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Best Montenegro Day Trip from Dubrovnik: Top Tours & What to See

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BY SARAH PAVLOVIC 

Find the best Montenegro day trip from Dubrovnik for your trip. Choose a tour that will ensure you have an incredible day in Montenegro or plan your own trip!

Best Montenegro Day Trips from DubrovnikThe beautiful Baroque town of Perast features in many day trips to Montenegro. Image: Deposit Photos

Wondering if you can do a day trip from Dubrovnik to Montenegro?

Yes, you can!

Lying less than an hour from Dubrovnik, this hidden gem is the perfect destination for a day trip. It offers breathtaking natural landscapes, historic architecture, and a rich cultural heritage. From the scenic Bay of Kotor to the medieval town of Budva, Montenegro has something for everyone.

“Rugged, scenic Montenegro, just south of Dubrovnik, is an emerging Mediterranean hotspot – especially the historic old town of Kotor – but deep in its mountains, you’ll find echoes of a bygone mountain kingdom.” - Rick Steves

In this article, we'll explore the best day trips from Dubrovnik to Montenegro, highlighting the top sights and activities to make the most of your time in this beautiful country.

Most of the tours have similar itineraries with some small variations. If you want a more relaxed tour, choose one that just visits the Bay of Kotor, you'll have more time to explore, especially Kotor old town. If you'd like to see the most or spend some time on the beach, choose a tour that includes Budva too.

Don't have time to read all the tours on this list? Not a problem, the best Montenegro day trip from Dubrovnik is this Montenegro Day Trip from Dubrovnik. With 1539+ reviews, it's the most popular Montenegro day trip from Dubrovnik, so you can't go wrong.

Whether you're a history buff, nature lover or love to explore new destinations, you won't regret spending a day exploring Montenegro!

Table of Contents

Top 3 Picks | Best Montenegro Day Trips from Dubrovnik | What to See and Do | Frequently Asked Questions

Top 3 Picks: Best Montenegro Day Trips From Dubrovnik

Budva citadel unsplash

#1 Pick: Montenegro Day Trip

  • Bay of Kotor
  • Budva
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Best Montenegro Day Trip from DubrovnikImage: Deposit Photos

#2 Pick: Private Full Day Tour to Montenegro

  • Bay of Kotor
  • Budva
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Kotor Bay sail boat Unsplash

#3 Pick: Montenegro Day Trip with Cruise in Kotor Bay

  • Bay of Kotor
  • Boat cruise
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Best Montenegro Day Trips From Dubrovnik

1. From Dubrovnik: Montenegro Day Trip

Budva citadel unsplash

RATING: 4.2 / 5 (1539+ reviews) | TOUR LENGTH: 11 hours | BOOK NOW

Highlights of this tour:

  • Perast
  • Optional Our Lady of the Rocks visit
  • Free time in Kotor
  • Budva

This Dubrovnik day trip to Montenegro takes you to the highlights of the Montenegrin coast, Perast, Kotor and Budva.

The tour departs Dubrovnik in the morning and takes you by bus to the Montenegrin border. After you cross into Montenegro you drive around the Bay of Kotor and scenery here is absolutely stunning.

Your first stop is the charming town of Perast, a picturesque town of Baroque palaces with two island churches. Here, you can visit the island of Our Lady of the Rocks (I highly recommend doing this!).

After Perast you make your way through Kotor Bay to Kotor. In Kotor, you have free time to explore the old town and walk the city walls. Since this tour doesn't include a guided tour of Kotor old town, I recommend getting a copy of my book which guides you around the top attractions.

"This is a great day trip, the drive along the adriatic coast road is just beautiful and Kotor and Budva and amazing places to visit . Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and gave us a lot of history of both Croatia and Montenegro, which is fascinating. If going from Croatia, remember to take some euros! This trip is definitely a must and well worth the money." - Verified traveler from United Kingdom (read more reviews)

After Kotor you travel to Budva, where you have time to explore the 2,500 year old old town and enjoy the sandy beaches.

Tip: walk around to Mogren beach, a beautiful golden sand beach surrounded by cliffs.

Return to Dubrovnik via the Kotor Bay Ferry.

BOOK FROM DUBROVNIK: MONTENEGRO DAY TRIP

2. From Dubrovnik: Private Full-Day Tour to Montenegro

Best Montenegro Day Trip from DubrovnikBudva old town. Image: Deposit Photos

RATING: 4.7 / 5 (25+ reviews) | TOUR LENGTH: 8-11 hours | BOOK NOW

Highlights of this tour:

  • Private tour
  • Perast
  • Kotor
  • Budva
  • Optional Kotor Bay boat trip for extra cost

This day trip to Montenegro from Dubrovnik is a private tour which you can book just for your group. The advantage of booking a private tour is the intimate experience and flexibility you get when you have a private tour. By talking with your guide you get to know both Montenegro and Croatia, and you have the flexibility of tailoring the tour to suit you best.

