Are you planning to go from Dubrovnik to Kotor? Kotor, Montenegro has become a tourist favourite in recent years with travellers coming from all over the world to spend some time in Bay of Kotor.
Dubrovnik to Kotor
Dubrovnik to Kotor is 90 km. To travel from Croatia to Montenegro you can travel by bus, book a 1-day trip, ride a motorbike, rent a car or hire a taxi from Dubrovnik, or even take a boat to Kotor.
Boredom will not strike you even once on your way to Kotor! You will find plenty of things to do in Boka Bay, Montenegro.
Now, let’s get to what you’re really here for — going from Dubrovnik to Kotor.
Dubrovnik to Kotor: How To Get To Kotor
Here are five ways to get from Dubrovnik to Kotor:
The most affordable transportation mode to go from Dubrovnik to Montenegro is the bus. Don’t want to take the bus but travel to Kotor at your own pace? If yes, you can rent a car. On your drive, you can get out to explore the other towns you come across along the Bay of Kotor.
By far, a taxi is the most expensive transportation mode. There is one even more expensive to get you to Kotor – if you rent a boat from Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik to Kotor Bus
It will take you from 2h10min to up to 3 hours to reach Kotor, as the duration includes crossing the border between the two countries.
The journey seems longer because they will check your passport at the border crossing, as Montenegro isn’t part of the European Union.
The cost of the Dubrovnik to Kotor bus ticket varies but shouldn’t cost you too much with a single ticket ranging from 24€ to 25€ single, and up to 48€ return.
Visit the Dubrovnik bus station to book your ticket beforehand. The bus station neighbours the ferry terminal in the Gruz harbour.
The large bus station provides travellers with several useful facilities such as booking information, booking window, baggage storage, bathrooms, ATMs, telephone boxes, tourist information board, a shop, and a supermarket nearby.
You can sit in a large shaded area as you wait for your bus to Kotor. Once you board the bus, your journey to Kotor will begin.
There are approx eight buses per day from Dubrovnik to Montenegro, with the first leaving at 7:15am, and the last bus leaving at 20:30.
When you arrive at your destination, you can easily walk from the Kotor Bus Station to Old Kotor Town, as it’s only 10 to 15 min on foot.
Booking Tickets Dubrovnik to Kotor
You should book the tickets online or buy tickets in advance from the bus station in Dubrovnik. Dubrobnik’s main bus station is next to the Gruz harbour; The Croatians locally call it Autobusni Kolodvor.
Although the buses say they have Wi-Fi, don’t rely on that and make the mistake of waiting to book your accommodation en route to Kotor.
Luggage
You can store bigger bags in a storage room under the bus. However, buses charge per bag. The prices vary, so better to check with the bus driver. Once you have stored your luggage, you will receive a paper with a number. This is done to ensure the correct person gets the right luggage.
Croatia Montenegro Border
Since Montenegro isn’t an EU or Schengen state, all passengers must go through a border check. A police officer will enter the bus and collect your passports or ID cards.
Once they have checked and cleared every passenger for travel, you’ll continue on. If you travel with a Schengen visa, you will be allowed to enter the country.
The main currency in Croatia is Euro. Although not in the EU, the main currency in Montenegro is also Euro.
It will take you up to three hours to cross the border and reach your destination. You’re in Kotor when your bus drives around the Kotor Bay!
On your return to Croatia from Montenegro, there will be another border check. They will stamp your passport and then you’ll be on your way.
Rent a Car Dubrovnik to Montenegro
You can rent a car from Dubrovnik Airport or from a rental car service in Dubrovnik. Car rental prices vary from company to company but can be costly, especially if you intend to go one-way, as you’ll have to drop the car off at a different location. Instead, consider spending a few days in Kotor and then travelling back to Dubrovnik to return the car.
Whether you are renting or driving your own vehicle, you do not need to obtain a green card — proof of car insurance — to drive from Dubrovnik to Montenegro. This includes UK residents. However, you still require valid vehicle insurance.
On your drive, you can get out to explore the other towns you come across along the Bay of Kotor.
The road conditions in both countries are good and the drive from Dubrovnik to Kotor will be an enthralling experience.
