Is The Kotor Cable Car Worth It? My Honest Review

The Kotor Cable Car is an experience you won’t want to miss in Montenegro.  Imagine gliding above the Bay of Kotor with breathtaking views of mountains and sea, as close to flying as you can get.  That’s what you get with a ride on the cable car in Kotor.

If you’re worried about how to get there, without a car, I’ve got all the information. from my own trip.  As an independent traveller who relies on public transport, I understand the challenges of planning an experience like this.  But trust me, the Kotor Cable Car delivers.

After conquering the Ladder of Kotor hike, sweaty and triumphant, the Kotor Cable Car gave me a welcome and much needed scenic descent back down to earth.  Watching the golden sunset bathe the Bay of Kotor, as I glided down, made my ride particularly memorable.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about the Kotor Cable Car, from ticket prices to the other activities waiting at the top.  

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Cable car price

When planning your trip to the Kotor Cable Car, it’s good to know how much to budget for tickets.  Prices vary depending on the season, with peak summer months being more expensive than the quieter shoulder seasons.

• Single ticket = from €9 to €13 – ideal if you plan to hike one way, like I did.
• Return ticket = from €15 to €23 – the popular option for visitors who want to enjoy the ride both ways. It’s slightly more cost-effective than buying two single tickets.
• Children up to 12 are free and must be accompanied by an adult.

Pro Tip: keep an eye out for discount leaflets in local hotels and shops. I found several during my stay in Kotor.

How to get Kotor Cable Car tickets

Booking your tickets for the Kotor Cable Car is straightforward and you have two choices;

• Buy tickets online in advance.
• Buy tickets on the day from the cable car ticket office.

When I reached the top station after hiking up the Ladder of Kotor, I wanted to buy a single ticket down. The staff looked surprised, they couldn’t quite believe I’d hiked all the way there.  But after explaining my route, they issued me the ticket without any problems and there was no queue to purchase.

Kotor Cable Car opening hours

The cable car operates with seasonal schedules, so it’s best to check the timings before you go:

• Summer (peak season): longer opening hours, typically open early morning until late evening to accommodate higher numbers of visitors.
• Autumn/spring: shorter opening times, often starting later and closing earlier.  For example, first ride up at 9am and last ride down at 6pm.
• Winter: closed

One crucial thing to remember is that the cable car doesn’t run during bad weather or strong winds. So it’s worth planning a backup activity if the weather looks questionable during your visit.

Pro Tip: visit at dusk, when the views are particularly magical, as the golden light transforms the Bay of Kotor into something extra special.

How to get to the Kotor Cable Car

Getting to the Kotor Cable Car is quick and convenient if you’re driving. The lower station is just a 10-minute drive from Old Town Kotor, making it an easy addition to your Montenegro itinerary.

However, my own trip at 8pm showed the reality that traffic can double your journey time, as it took 20 minutes to get back to the centre.

Once you arrive, parking won’t be an issue. The lower station has plenty of spaces, so you can park stress-free before enjoying your ride.

Pro Tip: if you’re renting a car in Kotor, use Discover Cars to compare prices and options all in one place.

How to get to Kotor Cable Car without a car?

If, like me, you travel without a car, you’ll need to plan ahead.  The Kotor Cable Car isn’t on a bus line from Old Town Kotor, so public transport isn’t an option.  Instead, you can:

• Take a taxi – the most convenient choice.  Uber doesn’t operate in Kotor.
• I used Red Taxi Kotor for several journeys in and around Kotor.   

My return journey from the Kotor Cable Car to Old Town Kotor cost €10, but it came with challenges.  At the time, official taxi companies were overwhelmed, and the wait was long.  There were people hanging around offering a taxi ride but they didn’t appear to be affiliated with a taxi company. 

Even when I tried to get an official taxi, the driver told me he was busy and called one of these guys over.  I feel like we pretty much just got in a car that had nothing to do with the original taxi company we asked, but I was with my husband. I wouldn’t have accepted the offer if I’d been alone. 