"Marijo was a great driver that made our 11 hour experience feel like it was just an afternoon excursion. He was filled with insight about all of the cities we visited in Montenegro and was a safe driver. I highly recommend this day trip if you’re in the Dubrovnik area. You will not regret it!" - verified traveler from Canada (read more reviews)

The tour takes you across the border into Montenegro and around the Bay of Kotor by car. The first stop is the Baroque town of Perast, which was home to wealthy merchants ship owners. From here you can take a boat to Our Lady of the Rocks to take a short tour of the church and museum.

From Perast you drive to Kotor to explore the old town and then on to Budva before returning to Dubrovnik.

BOOK FROM DUBROVNIK: PRIVATE FULL-DAY TOUR TO MONTENEGRO

3. From Dubrovnik: Montenegro Day Trip with Cruise in Kotor bay

Best Montenegro Day Trip from Dubrovnik

RATING: 4.4 / 5 (315+ reviews) | TOUR LENGTH: 11 hours | BOOK NOW

Highlights of this tour:

  • Guided tour of Perast
  • Our Lady of the Rocks
  • Optional guided tour of Kotor old town
  • 2.5 hours free time in Kotor
  • Boat cruise from Perast to Kotor

This day trip to Montenegro from Dubrovnik takes you on a relaxed tour to the highlights of the Bay of Kotor, Perast, Kotor, and Our Lady of the Rocks.

The tour takes you by bus across the border into Montenegro, where you'll be treated to views of the Bay of Kotor as you drive around the bay to Perast.

In Perast you get a guided tour of the picturesque town, with its stunning Baroque architecture and dramatic history, before having free time to explore on your own.

Then you board a boat for the short trip to Our Lady of the Rocks, the 15th century island church and museum.

Next you continue to Kotor by boat or bus. You can choose to join a guided tour of the old town or explore at your own pace (if you choose to explore on your own, my guide to Kotor is a must-have!)

"This tour has been one of our highlights! Montenegro is def a must see if you come to Dubrovnik. Everything in this tour was so well organized. Bus was on time since the pick up. :) Our tour guide Maria is almost the best tour guide I have ever experienced in my trip around Europe. She is so knowledgeable and is able to explain everything clearly. All in all, please do not miss this tour if you ever come to Dubrovnik. You will absolutely love it!" - Yiwei (read more reviews)

After the tour, you have 2.5 hours of free time to explore the town, try some local cuisine, or walk along the city walls before returning to Dubrovnik.

BOOK FROM DUBROVNIK: MONTENEGRO DAY TRIP WITH CRUISE IN KOTOR BAY

4. From Cavtat: Montenegro Day Tour and Boat Cruise in Kotor bay

Best Montenegro Day Trip from Dubrovnik

RATING: 4.3 / 5 (30+ reviews) | TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours | BOOK NOW

Highlights of this tour:

  • Perast
  • Our Lady of the Rocks
  • 2.5 hours in Kotor
  • Boat cruise in Kotor Bay

If you're staying in Cavtat, you don't need to travel to Dubrovnik to find a Montenegro day trip. This tour starts and ends in Cavtat, which lies between Dubrovnik and the Montenegrin border.

The tour takes you by bus from Cavtat into Montenegro. Once in Montenegro you board a boat and cruise through the Bay of Kotor to Perast. In my opinion, travelling by boat through the Bay of Kotor is even more beautiful than driving around it. You'll see the seaside hamlets backed by the dramatic mountains and you might even see dolphins!

In Perast you have free time to explore on your own. The town has a fascinating museum in a former palace and lots of churches. After exploring Perast you board the boat again to visit Our Lady of the Rocks church and museum.

Next, you continue to Kotor, where you have 2.5 hours to explore the town and city walls (don't forget my guide to Kotor will help you get the best out of your visit to Kotor) before you return to Cavtat by bus.

BOOK FROM CAVTAT: MONTENEGRO DAY TOUR AND BOAT CRUISE IN KOTOR BAY

5. From Dubrovnik: Montenegro Coast Full-Day Trip

Best Montenegro Day Trip from Dubrovnik

RATING: 4.3 / 5 (88+ reviews) | TOUR LENGTH: 10.5 hours | BOOK NOW

Highlights of this tour:

  • Perast
  • Kotor
  • Optional Kotor Bay boat trip for extra cost

This Dubrovnik to Montenegro day trip is ideal if you want to spend as much time as possible in Kotor. The tour takes you by bus across the border and around the Bay of Kotor straight to Kotor.