Taxi Transfers From Dubrovnik Airport to Kotor
Get in touch with Transfers Montenegro for transfers from Dubrovnik Airport to Kotor, and see what offers you will get. Their business is local, they are punctual, and crossing the border with them is stress free.
Prices seemed reasonable and they seem to cover plenty of destinations, including Mostar, and Dubrovnik to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Some taxi companies charge up to 90€ to Herceg Novi for 3 passengers max, whereas others charge up to 180€ to Kotor. It’s more costly if you take a taxi to and from Kotor. If you don’t mind the costs, then the taxi is a great option because you can just look out the window and admire the picturesque scenery you see along the way.
Don’t forget to bring your passport with you.
While in Kotor, you can explore other Montenegro destinations by booking a water taxi.
Book a Water Taxi for Sightseeing in Kotor
You can select a transfer destination and book a water taxi to explore Kotor Bay and other Montenegro towns. With Polar Star A.F. Boat Rental Service you can arrange private tours, with a max capacity of 8 passengers on board.
For those who rather explore Kotor in a group, book a Dubrovnik to Kotor day tour.
Dubrovnik to Kotor Day Trip
Your Dubrovnik to Kotor day trip tour starts by getting picked up in a car from your hotel in Dubrovnik. They take you across the Montenegro border. From there, you get into a ferry that sails to Kotor. You see the city walls, Venetian port, and the momentous Kotor Bay from the ferry.
The ferry will stop at the Old Kotor Town. You will get off and see the ancient and historical buildings and monuments of the town.
You will get on the ferry again and leave for the town of Perast where you will explore Our Lady of the Rocks Island, St. George Island, the town centre, monuments, and churches.
*The ferry doesn’t go from Dubrovnik to Kotor but only from Kotor to Perast.
Take a Boat from Dubrovnik to Kotor
You can book a private boat tour from Dubrovnik to Kotor. The boat excursion sets off from Dubrovnik’s Port Gruz at around 8am, with the trip taking around 10 hours to return from Kotor back to Dubrovnik.
On board you will have non alcoholic beverages, snacks, and fresh seasonal fruit.
Additionally, the boat tour to Kotor can be tailor-made, with the crew taking special requests from their guests, whose needs are taken care of and arranged in advance.
You are expected to bring with you sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, and to wear a hat and comfortable summer clothes.
If you are holidaying in Montenegro, then you could look for options on how to sail from Kotor to Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik to Kotor: Things To Do
Bay of Kotor, situated in Montenegro’s northern region, lies near Croatia’s Border. The Verige Strait leads you to Boka Kotorska. The narrow gateway kept invaders at bay.
The Venetians built several fortified cities inside the fjord. The route to the bay may be narrow but it’s wide enough to allow ships to sail through. Called Europe’s fjord, Boka bay boasts rocky coastlines, towering peaks, and waterside towns.
However, it’s not a fjord at all but a ria, which is a submerged river valley comprising of four bays linked to each other to create a beautiful butterfly form stretching inland from the shore.
While you’re there, you can visit a few popular coastal towns, churches, and castles. You can travel to Herceg Novi, Tivat, and Perast — the latter being the second-most popular town to explore after Kotor.
For now, spend your time discovering all the things you can do in Kotor Old Town.
Things to Do in Kotor Old Town
The Old Town of Kotor is a beautiful and captivating place created between the 12th and the 14th century. The UNESCO-protected location is a historical gem with streets that interlace with each other like a maze.
Just grab a map from the tourist centre and get set to explore the city that even after centuries and the number of foot traffic it receives each year, still holds its charm.
Why don’t you book a walk tour to explore Kotor? The town’s stone buildings aren’t just a fantastic piece of architecture — Gothic, Roman, Baroque, and Renaissance — but behind their façade, there’s a story that needs to be told.
The town has several amazing tourist attractions such as churches and monuments that you need to be sure to put on your list of the things to see.
We have included some of the most mesmerising things to do in Kotor, Montenegro:
The Royal Kingdoms of Kotor
Wouldn’t you like a tour of the beautiful royal kingdoms in the Old Town of Kotor? Several noble households between the 15th and the 18th century used to call Kotor their home. They constructed eye-catching palaces taking inspiration from Renaissance and Baroque themes.
The castles are named after the noble families that once lived and roamed within the walls of the castle.
