How to Get from Dubrovnik to Montenegro: Every Option Compared

How to get from Dubrovnik to Montenegro depends on your destination, budget, and travel dates. You can choose between public buses, a rental car, a private transfer, or a seasonal ferry. This guide compares each option and explains travel times, border-crossing tips, and the best routes to Kotor, Budva, and Tivat.

Dubrovnik to Montenegro  All Options at a Glance

Option	Cost	Time to Kotor	Best For
Public bus	€10–15	2–2.5 hrs	Budget travelers, flexible schedule
Private transfer / taxi	€80–120	1.5 hrs	Comfort, airport arrivals, families
Rental car (self-drive)	€25–50/day + fuel	1.5 hrs	Full Montenegro exploration, flexibility
Organised day tour	€35–65 per person	Full day	Day trip, guided experience, social
Boat day trip	€50–90 per person	Full day (scenic)	Scenic experience, photography

Option 1: Public Bus from Dubrovnik to Montenegro

• Cost: €10–15 each way
• Journey time: 2–2.5 hours to Kotor
• Departs from: Dubrovnik Bus Station (Autobusni kolodvor), Obala pape Ivana Pavla II 44A  10 minutes walk from Pile Gate
• Book: GetByBus  or at the ticket window

The public bus is the cheapest way to get from Dubrovnik to Montenegro and works well for travelers with flexible timing and budget as the priority. Several operators run the Dubrovnik–Kotor route daily, with frequency increasing in peak season (June–September) and reducing in winter.

What to Expect on the Bus

The bus departs Dubrovnik Bus Station and follows the coastal road (E65) south. The journey passes through the Neum Corridor, a 9km stretch of Bosnia and Herzegovina coastline that technically divides Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. You will pass through two border crossings on this section (Croatian exit, Bosnian entry, Bosnian exit, Croatian re-entry) before reaching the main Croatian–Montenegrin border at Debeli Brijeg.

At the Debeli Brijeg border, all passengers must exit the bus with their passports for control. This typically adds 15–45 minutes to the journey. In July–August peak season, border waits can extend to 90 minutes or more.

Bus Booking Tips

Book online through GetByBus or Flixbus at least a day ahead in peak season buses fill quickly on

the most popular morning departures. The first morning buses (typically 7–8am departures) reach Kotor before the cruise ship crowds arrive, making them the best option for sightseeing day trips.

Direct Bus from Dubrovnik to Kotor Timetable

Departs Dubrovnik	Arrives Kotor (approx.)	Notes
7:00–8:00am	9:30–10:30am	Best for day trips — arrives before cruise ships
10:00–11:00am	12:30–1:30pm	Mid-morning — border may be busier
2:00–3:00pm	4:30–5:30pm	Afternoon — good for arriving to stay overnight

Note: Exact timetables vary by season and operator. Always check current schedules on GetByBus before booking. Winter frequency is significantly reduced.

Option 2: Private Transfer or Taxi from Dubrovnik to Montenegro

• Cost: €80–120 (Dubrovnik city to Kotor) / €70–100 (Airport to Kotor)
• Journey time: 1.5 hours (city centre) / 1 hour 15 minutes (airport)
• Best for: Arrival days, groups, travelers with luggage, comfort priority

A private transfer from Dubrovnik to Kotor is the most convenient option and makes particular sense for arrival days when you have luggage and want to go directly to your accommodation without changing buses or waiting at bus stations.

Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro

This is where private transfers make the most sense. Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) is located 20km south of Dubrovnik city at Čilipi which means it is actually significantly closer to the Montenegro border than to Dubrovnik Old Town. A transfer from Dubrovnik Airport directly to Kotor takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes and costs €70–100.

There is no direct public bus from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro. To use public transport, you would need to take a bus or taxi from the airport to Dubrovnik Bus Station (30–40 minutes), then a bus to Kotor (2 — 2.5 hours)  totaling 3+ hours with a change. For airport arrivals, the private transfer saves approximately 2 hours.