You have free time in Kotor to explore the sights on your own. You can explore with the help of my guide or even do an outdoor escape room in the old town! If you're up for it, hike the city walls to the top of San Giovanni Fortress.

At the end of your time in Kotor you travel back towards Dubrovnik, stopping in Perast to see the Baroque town on the way.

BOOK FROM DUBROVNIK: MONTENEGRO COAST FULL-DAY TRIP

6. Albania and Montenegro 2 Day Private Tour from Dubrovnik

Best Montenegro Day Trip from Dubrovnik 2023: Top Tours & What to See

RATING: 5 / 5 (4+ reviews) | TOUR LENGTH: 2 days | BOOK NOW

Highlights of this tour:

  • Private tour
  • Guided tours of Tirana and Shkoder (Albania)
  • Kotor
  • Budva

This 2 day trip to Montenegro from Dubrovnik includes hidden gem, Albania, too. On the first day you travel from Dubrovnik to Albania via Montenegro's northern territory. In Albania you explore Krujë, a 15th century town, Tirana and Shkoder.

"I enjoyed this tour immensely. This tour is a great way to learn about Albanian history and see some beautiful countryside in Montenegro and Albania. The tour guide Besam really worked hard to make the trip smooth and pleasant for the customer. The castle’s visited are very interesting and both have nice museums. It was an easy, hassle free way to see Albania and Montenegro." - verified traveler from Canada (read more reviews)

On the second day you return to Dubrovnik via Montenegro's stunning coastal road. Along the way you stop in Budva with its 2,500 year old town, and Kotor, the beautiful Venetian walled town.

BOOK ALBANIA AND MONTENEGRO 2 DAY PRIVATE TOUR FROM DUBROVNIK

What to See on a Montenegro Day Trip from Dubrovnik

The Bay of Kotor

Best Montenegro Day Trip from Dubrovnik 2023: Top Tours & What to SeeKotor old town

The Bay of Kotor is the most popular destination on a Montenegro day trip from Dubrovnik. It's right across the border and this is where you’ll find some of Montenegro’s top attractions and most dramatic scenery. 

In fact, the drive around the Bay of Kotor from Herceg Novi to Kotor is one of the most beautiful drives in Montenegro. 

If you’d like to have a relaxed day, you can just spend your day in the Bay of Kotor. There’s more than enough to do here.

Top things to see and do in the Bay of Kotor:

Local’s Tip: On your way back to Dubrovnik, stop for a meal at one of the Bay of Kotor’s best restaurants, Ćatovića Mlini, in Morinj. This converted watermill serves traditional cuisine in a beautiful garden setting surrounded by rushing water and ducks.

If you want to stop for a swim in the bay, there are beaches in Dobrota just outside Kotor. You can also stop at Bajova Kula Beach, Pirate Beach in Perast, Morinj Beach (the water here is a bit colder because of freshwater springs in the area, but it’s a nice beach) or in Igalo, the last seaside area before you exit Montenegro.

Best Montenegro Day Trip from DubrovnikBeach in Morinj, Bay of Kotor

The Budva Riviera

Best Montenegro Day Trip from DubrovnikBudva. Image: Deposit Photos

If you’d like to fit a bit more in when you visit Montenegro from Dubrovnik, you can also add in the Budva Riviera. In Budva you can visit the old town, swim on the riviera’s fantastic beaches and visit gorgeous Sveti Stefan.

Sveti Stefan is one of the most beautiful landmarks in Montenegro and it’s a magnificent place for a swim. You can throw down a towel or hire loungers on the pink pebble beach and swim in front of the islet with its 15th century buildings. You can also walk through Milocer to Pržno Beach.

It’s worth checking the estimated travel time on Google Maps before you set out from Kotor because there can be a lot of traffic on this route in July and August.

Best Montenegro Day Trip from DubrovnikSveti Stefan

Local’s Tip: To save time on the return trip, don’t turn towards Kotor at the roundabout just before Tivat Airport. Instead, continue on through Tivat and take the Kotor Bay ferry across the bay. This will shorten your trip. If you have time you can also stop at Porto Montenegro in Tivat to see the super yachts and have dinner in one of the upmarket restaurants in the marina.

Top things to see and do on the Budva Riviera:

Njeguši and Lovćen National Park

Best Montenegro Day Trip from DubrovnikLovćen National Park. Image: Deposit Photos

Njeguši village, in the hills above Kotor, is part of the historic heartland of Montenegro. It was here that Montenegro’s ruling families lived and it’s where Montenegro’s best prosciutto is made.

