Crossing the Border into Montenegro
For many travellers, the easiest way to begin a holiday in Montenegro is to fly into Dubrovnik Airport. Although the airport is located in southern Croatia, Montenegro starts only a short distance away, making Dubrovnik one of the country’s most important international gateways. Depending on your destination, you could be crossing the border within an hour of landing.
There are several reasons why visitors choose this route. Dubrovnik Airport is served by a larger number of international airlines than either Podgorica Airport or Tivat Airport, particularly during the summer season. More competition often means lower fares, a greater choice of departure airports and more convenient flight times. If you’re travelling from the UK or northern Europe, flying into Dubrovnik can sometimes be both easier and cheaper than flying directly into Montenegro.
Once you’ve landed, there are several ways to continue your journey. Hiring a car offers the greatest flexibility, particularly if you’re planning a Montenegro road trip. Private transfers provide the simplest door-to-door option, while public buses offer a budget-friendly alternative for travellers who don’t mind making a connection in Dubrovnik.
The only additional consideration is the Croatia-Montenegro border crossing. Unlike travelling between many European countries, you’ll pass through passport control before entering Montenegro. The process is generally straightforward, especially outside the busy summer months, but it’s something you’ll need to factor into your journey time.
Fortunately, once you’ve crossed the border, every corner of Montenegro is within relatively easy reach. Whether you’re heading to the Bay of Kotor, the beaches of Budva, the mountains of Durmitor National Park or the ski slopes around Kolaลกin, Dubrovnik Airport provides an excellent starting point.
Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro at a Glance
Before choosing how to travel, here’s a quick comparison of the approximate driving times from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro’s most popular destinations.
| Destination | Approximate Drive | Best Option |
|---|---|---|
| Herceg Novi | 45โ60 minutes | Taxi, transfer or hire car |
| Perast | 1 hour 15 minutes | Hire car or transfer |
| Kotor | 1 hour 30 minutes | Hire car or transfer |
| Tivat | 1 hour 30 minutes | Hire car or transfer |
| Budva | Around 2 hours | Hire car |
| Sveti Stefan | Around 2 hours 15 minutes | Hire car |
| Petrovac | Around 2 hours 30 minutes | Hire car |
| Bar | Around 3 hours | Hire car |
| Ulcinj | Around 3 hours 30 minutes | Hire car |
| Podgorica | Around 3 hours | Hire car |
| ลฝabljak (Savin Kuk) | Around 4ยฝ hours | Hire car |
| Kolaลกin | Around 4 hours | Hire car |
Journey times vary depending on border queues, traffic and the season. During the winter months, roads are often quieter, while summer weekends can see longer delays around both Dubrovnik and the border crossing.
For shorter journeys to the Bay of Kotor, taxis and private transfers work extremely well. However, once you’re travelling further south or heading into Montenegro’s mountains, a hire car quickly becomes the most practical choice, giving you complete freedom to explore along the way.
Hiring a Car for Montenegro
For visitors planning to see more than one destination, hiring a car at Dubrovnik Airport is easily the best option. It allows you to cross into Montenegro on your own schedule, stop at spectacular viewpoints along the Adriatic coast and continue beyond the main tourist centres into national parks, mountain villages and quieter beaches that would be difficult to reach using public transport.
All of the major international rental companies operate from Dubrovnik Airport, alongside several well-established local providers. Before booking, however, it’s essential to confirm that your rental agreement includes cross-border travel into Montenegro. Most companies allow this, but you’ll normally need to request the appropriate documentation in advance and may be charged a small additional fee.
Once you’ve crossed into Montenegro, driving is generally straightforward. Coastal roads are well maintained, mountain routes are clearly signposted and fuel stations are widely available throughout the country. Visitors travelling during the winter should ensure their vehicle is equipped with winter tyres, which are legally required during the colder months and are normally fitted as standard by reputable hire companies.