From	To	Time	Price (approx.)
Dubrovnik Airport	Kotor	1h 15min	€70–100
Dubrovnik Airport	Budva	1h 45min	€100–130
Dubrovnik Airport	Tivat	1h 30min	€85–110
Dubrovnik City	Kotor	1h 30min	€80–120
Dubrovnik City	Budva	2h	€110–150
Dubrovnik City	Tivat	1h 45min	€95–130

Book private transfers in advance through your Kotor or Dubrovnik accommodation, or through transfer booking platforms. Always confirm that the price includes the border crossing wait some drivers charge extra for extended border delays in peak season.

Option 3: Driving from Dubrovnik to Montenegro

• Distance: 82km (Dubrovnik city to Kotor)
• Drive time: 1.5 hours in normal traffic / up to 2.5 hours in peak season
• Route: E65 south from Dubrovnik → border at Debeli Brijeg → Bay of Kotor coastal road → Kotor

Driving from Dubrovnik to Montenegro gives you the most flexibility for the entire Montenegro trip. The coastal road is well-maintained and straightforward to navigate. The scenery cliffs above the Adriatic, then the dramatic enclosed Bay of Kotor  makes the drive itself worth the journey.

Renting a Car for Dubrovnik to Montenegro

Most major car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt) operate at Dubrovnik Airport. Budget: €25–50 per day depending on vehicle size and season.

Important: Tell the rental company you plan to cross into Montenegro and confirm your rental agreement covers Montenegro most do, but not all. You may need to pay a small cross-border fee (€10–25 depending on the operator). Failure to disclose the Montenegro crossing and having an accident there could affect your insurance.

The Route: Dubrovnik to Kotor by Car

Step 1: Exit Dubrovnik south via the Dubrovnik bypass road (avoid driving through the city  using the D8 coastal road or the tunnel).

Step 2: Follow the E65 south past Cavtat and Čilipi (Dubrovnik Airport).

Step 3: Neum Corridor, a short section of Bosnia and Herzegovina coastline. You will cross two borders (Croatian exit, Bosnian entry,Bosnian exit, Croatian re-entry). Brief passport checks — usually 5–10 minutes total.

Step 4: Continue south on the E65 past Molunt and Vitaljina.

Step 5: Debeli Brijeg border crossing Croatian exit and Montenegrin entry. Passports required. Typically 15–45 minutes, longer in peak season.

Step 6: Follow the Bay of Kotor coastal road (M2.3) east toward Kotor. The road hugs the bay edge for approximately 30km with extraordinary views the entire way.

Step 7: Arrive Kotor. Parking outside the old town walls (Parking Škaljari or the main car park at the Sea Gate)  do not attempt to drive inside the old town.

Driving Tips

• Road quality is good on the main E65 and Bay of Kotor coastal road. Signage is adequate. Speed limits: 50km/h in urban areas, 80km/h on rural roads, 100–130km/h on motorway sections.
• Fuel: petrol stations available in Herceg Novi and along the Bay of Kotor road. Montenegro uses euros fuel prices slightly lower than Croatia.

Option 4: Organised Day Tour from Dubrovnik to Montenegro

• Cost: €35–65 per person (including transport and guide)
• Duration: Full day typically departs 8am, returns 6–7pm
• Includes: Transport, local guide in Kotor, Perast stop, Our Lady of the Rocks, sometimes lunch An organised day tour from Dubrovnik to Montenegro is the best option

for travelers who want to see Kotor, Perast, and the Bay of Kotor without navigating the border, parking, or transport independently. Tours depart from Dubrovnik Old Town or Pile Gate area.

Standard day tour itinerary from Dubrovnik:

• 8:00am  Depart Dubrovnik
• 10:00am  Arrive Kotor, guided walk of Old Town (2 hours)
• 12:30pm  Drive to Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks ferry (45 min)
• 2:00pm  Lunch at Perast waterfront restaurant (optional)
• 3:30pm Departure back to Dubrovnik
• 6:00pm  Arrive Dubrovnik

Book through travel agencies in Dubrovnik Old Town, your hotel reception, or through GetYourGuide. Confirm the group size before booking  smaller groups (under 15 people) give a significantly better experience than large coach tours.

The Border Crossing: What to Expect

The main border crossing between Dubrovnik and Kotor is at Debeli Brijeg on the coastal road. This is where all vehicles and passengers cross from Croatia into Montenegro.

What You Need at the Border

Passport: Required for all travelers regardless of nationality. EU identity cards are NOT accepted for entry into Montenegro Montenegro is not an EU member state. This is the single most important thing to know. Many travelers arriving from Dubrovnik assume their EU identity card works but it does not.

Vehicle documents: If driving, carry your vehicle registration document, proof of insurance, and rental agreement (if in a rented car). Confirm the rental agreement covers Montenegro before departure.

Border Wait Times

Normal conditions (Oct–May, low season): 15–30 minutes. June and early July: 30–60 minutes. Late July and August (peak season): 60–120 minutes or more on the busiest days. The border is open 24 hours. Crossing before 8am or after 8pm in peak season significantly reduces wait times.

The Neum Corridor

On the journey from Dubrovnik to Montenegro, you will also pass through the Neum Corridor  a 9km stretch of Bosnian coastline that interrupts the Croatian coast. At this point you cross from Croatia into Bosnia and Herzegovina (brief check, usually minimal), and then from Bosnia back into Croatia (brief check)  all within approximately 10 minutes in normal traffic. Have passports ready for these crossings too.

How to Get from Dubrovnik to Specific Montenegro Destinations

How to Get from Dubrovnik to Kotor Montenegro

Distance: 82km | Time: 1.5 hours (car) / 2–2.5 hours (bus) Kotor is the closest and most popular Montenegro destination from Dubrovnik. All transport options above apply directly. The bus is the budget choice; private transfer is the convenience choice; driving gives full flexibility for exploring the Bay of Kotor at your own pace.

Arriving in Kotor: The bus station is just outside the Old Town walls,5 minutes walk from the Sea Gate entrance. Private transfers drop at the old town car park. Driving: park at Parking Škaljari (€3/hour) or the main car park outside the Sea Gate.

How to Get from Dubrovnik to Budva Montenegro

Distance: 115km | Time: 2 hours (car) / 3–3.5 hours (bus) Budva is 33km south of Kotor along the coastal road. From Dubrovnik,follow the same route to Kotor and continue south on the M2.3 coastal road past Tivat, through the tunnel, and on to Budva.

By bus: Direct buses from Dubrovnik to Budva run in peak season (June–September). In shoulder or low season, change at Herceg Novi or Kotor.Journey time 3 — 3.5 hours. Cost approximately €15–20.

By private transfer: €110–150 from Dubrovnik city, €100–130 from Dubrovnik Airport.

How to Get from Dubrovnik to Tivat Montenegro

Distance: 95km | Time: 1.5–2 hours (car) Tivat is home to Montenegro’s second international airport (TIV) and Porto Montenegro luxury marina. From Dubrovnik, follow the coastal road to the Bay of Kotor and continue to Tivat (just before Kotor on the western side of the bay).

By private transfer from Dubrovnik Airport to Tivat: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, €85–110.

By bus: Change at Herceg Novi or take a Kotor-bound bus and change at the Tivat junction. Journey 2.5–3 hours.

How to Get from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro

Dubrovnik Airport is at Čilipi, 20km south of Dubrovnik city. Because the airport is south of the city closer to the Montenegro border transfers from the airport to Kotor are shorter than from Dubrovnik city centre.

Private transfer: Airport to Kotor €70–100, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Best option for arrival days.

Public transport: No direct bus from the airport to Montenegro. Take the airport bus to Dubrovnik Bus Station (30–40 minutes, €10), then bus to Kotor (2–2.5 hours, €10–15). Total journey 3+ hours with the change.

Taxi from airport: A metered taxi from Dubrovnik Airport to Kotor will cost significantly more than a pre-booked private transfer negotiate the price before getting in or ensure the meter is running.Pre-booking is strongly recommended.

How to Get from Montenegro to Dubrovnik

The return journey from Montenegro to Dubrovnik follows exactly the same route in reverse. All the same options apply.

By bus from Kotor to Dubrovnik: Buses depart Kotor Bus Station multiple times daily. Book on GetByBus or at the ticket window. Journey time 2–2.5 hours. Cost €10–15.

By private transfer: Book in advance through your Kotor accommodation. Cost €80–120 to Dubrovnik city, €70–100 to Dubrovnik Airport.

Driving: Return via the Bay of Kotor coastal road to Herceg Novi,then north on the E65 through the Debeli Brijeg border and back to Dubrovnik. The drive is straightforward in the daytime. Avoid the peak border crossing times (10am–4pm in July–August).

Important: If returning a rental car at Dubrovnik Airport, allow extra time for the border crossing in peak season. A 2-hour buffer is recommended in July–August.

Montenegro as a Day Trip from Dubrovnik

Montenegro is one of the best day trips from Dubrovnik. The Bay of Kotor is close enough to visit comfortably in a day while leaving enough time to genuinely experience Kotor Old Town, Perast, and Our Lady of the Rocks.

Day Trip to Montenegro by Bus (Independent)

Depart Dubrovnik Bus Station on the 7–8am bus. I arrived at Kotor by 10am. Walk Kotor Old Town (2–3 hours). Hire a local taxi to Perast for Our Lady of the Rocks (€20–25 return, 20 minutes). Return to Kotor. Take the 4–5pm bus back to Dubrovnik. Arrive Dubrovnik 6–7:30pm.

• Cost: €20–30 return bus + €20–25 taxi to Perast + entry fees.
• Total: approximately €50–60 per person.

Depart with a tour group from Dubrovnik (8am). Guided Kotor Old Town walk included. Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks included. Transport handled. Return to Dubrovnik by 6–7pm.

Cost: €35–65 per person including transport and guide.The organised tour is better value for time  the guide adds context and the transport is fully managed. The independent bus day trip saves €15–25 but requires more planning.

For full information on what to see in Montenegro during your visit, see our things to do in the Montenegro guide. For the best time to plan your visit, see our best time to visit Montenegro guide.

Practical Tips for Crossing from Dubrovnik to Montenegro

Always carry your passport. EU identity cards are not accepted in Montenegro. This is the most important practical tip for this journey: travelers turned away at the border because they only have an identity card is a genuine and common problem.

Cross early in the morning. The Debeli Brijeg border crossing is busiest 10am–4pm in peak season. Crossing before 8am or after 8pm in July–August can save 60–90 minutes of border waiting.

Check rental car coverage before you leave. Confirm your rental agreement explicitly covers Montenegro before departure. Do not assume ask the rental company directly and get confirmation in writing.

Have euros ready. Montenegro uses euros. Croatia uses kuna (or euros in many tourist areas). Have euros for Montenegro fuel, accommodation, and restaurants.

Check bus timetables before your trip. Bus frequency changes significantly between peak season (June–September) and low season (October–May). Always verify current departure times on GetByBus rather than relying on general estimates.

Border wait times in July–August. If driving in peak season, check local social media groups or Croatian road authority websites for current border wait times before departure. Real-time information saves significant frustration.

Final Thoughts: Getting from Dubrovnik to Montenegro

The journey from Dubrovnik to Montenegro is one of the best short trips in the Adriatic  82km of coastal road, one border crossing, and a destination that most visitors wish they had spent more time in.

For budget travelers: the morning bus from Dubrovnik Bus Station to Kotor (€10–15) is perfectly reliable and the scenery from the window is excellent.

For arrival days and comfort: a private transfer from Dubrovnik Airport to Kotor (€70–100) saves 2 hours versus public transport and makes complete sense with luggage.

For the full Montenegro experience: rent a car. The freedom to stop at Bay of Kotor viewpoints, drive to Lovćen, and explore beyond the bus routes is worth the additional cost. Whatever option you choose, carry your passport, cross the border early, and allow more time in Montenegro than you planned.