Always prioritise safety when arranging transport.  The moral of the story is, pre-book your taxi for the Kotor Cable Car.

• Walk or cycle: adventurous travellers might prefer to walk or bike. The cable car in Kotor is an 8 kilometres walk from the town centre, so perfect if you want to get in a walk whilst in Kotor.

What to know before you go

The Kotor Cable Car is a modern attraction.  It opened in 2023.  Here’s what you need to know before your trip:

• It consists of 48 modern shiny cabins, think similar to the London Cable Car.
• Up to ten people can fit in each cabin, giving you space to enjoy the panoramic views. 
• The cable car doesn’t operate in bad weather or strong winds, a comforting safety feature. Check conditions on the day of your visit.
• Despite its popularity, queues are short, I only waited five minutes to board.
• The staff were welcoming and helpful during my visit.
• The upper station gets chilly, even on mild days, so don’t forget to bring a jacket or extra layers.
• The lower station is a clean, modern building, including food outlets, souvenir shops and parking.
• The Kotor Cable Car is only a 10 minute taxi ride from where the cruise ships doc in Kotor.

How long does the Kotor Cable Car take?

Officially, the Kotor Cable Car ride is listed as 11 minutes, but for me, it felt closer to 15.

Perhaps it was the thrill of being suspended above the breathtaking Bay of Kotor but time seemed to stretch.  Either way, those extra few minutes made the ride all the more memorable.

What else there is to do at the top of the Kotor Cable Car

Once you’ve reached the top of the Kotor Cable Car, the adventure doesn’t end there.  The upper station offers a range of activities and experiences, making it a destination in its own right.  Here’s what you can explore:

1350 Bar

Kick back with a drink at 1350 Bar, named for its elevation above sea level.  It’s the ideal spot to sip a refreshing drink while soaking in the panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor and beyond.

Restaurant Forza Kuk

For a more leisurely experience, restaurant Forza Kuk at the top serves fine dining food with an incredible backdrop.

Alpine coaster

For thrill-seekers, the alpine coaster is a must.  This rollercoaster winds through the mountain terrain, offering a fun experience for kids and big kids alike.

Bike hire

If you’re in the mood for more adventure, hire a bike at the top station.  E-bikes are available from €40 for three hours, with standard bikes costing less. There are trails around nearby Lovćen National Park.

Lovćen National Park

The cable car provides access to Lovćen National Park. With its stunning views, hiking trails, and the cultural significance of the Njegoš mausoleum, the park has lots to offer.

Stunning viewpoints

The star of the show at the top of the cable car is, without a doubt, the breathtaking viewpoints.  Standing here, I felt like I was on top of a dream world, with sweeping views of the Adriatic coastline and Montenegro’s mountains.  Don’t forget your camera.

What the ride is like

I loved travelling down in the cable car, it’s one of the fun reasons to visit Kotor.  Sure, the descent felt steeper than I expected, but the ride was smooth and comfortable.  There was just the occasional bump to remind me that I was suspended high above the ground.

The cabins themselves are large, making it a relaxed experience even during busier times. They glide continuously along the cable, so you’ll need to step in confidently as they pass the platform.

Inside, the large floor-to-ceiling windows provide an uninterrupted view of the dramatic panorama of the Bay of Kotor, Tivat and beyond.

I took the cable car at dusk, which meant the light cast a magical glow over the landscape, creating the perfect backdrop.

One highlight of the ride was passing by Fortress Gorazda, an abandoned 19th-century fort and bunker.  I noticed a few people exploring the rooftop, enjoying the unique perspective from up there.

If you love hiking, the cable car can be part of a larger adventure.  Ride up to the top station and trek back down via the Ladder of Kotor (follow my route in reverse), a historic trail with incredible switchback views.  Start early to avoid the heat and ensure you’re not rushing back as darkness descends.  

Have you been on the Kotor Cable Car?  Share your experience in the comments below.