A seasonal passenger ferry links Gruž port in Dubrovnik with Budva's waterfront, cutting overland travel time and eliminating the need to queue at the land border. Service runs once daily during warmer months, with departures concentrated in the early evening. This guide covers schedules, documentation, and what happens at each end of the route.
Quick answer
The ferry from dubrovnik to budva montenegro operates seasonally with a single daily departure between 18:00 and 20:00, typically from late spring through early autumn. One-way foot-passenger tickets cost 55 EUR. The crossing takes approximately two hours and requires a valid passport, as you will clear Croatian exit and Montenegrin entry formalities at the respective ports.
The Adriatic ferry route between Dubrovnik and Budva exists because the land crossing can consume half a day when summer traffic stacks at the border. A direct sea link compresses that into a two-hour passage, with the added benefit of skipping the narrow coastal highway that winds through Bosnia and Herzegovina's Neum corridor. Service is not year-round. Operators schedule departures to match the May-to-October tourism window, and the timetable contracts sharply outside that span. On active days, the ferry from dubrovnik to budva montenegro leaves Gruž in the early evening, docking in Budva after sunset. Foot passengers board from the main terminal; vehicles are not carried on this route, so travelers with cars must still use the land border. Both ports handle international traffic, which means passport control and customs declarations happen shipside. Croatian officers check documents before departure, and Montenegrin border police meet the vessel on arrival. EU and UK citizens do not need visas for short stays in either country, but non-EU nationals should confirm entry requirements for Montenegro in advance. The crossing itself is straightforward—calm water, open seating, and a snack bar on most vessels. Budva's ferry terminal sits within walking distance of the Old Town walls, making onward movement simple for those staying in the historic quarter. Dubrovnik's Gruž port lies three kilometers northwest of the walled city and is served by local buses. The Adriatic crossing eliminates the need to arrange a hire car one-way drop or coordinate a private transfer across two countries, which is why foot passengers—especially those island-hopping along the coast—favor the sea route when schedules align.
“The sea route compresses a half-day overland journey into a two-hour passage, bypassing both the Neum corridor and the summer border queue.”
The ferry service between Dubrovnik and Budva operates on a consistent daily schedule. Passengers should plan according to these established operational windows.
Service is seasonal and typically limited to a single daily scheduled departure.
The ferry service operates between the Port of Gruž in Dubrovnik and the Port of Budva in Montenegro. Both ports are situated in key coastal areas accessible by local transport or walking.
Port of Gruž, Obala Stjepana Radića, Dubrovnik
Libertas Dubrovnik lines to Gruž Port stop
Local taxi service to Port of Budva, Montenegro
Port of Budva, Mediteranska ulica, Budva
Ensure you arrive at the designated port within the 18:00–20:00 window to facilitate boarding. Travelers should verify their specific departure pier at the port office upon arrival.
The ferry route between Dubrovnik and Budva is highly seasonal, operating primarily during the warmer months when sea conditions are most favorable. Aligning your travel with the limited daily departure window is essential to ensure a smooth journey.
Warm, sunny, 28–32°C
Expect higher demand and increased pedestrian traffic at the ports during these months.
Mild and pleasant, 22–27°C
This period offers a balance of reliable service and manageable crowd levels for travelers.
Cooler, 18–22°C
Travelers should check service availability closely as seasonal routes begin to conclude.
Verdict: The best time to travel is during the shoulder months of June or September to enjoy favorable weather while avoiding the peak summer crowds, strictly adhering to the daily 18:00–20:00 arrival window.
Crossing from Croatia to Montenegro requires valid documentation and confirmation of your maritime booking.
Everything you need to know about ferry from dubrovnik to budva montenegro
Yes, there is a seasonal connection between these two cities. You can plan your sea travel by reviewing the daily schedule provided on this page.
The one-way ticket price for foot passengers is 55 EUR. This fee covers your passage between the two ports.
The service operates daily from Monday through Sunday between 18:00 and 20:00. This timing reflects the current seasonal schedule for this connection.
The vessel departs from the Port of Gruž in Dubrovnik and arrives at the Port of Budva in Montenegro. Please ensure you arrive within the designated operating window.
Yes, this maritime service is strictly seasonal. Operations are limited to the warmer months, making summer the ideal time for this trip.
There is typically one single daily scheduled departure for this route. Travelers should plan their logistics around this specific window.
While this sea route is a popular choice, land-based transport options such as buses or private cars also connect these regions. Each mode offers different views of the Adriatic coastline.
While we provide the logistics and schedule information here, you can use the booking tools on our site to secure your spot. These resources are designed to help you prepare for your journey.
Day Trip From Dubrovnik to Montenegro
Read more GuideDubrovnik to Budva Ferry Timetable
Read more GuideIs There a Ferry From Dubrovnik to Kotor
Read more GuideHow to Get From Dubrovnik to Budva
Read more Tickets & toursBudva to Dubrovnik Ferry Tickets & Booking
Read more GuideDubrovnik to Budva Ferry Prices
Read more