A hire car also transforms the rest of your holiday. Instead of simply travelling between hotels, you’ll be able to explore places such as Perast, Lake Skadar, Durmitor National Park, the Tara River Canyon and Montenegro’s beautiful Adriatic coastline entirely at your own pace.
Crossing the Croatia-Montenegro Border
For many first-time visitors, the international border is the part of the journey that causes the most uncertainty. Fortunately, the crossing between Croatia and Montenegro is generally simple, well organised and used by thousands of travellers every day.
After leaving Dubrovnik Airport, you’ll first pass through Croatian exit controls before continuing a short distance to the Montenegrin immigration checkpoint. Passports are checked on both sides of the border, so keep your travel documents easily accessible throughout the journey. If you’re travelling by hire car, you’ll also need the vehicle documentation supplied by your rental company confirming that the car is authorised to enter Montenegro.
Waiting times vary considerably depending on the season. During July and August, queues can occasionally become lengthy as holidaymakers travel along the Adriatic coast, especially at weekends. Outside the peak summer period, however, crossings are often completed surprisingly quickly. Winter visitors heading to Montenegro’s ski resorts will usually encounter much lighter traffic than those travelling during the height of the beach season.
Although border delays are always possible, they shouldn’t discourage you from using Dubrovnik Airport. With sensible planning and a little flexibility, crossing into Montenegro is usually a straightforward part of the journey, opening the door to one of Europe’s most rewarding and least crowded travel destinations.
Private Transfers into Montenegro
For many travellers, a private transfer offers the perfect balance between convenience and comfort. Rather than collecting a hire car or navigating public transport after a flight, you’ll simply be met in the arrivals hall before travelling directly to your accommodation anywhere in Montenegro.
This option is especially popular with families, groups, travellers carrying large amounts of luggage and anyone arriving on late-evening flights. Most transfer companies monitor incoming flights, meaning your driver will automatically adjust your collection time if your aircraft is delayed. Modern vehicles are typically air-conditioned, offer generous luggage space and can usually provide child seats if requested during booking.
Another major advantage is that border formalities become someone else’s responsibility. Local drivers cross between Croatia and Montenegro every day and understand the quickest routes, the busiest times and the paperwork required at the border. Instead of worrying about directions or unfamiliar roads, you can simply relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery as the journey unfolds.
Private transfers are available to virtually every destination in Montenegro, from Herceg Novi and Kotor to Budva, Bar, Ulcinj, ลฝabljak and Kolaลกin, making them an excellent choice for visitors who want the easiest possible start to their holiday.
Book Your Airport Transfer in Advance
Arriving in a new destination can be stressful, especially after a long flight. Welcome Pickups lets you pre-book a private airport transfer, so your driver is ready and waiting when you land.
It is ideal for first-time visitors, late-night arrivals, and travellers who want a smooth, reliable start to their trip. Instead of searching for taxis or navigating public transport, you can head straight to your accommodation.
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Travelling by Bus
For travellers watching their budget, international coaches provide the cheapest practical way to travel from Dubrovnik Airport into Montenegro. They work particularly well if you are staying in one coastal destination such as Herceg Novi, Kotor, Tivat or Budva and do not plan to move around extensively once you arrive.
There are no direct long-distance buses from Dubrovnik Airport into Montenegro. The first stage is therefore travelling from the airport to Dubrovnik Main Bus Station in Gruลพ. The official Platanus airport shuttle connects the terminal with Dubrovnik and Gruลพ Bus Station on a flight-linked timetable. A one-way ticket currently costs โฌ10, and the coach carries larger luggage beneath the passenger compartment.
