Fly into Dubrovnik, Drive to the City of Sun
Herceg Novi is the closest Montenegrin town to Dubrovnik Airport — just 30 km and a single border crossing at Debeli Brijeg. For visitors wanting to combine Croatia's most famous walled city with Montenegro's botanical riviera, flying into Dubrovnik and driving south is the most efficient route. The airport receives flights from across Europe, many of which do not yet serve Montenegro directly.
The border crossing is straightforward provided your rental paperwork and Green Card insurance are prepared in advance. We arrange all cross-border documentation before you arrive, so the handover at the airport is seamless.
From the moment you clear the Debeli Brijeg checkpoint, the landscape shifts. The limestone karst gives way to the lush, garden-draped hillsides of Herceg Novi — mimosa trees, citrus groves, and the warm microclimate that earned this town its City of Sun title. The drive from airport to Igalo spa quarter takes roughly 40 minutes.
Border Crossing Tips
During peak summer months, the Debeli Brijeg crossing can back up for an hour or more. Crossing early in the morning or after 8pm avoids the worst queues. Ensure your rental company has provided a Green Card covering Montenegro and Croatia — without it, border guards will not let you through.
Dubrovnik Airport Facilities
The airport terminal sits on the E65 highway, less than 30 minutes from Dubrovnik's Old Town. Parking is limited and fills quickly in high season — pre-booking is advisable if you plan to leave a car here. Payment machines accept cash and cards.
Inside the terminal: bureau de change, banking services, a post office, cafes, duty-free shopping, and a newsstand. The layout is compact and easy to navigate.
Getting to the Herceg Novi Riviera
From Dubrovnik Airport, follow the E65 south toward Montenegro. The Debeli Brijeg border crossing is about 20 km from the terminal. After clearing both the Croatian exit and Montenegrin entry checkpoints, the road descends into Herceg Novi within 15 minutes.
The arrival is memorable. The road drops through pine forest and suddenly the Bay of Kotor opens before you — Herceg Novi's fortress towers, the Igalo waterfront, and the botanical hillsides tumbling down to the Adriatic. It is one of the most dramatic first impressions of any Mediterranean town.