Kotor to Dubrovnik is the classic Adriatic border hop, with the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro on one end and the walled city of Croatia on the other. The road is about 95 km, but you cross an international border where Montenegro (outside Schengen) meets Croatia (inside it since 2023), so allow far more time than the distance suggests.
Bus: Operators, Times and Fares
Several companies run the route between Kotor and Dubrovnik, including Globtour, Blueline and Croatia Bus-linked services, plus some FlixBus connections. Listings show up to four daily departures in season, with fewer in winter.
| Detail | Bus |
|---|---|
| Journey time | approx. 2.5 to 3.5 hours with border |
| Fare | approx. β¬10 to β¬20, as of 2026 |
| Frequency | 2 to 4 daily in season, fewer in winter |
| Departs | Kotor bus station, near the old town |
| Arrives | Dubrovnik bus station in GruΕΎ, 3 km from the Old Town |
Book ahead in July and August when seats fill. Buses from Dubrovnik to Kotor leave from the same GruΕΎ terminal, so the return works the same way.
The Border Crossing
The crossing is at Debeli Brijeg (Montenegro) and KarasoviΔi (Croatia). Everyone gets off the bus with their passport, or stays on while the driver collects documents, depending on the crew. Waits are typically 20 to 40 minutes outside peak times and can run to 90 minutes or more on summer weekends. Non-EU passport holders may also need to complete biometric registration under the EU Entry/Exit System on entering Croatia, so add buffer time. Our border crossings guide covers documents and car-insurance rules.
Do not schedule a flight or ferry within 4 hours of arrival.
Private Transfer
A private transfer avoids the bus station and can pick up from your Kotor hotel. Expect approximately β¬90 to β¬150 for a car, as of 2026, and the driver handles border queues. Book a private transfer in advance, particularly for early-morning flights from Dubrovnik airport. Rental cars can often cross but need a green card and cross-border permission, so check with the agency first.
Tours as an Alternative
Many travellers do the route as a day trip instead. Dubrovnik tours and Kotor tours cover the other side with a guide, which is simpler than a one-way bus if you plan to come back.
Which Base Is Better?
If you cannot decide where to sleep, we compare the two in Kotor vs Dubrovnik. For onward travel use our Balkans transport guide and compare trains and buses on Omio.
Tips
- Sit on the right-hand side heading north for the best views of the Bay of Kotor as you leave.
- Carry some euros: both Montenegro and Croatia use the euro.
- Keep your passport out of the luggage hold.
Cost and Timing Compared
| Option | Cost (as of 2026) | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | approx. β¬10 to β¬20 | 2.5 to 3.5 hours | Solo travellers and couples |
| Private transfer | approx. β¬90 to β¬150 per car | 2 to 3 hours | Groups, early flights |
| Day tour | varies by operator | Full day | Seeing both sides with a guide |
If you are heading the other way, the same operators sell Dubrovnik to Kotor tickets. Winter timetables thin out sharply between November and March, so confirm the departure the day before and keep a taxi number as backup. Luggage rules are relaxed, but large suitcases go in the hold and may cost a euro or two extra.