Taking the bus from Dubrovnik to Kotor: What you need to know!

Recently I visited both Croatia and Montenegro for the first time by bus. It was one of my favorite trips in recent years, as taking the bus is an attraction in itself along the Balkan coast. The views are spectacular, Montenegro especially reminds me of a miniature version of Norway.

I flew into Dubrovnik and spent a beautiful week exploring the Old Town and islands, before taking the bus down to Kotor. It was an easy journey, but it took longer than planned.

So let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know before taking the bus from Dubrovnik to Kotor, where to buy tickets, how long it actually takes and what to expect from the journey.

Can you get a bus from Dubrovnik to Kotor?

Yes, you can. It is an easy and affordable way to travel between the two countries.

In Dubrovnik, buses depart from the main bus station located in Gruž. It is easily accessible by public transport or taxi in just 10-15 minutes. If you get the Dubrovnik Pass, buses from the Old Town are also included (we took no. 10).

This is also where the ferries leave from, such as the ferry to the Elaphiti Islands. Both bus stations provide essential facilities, including waiting areas, kiosks, restrooms and ticket offices.

The distance between Dubrovnik and Kotor is approximately 92 kilometers (57 miles). Depending on traffic, the journey generally takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours. However, crossing the border during the height of summer can often take even longer.

This trip offers stunning views of the Adriatic coastline and Montenegro mountains. I recommend having a camera ready for those picturesque moments along the way. And try to get a window seat on the right side.

Buy tickets

You can buy your tickets at the bus station, however, even in October when I got there two hours before departure, only one ticket was left. So I recommend booking online in advance. I used Flixbus for the rest of my longer journeys in the Balkans. Expect to pay between €28 and €33.

🧳 Luggage policy >> Most bus companies allow each passenger to carry one piece of hand luggage that fits on the bus for free. But you have to pay €1-3 for suitcases and larger backpacks, so make sure to have some cash on hand. Your luggage then gets a tag with your end destination.

A few people got into it with the bus driver because they didn’t want to leave their backpacks under or pay the luggage fee. Well, let’s just say there’s no point in arguing with a Balkan bus driver. It will only get you thrown off.

Best time to travel

The ideal times for traveling from Dubrovnik to Kotor are in spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant, with fewer crowds compared to the summer peak season. I had 22 °C and sun every day in late October.

I recommend traveling in the mornings or late afternoons for a smoother experience. If you’re doing a day trip to Kotor by bus, definitely get the earliest bus.

Border crossing

Karasovići -Debeli Brijeg is the main border between Croatia and Montenegro. It is the most used border crossing because of its location on the Adriatic Highway that connects the two countries.

When we got to the Croatian side, we waited for about 15 minutes on the bus before everyone had to get off to show our passports or national identity cards. We then walked across and waited for the bus to drive through.

What I didn’t know was that we had to get off the bus and do the same thing again. There are a few kilometers between the crossings, so I thought we were all good. But no. Our driver told us we had now exited Croatia and had to enter Montenegro. On the plus side, I got a new stamp in my passport.

By this point, the crossing had taken just over an hour, so the people doing a quick trip down to Kotor started getting antsy.

Arriving in Kotor

Our first stop in Montenegro was Herceg Novi, where I later stayed. I don’t think this beautiful place gets enough attention. Here our bus driver announced we would take a 15-minute break.

One thing you should know before taking the bus in the Balkans is that they love taking breaks. I once almost missed my flight in Albania because someone decided to turn a 15-minute break into a one-hour dinner. So the rest of the bus just had to wait.

In Norway, we would just drive until we reached our destination, especially when we were only 50 minutes away from Kotor. But I guess it’s because the bus didn’t have a toilet. And, of course, the break ran long.

Three hours and 25 minutes after we left Dubrovnik, we arrived at the main bus station in Kotor, located near the city center. The bus then continued with about half the passengers to the last stop in Budva.

Is Kotor worth visiting from Dubrovnik?

Yes, Kotor in Montenegro is definitely worth visiting from Dubrovnik. It’s a stunning historical place with a picturesque old town, impressive fortifications, and a beautiful bay. However, if you have limited time, traveling by bus might not be the best option as it can take a significant portion of your day.

One American lady I talked to was really annoyed because she had one night in a hotel booked and a return bus ticket the next morning. When we finally arrived in Kotor, she had 2 to 3 hours of sunlight left. She should have taken the bus at 8:00 am instead of 11:00.

If you can, stay a few nights. Montenegro is incredibly beautiful and still feels kind of like a hidden gem, even though there are a lot of tourists. Perast, Budva and Sveti Stefan are also worth visiting. I think I have to go as far as to say Montenegro is my new favorite country in Europe.

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