Kotor Cable Car + Alpine Coaster: Honest Review + Full Guide (2026)

Hair tangled, hands in a death grip by my side, my body just about swinging over the cliff edge as I hurtled down the side of a mountain. Encircled by iconic views I couldn’t help but think that this was the best €14 I ever spent. This is my complete guide to the Kotor Cable Car and Alpine Coaster on Lovćen Mountain, including ticket prices, what to expect, and whether it’s actually worth it.

I assumed it would be just another tourist trap, but it ended up being, without question, the best day of our entire two month trip. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about commercialising a mountain, but instead of feeling like a tacky theme park out to take your money, it’s just a fun spot that combines Montenegro’s breathtaking scenery with the kind of activities that make you feel briefly, gloriously unhinged

Only open in August 2023, it didn’t take long for the Kotor-Lovcen Cable Car to be a must visit attraction in Montenegro. With 290,000 people riding it 2024, then in 2025 this increase 35% to over 400,000 visitors. Considering it’s only open late April – October, that’s an average of 67,000 per month, 5 passengers a minute.

Add the Kotor Cable Car and Alpine Coaster to your itinerary immediately. You can thank me later.

^{Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase.}

---

Kotor Cable Car Essential Info

The Kotor Cable Car connects Kotor’s lower station (DUB) with the summit of Lovćen Mountain (KUK), one of Montenegro’s most iconic viewpoints above the Bay of Kotor.

It’s believed that Montenegro, which translates to “Black Mountain” was named after Lovcen due to how it looks covered in forest.

Related: read my carefully curated guide on the 15 best things to do in Kotor.

How To Get To Kotor Cable Car (Bus, Taxi & Car)

Kotor Cable Car station is not located in the old town. In fact you can’t even walk to the cable car station due to a big busy main road and tunnel. You will need to either take the shuttle bus, drive or get a taxi.

There are two stations: the lower station (DUB) in Kotor and the upper station (KUK) at the top of Lovcen Mountain.

The easiest way to get here is by a shuttle bus that goes from Kotor bus station or Budva bus station to to the lower station.

We got it from Kotor, it was only a 8 minute journey and a bus is due every 30 minutes. From Budva the journey is longer at 30 minutes, but traffic can increase this time significantly. The bus operates between 9 AM & 9 PM.

You can buy a combo ticket that includes both the shuttle bus and cable car, this will save you €8.

For those with a car, the lower station has a large car park, which costs €1 per hour which you pay by a machine when you leave.

Another option is a taxi to Kotor Cable Car station, expect to pay €20 each way. You will be quoted a higher price initially (some people have been quoted €80) but you can haggle them down to the standard fare of €20.

Kotor Cable Car Ticket Prices

Many people think you can take the cable car up to Lovcen and then the alpine coaster back to Kotor. The alpine coaster only runs along the edge of the mountain in a sort of loop. You are still at the top when the ride is finished so you still need to get the cable car on the way down.

---

Kotor Cable Car & Alpine Coaster Prices:

• Cable Car:
  • Adult: €13 (one way) / €18 (return)
    Child: €7 (one way) / €12 (return) / free for under 12’s after the summer season
  • Cable Car + Shuttle Combo:
    • From Kotor station – €30 (adults) / €10 (child)
    • From Budva staion – €35 (adults)
• Alpine Coaster:
  • €8 per person
  • Skip the line: €14 (recommended for sunset during summer)
• Shuttle Bus:
  • Adult: €10 (one way) / €15 (return)
  • Child: €5 (one way) / €10 (return)

---

Tickets can be purchased online in advance or on the day from both the kiosks at the cable car stations and the alpine coaster kiosk. If you book online, your tickets are valid for any one day over the entire season. This is perfect for those who don’t want to commit to an exact day and time.

The car and coaster can close without notice from strong winds / general bad weather. The online tickets are non-refundable so even if closed for bad weather you won’t get your money back. Additionally, the car will run even if it’s a cloudy day so you need to make a judgement yourself regarding visibility.

We purchased skip the line tickets but actually didn’t need them as it was quiet during the afternoon. However, sunset is a busy time, I’ve heard stories of people queuing for 2 hours, instead watching the sunset from the queue. So, if you are planning to ride at a busy time then it’s worth the extra bit of security.

Best Time To Visit Kotor Cable Car

Kotor Cable Car and Alpine Coaster are only open during the Summer season. Which is typically late April – early October.

