Kotor-Lovćen cable car

Key facts

The concession agreement was signed on 15 December 2021 between the Government of Montenegro and a consortium of Novi Volvox d.o.o. and Leitner of Italy; the foundation stone was laid in July 2022. The upper station is about 28 km by road from Cetinje.

Tickets

Post-season prices. Tickets are sold at the ticket offices at Dub and Kuk and in the operator's web shop, where some tickets are cheaper.

Three extras are sold at the top. The Alpine Coaster (€12, fast-track pass €20) is 1,056 m of track and a ride of 3 to 5 minutes; riders over 8 who are at least 1.35 m tall ride alone, children aged 3 to 7 ride with an older rider, and children under 3 are not admitted; it stops when visibility drops below 25 m, in storms and after dark. Falcon Fly (€15, fast track €25) is a 1 to 2 minute ride at up to 30 km/h. The Aerobar (€15 with a drink, children €5) lifts 16 people 35 m into the air for 8 to 10 minutes. In the post-season the extras run 10:00-17:30, on Tuesdays from 10:30.

Opening hours

In the post-season the gondolas run 9:00-18:00, on Tuesdays from 10:30; the operator gives 18:30 for the last ride up and 19:00 for the last ride down. The cable car does not run in winter: in 2026 the season ended on 31 October. The reopening and any same-day closure are announced on the operator's website and social media, so check there before setting off.

The line stops in higher winds, storms and thunderstorms. There is no fixed wind-speed limit; cancellations are decided on the day.

Rules on board

• A cabin carries at most 10 people (750 kg).
• Children under 12 travel with someone aged 18 or over.
• Bicycles, scooters, roller skates and skateboards are not allowed.
• Dogs ride in designated pet-friendly cabins; staff may refuse an animal that seems aggressive.
• Breaking the rules can bring a fine of up to €1,000.

Getting there

• By car to Dub: the lower station is about 200 m from the Budva-Tivat road: from Kotor 4.2 km and about 7 minutes, from Tivat 7.9 km and about 12 minutes, from Budva 19.6 km and about 26 minutes without traffic. Parking at Dub is paid: cars €1.30 an hour, buses €15 for three hours and then €5 an hour.
• By car to Kuk: the upper station has a free car park with 60 spaces.
• Shuttle: shuttle buses run from Kotor main bus station to Dub, with tickets online and at the bus station; from Budva (Donji Bulevar) until 30 September and from Tivat (Arsenalska car park) until 31 August. Taxis marked "Shuttle Service" wait in Kotor and at Dub, and private van transfers can be booked on the operator's site.

Is it worth it

The gondola takes about 11 minutes. By road from Dub to the upper station it is 24.2 km and about 33 minutes, from Kotor 26.9 km and about 34 minutes, and from Cetinje 28.1 km and about 37 minutes, all without traffic. The saving is a return trip on the Lovćen hairpins and parking at the top, in exchange for €20 per adult; the climb itself, from the bay to the karst at 1,348 m, is the attraction.

At the top and nearby

The upper station is inside Lovćen National Park. The Njegoš mausoleum on Jezerski vrh is the park's main sight, and Cetinje is about 28 km away by road. On the coast side, Kotor's Old Town and the San Giovanni fortress are within the same municipality as the lower station.

Questions

Does it run in winter?

No. In 2026 the season ended on 31 October, and the operator announces the reopening on its website and social media.

Does it run in strong wind?

No. Operation is suspended in higher winds, storms and thunderstorms, decided on the day rather than by a fixed wind speed. On a windy day check the operator's site or social media before you set off.

Can I take my dog?

Yes, in designated pet-friendly cabins. Staff may refuse an animal that seems aggressive.

Is there a shuttle from Kotor?

Yes, from Kotor main bus station to Dub, with tickets online and at the station. The Budva shuttle runs until 30 September and the Tivat shuttle until 31 August.

Is it quicker than driving?

Yes: about 11 minutes in the gondola against 24 km and about 33 minutes by road from Dub to Kuk, and the car stays in the paid car park at Dub (€1.30 an hour).