Once you reach Gruลพ, direct international coaches continue across the Croatian-Montenegrin border. Operators appearing on these routes include Globtour, Jadran Ekspres Kotor, Blue Line, Boลพur and Royal Travel, while some journeys are also sold through the FlixBus network. The exact operator, frequency and departure time depend on your chosen date, with a noticeably wider selection often available during the main travel season.
| Destination | Typical Coach Time from Dubrovnik | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Herceg Novi | Around 1 hour 20 minutes | Usually the shortest and most frequent cross-border journey |
| Kotor | Around 2 hours 20 minutes | Direct services available, with the fastest journeys taking around 1 hour 50 minutes |
| Tivat | From around 2 hours 5 minutes | Direct services available on selected departures |
| Budva | From around 2 hours 30 minutes | Often served by coaches continuing through Herceg Novi, Kotor and Tivat |
| Bar | Usually 4 hours or longer | Fewer convenient through services, so connections may be required |
| Ulcinj | Usually 5 hours or longer | Limited through options and potentially a change further south |
These times begin at Dubrovnik Bus Station, not the airport. You should add the airport shuttle journey, the transfer time at Gruลพ and a sensible connection margin. Border checks can also extend the published journey considerably, particularly during July and August, when traffic between Croatia and Montenegro is at its busiest.
Herceg Novi is the simplest destination to reach by coach. Direct journeys commonly take around 1 hour 20 minutes, although the border can make the actual journey longer. Current FlixBus listings show several daily departures on the route, with services running from morning into the evening on some dates.
For Kotor, the average coach journey is approximately 2 hours 20 minutes, with the quickest scheduled services taking around 1 hour 50 minutes. Busbud currently lists operators including Globtour, Jadran Ekspres Kotor, Blue Line, Boลพur and Royal Travel, although not every company runs on every date.
Direct coaches also operate to Tivat, with the quickest advertised journeys taking approximately 2 hours 5 minutes. Services to Budva generally take at least 2 hours 30 minutes, although coastal traffic and border formalities can push the actual arrival time considerably later.
Travelling onwards to Bar or Ulcinj is possible, but the bus becomes less attractive as the distance increases. Through services are less frequent, journey times are much longer and some itineraries require a change in Budva, Bar or Podgorica. For these destinations, it is particularly important to compare the full itinerary rather than assuming the first available coach offers a direct journey.
You can use Busbud to compare departure times, journey lengths, operators and ticket prices on one screen. This is especially useful on international Balkan routes, where several different companies may operate along the same corridor and the timetable can change according to the season. Booking ahead also secures your seat before you travel to Gruลพ, which is valuable during the busiest summer weeks.
For ลฝabljak, Durmitor National Park or Kolaลกin, travelling by bus from Dubrovnik Airport normally involves reaching Dubrovnik Bus Station, crossing into Montenegro and then changing in Podgorica or another regional transport hub. This is possible for travellers with plenty of time, but it turns a straightforward road journey into a much longer day involving multiple tickets and connections.
There is no railway from Dubrovnik into Montenegro, so a train cannot replace any part of the cross-border journey from the airport. Montenegro does have an internal railway connecting places including Bar, Podgorica and northern parts of the country, but you must first reach a station within Montenegro by road.
For travellers staying in Herceg Novi, Kotor, Tivat or Budva, the coach can be an affordable and perfectly practical option. However, anyone planning to visit several destinations, travel into the mountains or follow a wider Montenegro itinerary will usually find that hiring a car provides far greater flexibility.
Plan Your Bus & Coach Journey with Busbud
Booking bus and coach tickets abroad is not always straightforward, especially when different operators, routes, and local booking systems are involved. Busbud makes it easy to compare routes, check timetables, and buy tickets all in one place.
It is especially useful for intercity travel, budget journeys, and destinations where buses or coaches are the simplest way to get around. Instead of searching multiple operator websites, you can plan your trip faster and book with confidence.
The Quickest Journey: Herceg Novi
If you’re looking for the easiest way to begin a holiday in Montenegro, Herceg Novi is hard to beat. As the first major town after crossing the Croatian border, it’s also the closest Montenegrin destination to Dubrovnik Airport, making it a popular choice for visitors who want to spend less time travelling and more time exploring.
