Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) → Budva transfer
Budva is 72 km from Dubrovnik Airport, and a private transfer usually takes 126–158 minutes, with extra time possible at the Montenegrin border. A car for one to three passengers typically costs around €130–160, and a minivan for up to seven around €160–200; the exact price is shown before you book.
- From
- Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)
- To
- Budva
- Distance
- 72 km
- Typical drive
- 126–158 min
This is the longest of the usual Montenegro rides from DBV, ending on the open Adriatic rather than inside the bay.
The route to the Budva Riviera
The ride crosses the border at Karasovići–Debeli Brijeg, passes Herceg Novi and then has to get past the Bay of Kotor. Most drivers take the Kamenari–Lepetane car ferry across the strait and continue through Tivat, then over the hills to the coast at Jaz and down into Budva.
When the ferry queue is long, the alternative is the road round the bay towards Kotor and on to Budva. Either way the final part has curves and climbs, so travellers prone to motion sickness should sit in front.
Where hotels are in Budva
- Budva town and Slovenska Beach
- Large hotels and apartments along the main beach and behind it. Traffic in the centre is heavy in summer evenings.
- Old town
- The walled old town on its small peninsula is pedestrian. The driver drops you nearby and you walk in.
- Bečići and Rafailovići
- Resort hotels just south-east of the town, popular with families. Cars usually reach the hotel entrance.
- Further along the coast
- Addresses towards Sveti Stefan or Petrovac add extra distance; give the exact hotel when booking for an accurate price.
Summer in Budva
Budva is the busiest resort town in Montenegro, with beach clubs, nightlife and summer events. In July and August expect slow traffic on the coast road and long border queues on weekends.
Groups arriving for a celebration usually travel more comfortably in one minivan, and the driver can call ahead if you need someone from the apartment to meet you.
Getting back to Dubrovnik Airport from Budva
With around two and a half hours on the road plus border time, leave Budva about 5 hours before departure in peak season and about 4.5 hours in spring or autumn.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Budva from Dubrovnik Airport?
72 km by road, usually 126–158 minutes without border waits. In summer the crossing can add considerable time.
Is Tivat Airport closer to Budva?
Yes, Tivat is much closer, but many travellers fly into Dubrovnik because of the routes and schedules. The transfer from DBV crosses the border and the bay.
Is the ferry included in the transfer?
If the driver uses the Kamenari–Lepetane ferry, it is part of the route and you stay in the car. The total price is agreed before booking.
What is the price from Dubrovnik Airport to Budva?
A car typically costs around €130–160 and a minivan around €160–200. You see the exact price before you book.
Can I go to Sveti Stefan instead?
Yes, enter your exact hotel when booking. It lies a little beyond Budva, so the drive and price are slightly higher.