Ferry from Dubrovnik to Montenegro

Tickets, prices & schedules

The ferry connection from Dubrovnik to Montenegro is active seasonally, usually from June to September, with 5-9 weekly crossings. Ferries from the Gruž port in Croatia travel to the Old Towns in Budva and Kotor, with journey taking 2h and 3 hr respetively. Tickets cost € 40 to € 60, depending on the route.

Kompas serves the ferry routes across the Adriatic with high-speed catamarans. Find up-to-date info, compare timetables, companies and prices for 2026, and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.

Discounts

When traveling from Dubrovnik to Montenegro, you can also take advantage of regular discounts offered by ferry companies for specific groups of passengers. On Kompas ferries to Budva and Kotor you can expect the following discounts:

  • Infants and children up to 2 years old travel for free.
  • Children aged 3 to 11 are entitled to 50% off standard ticket prices.

On-board services and amenities

The catamarans operating the Dubrovnik - Montenegro route offer essential amenities to ensure a pleasant and relaxed ourney across the Adriatic. On most ferries, you can expect air-conditioned indoor lounges with comfortable seating, onboard bars with snacks and drinks and accessible facilities for travelers with disabilities.

Cabins and accommodation

Can I book a cabin?

Due to the short duration of the Dubrovnik to Montenegro ferry crossings, there are no cabins available on the ferries.

Are there business-class seats?

No, Kompas does not offer any premium or business-class seating options on the Dubrovnik - Montenegro ferry routes. Standard deck/lounge seating is included in the ticket price.

Luggage

On Kompas ferries from Dubrovnik to Montenegro, you are typically allowed:

  • 1 carry-on bag (measuring 56x45x25 cm, and weighing up to 10 kg) 
  • 1 checked bag without size or weight restrictions

You can bring additional pieces of luggage at an extra charge.

Traveling with pets

Unfortunately, pets are currently not allowed on Dubrovnik - Montengro ferries. This means that you cannot travel with a dog, cat, bird, or other small animal on these Croatia - Montenegro routes, even if your pet is in a carrier.

Useful tips for your ferry trip to Montenegro from Dubrovnik

Here are some useful tips to keep in mind for your ferry trip:

  • The port of Dubrovnik gets busy over the summer months, so try to get there at least 1 hr before your scheduled departure for a smooth boarding process.
  • The Adriatic can get choppy, so If you are prone to seasickness, bring along motion sickness tablets. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
  • Dress in layers and bring along a light jacket if you plan on enjoying the journey on deck. It can get chilly outside, especially if you’re out in the wind.
  • For your return trip, make sure you book your tickets on the Kotor - Dubrovnik or Budva - Dubrovnik ferries well in advance, for peace of mind.
  • The port of Dubrovnik is a superb base for island-hopping in Croatia, with regular ferries to Hvar, Brač, Korčula, and Pomena. Check out our Map of ferries and plan your Adriatic island-hopping adventure!
  • Beyond Montenegro, there is also a seasonal ferry connection to Italy, with the Dubrovnik - Bari route operating between May and November. For more information on routes, ticket prices and companies check the Dubrovnik ferry schedules.

Where do you get the ferry from Dubrovnik to Montenegro

Ferries to Montenegro normally depart from the port of Dubrovnik, in the Gruž area of the city. This is Dubrovnik’s main passenger ferry and catamaran terminal, located about 3 km from the historic center and around 20-25 km from Dubrovnik Airport.

Near the port, you can find plenty of useful traveler amenities, including cafés, shops, ticket offices, ATMs, car rental agencies, hotels, and the main bus station. Parking options are available in the wider port area, but spaces can be limited during the high season.

How to get to the port of Dubrovnik

  • By bus: local Libertas buses connect the Old Town and other Dubrovnik neighborhoods with Gruž, including city lines 1A, 1B, 3 and 8, while line 7 serves the Kantafig area.
  • By car: you can reach the port by following signs for Gruž / Luka Gruž / ferry port.
  • By airport shuttle: the ride on the airport shuttle connecting Dubrovnik Airport with the main bus station in Gruž lasts about 35 min.
  • By taxi: taxis are available at the airport, the Old Town area and the main bus station.