Often referred to as the “City of a Thousand Steps”, Herceg Novi sits at the entrance to the spectacular Bay of Kotor and is known for its charming Old Town, impressive Venetian and Ottoman fortresses, palm-lined waterfront promenade and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Compared with the busier streets of Kotor, Herceg Novi feels quieter and more residential, making it an excellent base for couples, families and anyone looking for a slower pace of life. The town is also famous for its botanical gardens, cafรฉs overlooking the Adriatic and regular boat excursions into the Bay of Kotor.
Its location makes it ideal for day trips throughout western Montenegro. From Herceg Novi it’s easy to visit Perast, Kotor, Tivat, Porto Montenegro, Lovฤen National Park and many of the smaller coastal villages that line the bay, all within a relatively short drive.
Herceg Novi is approximately 30 km (19 miles) from Dubrovnik Airport, with the journey normally taking 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic and the time required to cross the Croatia-Montenegro border.
For most visitors, a hire car provides the greatest flexibility, allowing you to continue exploring Montenegro after arriving. Private transfers are another excellent option, notably for families or anyone carrying larger amounts of luggage, offering direct transport from the airport to your accommodation.
Travelling by bus is perfectly possible, although there are no direct buses from Dubrovnik Airport. You’ll first need to take the airport shuttle or a taxi to Dubrovnik Bus Station in Gruลพ, where regular international coach services continue to Herceg Novi. Depending on connections and border formalities, the total journey usually takes between 1ยฝ and 2 hours.
There is no railway connecting Dubrovnik with Montenegro, so travelling by train isn’t possible.
If you’re considering staying here, our dedicated Herceg Novi Travel Guide explores the town’s historic sights, beaches, restaurants and the best day trips around the Bay of Kotor.
Travelling to the Bay of Kotor
For many visitors, the Bay of Kotor is the highlight of any trip to Montenegro. Surrounded by towering limestone mountains and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s one of the most spectacular natural harbours in Europe. Medieval towns, elegant Venetian palaces, luxury marinas and peaceful waterfront villages combine to create a destination unlike anywhere else on the Adriatic coast.
Most visitors base themselves in one of three towns: Perast, Kotor or Tivat, each offering a completely different experience.
Perast is the smallest and perhaps the most picturesque. Located approximately 55 km (34 miles) from Dubrovnik Airport, the drive usually takes around 1 hour 15 minutes. This elegant waterfront town is famous for its beautifully preserved Venetian architecture, peaceful atmosphere and the iconic island church of Our Lady of the Rocks, reached by small boats throughout the day. It’s perfect for couples and visitors looking for a quieter base away from the larger resorts.
Further around the bay lies Kotor, approximately 75 km (47 miles) from Dubrovnik Airport. The journey normally takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on border queues and seasonal traffic. Kotor is Montenegro’s best-known destination, attracting visitors with its UNESCO-listed Old Town, impressive medieval walls, lively squares, excellent restaurants and breathtaking mountain scenery. If you’re visiting Montenegro for the first time, Kotor is often the place that appears on postcards and travel brochures.
Around 80 km (50 miles) from Dubrovnik Airport sits Tivat, with a typical journey time of around 1 hour 45 minutes. Unlike the historic atmosphere of Perast or Kotor, Tivat offers a much more contemporary feel. The luxury Porto Montenegro marina, stylish waterfront promenade, boutique shopping and excellent restaurants have transformed it into one of Montenegro’s most fashionable destinations, while its central location makes it an excellent base for exploring the wider bay.
For visitors planning to explore more than one destination, hiring a car is by far the best option. The roads around the Bay of Kotor are scenic and well maintained, allowing you to move easily between Perast, Kotor, Tivat and the surrounding villages while stopping at viewpoints along the way.
If you’re relying on public transport, you’ll first need to travel from Dubrovnik Airport to Dubrovnik Bus Station, where regular international coaches operate to Kotor and Tivat. From Kotor, local buses continue to Perast throughout the day. Depending on your final destination and connection times, the overall journey usually takes between 2 and 3 hours.
