Border Crossings

I've been to all of the countries in question (leaving for Montenegro again 11 June). But the only border I have driven (been driven) across is the the one between Croatia and Montenegro along the coast; and that one a number of times. Actually two different crossings in the south. Which to use was always a question of a phone call along the route, so as to use the one with the shortest wait. Thats one of the advantages of using local resources (that and I am a bad driver when looking out the window at the scenery). As for carrying the booze. No idea. I would put it in the trunk. As for drinking ... the maximum blood level in most of Europe is ZERO. I would wait 8 hours after drinking a few beers before you drive.

The alcohol question had more to do with declaring goods not drinking and driving. I don't drink and drive but in the evening when we are at our place we plan on having a drink in our room. Thank you!

I have driven the border going Dubrovnik to Mostar and been driven across the border Dubrovnik to Podgorica using the Trebinje crossing (not the coast), because the line was shorter.

Kotor to Dubrovnik via the coast is the only one likely to take time. You could just as easily go back via Trebinje.

There used to be an app to show you real time border waits - there might still be but I have lost that info.

And good question on the alcohol but I don’t have an answer.

I crossed from Croatia to Montenegro and back last summer and used the smaller border crossing both times (Vitaljina). The wait was not long at all either way, and I had no problems. Especially in high season I would highly recommend using this one even though the drive is a bit longer than using the main road.

Sorry, didn’t mean to imply that you would drink and drive, more like drink till two am and drive at 8am. Not that you would ever get checked, I am just sort obsessed with following the rules of my host. To an almost silly extent i guess. But it’s one of the reasons I hire transfers, so I can stop for a beer or wine.

Anyway, sounds like a great trip. Some of my favorite places that may be along your route.

1. Đurđevića Tara Bridge: one of the greatest views imaginable. Some tourist trade and zip lines across the canyon. The hotel at one end of the bridge the Tara Motel MB has a sweet observation deck / bar / restaurant.
2. Ostrog Monastery. Fascinating place. Down the road is the Hotel Sokolove, also with an incredible deck for lunch or drinks. Actually spectacular.
3. The main street (more or less) in Stari Bar. Just a wonderful local / tourist / picturesque place in the world.
4. Sveti Stefan this amazing island connected with a causeway south of Budva.
5. Perast and the outdoor restaurant on the bay that belongs to the Conte Hotel. At sunset, no better place to be.
6. Restoran Zora on the P1 road above Kotor in the town of Njegusi. See where the make/hang their own prosciutto.
7. The P1 Road up from Kotor

This thread has video links to most of them: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/montenegro/podgorica-to-dubrovnik-by-car

New places I begin visiting in about a week (half fly fishing & half mental decompression trip):

1. Radevic Estate winery https://www.radevicestate.com/
2. Lučka Olive https://www.luckaolive.me/
3. Garnet Winery https://winerygarnet.com/
4. Paragliding near Sveti Stefan https://paragliding.beauty/
5. Hotel California with a beach and a view of Sveti Stefan https://youtu.be/Ap45GkYMZKo?si=JzlPKod0-ozyPS2e
6. A hand full of rivers. Some new, some repeat.