· Pima Palace
The royals built the palace after the earthquake in 1667. The palace with its Baroque and Renaissance design elements transports you back in time.
Admire the castle’s Renaissance-style terrace and Baroque-style windows and balcony situated on twelve consoles. The balcony’s rail gives you a glimpse into the expert workmanship of Kotor blacksmiths. After the earthquake in 1979, they restored the castle.
· Castle of San Giovanni
San Giovanni Castle or Castle of St. John will take your breath away! And we don’t mean figuratively.
To reach the castle, you’ll need to climb 1,350 steps. Although it’s no easy feat, it’ll all feel worth it when you see the breathtaking views from an elevation of 1,200 m.
From the castle, you can view the Old City and the Bay of Kotor, known as Boka Kotorska. Since you’re already up there, might as well visit the Chapel of St. Ivan situated on top of the city walls.
You will also pass the Church of Our Lady of Remedy and it’s a good vantage point for pictures.
If you are ready to take on this challenge, you need to set aside at least three hours. The best time to hike is in the morning when the sun is out.
You will have to pay an entrance fee but you can avoid it if you go earlier, later, or during the off-season.
The Ancient Churches
When you’re travelling to different parts of the world, you’re introduced to their culture and religion through the various places of worship. It’s no different in Kotor — the location of 10 churches! The churches give you an insight into their world. The intricate details and exquisite designs draw you in.
Instead of telling you about all 10 churches, we have listed two churches we find most intriguing.
· St Tryphon Cathedral
St Tryphon Cathedral, an impressive church built in 1166, features an eclectic mix of architectural styles, ranging from Byzantium, Romanic, Baroque, and Renaissance. Why use several styles and not just one? Well, in the start, it did but the church was hit by numerous earthquakes and each time it was rebuilt, a different style was added to the existing style.
After an earthquake in 1667, there were insufficient funds to rebuild both damaged towers, so they built one. That’s why one bell tower is a little lower than the other bell tower.
Inside the church, you will find relics of St. Tryphon, the city’s protector and patron saint. Moreover, the church is the seat of the Kotor’s Catholic Archdiocese.
· Church of Our Lady of Remedy
In 1518, the survivors of the plague built the Church of Our Lady of Remedy to honour the Holy Mother. Underneath the church, people discovered a 6th century Christian Basilica.
Most believers hike to the church to pray for eternal health. On your way to the San Giovanni Fortress, you will encounter it but only after you have climbed more than 600 steps.
The well-preserved Roman Catholic Church offers a stunning view of Kotor Bay and Kotor town.
Sea Gate, Kotor
Venetians ruled Kotor from 1420 to 1797. During their rule, they created the Sea Gate in 1555. Look at the wall to find a symbol of a winged lion and Venice. Look above the gate to see the date, “November 21, 1944” carved into the stone.
The date marks the day the city was liberated from Germany during World War II. Explore the gate to find a communist star and a quote from the former Yugoslavian President Tito. Now, enter the Sea Gate to find yourself standing in the old walled city.
Venetian-themed stone edifices line the street with most of them turned into shops and cafes. Keep walking to discover the Kotor Clock Tower, which is three stories high and has two clock faces. Established in 1602, the clock combines Gothic style with Baroque style.
Lovcen National Park
Lovcen National Park, located between Kotor, Budva, and Cetinje, can be reached via road from Kotor. You can rent a car to travel to the park.
The view of your surroundings from the car will be magnificent. You will encounter gorgeous and captivating views of the Bay of Kotor.
You can stop on your way to capture the stunning scenery before you. The heavily forested park is an incredible place for families, couples, and friends to come for a hike or a picnic.
The park has over 200 species of birds. Wolves and bears also live at the park in the forest, but you don’t have to worry about them as they stick to isolated areas.
Dubrovnik to Kotor: Make it Special
You can hire or rent a water taxi for a very special occasion while in the Balkan country Montenegro! The element of surprise is huge here – you can arrange to rent a private water taxi for a good birthday surprise, or to ‘pop the question’, to celebrate a special anniversary, you name it!
If you are in Croatia with your friends, another option to visit Kotor is if you extend for a couple of days your Croatia yacht week party.
It’s all set then: If You’re Holidaying in Croatia, then Montenegro is Just a Short Ride Away!
