About the ride from Dubrovnik to Kotor
One of the best things about traveling to Europe is that within a few hours, you can be in an entirely new country with a different language, its own twist on tasty dishes, and unique architecture.
That's precisely the case when traveling from Dubrovnik in Croatia to Kotor in Montenegro.
Dubrovnik is flooded with tourists — especially during the summer — eager to admire the city's iconic red roofs and famous scenes from Game of Thrones.
Kotor is a coastal town nestled in a protected bay boasting a much more relaxed vibe. Yes, it's still a popular destination, but its stunning cobblestone streets in the Old Town ooze peacefulness with a friendly buzz.
The town is so remarkable it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list and is an excellent introduction to Montenegro.
There are three ways to get from Dubrovnik in Croatia to Kotor in Montenegro:
Bus
Minivan
Car
The journey takes around two hours; the cheapest way is by bus. Private transport options by minivan and car are also available if you want more privacy and flexibility.
During this journey, you'll be crossing the Croatia/Montenegro border, so make sure to have your passport and any necessary visas handy. Entering Montenegro, you'll be leaving the Schengen Zone.
Are you excited to explore another country? This guide will tell you everything you need to know to get from Dubrovnik to Kotor!
Five fun things to do in Kotor
Kotor might not be as large as Dubrovnik, but there are still plenty of things to do. Simply absorbing the charm of this town is an experience in itself.
Here are some of the top things to do in Kotor:
Explore the Old Town. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can imagine its beauty. It's filled with narrow, winding streets, historic buildings, and charming squares, perfect for grabbing a coffee and watching the world go by. Highlights include St. Tryphon Cathedral, the Clock Tower, and the Maritime Museum.
Climb the City Walls to St. John's Fortress. Hiking up the ancient city walls to St. John's Fortress reveals breathtaking views of Kotor Bay and the town below. The hike is challenging but rewarding. There are over 1,350 steps, taking you 1,200 meters (~4,000 ft) into the sky.
Pro tip: If you're visiting Kotor in the summer, take this hike in the morning or sunset to avoid the hottest hours of the day.
Explore Our Lady of the Rocks. Take a boat trip to the artificial island of Our Lady of the Rocks in the Bay of Kotor. On the island, you'll find a beautiful church and museum with exciting legends and a unique collection of artifacts.
Boat trip around Kotor Bay. This is the best way to truly take in the striking landscape surrounding Kotor Bay. Most trips stop at quaint villages like Perast and Prčanj, as well as the Blue Cave.
Go hiking. Kotor is surrounded by mountains, so make the most of them and hike! The Ladder of Kotor is a popular trail that starts in the Old Town and takes 3-5 hours. The panoramic views are insane!
How to get from Dubrovnik to Kotor
There are three ways to get from Dubrovnik to Kotor: by bus, minivan or private car.
By bus
The bus is the cheapest way to travel from Dubrovnik to Kotor and is ideal for solo travelers. Prices start from $25, and the journey takes 2-2.5 hours.
Buses leave from Dubrovnik Bus Station and arrive at Kotor Bus Station, only a short walk from the Old Town. There are several departures throughout the day.
The bus often takes longer than the other transport options because you'll have to wait for all the passengers to go through passport control. However, this is usually a smooth process.
By minivan
A private minivan is an excellent option if you travel from Dubrovnik to Kotor with a group. The minivans can fit a maximum of seven people.
When you split the minivan cost (around $330) between seven people, it doesn't work out that much more than the bus.
The advantage of the private minivan is that you get a door-to-door service, choose the departure time, and make stops whenever you like. Travel time is around two hours, depending on the stops.
By private car
Don't need a whole minivan? Consider booking a car if you want private transport between Dubrovnik and Kotor.
Prices start at around $250 for the 2-hour journey and can fit a maximum of three people.
Leave whenever you want and enjoy the privacy of your own transportation.
What to expect from the journey from Dubrovnik to Kotor
The journey from Dubrovnik to Kotor involves a border crossing from Croatia into Montenegro.
Around 45 minutes into your trip, you'll reach the border. You'll be leaving the Schengen Zone, so you'll likely get two stamps in your passport: one for leaving Croatia and another for entering Montenegro. Usually, this border crossing is quick and simple.
Once you enter Montenegro, the trip gets significantly more scenic!
Pro tip: Sit on the right side of the bus to enjoy uninterrupted views of the Bay of Kotor.
When is the best time to visit Kotor?
The most popular time to visit Kotor is during the summer months, July to August. European summer holidays bring an influx of tourists seeking sunshine and hot weather — these months average at around 31°C (88°F).
Keen to avoid peak crowds?
Consider visiting during the shoulder months — May, June, September and October. Temperatures are slightly lower and better if you want to hike without sweating constantly.
How many days should you spend in Kotor?
With its small size, you don't need too long to explore Kotor and see its highlights. Most people spend two days here, giving them ample time to explore the Old Town, hike, and hop on a boat.
You can also use the town as a base and visit nearby popular spots like Perast (a 20-minute drive), Budva (a 40-minute drive), or Sveti Stefan (a 1-hour drive).
Where should you visit after Kotor?
A popular place to visit after Kotor is the capital city of Podgorica. It's so close you could do it as a day trip. The journey takes around 2-2.5 hours.
Podgorica isn't as charming as Montenegro's smaller towns, so you only need a few days.