Makarska, the vibrant gem of the Adriatic, offers a range of accessible options for those planning a visit. This picturesque Croatian town can be reached by various modes of transport.
Whether you prefer driving on scenic coastal roads, hopping on a comfortable bus from major European cities, soaring through the sky to the nearest international airport, or embarking on a serene ferry ride across the Adriatic.
This guide outlines how to get to Makarska using your preferred mode of transportation and provides handy resources to help you plan your next Makarska trip, whether it’s just a day trip or a longer stay.
By Car
If you enjoy driving, Makarska is very comfortably reachable by car.
Coming from the north, you have 2 options:
- Via A2 motorway – a much smoother, faster, and more comfortable drive
- Via D8 state road – a less smooth and slower drive but also a lot more scenic – you’re traveling along the coastline and seeing many Croatian cities, towns, and villages along the way. Plus, it’s free.
And If you’re coming from the south (Dubrovnik, for example), you can combine the D8 state road and the A1 motorway to reach Makarska, or you can simply continue along the D8 state road, and you’ll reach Makarska just the same.
Tip: Be sure to switch from D8 to the Pelješac Peninsula route to avoid entering Bosnia and Herzegovina at Neum, which can result in border traffic jams.
Useful resources:
Speed Limits on Croatian Roads
Motorway: 130km/h
Major Motor Routs: 110km/h
Outside built-up areas: 90km/h
Within built-up areas: 50km/h
Zero tolerance for alcohol in the blood.
Croatian Auto Club (HAK) – Traffic Flow and Road Conditions Plage
By Bus
Makarska is easily accessible by bus from most places in continental Europe. If you’re coming from farther away, you’ll probably have to reach Zagreb first and catch another bus to continue south to the coastline. If you’re already in Croatia and you want to get to Makarska, you won’t have trouble hopping on a bus in any of the major cities and towns
Useful Resources:
By Plane
If you’re flying into Croatia, you’ll most likely land in our capital city of Zagreb, as Zagreb International Airport is by far the most connected airport with the outside world in the country. From there, you can hop on a connecting flight to the coast.
Makarska doesn’t have an airport of its own, but its proximity to Split International Airport (approx. 1-hour drive), and to a lesser extent Zadar International Airport (2-hour drive), certainly makes Makarska reachable by plane.
Split is definitely a better option of the two. There’s also a third option – Dubrovnik International Airport but the drive from Dubrovnik is close to 3 hours. The plus side is that you land in Dubrovnik, only one of the most beautiful destinations in the world!
Useful Resources:
Split International Airport (SPU)
Zagreb International Airport (ZAG)
Zadar International Airport (ZAD)
Dubrovnik International Airport (DBV)
By Ship
Makarska is situated between two major ferry ports on the Croatian coast; Split Ferry Port and Dubrovnik Ferry Port.
Route 995, which connects Split and Dubrovnik, operated by the “Kapetan Luka” ferry company, makes a stop in Makarska and, thus, makes Makarska reachable by ship from both of those destinations.
Split, being the largest ferry port in Croatia, and Dubrovnik being one of the premier destinations in the world, makes Makarska reachable by ship not only from those two destinations but by many other destinations in the Adriatic and Mediterranean Sea at large.
Route 995 operates during the Summer season from June 1st to September 30th.
A ferry ticket from Split to Makarska is 20€, ship departs at 07:30 from Split and arrives in Makarska at 09:05, Monday-Sunday – passenger only, no cars allowed
A ferry ticket from Dubrovnik to Makarska is 45€, ship departs from Dubrovnik at 15:00 and arrives in Makarska at 18:25, Monday-Sunday – passenger only, no cars allowed
Makarska is also connected by ferry with the surrounding islands of Brač, Hvar, Korčula, Mljet, and Vis
These, smaller routes are operated by Jadrolinija, Kapetan Luka, and TP Line
Useful Resources:
Jadrolinija – Largest Croatian shipping transport company
Kapetan Luka – catamaran
TP Line – catamaran
Summary
In essence, getting to Makarska is as much a part of the adventure as exploring the town itself. Whether you’re maneuvering along the coastline, taking in the aerial views from a plane, or witnessing the changing landscapes from a bus or a ship, each journey presents its own unique experiences.
Don’t forget to leverage the provided resources to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. Here’s to your adventure in Makarska – may your journey be safe and filled with unforgettable moments!