There is no railway serving the Bay of Kotor, so every journey is completed by road, whether by bus, taxi, private transfer or hire car.
From the romance of Perast to the history of Kotor and the modern luxury of Tivat, the Bay of Kotor is one of Montenegro’s greatest highlights and one of the easiest parts of the country to reach from Dubrovnik Airport. Be sure to explore our dedicated guides to each destination to help decide which part of the bay is the perfect base for your holiday.
Heading South Along Montenegro’s Coast
Once you leave the Bay of Kotor behind, Montenegro’s Adriatic coastline opens into a succession of beautiful beaches, historic towns and lively seaside resorts. This stretch of coast is ideal for visitors looking to combine sun, sea, history and relaxed Mediterranean living, with each destination offering its own distinctive character. With luxury hotels, family beaches and charming old towns all within reach, travelling south from Dubrovnik Airport provides access to some of Montenegro’s most popular holiday destinations.
The first major resort beyond the Bay of Kotor is Budva, located approximately 95 km (59 miles) from Dubrovnik Airport. The journey usually takes around 2 hours, although summer traffic around the coast can occasionally make it a little longer. Budva is often described as Montenegro’s tourism capital, combining a beautiful medieval Old Town, long sandy beaches, a bustling marina, excellent restaurants and one of the country’s best nightlife scenes. It’s a fantastic destination for visitors looking for a lively atmosphere while still enjoying plenty of history and spectacular coastal scenery.
Just a few kilometres further south lies Sveti Stefan, approximately 105 km (65 miles) from the airport. The drive normally takes around 2 hours 15 minutes. Although the famous island itself is no longer freely accessible, it remains one of Montenegro’s most photographed landmarks. The pink sandy beaches, luxury surroundings and dramatic coastal scenery make it a favourite stop for photographers and day-trippers, while nearby walking paths provide wonderful views across the Adriatic.
Continuing along the coast brings you to Petrovac, around 120 km (75 miles) from Dubrovnik Airport. Expect the drive to take around 2ยฝ hours. Compared with Budva, Petrovac offers a much calmer atmosphere, with a lovely horseshoe-shaped beach, attractive promenade and small Venetian fortress overlooking the bay. It’s a favourite with families and couples looking for a quieter seaside holiday while remaining within easy reach of Montenegro’s larger resorts.
Further south you’ll reach Bar, approximately 145 km (90 miles) from Dubrovnik Airport. The journey normally takes around 3 hours. Bar is Montenegro’s principal commercial port but also offers plenty for visitors, including the fascinating Old Bar, the famous Ancient Olive Tree, attractive beaches and an increasingly popular waterfront promenade. Finally, around 170 km (106 miles) from the airport lies Ulcinj, with a typical journey time of around 3ยฝ hours. Ulcinj is renowned for its Ottoman heritage, charming Old Town, spectacular Long Beach and nearby Ada Bojana, one of Montenegro’s most distinctive coastal landscapes.
Hiring a car is undoubtedly the best way to explore Montenegro’s southern coastline, allowing you to visit several destinations during the same holiday and stop at countless viewpoints along the Adriatic Highway. If you’re travelling by bus, you’ll first need to reach Dubrovnik Bus Station, where international coaches operate to Budva, Bar and Ulcinj throughout the day. There is no railway along Montenegro’s coast, so journeys are made entirely by road.
Heading Inland to Montenegro’s Mountains
While Montenegro’s coastline attracts the majority of summer visitors, travelling inland reveals an entirely different side of the country. Dense forests, deep river canyons, glacial lakes and dramatic mountain peaks replace beaches and marinas, creating one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Balkans. If you’re planning a road trip or a winter ski holiday, Dubrovnik Airport provides an excellent gateway to these remarkable regions.
