Dubrovnik to Montenegro Ferry: How to get to Budva in 2025
If you want to know the best way to get from Dubrovnik to Montenegro, you’re in the right place. I’ve got all the information on how to get the ferry to Budva, Montenegro from my own journey.
Going from Dubrovnik to Montenegro on the fast ferry is a popular route and very easy to do once you know how. That’s why I’ve put together this guide from my own experience to help you save time researching all the details.
The ferry route that will take you from Dubrovnik in Croatia to Budva in Montenegro is a recent service, so you may find that older articles don’t mention it, but I’ve got all the information for you here.
Some posts on this site contain affiliate links to products or services I’ve found useful. If you make a purchase through these links I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). This helps keep the travel blog running, so thank you.
Distance from Dubrovnik to Montenegro
The distance from Dubrovnik to Montenegro is only around 40 km by road. Which is a journey time of about 45 minutes to get from Dubrovnik to the Montenegro border.
However, the ferry from Dubrovnik to Montenegro arrives at Budva, on the Montenegro coast, so that distance is further, at around 90 km by road
Journey time on the Dubrovnik to Montenegro ferry
The ferry from Dubrovnik to Budva, Montenegro, takes only two hours.
With such a quick journey time from Dubrovnik to Montenegro and a convenient 5.30pm evening departure, you can spend the day in Dubrovnik and be in Montenegro in time for dinner.
If you want to fly into Budva instead, you’ll need to get to Tivat Airport and then get onward travel from there.
Dubrovnik to Montenegro ferry tickets
To book tickets for the ferry from Dubrovnik to Budva, visit ferryhopper.com.
I’ve used their website many times. It’s easy to use and I find it so useful to see all the ferry companies for the route in one place, so that I can compare prices and departure times.
Ferry routes
The only ferry going from Croatia to Montenegro, at the time of writing, is the ferry from Dubrovnik to Budva.
If you want to visit Kotor when you’re in Montenegro it’s only 35 minutes from Budva by car, taxi or bus. There are frequent buses and taxis are reasonably priced. I paid €40 at peak time. There are so many reasons to visit Kotor that I recommend you include in on your Montenegro itinerary. You won’t want to miss out on the stunning views that Kotor offers.
What company runs the ferry?
The ferry company that runs the route to Budva from Dubrovnik is Adriatic Lines by Kompas.
Ferry timetable 2025
During summer there are typically two daily crossings from Dubrovnik to Budva, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. There are no sailings on Thursdays. From mid-September the ferry does not run on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays.
Ferries do not run during the winter.
Check ferryhopper.com for up-to-date sailing times and to book ferry tickets.
Dubrovnik to Montenegro ferry ticket price
The cost of a ticket on the ferry from Dubrovnik to Montenegro is from €40 per person, one way, in 2025.
Can you take a car on the Dubrovnik to Montenegro ferry?
It’s not possible to take a car on the ferry from Dubrovnik to Budva, Montenegro. It’s a fast catamaran, not a large car ferry.
This is similar to the fast ferry from Corfu to Paxos, Greece, which also does not allow cars.
What it’s like on board the Dubrovnik to Budva ferry
Taking the ferry is a great way to travel from Dubrovnik to Montenegro, as it means you can avoid a long and potentially slow bus journey. Admiring the views from the water, similar to the Malta to Gozo fast ferry, is a wonderful way to travel.
The Montenegro ferry is a double decker, with seats on two levels. You can even choose to sit outside, up on deck. However, you’ll need to be quick to get a seat outside as there aren’t many.
Even if you do manage to get an outside seat, you’ll have to go and sit inside once the catamaran gets up to speed, as it’s not permitted to sit outside during that phase of the journey.
I initially sat on the comfy yellow sofa seats at the front of the boat inside the main lounge. However, I soon realised that part of the boat is much warmer than the rest of it and the motion of the boat much stronger, so I moved.
I spent most of my journey sitting downstairs in the middle of the main lounge area. The seats were very comfortable and even reclined. Although, you might not leave your fellow travellers much room if you do choose to recline them, as legroom is not great.
The rapid movement of the ferry seemed to cause a few people some issues, as the crew came round offering sick bags. I was fine but, due to the fast speed, those who suffer from motion sickness may find it challenging.
Luggage
You can take large luggage with you on the ferry and leave it in the allocated luggage area. There is lots of space for bags.
Facilities on board the ferry
There are toilets on the ground floor and a cafe bar selling snacks and drinks that opens shortly after the journey begins.
Arrival port in Budva
The port in Budva is right next to the historic Old Town, and directly next to a water polo pool.
When you get off the ferry, within a couple of minutes you can walk through the old gate to enter Budva Old Town.
