Renovation of the Pelješac Bridge to Dubrovnik
What travelers to Dubrovnik need to know in 2026
The Pelješac Bridge on the national road D8 is considered the most important connection for anyone wishing to travel by car to the Croatian south. Now, an extensive renovation is planned for the structure, which was only completed in 2022. For your trip planning to Dubrovnik, this means: starting in October 2026, you should expect disruptions. 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 Croatian road authorities to schedule renovation work 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 found, authorities emphasize that the stability of the bridge is ensured and that there is no immediate danger to traffic.
The renovation work will begin in October 2026 and is expected to last until May 2027. This period was deliberately chosen outside the peak travel season to keep the impact on tourism as low as possible. Should the complete repair not be finished within this timeframe, a continuation of the work after the following summer season is planned. The main goal of the renovation is to prevent moisture and salt from penetrating the structure, thereby ruling out corrosion of the internal steel framework.
Traffic situation during construction work on the D8
A complete closure of the Pelješac Bridge is not planned during the renovation phase. Traffic on the national road D8 can therefore continue to flow over the structure. However, you should expect occasional disruptions, such as single-lane traffic or reduced speeds in the construction zone. Delays are particularly likely in October and November 2026 as well as in spring 2027.
When planning your journey to Dubrovnik, it is advisable to keep track of current traffic reports and, if necessary, allow for extra travel time. 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 passes through a narrow coastal strip belonging to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which interrupts Croatian territory. Although the route is about three kilometers shorter on paper than crossing the bridge, it often proves to be time-consuming in practice.
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 exiting. Especially during the summer months or on weekends, these checks can lead to significant 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 in Austria or Slovenia, for example. 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. Higher toll charges apply during the peak tourist season between June and September 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 will pay correspondingly more than the driver of a conventional car. Expressways in Croatia can currently still be used free of charge.
Paying the toll: Your current options
At the toll stations, you can pay the fees in cash or by card. The system operates on a closed principle: when entering the motorway, you take a ticket, and when exiting, you pay the corresponding amount for the distance traveled. However, during peak season, 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
Starting in 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, tolls will be collected exclusively through automatic license plate recognition or by means of an electronic toll box.
For vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW, the new system with license plate recognition works as follows: you register your vehicle in advance on an online portal and provide a payment method. Scanners on the motorways automatically capture your license plate, and the applicable fees are debited directly. If you have not registered your vehicle online before your trip, express 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 starting in October 2026 requires forward-looking trip planning for anyone wishing to drive to Dubrovnik. Even though no complete closure is planned, disruptions on the national road D8 may extend your travel time. The Neum Corridor through Bosnia and Herzegovina does offer an alternative, but due to 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 starting in March 2027.
For questions about tolls and digital toll products in Europe, our support team is available around the clock via email. Use our route planner to determine all the toll products you need for your trip. Detailed information on tolls in Croatia can be found in our guide.
