounts. The Dubrovnik Pass does not include cable car access. Tickets are sold at the lower station cash desk (cash or credit cards accepted in euros only) or at the ticket machine (credit cards only). Online booking through the official partner ulaznice.hr is available and recommended during peak season (May to September).
Some tour operators offer combination packages including the cable car with Old Town walking tours and City Walls entry. These typically cost around €78 per person and can offer better value if you’re planning multiple activities.
Is the Mount Srđ Cable Car free to enter?
No. There are no free entry periods or discounts for Dubrovnik Pass holders. The only complimentary access is for children under 4. The cable car is independently operated without government subsidies, so admission fees cover operational costs and maintenance.
Five great Dubrovnik experiences
- 🌊 See the Kravice waterfalls, Mostar and Pocitelj on a day trip to Bosnia.
- 🎬 Let a guide show you the Game of Thrones filming locations around Dubrovnik on a walking tour.
- 🛥️ Take a small boat trip to the Blue Cave.
- 🤿 Add snorkelling to a kayaking adventure along the Dubrovnik coastline.
- 🏝️ Enjoy a three island cruise to the Elaphite Islands, including lunch.
What time does the Mount Srđ Cable Car open?
Operating hours vary significantly by season. The cable car closes temporarily for annual maintenance, typically in mid-November or early December for two weeks, and reopens in mid-December. Check the official website before visiting.
Summer (June to August): Generally 9am to midnight
Shoulder season (April, May, September, October): Typically 9am to 8pm or 10pm
Winter (November to March): Usually 9am to 5pm, but closed in December, January and February.
The cable car departs when there are sufficient passengers rather than on a fixed schedule. During busy periods, this means near-constant departures. In quieter times, you might wait 10 to 15 minutes. Last departure from the lower station is 30 minutes before the published closing time.
Weather affects operations. If wind speed exceeds safety thresholds or lightning is possible, the cable car suspends operations until conditions improve. This happens most frequently in winter when bora winds hit the coast.
I visited in late October on a clear day. The 5pm departure caught perfect golden hour light as the sun dropped toward the Adriatic. Sunset timing is crucial. Check sunset time for your visit date and aim to be at the summit 30 minutes before.
Do I need to book Mount Srđ Cable Car tickets in advance?
During peak season (May to September) and when cruise ships dock in Dubrovnik, advance booking is highly recommended. Queues at the lower station can reach 30 to 45 minutes on busy days, particularly between 11am and 2pm.
Off-season (November to March), you can usually buy tickets on arrival without significant waits. However, sunset visits attract crowds year-round, so booking for late afternoon departures is sensible regardless of season.
Online tickets through ulaznice.hr allow you to skip the main queue and proceed directly to boarding. You’ll still queue for the cable car itself, but you avoid the ticket purchase line.
A cable car with a war story
The original Dubrovnik Cable Car opened in 1969, carrying locals and tourists to Mount Srđ’s summit. During the Croatian War of Independence (1991-1995), Serbian and Montenegrin forces besieged Dubrovnik. Mount Srđ became a key defensive position. The cable car was destroyed during the conflict.
For 15 years, the cable car remained out of service. In 2010, after complete restoration and modernization, it reopened. The new system uses two cabins, each accommodating 32 passengers. The journey covers 778 metres in 3.5 minutes, rising from the lower station to the upper station at 405 metres above sea level.
Fort Imperial sits at the summit. Napoleon ordered its construction in 1806, and it was finished on his birthday in 1812. During the 1990s siege, Croatian defenders used the fort as a stronghold. Today, it houses the Homeland War Museum, which documents the siege through photographs, documents, weapons, and video footage. Museum entry costs €5.
Three minutes to the best view in Dubrovnik
The cable car journey is short but visually striking. Stand at the front of the cabin for the best views ascending. The lower station sits just outside the Old Town near Buža Gate, accessible by a five-minute walk from Pile Gate.
As the cabin climbs, Dubrovnik’s Old Town diminishes below. The 16th-century city walls that look imposing at ground level become delicate lines encircling terracotta roofs. Lokrum Island emerges in the Adriatic, and the Elafiti Islands (Koločep, Lopud, Šipan) stretch along the horizon. On exceptionally clear days, visibility extends 60 kilometres.
The upper station opens onto a two-level viewing terrace with glass railings. This is where everyone congregates for photos. The terrace offers 360-degree views: Old Town and Adriatic to the south, modern Dubrovnik sprawling below to the west, and the Dalmatian coast stretching north.
