Dubrovnik Airport offers three realistic transport options. No single one is best for everyone - it depends on your group size, destination, and priorities.
The shuttle bus
The Platanus shuttle — the licensed operator — runs from the airport to the Old Town (Ploce gate) and Gruz bus station. The fare is 10 EUR one way, 15 EUR return, with children under 6 free and one suitcase included per ticket. Buses are scheduled around flight arrivals rather than a fixed timetable, leaving about 30 minutes after each landing, so there is usually one waiting or departing shortly after you clear baggage claim.
For solo travelers or couples heading to the Old Town, this is excellent value. The bus is air-conditioned and the journey takes about 30 minutes to Ploce gate, 35 to Gruz. You can buy tickets at the counter in arrivals, on the bus, or online.
The limitations: it only serves two stops. If your hotel is in Lapad, Babin Kuk, or anywhere not walking distance from Ploce gate or Gruz bus station, you need a second ride. With heavy luggage, the bus is less comfortable. And the per-person pricing means a group of four pays 40 EUR — at which point a single taxi or transfer to your actual door is worth pricing up.
Airport taxis
Dubrovnik does not have a municipal taxi tariff — each company files its own rates, so the fare depends on which cab you get into. The cars are modern and air-conditioned. Ask the driver for the rate to your destination, or check the posted rate card, before you set off; that is the only way to know what the ride costs.
The advantage over the shuttle: door-to-door service to any address, no schedule to worry about, and capacity for luggage.
During peak summer afternoons, the taxi queue can involve a 15-20 minute wait when multiple flights land simultaneously. Early morning and late evening, there is usually no wait.
Pre-booked private transfer
A driver is assigned to your flight, waits in arrivals, and takes you directly to your accommodation, at a price agreed when you book. Since Dubrovnik taxis have no common tariff, a booked transfer is often the only way to know your cost before you land.
The advantage is zero waiting. While others queue for taxis or wait for the shuttle, you find your driver and leave. For late arrivals, early morning departures, or groups who want certainty, this is the simplest option.
Minivan transfers are available for larger groups, typically at a modest premium.
Price comparison
The shuttle is the only fare anyone can publish honestly, because Platanus sets it. Taxis, Uber and transfers all price per trip.
Solo traveler to the Old Town: 10 EUR on the shuttle — the best value at DBV by a distance.
Couple to the Old Town: 20 EUR on the shuttle.
Family of four to the Old Town: 40 EUR on the shuttle, and less if any children are under 6, who ride free.
Note how the shuttle's advantage narrows as the group grows, since it charges per head while a taxi or transfer charges per car. By the time there are four of you, get a transfer quote and a taxi rate and compare — the gap is often small, and the car goes to your exact address rather than a gate.
The practical recommendation
Solo travelers and couples going to the Old Town: take the shuttle. It is hard to beat 10 EUR, and it meets every flight.
Families, groups, or anyone going somewhere other than the Old Town: a taxi or transfer offers better value per head and the convenience of door-to-door service.
Early departures: pre-book a transfer, since taxi availability drops outside normal hours. For late arrivals the shuttle does still run — it is scheduled off the arrivals board — but a booked transfer removes any doubt.