Renovation of the Pelješac Bridge
What Travellers to Dubrovnik Need to Know in 2026
The Pelješac Bridge on national road D8 is considered the most important connection for anyone travelling by car to southern Croatia. A major renovation of the structure, which was only completed in 2022, is now scheduled. For your travel plans to Dubrovnik, this means: from October 2026, you should expect disruptions. We summarise what 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 works on the structure. The bridge, which spans the Bay of Mali Ston and connects the Croatian coastal section near Dubrovnik to the rest of the country, was only completed in 2022. Despite the identified damage, the authorities emphasise that the structural integrity 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 last until May 2027. This period was deliberately chosen outside the peak travel season to minimise the impact on tourism. Should the full restoration not be completed within this window, a continuation of the works after the following summer season is planned. The main objective of the renovation is to prevent moisture and salt from penetrating the structure, in order to prevent corrosion of the internal steel framework.
Traffic Situation During Construction Works on the D8
A complete closure of the Pelješac Bridge during the renovation phase is not planned. Traffic on national road D8 will therefore continue to flow across the structure. However, you should expect temporary disruptions, such as single-lane traffic management or reduced speed limits in the construction area. Delays are particularly likely in the months of October and November 2026 and in spring 2027.
When planning your journey to Dubrovnik, it is advisable to monitor current traffic updates and factor in additional travel time where necessary. The Croatian authorities are expected to announce specific restrictions in good time.
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 that interrupts Croatian territory. Although the route is approximately three kilometres shorter on paper than travelling via the bridge, it frequently proves time-consuming in practice.
The reason lies in the border controls: since Bosnia and Herzegovina is not a member of the European Union, the Neum Corridor constitutes an EU external border. Travellers must therefore expect both entry and exit checks with passport and customs controls. Particularly during the summer months or at weekends, these controls 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, even with potential 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 travelled, the vehicle category, and the time of year. During the tourist high season between June and September, higher toll fees apply than in the remaining months.
The vehicle classification takes into account the permissible total weight and the number of axles. Those travelling with a motorhome or a vehicle with a trailer pay correspondingly more than drivers of a standard car. Express roads are currently still toll-free in Croatia.
Paying the Toll: Your Current Options
At toll stations, you can pay the fees in cash or by card. The system operates on the closed principle: when joining the motorway, you take a ticket; when exiting, you pay the corresponding amount for the distance travelled. During the high 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 payment. For this, you need a transponder installed in your vehicle. Depending on the model chosen, billing is either 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 future, tolls will be collected exclusively via automatic licence plate recognition or using an electronic toll box.
For vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW, the new system with licence 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 capture your licence plate, and the applicable fees 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 licence plate on the spot and specify a payment method.
This transition aims to reduce traffic jams and waiting times at toll stations, which should provide a clear advantage especially during the tourist high season.
The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey!
The renovation of the Pelješac Bridge from October 2026 requires forward-looking travel planning for all those wishing to drive to Dubrovnik. Even though a complete closure is not planned, disruptions on national road D8 may extend your journey time. The Neum Corridor through Bosnia and Herzegovina offers an alternative, but is often associated with longer waiting times due to border controls. Also keep an eye on the transition to the digital toll system Crolibertas, which will replace the traditional toll stations from March 2027.
If you have questions about tolls and digital toll products in Europe, our support team is available around the clock by email. Use our route calculator to find all the toll products you need for your trip. Detailed information about 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 peak travel season.
Will the Pelješac Bridge be closed during renovation?
No, a complete closure is not planned. Traffic will remain open during the construction works, although temporary disruptions 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 it is an EU external border, you should 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 driven, 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 that from March 2027 will replace the existing toll stations. Toll collection will then take place exclusively via automatic licence plate recognition or electronic toll boxes.
Do I have to pay an extra toll for the Pelješac Bridge?
The Pelješac Bridge is located on national road D8, which currently does not charge additional toll fees. The distance-based toll in Croatia applies exclusively to motorways.
