The Perfect Dubrovnik to Kotor Day Trip

A Dubrovnik to Kotor day trip is the easiest way to explore a whole new country and culture in just one day!

I did this day trip as a solo female traveler, crossing the border from Croatia to Montenegro and spending the morning exploring Kotor’s quaint old town streets (and meeting the cutest local cats!), before heading to charming Perast to enjoy some of the best views of the bay.

The contrast between Dubrovnik’s lively old town and Kotor’s calmer, mountainous bay was what I loved the most.

Just a few hours down the coast, you’ll swap Dubrovnik’s lively old town for Montenegro’s calm, fjord-like Bay of Kotor with medieval streets, turquoise water, and a seriously impressive fortress to climb!

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to plan your own perfect day trip from Dubrovnik to Kotor, by bus, car or guided tour. Plus everything I wish I’d known before going, from the border crossing to how to make the most of your time once you arrive!

Where is Kotor

Tucked into the picturesque Bay of Kotor (which is often referred to as Europe’s southernmost fjord), Kotor is a small city on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast.

Located just a couple of hours from Dubrovnik, Kotor has a completely different pace to its famous neighbor, despite its popularity as a double UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Plus, the journey to reach Kotor as part of a Montenegro day tour from Dubrovnik takes you along dramatic coastal roads and is just as much a part of this day trip as the preserved medieval old town itself!

Why Visit Kotor

When I was planning my Dubrovnik to Kotor day trip, I wasn’t at all sure what to expect for my first time crossing into a whole other country for just one day. But it turned out to be surprisingly easy and well worth the day trip from Dubrovnik!

Kotor is certainly gaining more popularity with tourists, but at the moment it still feels a little bit like a secret (especially coming from Dubrovnik, where the crowds can be intense!)

You will spend the morning wandering the cobbled medieval alleys and meeting sleepy local cats, climb the fortress in Kotor for incredible mountain and sea views, and then finish with a short boat trip from Perast, on the picturesque, fjord-like Bay of Kotor.

Kotor Old Town is also compact, safe and very easy to explore on foot.

I found locals to be friendly but not pushy, English is widely spoken, and everything you’ll want to see is within easy walking distance, perfect for a day trip from Dubrovnik!

How to Get to Kotor from Dubrovnik

Self-Drive From Dubrovnik to Kotor

If you love a road trip, renting a car and driving from Dubrovnik to Kotor is an unforgettable experience!

The coastal road is one of the most scenic drives in Europe, with incredible sea views and little pull-ins where you can stop for photos and break up the drive.

The drive takes around 2 hours (plus time for the border crossing) and the distance is 91km (or 56 miles), so be sure to leave Dubrovnik early enough to make the most of your one day in Kotor.

Also be aware that the border crossing can be slow (especially during the morning and afternoon peaks and in the summer months), so be prepared to wait if you’re travelling at those times. 

Once you’ve arrived in Kotor, parking near the old town can be tricky, but there are spaces just outside the city walls.

I would recommend either the Riva car park (closest but often full) or the Kamelija car park (near the shopping centre).

Katie’s Top Tip: Remember to always carry your passport, drivers license and car rental papers with you for the border crossing.

Guided Tour From Dubrovnik to Kotor

If you prefer zero stress and travelling with a passionate local guide, a Dubrovnik to Kotor day tour is the easiest way to visit Kotor from Dubrovnik.

With this option, you won’t have to worry about driving the coastal roads, organizing parking, or managing the border crossing. Your driver and guide will handle all of that for you!

Plus, it’s a great way to learn more about Montenegro’s history and culture on the way.

Katie’s Top Tip: For the best experience, look for tours with smaller groups of 10–15 people. They’re quicker at the border, feel more personal, and include extra photo stops that bigger tours skip.

Best Dubrovnik to Kotor Tours

If you want to see the best of Kotor in one day from Dubrovnik, but don’t want to worry about the logistics involved, a guided tour is the best option for you.

I recommend this small group tour that combines Kotor with the charming village of Perast, allowing you to visit Montenegro’s most photogenic and famous spots in just one day!

This relaxed day tour even has time for an optional scenic boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks Church in Kotor Bay.

Getting out on the water is definitely the best way to admire this stretch of the Adriatic Coast and its steep, fjord-like mountains!

Not to mention, having a local guide gives you insider knowledge and tips you’d never get just wandering around on your own.

Dubrovnik to Kotor By Bus

If you’re travelling on a budget, taking the Dubrovnik to Kotor bus is the most affordable choice, but it’s also the slowest option and less reliable for a day trip.

