Collecting Your Car at Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)
Dubrovnik Airport is the busiest arrival point for tourists heading to southern Montenegro. The airport handles a wider range of airlines than TIV or TGD — British Airways, easyJet, Norwegian, Eurowings, Vueling, and many charter operators fly here. If your preferred carrier does not serve Tivat directly, landing at DBV and driving south is the standard workaround.
The drive from DBV to the Montenegro border takes about 30 minutes on the coastal E65. After the Debeli Brijeg checkpoint, continue along the bay to Herceg Novi (15 min from the border), the Verige ferry crossing, and onward to Tivat (60–90 min total depending on route). Ensure your rental company has included a Green Card for Montenegro — without it, border guards will turn you back.
One practical note: Croatian motorway tolls apply if you take the A1 from the airport toward the border. The toll is modest (under 5 EUR) and can be paid by card or cash at the booth. The alternative coastal road avoids the toll but adds 10 minutes.
Crossing into Montenegro
The Debeli Brijeg / Konfin checkpoint is the only coastal crossing between Croatia and Montenegro. In summer (July–August), expect 30–90 minute queues during mid-day. Crossing before 8 am or after 8 pm cuts wait times dramatically. Have your passport, rental contract, and Green Card ready in hand — not buried in a suitcase. Croatian exit and Montenegrin entry are processed at the same stop.
DBV Airport Facilities
The terminal sits 20 km south-east of Dubrovnik Old Town on the E65 coastal highway. Short-stay parking is limited and expensive in season — if you are collecting a rental car, pick it up from the airport lot and drive directly rather than parking first. A bureau de change, ATMs, and a duty-free shop are inside the terminal.
Rental car desks are in the arrivals hall. Collect your paperwork inside, then walk to the car park outside. Some agencies use off-site lots with shuttle transfers — confirm in advance whether your car is on-site or requires a bus ride.
The Drive to Montenegro
Exit DBV and turn right (south-east) onto the E65. Follow the coastal road through Cavtat and Gruda toward the border. The road is well-maintained, two lanes, with sea views for much of the route. After the border, the road drops into Igalo and Herceg Novi before following the bay to Tivat.
Two route options from Herceg Novi to Tivat: the long bay road through Risan and Perast (scenic, 55 minutes) or the Verige ferry at Kamenari–Lepetane (runs every 15 minutes, 5 minutes crossing, saves 30+ minutes). The ferry costs about 5 EUR per car and accepts cash only. If arriving late at night, check the ferry timetable — frequency drops after 11 pm.