You can easily spend the full day up here but I recommend arriving at around 3 – 4PM and staying until sunset. You not only beat the hottest part of the day but it means you have time to experience the coaster before the queue builds up.

As this is one of the top things to do in Kotor, it does get very busy. Don’t expect to arrive 10 minutes before sunset and instantly hop aboard the cable car and coaster, there will be a big queue.

In 2025 alone, over 400,000 people visited during the 6-month season, that’s roughly 5 passengers boarding every minute at peak times. Arriving without a plan at sunset is a genuine gamble.

On Tuesdays the cable car does not begin operating until 10:30 AM.

Spending the night? I’ve put together a guide on where to stay in Kotor, including the best neighborhoods and hotels.

Kotor Cable Car

From the moment we arrived at KUK station I was surprised by the facilities. I assumed there would just be a cable car kiosk but there is a gift shop, gelataria and a cafe.

Basic Info

• height: 1,400 metre
• capacity: seats 10 people in total
• duration: 11 minutes total
• no bikes are allowed in the cars

Although there was no queue for the cable car, our group of 4 had to share it with one other person. We didn’t mind, but I think they should have allowed the solo traveler a car to herself. The cars are going up and down regardless of how many are inside. I digress.

The cars are large, you could probably stand up inside (I didn’t dare) and are equipped with air con.

11 minutes might not seem like a long journey, but for a cable car it’s quite a duration. Within a few seconds of departing you have views of Tivat Bay and Tivat’s airport runway – we saw no planes taking off or landing but I can imagine it’d be pretty cool.

As the car climbs the views just keep getting better with Kotor Bay peeking out of the mountains (and the inevitable cruise ship) and then the vastness of Lovcen becomes apparent.

Hugging the bay are silver limestone mountain peaks which glisten in the sun. We are a talkative group but you could hear a pin drop as we all looked out in awe.

We returned at night which offered a totally different perspective of the area. Although you could no longer see the blue of the bay and the mountains, you could see the lights from Kotor, Tivat and other villages illuminated like little candles.

However, the lights were on for most of the journey down making it impossible to see the view, the lights were turned off for parts of it such as when Kotor Bay was in view. This is a shame as when the lights were off there was such a nice vibe, but the lights turning on slightly killed it and meant you could mostly see your reflection not the views

Verdict

This is one of the most expensive attractions in Kotor, I didn’t feel like it was a tourist trap at all. The facilities are excellent and the ride was comfortable.

Of course the scenery is the main selling point, it’s a great option for those who may not be able to do the hikes around Kotor. I would not recommend riding the cable car when there is no view/ cloudy skies. You will have no view and will miss out on the main experience.

On a clear day it is 100% worth it.

Kotor Alpine Coaster – What To Expect

If you only take one thing from this post, please let it be that the alpine coaster in Kotor is a must on any Montenegro itinerary. This was a highlight to an unforgettable day spent on Lovcen Mountain.

Unlike many alpine coasters, the Kotor coaster doesn’t run straight down the mountain, it winds along the edge of it.

Basic Info

• 2 person cart (weight limit of 150 kg per cart)
• 1350 metres (426 ft) above sea level.
• duration is 3-5 minutes
• speed of up to 80 km/hr (49.7 mph), but you can slow it down with a brake
• track is just over 1.05 kilometres (1,056 metres) in length.
• kid friendly – suitable for 3+

I was a little nervous as hurtling myself in a little cart around the edge of a mountain isn’t a normal activity for me. But this ended up being so much fun.

My boyfriend and I opted to share a cart, one person handles the speed and the other (me) just white knuckles the handle. This was the best option for us as I love speed, but I knew I’d pull the brake.

Once you get into your cart you put on a seatbelt, a staff member makes sure you are seated correctly and that you know how to pull the brake. They then stagger the queue so no one is too close on the track (this is super important for those who want to go full steam ahead.) The track brings you up a steep incline to a stoplight, getting you in position to coast down the mountain.

Once the light goes green your cart starts rolling down the mountain, quickly picking up speed. The area feels incredibly remote, all you can hear are the squeaks of the tracks …and other people’s shrieks in the distance! The whole ride was exhilarating, as the coaster roared around the sharp bends on the edge of the mountain, it felt like the cart was going to topple over the edge at times. All of this while a cool breeze distracts you from the sticky summer heat.