The journey takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on border queues, and then Kotor’s bus station is an easy 10 minute walk to the old town gate.

I found the buses in Croatia to be clean and comfortable, and there are several departures a day from Dubrovnik’s main bus station.

Just know that border delays can be unpredictable on the public buses, so book the earliest service if you’re doing this as a day trip.

Katie’s Top Tip: Sit on the right-hand side of the bus leaving Dubrovnik for the best coastal views!

The Croatia–Montenegro Border Crossing

The Croatia–Montenegro border can be notoriously unpredictable, and how long you will have to queue will depend on a few factors including the time of day, day of the week and even the season.

As a general guide:

• 9-11am and 4-6pm are the busiest times of day
• The weekend days (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) are the busiest days of the week
• The peak summer season (July and August) are the busiest months

When I crossed the border, the wait was only around 20 minutes for early morning in late September. But I’ve also heard from other travelers that it can be much longer (even taking hours!) in peak summer.

Regardless of the time of year, the earlier you can get to the border, the less time you will spend in queues.

Katie’s Top Tip: To avoid the worst of the delays, my advice would be to leave Dubrovnik before 8am and Kotor after 6pm if you can. If you’re joining the guided tour, your guide will handle all of these logistics for you.

What to See and Do in Kotor in One Day

If you’re visiting Kotor from Dubrovnik, don’t worry about fitting too much in. A day is just enough to enjoy the highlights of this walled, coastal old town!

These were my favorite things to do during my own one day in Kotor, and what I’d recommend prioritizing for the perfect day trip from Dubrovnik:

Explore the cobbled streets of Kotor Old Town

The best way to start your Dubrovnik to Kotor day trip is to explore the beautiful cobbled alleyways of Kotor Old Town on foot. Join this walking tour for a guided experience.

The whole old town is a double UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by ancient stone walls and home to hidden squares, quaint stone churches, quiet cafés and, of course, Kotor’s famous local cats.

I personally loved allowing myself to get a little lost within the walls, putting Google Maps away for an hour while I just walked and discovered hidden corners and side streets!

But if you want a few highlights to look out for, these are some of the best things to do in Kotor:

• St. Tryphon’s Cathedral
• Old Town Square
• St. Luka’s Church
• Sea Gate

You can easily spend an hour or two exploring within the walls, entering the tiny churches, grabbing a coffee and pastry from Forza Café, and meeting Kotor’s fluffiest local cats!

Visit St. Tryphon’s Cathedral

You can’t miss the impressive St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, dominating the main square in Kotor.

Its iconic twin bell towers against a backdrop of mountains make it one of Kotor Old Town’s most photographed landmarks, but you should also visit inside if you have the chance.

Inside, you’ll see intricate biblical paintings, an ornate silver altar, a museum that’s home to an incredible treasury of religious artefacts, and a small balcony overlooking the square.

Just make sure you bring cash (ideally small change in euros) for the small entry fee to visit inside the cathedral and museum.

Climb the Fortress of San Giovanni

The Fortress of San Giovanni is known as the best viewpoint in Montenegro, where you’ll see the entire Bay of Kotor and Kotor Old Town laid out below your feet.

The climb to get there is steep and has around 1350 steps, but the spectacular views are so worth the effort it takes, if you are able.

Just make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks for the climb, as well as sturdy shoes. 

The fortress itself was originally built for defense during the Venetian rule, and the trail takes you up past old ramparts and lookout points, where you can stop to catch your breath and admire the scenery!

Katie’s Top Tip: If you can’t do the fortress climb, grab a short taxi to the cable car instead. The top station gives you the same sweeping Bay of Kotor views — minus the thousands of steps.

Walk Kotor’s Old Town Walls

This shorter, easier walk than the San Giovanni Fortress shows you a completely different angle of Kotor, with some seriously breathtaking rooftop, coastal and mountain views along the way.

You can access the walls from several points around the old town, but be aware that (unlike Dubrovnik’s more famous old walls), you can’t walk the whole way around due to damage.

The remaining accessible parts of the Kotor walls are:

• Gurdic Bastion
• Kampana Tower (this is the largest section of walls to walk on)
• Valier Bastion

I personally found walking the Kotor walls to be really peaceful when I visited in the mid-morning in late September.

There are plenty of spots to sit and relax without feeling rushed, picturesque viewpoints to photograph, and great birds-eye vantage points down onto the busier main squares!

Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks Boat Trip

Next, head to Perast. It’s just a short taxi ride from Kotor but I recommend you book this organized tour that includes the boat ride too.