The drive from Kotor to Njeguši is an attraction in itself. It takes you up the ‘serpentine road’, a zig-zag road with 25 switchbacks that gives you fantastic views of the Bay of Kotor.

Best Montenegro Day Trip from DubrovnikImage: Deposit Photos

In Njeguši village you can visit the birthplace of Petar II Petrović Njegoš, who ruled Montenegro from 1830 to 1851. The house is a museum and shows you what a typical upper-class Montenegrin family home was like. 

You can also visit Montenegro’s oldest restaurant, Kod Pera na Bukoviću, to try locally-made prosciutto, cheese, brandy and wine. You’ll also find lots of stalls in the village selling locally-made produce.

From Njeguši, you continue into Lovćen National Park, one of five national parks in Montenegro. You’ll get more great views and you can visit the Petar II Petrović Njegoš Mausoleum. 

Top things to see and do in Njeguši and Lovćen National Park:

Frequently Asked Questions for a Montenegro Day Trip from Dubrovnik

Can you visit Montenegro from Dubrovnik?

Yes, you can visit Montenegro from Dubrovnik! Montenegro is only 40km / 25 miles / a 40 minute drive from Montenegro.

You can easily see Montenegro on one of the day tours listed above or by hiring a car in Dubrovnik and driving across.

Is it easy to drive from Dubrovnik to Montenegro?

It easy to drive from Dubrovnik to Montenegro. You can hire a car in Dubrovnik and cross into Montenegro at either one of two border checkpoints. Read my article on the Montenegro-Croatia border for more information.

Is Montenegro worth visiting from Dubrovnik?

Yes, Montenegro is worth visiting from Dubrovnik. Montenegro's scenery and attractions are quite different to Dubrovnik and are well worth seeing.

How far is Montenegro from Dubrovnik?

Montenegro lies 40km (25 miles) or a 40 minute drive south of Dubrovnik. It takes around two hours to get to Kotor from Dubrovnik and the scenery as you travel around the bay is stunning.

Is there a ferry from Dubrovnik to Montenegro?

No, there’s no ferry connecting Dubrovnik and Montenegro. The best way to travel from Croatia to Montenegro is via the land borders.

Can you get a train from Dubrovnik to Montenegro?

No, there is no train from Dubrovnik to Montenegro. The best way to travel is by car, taxi or bus.

How do I get from Dubrovnik to Montenegro?

The best way to get from Dubrovnik to Montenegro is by joining a day trip to Montenegro from Dubrovnik, hiring a car and driving yourself, taxi or bus.

Is it easy to cross from Croatia to Montenegro?

It's very easy to cross from Croatia to Montenegro. There are several border crossing checkpoints you can use. You can find out more about the Montenegro Croatia border here.

Is there a border crossing between Dubrovnik and Montenegro?

Yes, there is a border crossing between Dubrovnik and Montenegro. Click here to find out more about the Montenegro Croatia border crossing.

Which currency does Montenegro use?

Montenegro uses the euro. You will need euros in cash to pay for things like some attraction entrance fees and tips. You can pay for restaurants and souvenirs by bank card.

If you need to withdraw cash, you'll find atms in Arms Square.

Do I need a visa to visit Montenegro?

You may need a visa to visit Montenegro. Citizens of many countries can stay in Montenegro for 90 days without having to apply for a visa. Montenegro also accepts Schengen visas, so if you got one of these to visit Croatia you can also use it to enter Montenegro.

Read more about whether you need a visa to visit Montenegro >

Can I do a Montenegro day trip from Dubrovnik by bus?

Yes, you can do a Montenegro day trip from Dubrovnik by bus. There are several buses per day between Dubrovnik and Kotor and Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi. The return bus trip to Budva takes around 6 hours, so if you want to see Budva it’s best to do it on a tour.

You can find bus timetables on the Dubrovnik Bus Station and Kotor bus station websites, but I recommend asking directly at the bus stations to confirm the departure times.

You can also find timetables at busticket4.me and Balkan Viator.

How long do you need to see Montenegro?

You really need at least a week to see Montenegro. However, if you are limited with time, you can see the highlights, like the Bay of Kotor on a Montenegro day trip.

Some people look for a Montenegro half day tour from Dubrovnik, however at at least 2 hours' drive each way you need to allow a full day for Montenegro tours from Dubrovnik.

Final Thoughts: Best Montenegro Day Trips from Dubrovnik

I hope this guide helped you find the perfect Montenegro day trip from Dubrovnik. Most the tours have similar itineraries with some minor differences. This Montenegro day trip has 1539+ reviews and is insanely popular, so if in doubt, you can't go wrong with this one.

And if you're doing it yourself, I hope you've found all the information you need to plan your own unforgettable day trip to Montenegro!

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