Where does the ferry arrive in Montenegro?

Ferries from Dubrovnik arrive at 2 ports in Montenegro: Budva and Kotor.

  • Port of Budva: catamarans typically arrive at the Slovenska Obala passenger terminal, located right next to Budva’s charming Old Town. The port is easily accessible on foot. In the immediate area, travelers will find cafés, restaurants, accommodation options, and public transport links
  • Port of Kotor: Kompas catamarans typically dock at berth 2 along the Škurda River, just steps away from the entrance to Kotor’s historic Old Town. The port is centrally located, making it easy to reach the town on foot. Nearby, you'll find essential amenities such as restaurants, shops and local transport connections.

The distance betwen Budva and Kotor is about 25 km, with local buses connecting the Montenegrin ports in about 40 min to 1 hr 10 min.

How long is the ferry ride from Dubrovnik to Montenegro?

The ferry ride from Dubrovnik to Montengro usually ranges from 2 hr to 3 hr, depending on your destination. Specifically, the Dubrovnik - Budva ferry takes 2 hr, while the Dubrovnik to Kotor ferry trip lasts 3 hr.

When does the ferry to Montenegro leave?

Both routes from Dubrovnik are seasonal and operate from June to September:

  • The Dubrovnik - Budva ferry route is usually served 3 times a week (Thursday, Friday and Sunday) in June and September, and with 6 weekly crossings (Tueday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday) in July and August. The ferries to Budva set sail at 18:00 and on days with 2 crossings there is also a departure at around 06:30.
  • Kompas normally serves the Dubrovnik - Kotor route with 2 weekly crossings (Monday and Wednesday) in June and with 3 crossings per week (Monday, Wednesday and Saturday) in July and August. Ferry departures from Dubrovnik are scheduled at 09:30.

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FAQs

No, the ferries traveling from Dubrovnik to Montenegro do not have car decks. You can, however, bring along a bicycle (but not e-bikes) at a cost of €10.

Yes, the Dubrovnik - Budva and Dubrovnik - Kotor ferry connections are operated by high-speed catamarans. Typically, the ferry journeys last 2 hr and 3 hr respectively.

As you will be crossing the international border between Croatia and Montenegro, you will need the following travel documents:

  • EU/Schengen citizens: a national ID card or a valid passport.
  • Non-EU citizens: a valid passport, and depending on your nationality, you may also need a visa.

Yes, it is possible to plan a day trip from Dubrovnik to Montenegro, but only to Kotor, as the crossings to Budva do not align for a round-trip ferry trip in the same day. The first ferry to Kotor leaves at 09:30, while the ferry back to Dubrovnik sets sail at 17:30. This means you have a few hours to explore the Old Town and city center, enjoy a meal or go for a dip before your return.

Conversely, the earliest ferry to Budva departs at 06:30 and arrives at 08:30, while the last ferry back to Croatia leaves at 09:00, so an overnight stay is necessary.

Ferries and buses are both popular options for traveling from Dubrovnik to Montenegro, however there are a few differences. While buses provide a direct overland route, traffic and border delays are more common, so travel time can vary. Ferries, on the other hand, offer a smooth and comfortable travel experience, coupled with scenic views of the Adriatic.

The distance between Dubrovnik and Kotor is approximately 42 nautical miles (80 km), while the distance between Dubrovnik and Budva is about 50 nautical miles (approximately 93 km).

When booking your Dubrovnik - Montenegro trip on Ferryhopper, you can easily check in online, get your tickets on your phone, and board the ferry directly with your e-ticket without collecting any paper tickets at the port.

Find detailed answers to all your questions about ferry ticket changes, cancellations and refunds.

Remember that you can also use Ferryhopper's online booking modification service, available with certain ferry companies.

Related ferry schedules

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