On arrival in Budva you will have your passport or identity document checked, as you have made a border crossing into Montenegro during the trip.
Location of the ferry port in Dubrovnik
The ferry port in Dubrovnik is located a 15-minute bus or taxi journey from the Old Town.
When you get off the bus, walk along the harbour until you see the terminal building, it will have a large ‘i’ for information outside.
You will need to go through passport control at Dubrovnik ferry terminal. This was very simple on my trip. I arrived at the terminal building, showed my ticket and then went straight to passport control where they stamped my passport.
When you have completed passport control, you go into a waiting area. However, there aren’t any screens or information to tell you whether to wait there or not.
As it turns out, it’s simple. You exit the waiting area and you’re back outside. From there, look for your ship at the water’s edge. I had to walk 30 metres to the right of the terminal for my trip to Budva. If in doubt, ask.
Bus from Dubrovnik Old Town to the Dubrovnik ferry port
There are several local buses that make the journey from Dubrovnik Old Town to the ferry port. Numbers 1A, 1B and 8 all serve the port.
The bus usually takes around 15 minutes but it took 25 minutes due to traffic when I got it. Leave yourself plenty of time, as Dubrovnik is such a popular destination that it’s busy from May to December.
Where is the bus stop in Dubrovnik Old Town?
The main bus stop is just outside the Old Town, at Pile Gate. This place was heaving when I walked by, so I decided to get on the bus a few stops earlier at Ul Iza Grada, near Pizzeria Tabasco.
Left luggage in Dubrovnik
I left my bag at a left luggage shop opposite the Dubrovnik Cable Car entrance. The bus stop at Ul Iza Grada is very convenient for this, as it’s only two minutes walk down the steps next to the cable car.
The cost of the left luggage is from €5 per item per day.
Cost of the bus to Dubrovnik ferry port
Bus travel for a day is included in the Dubrovnik Pass. If you’re going to walk the Dubrovnik walls then the Dubrovnik Pass is a good option.
The pass costs the same price as standalone entrance to the walls walk (€35, reduced to €15 in winter) and includes several other attractions. The Rector’s Palace and Franciscan Monastery were my favourites.
You have to show your Dubrovnik Pass to get the bus ticket, before you get on the bus. I did this at the bus kiosk at Pile Gate.
If you don’t pay to walk the walls, you’ll need to buy a single bus ticket at a cost of a couple of euros.
Taking an Uber to the Dubrovnik ferry port
If you don’t want to wait for the bus (they run approximately every 20 minutes in the day), you can take an Uber.
I used Uber in Dubrovnik and found it reasonably priced and the driver was excellent. Note that there is no Uber once you get to Montenegro.
FAQs
Can you get a boat from Dubrovnik to Montenegro?
Yes, you can get a boat from Dubrovnik to Montenegro during the summer. Kompas ferries operates the route between these two stunning locations, offering a scenic journey along the Adriatic coast. The trip from Dubrovnik to Budva takes two hours and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the beautiful views and arrive in Montenegro.
What is the best way to travel from Dubrovnik to Montenegro?
The best way to travel from Dubrovnik to Montenegro depends on your personal preferences. You can take a ferry for a scenic and quick ride, a bus for a budget-friendly option, or hire a car for more flexibility. Each mode of transport offers a unique experience, so choose what suits you best.
Is Montenegro worth a day trip from Dubrovnik?
Absolutely, yes, Montenegro is well worth a day trip from Dubrovnik. With its incredible landscapes, charming towns like Kotor and Perast, and rich culture, you’ll find plenty to explore in in Montenegro in just a day. Don’t miss the chance to see the beautiful Bay of Kotor and the old city walls, which are only a short distance from the Budva ferry port.
Can you get a ferry from Croatia to Montenegro?
There are regular ferries during summer season that connect Croatia to Montenegro. The route departs from Dubrovnik and arrives in Budva, Montenegro. Taking the ferry is a great way to travel between the two countries.
Do you need a passport to go from Croatia to Montenegro?
Yes, you do need a passport to cross the border from Croatia to Montenegro. Montenegro uses the Euro currency but it is not part of the EU, so you need to have your travel documents with you when you make the trip.
How do I go from Dubrovnik to Montenegro?
There are several options to travel from Dubrovnik to Montenegro: you can take a ferry, get a bus, or rent a car. The ferry offers a scenic way to travel, while the bus is cheaper. If you prefer flexibility, renting a car is a convenient option.
Can you do a Dubrovnik to Montenegro day trip?
You can do a day trip from Dubrovnik to Montenegro. Many visitors choose to visit the city of Kotor, which is about 2 hours away. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the historic old town and enjoy the awesome scenery. You can even book onto a tour from Dubrovnik to Montenegro.