Dubrovnik is increasingly popular with families, and the airport handles the summer influx well. The journey from the airport to your accommodation is straightforward - the main family-specific challenge comes when you reach the Old Town itself.
The airport with children
Dubrovnik Airport is a single terminal, modern and compact. There is not much walking between the gate and the exit. Immigration is fast for EU passport holders and manageable for others. Restrooms are clean and available in the arrivals area.
The terminal is air-conditioned. Outside, in summer, it is hot. Have water and sun hats ready for the short walk to your transport.
Car seats
Croatian law requires car seats for children under 150 cm in height. Airport taxis may or may not have them available. If you need a car seat, do not rely on finding one at the taxi rank.
Pre-booked transfer services can provide car seats if requested at booking time. Specify the age and weight of your child. This is the most reliable way to ensure a seat is available.
Alternatively, bring a travel car seat from home. It adds to your luggage but guarantees you have one for the entire trip.
Vehicle size
A standard taxi fits four passengers and a moderate amount of luggage. For a family of four with two large suitcases, carry-ons, and a stroller, it will be tight. Request a larger vehicle or book a minivan transfer.
The shuttle bus has luggage space in the hold but getting a stroller on and off the bus with children is cumbersome.
Getting to Old Town accommodation with kids
This is the part that catches families off guard. Dubrovnik Old Town is largely pedestrianized. Cars cannot drive into it. Drop-off points are at the gates (Pile Gate or Ploce Gate), and from there you walk.
The Old Town has narrow stone streets, steep stairways, and no wheeled access in many areas. If your apartment is up a hill or accessed by stairs, getting there with suitcases and children is genuinely hard work.
Before booking Old Town accommodation, ask the host these questions: Which gate is closest? How many steps are there? Is the path stroller-accessible? Can they arrange someone to help with luggage?
Some families are surprised to discover that the charming apartment they booked is up 60 stone steps from the nearest gate. With a sleeping toddler and two suitcases, this is not charming.
Lapad and Babin Kuk as alternatives
Many families stay in Lapad or Babin Kuk instead of the Old Town. These areas have conventional hotels with lobbies, elevators, and vehicle access to the door. The shuttle bus to the Old Town runs frequently, and the Old Town is a short taxi or bus ride away.
Transfers to these areas from the airport are similar in price to Old Town transfers and significantly easier on arrival because you are dropped at your hotel entrance.
Practical family tips
Book a transfer with enough space and a car seat if needed. The 25-minute drive from the airport is the easy part.
Research your accommodation access carefully if staying in the Old Town. The photos show beautiful stone buildings; they do not show the 40 steps to reach them.
Bring a lightweight stroller if you are bringing one at all. The Old Town terrain defeats most full-size strollers.