Two maritime lines—to Bari and Ancona—will connect Montenegro and Italy this July and August.
Last season, the Mia ferry operated by Adria Ferries traveled to Ancona via Durrës. This year, it will be joined by Dalmacija from Croatian Jadrolinija, which will operate between Bar and Bari
Ćazim Alković, Chair of the Board of Directors at Bar Shipping, confirmed to Vijesti that the continuation of last year's route and the introduction of this new line are the result of successful collaboration with partners .
- Ferry Details:
The vessel Dalmacija, the largest in Jadrolinija's fleet, will begin operations on July 1 from Bari to Bar, returning from Bar to Bari on July 2. It'll sail daily until the end of summer (September), departing during the day—as it lacks cabins. Each crossing takes about 8 hours. The ferry can carry 800 passengers and 280 cars, reaching speeds of up to 30 km/h
- Ticket Prices:
- One-way passenger fare: €78
- One-way vehicle fare (up to 5 m): €101
- Round-trip passenger fare: €144.40
- Round-trip vehicle fare: €186.60
Discounts apply for children under 12 and groups of 15+
- Daytime-Only Sailing:
Since the ferry doesn't have cabins, it will operate only during the day. This was seen as an advantage: the ship functions like a mini‑cruise liner, with restaurants, bars, and lounge areas .
- