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How to get from Dubrovnik to Kotor
Buses from Dubrovnik's main bus station reach Kotor in about 2 h 30–3 h, depending on the queue at the Croatia–Montenegro border. Driving or a private transfer takes about 2 h, and there is no train.
Best option: Bus. Several daily buses run directly to Kotor at a fraction of the cost of a transfer.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus International buses from Dubrovnik main bus station (Gruž) to Kotor bus station | about 2 h 30–3 h, longer with border queues | several a day in summer, fewer in winter; check current timetables | about €20–30 | Kotor bus station is a 10-minute walk from the Old Town. |
| taxi Private transfer or taxi from Dubrovnik to Kotor | about 2 h plus border time | on demand | about €100–160 per car | Agree the price and border handling in advance. |
| car Adriatic coast road (E65/E80) via the Debeli Brijeg crossing and Herceg Novi; optionally the Kamenari–Lepetane car ferry across the bay | about 2 h plus border time | fuel only; the bay ferry costs a few euros per car | Rental cars need permission and insurance papers for Montenegro. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Carry your passport: this is the Schengen external border and every passenger is checked.
- Summer border waits can exceed an hour; early morning departures are usually faster.
- Sit on the right-hand side heading south for views of the Bay of Kotor.
- Both Croatia and Montenegro use the euro.
Common questions
How long does the bus from Dubrovnik to Kotor take?
The bus takes about 2 h 30–3 h, but border queues in summer can add an hour or more. Buses leave from Dubrovnik's main bus station in Gruž and arrive at Kotor bus station, a short walk from the Old Town. Fares are about €20–30. Check current timetables, as winter services are reduced.
Do I need a passport to go from Dubrovnik to Kotor?
Yes. Croatia is in the Schengen Area and Montenegro is not, so this is a full border crossing with passport checks on both sides. EU citizens can use a national ID card, but other travellers need a passport and should check Montenegro's entry requirements for their nationality before going.
Can I drive a rental car from Dubrovnik to Kotor?
Usually yes, but you must tell the rental company in advance. They will confirm cross-border permission and provide insurance documents, often for an extra fee. The drive is about 90 km and takes around 2 hours plus border time. The Kamenari–Lepetane ferry can shorten the drive around the Bay of Kotor.
Is a day trip from Dubrovnik to Kotor worth it?
It is possible, and many organised tours do it, but with 2–3 hours each way plus border waits it makes for a long day. You will have time for Kotor Old Town and perhaps Perast. Staying a night lets you climb to the fortress in the cooler evening and see the bay without rushing.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.