Dubrovnik to Perast

Dubrovnik and Perast are some of those bucket list destinations that top the lists of many Balkan travelers. Until the early 1990s, these two incredibly picturesque coastal towns used to belong to the same country – Yugoslavia. Today, unlike Montenegro, Croatia is a European Union member state, making the mere 79-kilometer-long drive along the glimmering shores of the Dalmatian Coast and Bay of Kotor quite the adventure.

Excursionists and other travelers should bear in mind that the border crossings between Montenegro and Croatia get extraordinarily busy in the peak of summer, particularly in July and August when border wait times can easily exceed four hours. It is thus recommended to take either the Vitaljina or Sitnica border crossings instead of Debeli Brijeg whenever possible. This does not guarantee an instantaneous passage but should save you some time.

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Charming Perast

Perast is a Montenegrin coastal town with a rich history, offering a stunning setting within the Bay of Kotor and a promenade lined with waterfront restaurants.

General Info and Tips

Don’t forget your passport or other valid travel document for crossing the border
Check the border crossing cameras before departure
In hot weather, pack plenty of water and make sure not to run low on fuel

By Bus

Taking the bus from Dubrovnik to Perast (and vice versa) is the cheapest way of traveling between both towns. However, it is not the most convenient method because there is no direct bus connection between Perast and Dubrovnik. In point of fact, you would need to take the bus from Dubrovnik Central Bus Terminal to Kotor, and then take another bus (or taxi) from Kotor to Perast – a 12km-long journey.

Our tip: Ask the bus driver politely to stop in Perast, which may or may not work, depending on the mood of the bus driver.

Starting in Perast, you can either take a bus (Blueline) or taxi to Kotor and then hop on one of the international buses to Dubrovnik. Expect to pay 30€ for a single trip (including one piece of checked-in luggage). Out of season, the amount of travel time is usually less than two and a half hours, whereas 6 – 8 hours in July and August are no exception.

One-day bus tours from Dubrovnik to Perast often include a boat trip across the Bay of Kotor and a visit to Kotor proper, but are hardly a good choice in the peak season. Even though the tour buses already depart in the early morning hours, day visitors often do not have enough time to fully enjoy Perast’s beautiful landmarks when having to wait for several hours at the border crossings.

Kotor

Surrounded by centuries-old city walls (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and backed by the towering Dinaric Alps, Kotor is a must-visit during your trip to Montenegro.

By Private Transfer or Taxi

The most convenient way to go from Dubrovnik to Perast – in case you don’t have your own vehicle – would be to book a private transfer or taxi. This is usually a quicker option, especially when compared to traveling by bus because it is also in the driver’s best interest to choose the least busy route and point of border crossing. Expect to pay about 100€ per direction.

By Ferry

Even though there is no direct ferry connection between Dubrovnik and Perast (and Kotor for that matter), it is possible to travel from Dubrovnik to Budva by ferry, and then take a bus or taxi for the remaining 30 kilometers. The route is operated by Adriatic Lines, and the travel time is approximately two hours (plus 1 – 2 hours from Budva to Perast traffic permitting).

Budva

Find out more about Montenegro’s most popular seaside resort. Budva has a 2,500-year-long history, as evidenced by its well-preserved historic center.

Dubrovnik Airport to Perast

There are no direct bus connections between Dubrovnik’s airport in Cilipi and Perast. The most practical way to travel to Perast is by arranging a private transfer. Alternatively, you can also take a bus from the airport to Dubrovnik Central Station, change buses, and hop on one of the inter-country buses heading via Herceg Novi towards Kotor.