Croatia

How to get from Dubrovnik to Kotor

Compare all transport options: bus, ferry, train, flight. Prices, durations and tips from a local expert.

⏱
FASTEST
1h 13min
💶
From
10€
📍
Distance
61 km
Powered by 12Go system

There are 1 way(s) to get from Dubrovnik to Kotor

Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.

🚌 Departure from Dubrovnik
📍The main departure point in Dubrovnik is the Dubrovnik Main Bus Station (Autobusni Kolodvor Dubrovnik). It's a modern and well-organized station located slightly outside the Old Town, offering amenities like a waiting area, ticket counters, and a small cafe.
🚇You can reach the Main Bus Station from Dubrovnik Old Town via local city bus lines (e.g., number 1A, 1B, 3, 7). The ride takes about 10-15 minutes and costs around €2. Taxis are also readily available, costing roughly €10-15 depending on traffic.
⏰Buses to Kotor depart frequently throughout the day, typically every 1-2 hours during peak season, with fewer services in the off-season. The first departure is usually in the early morning (around 7-8 AM) and the last in the late afternoon.
💸 Transport from 10€ per person
⚡ Fastest: 1h 13min
🗓 Book now Secure payment · via 12go.asia
📶 Stay connected the moment you land

Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.

Yesim · eSIM partner

Practical tips

💡
Book Your Bus Ticket in Advance

Especially during peak season (July-August), bus tickets from Dubrovnik to Kotor can sell out. Book online a few days ahead to guarantee your seat and avoid disappointment, ensuring a stress-free start to your Montenegrin adventure.

💡
Prepare for Border Crossing

Have your passport or ID card ready. The bus will stop at the border for checks, which typically adds 15-45 minutes to the journey. Border waits are standard, so factor this into your travel time.

💡
Choose Your Seat Wisely

For the best views of the Adriatic coastline and the Bay of Kotor, try to secure a window seat on the right side of the bus when departing from Dubrovnik. This offers stunning panoramic vistas throughout the journey.

💡
Check Bus Station Locations

Both Dubrovnik and Kotor have main bus stations. Ensure you know exactly where your bus departs from in Dubrovnik and arrives in Kotor to avoid confusion, especially if connecting to further transport.

💡
Pack Snacks and Water

While the journey isn't excessively long, having some snacks and water can make it more comfortable. There are no guaranteed stops for refreshments between Dubrovnik and Kotor, so come prepared.

🛣️ The journey experience

Planning a journey from Dubrovnik to Kotor? This direct bus route is one of the most popular day trips from Croatia, and thankfully, it's also one of the most straightforward. You'll enjoy stunning coastal scenery as you cross the border into Montenegro, making it an easy and rewarding addition to your Croatian adventure. No need to worry about complex ferry connections or multiple transfers here; it's a simple, scenic ride.

For this route, the bus is your best and most practical option. Numerous operators, including popular choices like Flixbus or Arriva (via local partners), run services throughout the day. Expect a comfortable journey lasting approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on border crossing times, with tickets typically costing around €10-€20. Booking in advance, especially during peak season, is highly recommended to secure your seat.

Unlike island-hopping in Croatia where ferry capacity can be a major concern, the Dubrovnik to Kotor bus route is well-served. While summer departures can fill up, you'll find frequent services make this connection reliable. Always book your ticket online ahead of time to avoid any last-minute stress or fully booked services, ensuring a smooth transition into the beautiful Bay of Kotor.

Frequently asked questions — Dubrovnik → Kotor

✨ Why visit Kotor?

  • ✓ Wander through the Old Town's labyrinthine streets and discover its ancient churches and palaces.
  • ✓ Hike to San Giovanni Fortress for panoramic views of Kotor Bay and the surrounding mountains.
  • ✓ Take a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks and explore Perast, two gems of the Bay of Kotor.
  • ✓ Indulge in fresh seafood and local Montenegrin wines at waterfront restaurants.
  • ✓ Experience the vibrant nightlife and charming cafes within the medieval walls.
🌙
Recommended stay
3 to 4 nights — to fully explore the Old Town, hike, and enjoy a boat trip in the bay.

☀️ When to visit Kotor?

MEDITERRANEAN HUMID SUBTROPICAL

May to June and September to October — pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and ideal for outdoor activities.

Jan 😞
Feb 😞
Mar 😐
Apr 😐
May 😊
Jun 😊
Jul 😊
Aug 😊
Sep 😊
Oct 😐
Nov 😞
Dec 😞
📍
In Kotor — Plan your stay
Accommodation, activities and tips selected for you
🏨 Accommodation
Hotels in Kotor
Compare the best rates available
via trip.com

What to do in Kotor?

Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you

INCONTOURNABLE
🏛️
Climb San Giovanni Fortress
Conquer the 1350 steps to San Giovanni Fortress for panoramic views of Kotor Bay. The ancient walls offer incredible photo opportunities, especially at sunset. Start early morning to avoid crowds and the heat. Entrance fee is around 8€.
🚶
Wander Kotor Old Town
Lose yourself in the labyrinthine streets of Kotor's UNESCO-listed Old Town. Discover charming squares, ancient churches, and hidden passages. Take your time to explore without a map. Many shops open around 9 AM, perfect for a morning stroll.
⛪
Visit Kotor Cathedral
Explore the majestic Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, a Roman Catholic cathedral dating back to the 12th century. Admire its impressive frescoes and treasury. A small entrance fee, typically 3€, helps with its preservation. It's less crowded before noon.
⛵
Boat Trip to Our Lady of the Rocks
Take a scenic boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island with a beautiful church near Perast. Combine it with a visit to Perast itself. Tours typically cost between 15€ and 30€, and depart frequently from Kotor's port.
🐱
Meet Kotor's Cats
Kotor is famous for its friendly street cats. You'll find them everywhere in the Old Town, often lounging in squares or by shop entrances. Consider buying a small souvenir from the Cat Museum or a local vendor to support local feline welfare efforts.
🧀
Taste Local Montenegrin Cuisine
Indulge in Montenegrin specialties like Njeguški pršut (smoked ham), local cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many tavernas in the Old Town offer authentic dishes. Ask locals for recommendations for a truly non-touristy experience; expect main dishes from 10-20€.
🏞️
Drive the Serpentine Road
Rent a car and drive the famous serpentine road towards Njeguši for breathtaking views of Kotor Bay from above. Each of its 25 hairpin turns offers a unique perspective. Be cautious on the narrow roads. Allow a half-day for this scenic drive.
🍇
Wine Tasting in the Countryside
Venture beyond the town to discover local Montenegrin wineries. Regions like Crmnica, though a drive, offer excellent Vranac wines. Some small family-run vineyards provide tours and tastings, often starting from 15-25€ per person. Inquire with local tourism offices.

⏱️ How long to visit Kotor?

2 to 5 days

For an independent francophone traveler, 3 to 5 days in Kotor allows you to fully explore the Old Town, hike to San Giovanni Fortress, and take a boat trip in the Bay. If you have only 2 days, focus on the Old Town and a quick fortress climb. With 5+ days, consider day trips to Perast, Budva, or Lovcen National Park.

Related searches

bus Dubrovnik Kotor how to get from Dubrovnik to Kotor ticket price Dubrovnik to Kotor travel time Dubrovnik to Kotor travel to Croatia

Other trips from Dubrovnik

Book now