There was so much to take in, one second I’d be gazing out over the endless royal blue of the bay while a second later I had my eyes closed as we raced down the track.

Technically you’re not allowed to use your phone but everyone does, just make sure you hold on to it tight!

Verdict

I absolutely loved this. The only downside of the Kotor coaster was that it was over way too fast. I would have loved if another ride was included in the standard ticket.

For it to be worth it I do think it’s best to use it as intended – no brakes! Otherwise you are just getting the same view as the cable car.

Although I heard horror stories of queues, there was only a short 5 minute wait when we visited (August at 3 PM). You don’t need to experience this at sunset, as I explain in the next section, there is actually a better place on Lovcen mountain to see the sun go down. Sunset is the busiest time for the coaster and you’re not guaranteed the queue will not surpass the time of sunset.

Sunset At Monte 1350

I experienced one of the top sunsets of my life here. This is no exaggeration, Monte 1350 is a top tier bar that should be a must visit on your Kotor itinerary. We initially only planned to stay here for just 1 drink but the vibes were so good (or you know, we are Irish) we ended up staying until closing (9 PM).

Perched 1,350 metres on the top of Lovcen National Park, orange and white deck chairs are laid out like an auditorium, with the scenery the main act.

Sipping my Aperol Spritz there were mountains and coastal views as far as the eye could see. This, paired with a dancing DJ playing some atmospheric house music set us up for an incredible evening. You know the ones that are hauntingly hard to replicate but imprint on you.

The skies turned as orange as my Aperol, slowly turning red like a fuse had been lit and then grew darker as the sun dipped into the Adriatic Sea. People actually clapped when it was over, I never experienced anything like it, applauding nature – beautiful.

Even in summer, it gets noticeably cold once the sun drops at this altitude, the bar provides blankets but if you’re sensitive to the cold, bring an extra layer just in case.

The drinks menu is decent with a variety of beers and many cocktails. I stuck to Aperol which cost €12, which was the price for most cocktails. Beer was between €4 – €6.

They also serve food, we watched plenty of pizzas go past and they looked good. Along with pizzas (€10) there are also cheese boards (€16), panini (€7), bruschetta (€9) and fries (€6).

Although the prices are high, you can’t really put a price on this kind of atmosphere.

There is also Forza Kuk a cafe/restaurant beside the cable car, this is also a lovely place. We stopped for a coffee when we arrived. You will get a nice view here for sunset too but Monte has a better atmosphere.

What Else To Do On Lovcen Mountain

Bob’s Frozen Banana

I wouldn’t normally be someone who gets excited by a piece of frozen fruit, but on a hot summers day Bob’s frozen banana is a tasty remedy.

This is a small nook that offers a large frozen banana on a stick. Still not fussed? Well, Bob’s have a large number of toppings and sauces to truly pimp up your banana.

We all went for the Dubai style banana which was dipped in chocolate, sprinkled with pistachios and drenched in a rich pistachio sauce. Other combos include oreo and snickers, or you can make your own.

It costs from €5 – €9 depending on your toppings.

Hiking Trails on Lovćen Mountain

Lovćen has plenty of trails but if you only do one, make it the hike to the Njegoš Mausoleum, one of the highest mausoleums in the world. It’s a 90-minute walk from the cable car complex, finishing with a climb of 461 steps through a tunnel, your legs will know about it.

The effort is worth every step. At the top you’re rewarded with a 360° view across Lovćen National Park and its mountain peaks that genuinely stops you in your tracks.

Bicycles, e-bikes and scooters are available to rent from Velo Outdoor Experiences, located a few metres from Monte 1350. All rentals include a helmet and GPS

It’s an excellent option for visiting the Njegoš Mausoleum without committing to a full hike, the round trip takes around 2 hours and costs €45. Alternatively, you can cycle back down to Kotor and drop the bike off at the lower station (DUB), which takes around 90 minutes and costs €35.

Is The Kotor Cable Car Worth It?

Yes, the Kotor Cable Car is worth it on a clear day, provided you combine it with the Alpine Coaster and Monte 1350 bar rather than just riding up and back down.

There’s no denying a day on Lovćen Mountain is expensive. At a minimum you’re spending €30 on the cable car and shuttle, and it’s easy to spend another €30 on the alpine coaster and food. But hand on heart, this was one of my favourite days in Montenegro. A little adrenaline on the coaster, mountains and nature in every direction, good food and one of the best sunsets of my life. Some days are just hard to fault.

