DUBROVNIK PARKING RENTAL CAR - OLD TOWN 2026

Planning to drive a rental car to Dubrovnik? The UNESCO Old Town (and surrounding ring road) has strict restrictions - but don’t worry. Below you will find some recommendations to help make sure that your holiday in Dubrovnik goes smoothly.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: 2026 FINES

Dubrovnik introduced strict traffic controls to protect the UNESCO Old Town. The ring road around Old Town is now a restricted zone. Only registered vehicles can enter. All unauthorized vehicles risk being fined:

• Private car/tourist: €260 for unauthorized zone entry
• Rental car/company: €660
• Fines can arrive 2-6 months later by email/post.

PARKING OPTIONS

1. Exclusive Private Parking (Ploce Gate)

The most convenient and secure option for guests of The Byron.

Located just a five-minute walk from Ploce Gate (the best entry point for the Old Town), this private one-car garage offers peace of mind and ethical impact.

• Rate: €50 / day

• Perks: Includes official city road access registration + a free cat*

• Impact: 100% of proceeds support Nelly's Trust (a volunteer based cat welfare group dedicated to improving the lives of street cats in Bol & Dubrovnik).

• Availability: Exclusive to guests of The Byron on a first-come, first-served basis.

*It is not mandatory to take the free cat. But if you are interested in adopting, Nelly’s is always looking for a good home for their rescue kittens and cats. Click here for more information on how to adopt a cat.

2. Rental Car Parking

If you are arriving or departing by rental car, we highly recommend using an agency that offers city center pick-up or drop-off. This allows you to avoid daily parking fees while staying in the Old Town.

3. Public Parking Options

Public Pay Parking

There are several public lots, but those closest to the Old Town are often full and extremely expensive.

• Pile Gate: Costs approximately €10 per hour (€240 per day).

• Public Garage: A more affordable multi-story option, but requires a 15-minute walk or a short UBER ride to reach the Old Town gates.

Dubrovnik Daily Parking

For additional private options further away, you can visit dubrovnikdailyparking.com. Note that these spots are @ 20-minute walk from the Ploce Gate.

PARKING IN DUBROVNIK FAQ

Can I drive my rental car directly to Dubrovnik’s Old Town?

Not without a permit. Access to the ‘Special Traffic Regulation Zone’ (the roads immediately surrounding the Old Town) is now strictly restricted to registered vehicles only. To enter this zone without a fine, your vehicle’s license plate must be pre-registered in the city's system. 

*Guests of The Byron who book private parking will have their plates registered in advance to ensure access to the Old Town.

Is there parking inside Dubrovnik’s Old Town?

No, the Old Town is pedestrian-only. You must park outside the city walls and enter on foot through either of the three main gates (Pile, Buza, or Ploce Gate).

How much does it cost to park near the Old Town?

Public parking in the immediate vicinity (Zone 0 or 1) is among the most expensive in Europe, with rates reaching €10/hour (up to €240/day) at Pile Gate. The public garage located just before the restricted zone is a more affordable alternative, but make sure to request daily parking rates from the office after you have parked. The Byron offers a flat-rate private garage for guests €50/day, which includes the mandatory 2026 city access registration.

Is it worth renting a car while staying in Dubrovnik?

If you plan to stay strictly within the Old Town, a car is not recommended due to pedestrian-only zone, restricted access, and high parking fees. However, a rental car is excellent for day trips to Kotor (Montenegro), Mostar (Bosnia), or the Pelješac wine region. We suggest renting a car only for the days you plan to leave the city, or utilizing our private parking to avoid the stress of public lots. If you plan to rent a car when you arrive in Dubrovnik, we highly recommmend using a rental car agency that offers city center pick-up and book it for the day of your departure.

What are the fines for driving in the restricted zone without a permit?

Dubrovnik uses an automated camera system to scan license plates entering the ring road. Unauthorized vehicles are subject to significant fines (from €160+ for private cars to €660+ for rental/company cars ). To avoid this, visitors must either park in the public garage before the checkpoint or ensure their accommodation provider has registered their plate in the official "Sanitat" system at least 3 days in advance.

Is there a way to avoid parking altogether?

Yes! The airport is a 25–35 minute drive. We recommend using our Airport Transfer Service and renting a car only on the days you wish to explore outside the city.

Pro-Tip from the Locals

We’ve lived in Dubrovnik for over 20 years. To get the most out of your stay, skip the car while you're in the city. The Old Town is best enjoyed on foot, and the local buses, Uber, or ferries are the best way to get around without the stress of parking.

THINGS TO DO IN DUBROVNIK

We’ve worked and lived in Dubrovnik for over 20 years. For us, it’s one of those special places in the world. We love this place! But it does take some planning to get the most out of your stay (especially during the heat of the summer when the cruise ship crowds become hordes). Below you will find some local tips & tricks and itinerary suggestions for your trip to Dubrovnik. Have fun researching your upcoming trip!

- Gallery -