Perast is a tiny town that sits right on the Bay of Kotor and has some of the very best views of the water and its surrounding mountains, lined with old Venetian palaces and traditional fishing boats.

After exploring Perast’s picturesque waterfront, hop on a short boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks – a small island church.

Local legend says that sailors created this man-made island by dropping rocks into the sea after every successful voyage, eventually building up enough land to build the chapel you see today.

Inside the small but fascinating museum, you’ll see maritime paintings, intricate silverware, and even a tapestry embroidered with human hair!

Where to Eat and Drink in Kotor

Kotor may be small, but it’s got a surprisingly good local foodie scene!

I recommend you start your one day in Kotor with a coffee and pastry at Forza Café, where you can sit outside and watch the old town slowly wake up.

For lunch, Luna Rossa serves traditional Montenegrin dishes like black risotto and seafood caught right from the Bay of Kotor.

And if you’re still in Kotor for the evening, grab dinner and a glass of local wine from Restoran Cesarica. It’s the perfect, relaxed spot after a busy day of sightseeing!

Where to Stay in Kotor

If you can, I highly recommend staying at least one night in Kotor Old Town. There’s just something so special about being inside the walls after all the day-trippers leave, when the streets quieten down, the fairy lights flicker on, and live music begins to play.

Best Time to Visit Kotor

When planning a day trip from Dubrovnik to Kotor, the timing of your visit will definitely influence your experience.

Summer (June–August) brings long sunny days and a classic Mediterranean buzz, but also much heavier traffic at the border and cruise ship crowds in Kotor Old Town.

Personally, I would say that spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the best months to visit Kotor.

When I visited Kotor in September, the forecast was sunny (and the sea was still warm for swimming), but I avoided the peak busyness at the border and in the old town.

Winter can be lovely too, if you don’t mind cooler weather. Kotor is at its most peaceful and local, prices drop, and you’ll see a completely different side to Montenegro.

Dubrovnik to Kotor FAQ

How far is Kotor from Dubrovnik?

Kotor is about 91km (56 miles) from Dubrovnik, and the drive usually takes 2-3 hours, depending on border traffic.

But don’t worry, the scenery along the Adriatic coast is absolutely stunning, making the long drive part of the experience!

Just make sure you leave Dubrovnik early (ideally before 8am) to avoid the longest border queues, especially in summer or on weekends.

How to get from Dubrovnik to Kotor?

You can travel from Dubrovnik to Kotor by car, bus or organised tour.

Driving offers the most flexibility, especially if you want to make stops along the way.

The bus is the most budget-friendly option but takes longer at the border, due to the number of passengers.

A day tour from Dubrovnik to Kotor is the most stress-free choice, as your guide will handle everything for you to make sure you have the perfect day!

Do you need a passport to go from Dubrovnik to Kotor?

Yes. You’ll cross an international border during this day trip.

Make sure you have your passport and driver’s license (if you’re driving), and always double-check your own visa requirements before travelling.

Can you visit Kotor as a day trip from Dubrovnik?

Yes! A Dubrovnik to Kotor day trip is one of the most popular ways to explore Montenegro, and it’s totally doable if you plan ahead.

You’ll have plenty of time to explore Kotor’s stunning old town, climb the famous fortress, and even enjoy a relaxed Bay of Kotor boat ride!

Can you swim in Kotor Bay?

Yes, you can absolutely swim in Kotor Bay!

While Kotor doesn’t have a traditional sandy beach, the pebbled Kotor Beach is an easy, 10 minute walk from the old town, with a safe, roped off area for swimming and even sun loungers to hire.

You can’t swim from right outside the walls of Kotor Old Town because of the marina and constant boat activity.

Is Kotor safe for tourists?

Yes, Kotor is very safe for tourists. The old town felt very welcoming for me as a solo female traveler, and is easily walkable. Plus, locals in Kotor are very used to tourism and crime against tourists is rare in Montenegro.

What currency is used in Kotor?

Even though Montenegro isn’t part of the EU, it uses the euro. Some places in Kotor accept card, but smaller eateries and shops prefer cash, so be prepared with both.

How long do you need in Kotor?

One full day is enough to see the highlights of Kotor, especially if you start early. You can explore the old town, climb the fortress, and enjoy a boat ride from charming Perast without feeling rushed.

But, if your schedule allows, staying a night or longer lets you experience the old town after the crowds leave (and, in my opinion, this is when Kotor truly shines!).

And if your trip to Kotor makes you wish you had more time in Montenegro (honestly, it probably will!), check out my full 7-day Montenegro itinerary.