Nearly half a million people rode this in 2025 (in just a 6 month period). That kind of growth in a two year old attraction doesn’t happen by accident.

That said, if you’re planning to simply ride up, have lunch and ride back down, skip it. You’ll leave feeling it was overpriced, because for that itinerary, it probably is. To get your money’s worth you need to lean into the full experience: the coaster, the trails, Monte 1350 at sunset.

Kotor Cable Car FAQ

What To Wear

What you wear depends entirely on what you plan to do once you’re up there and people consistently underestimate how different the mountain feels from Kotor town.

• If you’re riding the cable car and coaster only: Comfortable shoes are fine, sandals work, but something with a grip is better if you’re walking between the cable car station, Monte 1350 and the coaster. The path is paved but uneven in places.
• If you’re hiking to the Njegoš Mausoleum: Wear proper trainers or light hiking shoes. The 461 steps at the end are steep and the path before them is rocky. Flip flops will make you miserable.
• Sun protection is non-negotiable. At 1,350 metres the sun is significantly stronger than at sea level and there’s little shade between attractions. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat if you burn easily, this catches people out constantly because Kotor town feels hot enough already.
• Bring a layer regardless of the forecast. Once the sun drops, the temperature on the mountain falls quickly, even in July and August. Monte 1350 provides blankets but not everyone wants to be wrapped in a bar blanket for two hours. A light jacket or jumper takes up almost no space and you will be glad you have it.

What to do if it’s cloudy or raining on Kotor Cable Car?

This is the question worth asking before you book, because the honest answer is: your options are limited, and the experience changes significantly.

The cable car runs in cloud and light rain, but the view, which is the entire point, disappears. If it’s fully overcast you’ll be riding up inside a cloud. The operators won’t refund you and they won’t tell you not to go. That call is yours.

• Check before you go: The mountain is high enough that Kotor town can be sunny while KUK station is in cloud. Look up a forecast specifically for Lovćen Mountain rather than Kotor, yr.no gives accurate mountain-level forecasts for free and is worth bookmarking.

• If it’s lightly cloudy: It can still be worth it. Partial cloud at this altitude creates dramatic, moody views of the bay appearing and disappearing between the peaks. Some people prefer it. The coaster is still fully operational and just as fun in cooler conditions, arguably better, since the heat at the top in summer is intense.

• If it’s heavily overcast or raining: Honestly, postpone if your schedule allows. The cable car is expensive enough that riding up to see nothing feels like a bad deal. The good news is that if you’ve bought tickets online they’re valid for any day in the season — so a cloudy day is a perfect excuse to rebook for tomorrow.

• What you can still do in bad weather: The facilities at KUK station, the café, gelateria and gift shop, are all covered. Monte 1350 has a covered terrace. If you’ve driven up rather than taken the cable car, you can still have a coffee, eat, and wait to see if it clears. Conditions on Lovćen can change within an hour.

How long to spend Kotor Cable Car?

I recommend a half day, around 4 to 5 hours, and I’d argue that’s the minimum to do it justice rather than a generous estimate.

Here’s why the time adds up faster than you’d expect: the cable car ride itself is 11 minutes each way. The alpine coaster queue (even a short one) plus the ride is another 30–45 minutes. The walk between the cable car station, the coaster, Bob’s, and Monte 1350 takes longer than it looks on a map, especially in heat. And Monte 1350 at sunset is the kind of place you arrive intending to stay for one drink and leave two hours later, that’s not a flaw, that’s the point.

• If you have less time: Arrive at 3 PM, ride the coaster immediately before queues build, and stay for sunset at Monte 1350. You’ll have the two best experiences and still get your money’s worth. Skip the hike to the Mausoleum for another visit or a separate day trip by bike.

• If you have a full day: Start earlier, hike to the Njegoš Mausoleum in the cooler morning hours, ride the cable car mid-afternoon and the coaster before the queue builds, then settle into Monte 1350 for sunset. This is the full Lovćen day and it’s genuinely one of the best ways to spend a day in Montenegro.

• Don’t rush this. It’s so beautiful up there that treating it as a tick-box activity, ride up, take photos, ride down, misses everything that makes it special.

Kotor Essentials