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Journey Along the Adriatic: Dubrovnik to Kotor
The drive from Dubrovnik, Croatia, to Kotor, Montenegro, runs along the Adriatic coast, with sea views on one side and the Dalmatian hills on the other. It is a short trip on paper, but a memorable one.
The drive from Dubrovnik to Kotor spans about 90 kilometers and the driving itself takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, before the border. The road follows the coast, crosses into Montenegro, and then winds around the Bay of Kotor.
There are regular bus services connecting Dubrovnik with Kotor for travelers who prefer not to drive. The trade-off is the fixed timetable and no stops. With a private chauffeur in Dubrovnik you can add waypoints like Cavtat or Perast and set your own pace.
Kotor’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with medieval streets and squares inside the walls. Climbing the fortress above the town gives you a wide view over the bay. The old town is pedestrian only, so cars stop at the gate.
Rent a car with the driver in Dubrovnik and book your private tour or transfer.
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IMPORTANT: Instead of the one-way taxi transfer, we can also offer you a private tour from Dubrovnik to Kotor with the same day return.
Crossing the Croatia–Montenegro border
This is the part most people underestimate, so here is the honest picture. The drive itself is short, but the border is what decides how long your day really takes. Dubrovnik and Kotor are in different countries, so you cross from Croatia into Montenegro on the way.
- Bring a passport. Everyone is checked at the border. EU, EEA, and Swiss travellers can use a national ID card issued after 2003; visitors from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia need a passport. Most Western nationalities do not need a visa for a short stay.
- The main crossing is Debeli Brijeg–Karasovići, on the coastal road. There are two checkpoints about 2 km apart, one to exit Croatia and one to enter Montenegro, so you stop twice and your passport is stamped at both.
- Waiting times swing a lot by season. In winter the crossing is often 15 to 30 minutes. On peak summer weekends it can run for hours. A smaller crossing at Vitaljina–Kobila is usually quieter than the main one, though it can still back up in high season.
- When we drive you, the driver handles the paperwork and, where it helps, picks the crossing that is moving better that day. You stay in the car with your passport ready.
Good to know before you go
- Currency: Montenegro uses the euro, the same as much of the eurozone, even though it is not in the EU. No money to change if you are coming from a euro country.
- Kotor old town is car-free. The walled town is pedestrian only, so the driver drops you at the nearest gate with your luggage rather than inside the walls.
- A stop in Perast is worth it. This small baroque town on the bay sits right on the way, and a short boat ride reaches the island church of Our Lady of the Rocks. Adding it turns a transfer into a half-day along the water.
- Best timing: in July and August, a weekday morning means a lighter border and lighter traffic than a weekend.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the drive from Dubrovnik to Kotor take?
The driving time is about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours for the roughly 92 kilometers. With the border and a stop in Perast, plan for around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, longer on busy summer weekends.
Do I need a passport to go from Dubrovnik to Kotor?
Yes. You cross from Croatia into Montenegro, so everyone is checked. EU, EEA, and Swiss visitors can use a national ID card issued after 2003; others need a passport. Most Western nationalities do not need a visa for a short stay.
How long is the border wait?
It depends heavily on the season. Off-season it is often 15 to 30 minutes. In peak summer, weekends can take a few hours. Traveling early on a weekday helps, and a private driver can choose the crossing that is moving better.
Can we stop in Perast on the way?
Yes, and many guests do. Perast is right on the route, about 15 minutes before Kotor, and you can take a short boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks. Just ask when you request a quote.
Does the car go into Kotor old town?
No. The old town is pedestrian only, so the driver drops you at the nearest gate with your luggage and picks you up there on return.
What currency is used in Kotor?
Montenegro uses the euro, so there is nothing to change if you are arriving from a euro country.
