Dubrovnik Airport transfer
This page covers private transfers from Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) to hotels and apartments in Dubrovnik itself and along the Bay of Kotor in neighbouring Montenegro. Rides range from about half an hour into the city to roughly two and a half hours to Budva.
- Airport code
- DBV
- City
- Dubrovnik
- Route guides
- —
HotelTaxi arranges each transfer with a local company that drives this coast every day. You book online or on WhatsApp, see the total price before you confirm, and the driver waits for you in arrivals with a name sign.
Where is Dubrovnik Airport?
DBV lies at Čilipi in the Konavle region, south-east of Dubrovnik and not far from the small harbour town of Cavtat. The city is to the north-west along the coastal D8 road, while the Montenegrin border is in the opposite direction, only a short drive further south-east.
That position explains why the airport serves two countries. Travellers heading for the Old Town or Lapad drive back up the coast, while many visitors to Herceg Novi, Kotor or Budva choose Dubrovnik for its flight connections and cross into Montenegro by road.
Drive times from DBV to the main destinations
- Dubrovnik Old Town & Lapad
- 21 km, about 32–40 minutes along the D8. Walled Old Town is car-free; Lapad is the hotel peninsula west of the centre.
- Herceg Novi
- 31 km, about 59–74 minutes including the border. Hillside town at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, with Igalo next door.
- Perast
- 59 km, about 97–122 minutes. Small baroque waterfront town facing the two islets in the bay.
- Luštica Bay
- 63 km, about 111–139 minutes. Marina resort on the Luštica peninsula near Radovići, on the Tivat side of the bay.
- Kotor
- 72 km, about 115–144 minutes. Fortified UNESCO-listed old town at the inner end of the bay.
- Budva
- 72 km, about 126–158 minutes. Open-sea beach town on the Montenegrin Riviera with a walled old town.
Crossing into Montenegro from Dubrovnik Airport
Croatia is in the EU and the Schengen area; Montenegro is not. Every transfer to the Bay of Kotor therefore passes two passport checks, usually at the Karasovići (Croatia) and Debeli Brijeg (Montenegro) crossing on the main coastal road. Each passenger needs a valid passport or, where permitted, a national ID card, kept at hand rather than in the boot.
Waiting times change by season and time of day. Outside summer the crossing is often quick, while in July and August queues can be long, especially on weekend afternoons. The drive times above are typical; on busy days the border can add more. Non-EU travellers may also be registered in the EU Entry/Exit System on the Croatian side.
Inside Montenegro, routes to Tivat, Luštica and Budva can use the short Kamenari–Lepetane car ferry across the narrowest part of the bay instead of driving all the way round it. Your driver decides on the day which option makes more sense.
Choosing a vehicle
- Car for 1–3 travellers
- Fits two or three people with standard suitcases. Good for couples heading to the Old Town or Lapad.
- Minivan for families and groups
- Up to about seven passengers with luggage. Sensible for longer cross-border rides where everyone travels in one vehicle.
- Child seats and equipment
- Request child seats when booking. Declare diving gear, bicycles or other bulky equipment so a suitable vehicle is sent.
Season and timing
Most flights arrive between May and October, when cruise ships, day trippers and summer traffic fill the coast road and the border. In spring and autumn the region is calmer and border waits are usually short. Some smaller hotels in Montenegro open only for the main season, so share your exact address when booking.
How the transfer works
Book
Enter your flight, destination and number of travellers online or on WhatsApp. The total price is shown before you confirm.
Share your flight number
The local provider follows your arrival and contacts you by phone or WhatsApp about the meeting point.
Meet your driver
After baggage reclaim and customs, the driver waits in arrivals with your name. A delayed flight does not change the agreed price.
Ride direct
The car is private, with no shared stops.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Dubrovnik Airport from the Old Town?
The airport is 21 km from the Old Town by road, a drive of about 32–40 minutes along the coast. Cars cannot enter the walled centre, so the driver stops at the nearest accessible point outside the walls.
Can I take a private transfer from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro?
Yes. Transfers run to Herceg Novi, Kotor, Perast, Budva and Luštica Bay. The ride crosses the Croatian–Montenegrin border, so every passenger needs a valid travel document.
How long is the wait at the Montenegrin border?
It varies. Outside the main season it is often short, while summer weekends can bring long queues. There is no fixed time anyone can promise, so build a buffer into your plans.
Is Dubrovnik or Tivat closer for Kotor?
Tivat airport in Montenegro is closer to Kotor, but many travellers land in Dubrovnik because of the flight schedules. From DBV the drive to Kotor takes about 115–144 minutes plus any border wait.