The country’s capital, Podgorica, lies approximately 155 km (96 miles) from Dubrovnik Airport. The drive normally takes around 3 hours, depending on border formalities and traffic. Although often overlooked by visitors heading straight to the coast, Podgorica makes an excellent stopping point before continuing towards Lake Skadar, Kolaลกin or Durmitor National Park. The city also serves as Montenegro’s principal transport hub, with road and rail connections across the country.
Just beyond Podgorica lies Lake Skadar National Park, one of the largest freshwater lakes in southern Europe and a paradise for birdwatchers, photographers and nature lovers. The drive from Dubrovnik Airport takes approximately 3 hours, making it an easy addition to a longer Montenegro itinerary.
Visitors continuing north towards ลฝabljak and Durmitor National Park should allow around 4ยฝ hours from Dubrovnik Airport. The reward is extraordinary scenery, including the famous Tara River Canyon, Black Lake, spectacular mountain viewpoints and the Savin Kuk Ski Resort, one of Montenegro’s leading winter sports destinations. During the warmer months, the region is equally popular for hiking, rafting and scenic driving.
Further east lies Kolaลกin, approximately 250 km (155 miles) from Dubrovnik Airport, with a typical driving time of around 4 hours. Home to both Kolaลกin 1450 and Kolaลกin 1600, it’s Montenegro’s principal skiing destination while also providing access to the beautiful Bjelasica Mountains and Biogradska Gora National Park.
For all of these inland destinations, hiring a car is strongly recommended. Public transport is available via Dubrovnik Bus Station, but journeys often involve changing buses in Podgorica, making travel considerably longer. There is no railway connection from Dubrovnik, although once you reach Podgorica you can connect with Montenegro’s excellent north-south railway if your itinerary requires it.
Is Dubrovnik Airport Better Than Flying into Montenegro?
The answer depends entirely on where you’re staying and what type of holiday you’re planning. While Dubrovnik Airport is an excellent gateway to Montenegro, it isn’t automatically the best choice for every visitor.
If you’re planning to stay around Herceg Novi, Perast, Kotor or Tivat, Dubrovnik Airport often makes excellent sense. It’s served by a wide range of international airlines, particularly during the summer, and can sometimes offer significantly cheaper fares than Montenegro’s own airports. Even after allowing for the border crossing, journey times remain relatively short.
For visitors heading directly to Budva, Bar, Ulcinj, Podgorica or Montenegro’s ski resorts, the decision becomes less clear. Podgorica Airport generally offers the quickest access to central and northern Montenegro, while Tivat Airport is often the most convenient option for the Bay of Kotor and Budva if suitable flights are available.
The table below provides a quick comparison.
| Destination | Best Airport |
|---|---|
| Herceg Novi | Dubrovnik |
| Perast | Dubrovnik or Tivat |
| Kotor | Dubrovnik or Tivat |
| Tivat | Tivat |
| Budva | Tivat |
| Bar | Podgorica |
| Ulcinj | Podgorica |
| Podgorica | Podgorica |
| ลฝabljak | Podgorica |
| Kolaลกin | Podgorica |
Ultimately, flight prices, schedules and your overall itinerary should guide your decision. If you’re combining Croatia and Montenegro, Dubrovnik Airport is often the natural choice. If your holiday is focused entirely on Montenegro’s interior or ski resorts, flying directly into Podgorica will usually reduce your travel time.
Making the Most of a Croatia and Montenegro Itinerary
One of the biggest advantages of flying into Dubrovnik Airport is the opportunity to experience two countries in a single holiday. Southern Croatia and Montenegro complement one another perfectly, allowing visitors to combine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beautiful beaches, spectacular mountain scenery and charming coastal towns without spending days travelling between them.
A popular itinerary begins with two or three nights in Dubrovnik, giving you time to explore the famous city walls, walk along the Stradun and enjoy the city’s restaurants before crossing into Montenegro. From there, many visitors spend several nights in Kotor or Perast, continue to Budva and Sveti Stefan, before travelling inland to Lake Skadar, Durmitor National Park or Kolaลกin.