The Panorama Restaurant occupies the upper station building. Terrace seating provides dining with views, though prices reflect the monopolistic location. Reservations are essential, particularly for sunset. The restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine with Croatian wines. Quality is reportedly good, but expect to pay premium prices.
Fort Imperial sits 100 metres from the upper station, reached by a paved path. The Homeland War Museum inside contains powerful exhibits. Seeing artillery damage on the fort’s walls and photographs of the burning city provides sobering historical context. The fort’s rooftop offers an alternative viewing platform, often less crowded than the cable car terrace.
Walking trails extend from the summit along Mount Srđ’s ridge. The most popular descends to Dubrovnik via a zigzag path, taking 45 to 60 minutes. The trail is steep, exposed to sun, and has loose stones in places. Many visitors buy one-way cable car tickets up and walk down. Bring water and wear proper shoes if attempting this.
Things to do near the Mount Srđ Cable Car
Dubrovnik City Walls (10-minute walk from lower cable car station) – The 1,940-metre circuit of defensive walls surrounding Old Town. Walk the complete loop for views over rooftops, harbours, and the Adriatic. There are three entry points: Pile Gate, Ploče Gate, and near St John’s Fort. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
Fort Lovrijenac (15-minute walk from lower cable car station) – The “Gibraltar of Dubrovnik” rises 37 metres on a clifftop outside the western walls. This detached fortress provided critical defence against Venetian invasion. Game of Thrones filming location. Entry included with City Walls ticket.
Old Town Dubrovnik (5-minute walk from lower cable car station) – UNESCO World Heritage Site with limestone-paved Stradun, baroque churches, Renaissance palaces, and Gothic monasteries. The marble streets polish to a shine from centuries of footsteps.
Lokrum Island (10-minute ferry from Old Harbour) – Nature reserve with botanical gardens, peacocks, medieval monastery ruins, and the “Dead Sea” saltwater lake for swimming. Regular ferries from Old Harbour (15 to 20 minutes). No cars or accommodation on the island.
Banje Beach (1 kilometre east of Old Town, 15-minute walk) – Popular pebble beach with views back to the city walls. Beach clubs rent sunbeds and umbrellas. The eastern end offers postcard views of Old Town rising from the sea with Fort Lovrijenac in the background.
Practical tips
Getting there: The lower station is near Buža Gate, five minutes’ walk uphill from Pile Gate. From Pile Gate, walk up the stairs and cross the “Iza Grada” parking area. Follow signs to the cable car. Bus 8 from the port stops near the lower station.
Time needed: Allow 1.5 to 2 hours total. The ride takes 3.5 minutes each way, but you’ll want 45 minutes to an hour at the summit for photos, museum, and views.
Photography: A wide-angle lens is essential for capturing Old Town from above. Morning light (9am to 11am) illuminates the city walls. Sunset (arrive 30 to 45 minutes before) provides golden light and dramatic skies.
Accessibility: The cable car cabins and upper station viewing terrace are accessible for wheelchairs. The museum inside Fort Imperial has some steps but much is accessible.
Crowds: Busiest 11am to 2pm when day-trippers and cruise passengers arrive. Quietest at opening (9am) or after 5pm. Cruise ship days see particularly heavy traffic. Check cruise schedules online if crowds concern you.
Alternatives: Bus 17 to Bosanka village (€2.50), then a 25-minute walk to the summit. Or hike from near Jadranska Cesta road (45 to 60 minutes, steep, exposed). Taxi to the summit costs approximately €20 to €25.
FAQs
Is the cable car worth the price? For most visitors, yes. The view from Mount Srđ is Dubrovnik’s finest. The brief ride and steep price sting, but the panorama justifies the cost for a once-in-a-lifetime visit.
Can you walk down after taking the cable car up? Yes. Many people buy a one-way ticket up and walk down. The trail takes 45 to 60 minutes, descending via switchbacks. Steep and rocky in places. Bring water and sturdy shoes.
What’s at the top besides views? The viewing terrace, Panorama Restaurant, a gift shop, and the Homeland War Museum inside Fort Imperial. Walking trails extend along the ridge.
When is the best time to visit? Sunrise (if operating) or sunset for the best light. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before sunset. Weekday mornings outside cruise season offer the smallest crowds.
Does bad weather close the cable car? Yes. High winds or lightning risk suspends operations until conditions improve. Winter sees more weather-related closures than summer.
More Dubrovnik travel
Other Dubrovnik travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- 7 Dubrovnik travel tips to vastly improve your visit.
- The Neum Corridor: How Bosnia ended up with a coastline.
- 8 Dubrovnik must-dos for first time visitors.
- A peaceful escape on Mljet Island.
