Renovation of the Pelješac Bridge to Dubrovnik
What travelers need to know about Dubrovnik in 2026
The Pelješac Bridge on the D8 national road is considered the most important connection for anyone wishing to travel to southern Croatia by car. Now, an extensive renovation of the structure, which was only completed in 2022, is scheduled. For your travel planning to Dubrovnik, this means: from October 2026, you should expect delays. We summarize the impact the works will have on your journey, which alternative routes are available, and also explain the toll system in Croatia.
Pelješac Bridge: renovation planned from October 2026
Surface cracks on several pillars of the Pelješac Bridge have prompted the Croatian road authorities to schedule renovation works on the structure. The bridge, which spans the Bay of Mali Ston and connects the Croatian coastal section near Dubrovnik with the rest of the country, was only completed in 2022. Despite the damage identified, the authorities emphasize that the stability of the bridge is guaranteed and that there is no immediate danger to traffic.
The renovation works will begin in October 2026 and are expected to continue until May 2027. This period was deliberately chosen outside the main travel season in order to keep the impact on tourism as low as possible. Should the complete repair not be finished within this timeframe, a continuation of the works after the following summer season is planned. The main goal of the renovation is to prevent moisture and salt from penetrating the structure, in order to rule out corrosion of the internal steel structure.
Traffic situation during construction works on the D8
A complete closure of the Pelješac Bridge is not planned during the renovation phase. Traffic on the D8 national road can therefore continue to flow over the structure. However, you should expect occasional delays, for example due to single-lane traffic management or reduced speeds in the construction area. Delays are particularly likely in the months of October and November 2026 as well as in spring 2027.
When planning your journey to Dubrovnik, it is advisable to follow current traffic reports and, if necessary, to allow for extra travel time. The Croatian authorities are expected to provide timely information about specific restrictions.
Alternative route via the Neum corridor
The only alternative to the Pelješac Bridge is the Neum corridor through Bosnia and Herzegovina. This route runs through a narrow strip of coastline belonging to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which interrupts Croatian territory. Although the route is on paper about three kilometers shorter than crossing via the bridge, in practice it often proves to be time-consuming.
The reason for this lies in the border controls: since Bosnia and Herzegovina is not part of the European Union, the Neum corridor constitutes an EU external border. Travelers must therefore expect passport and customs checks both when entering and when leaving. Especially during the summer months or on weekends, these checks can lead to considerable traffic jams and waiting times. If you are able to use the Pelješac Bridge, this route is generally the faster choice despite possible construction delays.
The toll system in Croatia
In Croatia there is no vignette requirement as there is, for example, in Austria or Slovenia. Instead, a distance-based toll system applies on all Croatian motorways. The amount of the fees depends on the distance traveled, the vehicle category, and the time of year. During the peak tourist season between June and September, higher toll fees apply than in the remaining months.
The vehicle classification takes into account the permissible total weight as well as the number of axles. Anyone traveling with a motorhome or a vehicle with a trailer pays accordingly more than the driver of a conventional car. Expressways in Croatia are currently still toll-free.
Paying the toll: your current options
At the toll stations, you can settle the fees in cash or by card. The system works on the closed principle: when entering the motorway, you take a ticket, and when exiting, you pay the corresponding amount for the distance traveled. During the peak season, however, you should expect longer waiting times at the payment points.
As an alternative to cash payment, the Croatian Electronic Toll Collection System offers the option of cashless billing. For this, you need a transponder, which you install in your vehicle. Depending on the model chosen, billing is done via prepaid credit or as a subsequent debit.
Crolibertas: the digital toll system from 2027
From autumn 2026, Croatia will begin the transition to a fully digital toll system called Crolibertas. By March 2027, all toll stations are to be dismantled. In the future, the toll will be collected exclusively through automatic license plate recognition or by means of an electronic toll box.
For vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, the new system with license plate recognition works as follows: you register your vehicle in advance on an online portal and store a payment method. Scanners on the motorways automatically detect your license plate, and the fees incurred are debited directly. If you have not registered your vehicle online before your trip, quick registration lanes are available in Croatia, where you can register your license plate on-site and specify a payment method.
This transition aims to reduce traffic jams and waiting times at toll stations, which should bring a significant advantage especially during the peak tourist season.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
The renovation of the Pelješac Bridge from October 2026 requires forward-looking travel planning for anyone wishing to drive to Dubrovnik by car. Even though no complete closure is planned, delays on the D8 national road may extend your travel time. The Neum corridor via Bosnia and Herzegovina offers an alternative, but due to the border controls it is often associated with longer waiting times. Also keep an eye on the transition to the digital toll system Crolibertas, which will replace the classic toll stations from March 2027.
For questions about tolls and digital toll products in Europe, our support team is available around the clock by e-mail. Use our route planner to determine all the toll products you need for your trip. Detailed information on the toll in Croatia can be found in our guide.
Frequently asked questions
When will the Pelješac Bridge be renovated?
The renovation works on the Pelješac Bridge begin in October 2026 and are expected to be completed by May 2027. The period was deliberately chosen outside the main travel season.
Is the Pelješac Bridge closed during the renovation?
No, a complete closure is not planned. Traffic remains open during the construction works, although occasional delays may occur
What alternative is there to the D8 to Dubrovnik?
The Neum corridor through Bosnia and Herzegovina is available as an alternative route. As this is an EU external border, you must expect border controls and possible waiting times.
How does the toll system in Croatia work in 2026?
Croatia levies a distance-based toll on all motorways. The fees depend on the distance traveled, the vehicle class, and the time of year. Payment is made at toll stations in cash, by card, or with a transponder.
What is Crolibertas?
Crolibertas is the new digital toll system in Croatia, which will replace the previous toll stations from March 2027. Toll collection will then take place exclusively via automatic license plate recognition or electronic toll boxes.
Do I have to pay extra toll for the Pelješac Bridge?
The Pelješac Bridge is located on the D8 national road, which currently does not levy any additional toll fees. The distance-based toll in Croatia applies exclusively to motorways.