If you have more time, our 14 Day Montenegro Road Trip provides a complete itinerary covering the country’s coastline, national parks, mountain scenery and historic towns. Starting from Dubrovnik Airport works perfectly with this route, allowing you to experience many of the Balkans’ greatest highlights in one unforgettable journey.
Whether you’re visiting for a few days or several weeks, Dubrovnik Airport is much more than simply an arrival point. For many travellers, it’s the gateway to discovering everything that makes Montenegro such a remarkable destination.
Rupertโs Handy Travel Tips
Crossing from Croatia into Montenegro is straightforward, but a little preparation can make the journey much smoother.
- Carry your passport with you: Croatia and Montenegro have an international border, so you’ll pass through passport control even if you’re travelling by coach or private transfer.
- Check your hire car paperwork: If you’re renting a car in Croatia, make sure your rental agreement includes permission to drive into Montenegro before leaving the airport.
- Avoid weekend border queues: During July and August, Friday afternoons, Saturdays and Sunday evenings can be especially busy. Travelling earlier in the day often means a much quicker crossing.
- Turn the journey into part of the holiday: Rather than driving straight to your hotel, consider stopping in Herceg Novi, Perast or one of the viewpoints overlooking the Bay of Kotor. They’re among Montenegro’s most memorable first impressions.
- Choose the right airport for your itinerary: Dubrovnik is ideal for the Bay of Kotor and the northern coast, while Podgorica is usually better for Montenegro’s mountains, national parks and ski resorts.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel directly from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro?
Yes. You can continue directly from Dubrovnik Airport into Montenegro by hire car, private transfer, taxi or coach. While there are no direct international buses from the airport itself, regular services operate from Dubrovnik Bus Station.
Do I need my passport to cross into Montenegro?
Yes. Croatia and Montenegro have an international border, so all travellers must carry a valid passport and pass through border control.
How long does the Croatia-Montenegro border crossing take?
Outside the peak summer season, crossings often take only a few minutes. During July and August, especially at weekends, queues can sometimes add 30 minutes or more to your journey.
Can I take a hire car from Croatia into Montenegro?
Usually, yes. Most major rental companies allow cross-border travel, but you should arrange this when booking your vehicle and ensure you receive the correct documentation before leaving Dubrovnik Airport.
Is Dubrovnik Airport closer to Kotor than Tivat Airport?
No. Tivat Airport is considerably closer to Kotor. However, Dubrovnik Airport often offers a wider choice of international flights, making it an attractive alternative despite the longer transfer.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro?
The cheapest option is normally to travel from the airport to Dubrovnik Bus Station before catching an international coach to Montenegro. This takes longer than driving but can offer substantial savings.
Can I travel by train from Dubrovnik to Montenegro?
No. There is no railway linking Dubrovnik with Montenegro. All journeys between the two countries are made by road.
Is Uber available for journeys into Montenegro?
Uber operates in the Dubrovnik area, but cross-border journeys may not always be available or practical. For travel into Montenegro, a private transfer, official taxi or hire car is usually the better option.
Further Reading
If you’re comparing your options for reaching Montenegro, it’s also worth reading our guides to Podgorica Airport Transfers and Tivat Airport Transfers, which cover the other two airports serving Montenegro in the same level of detail.
Once you’ve crossed the border, continue planning your holiday with our destination guides to Herceg Novi, Perast, Kotor, Tivat, Budva, Sveti Stefan, Petrovac, Bar and Ulcinj. Each guide covers the best things to do, where to stay, local transport and nearby attractions.
If you’re exploring further inland, don’t miss our guides to Lake Skadar National Park, Durmitor National Park, ลฝabljak, Black Lake, Tara River Canyon, Kolaลกin 1450, Kolaลกin 1600 and our complete 14 Day Montenegro Road Trip. Together they provide everything you need to plan an unforgettable journey from the Adriatic coast to Montenegro’s spectacular mountains.
Last Updated
July 2026
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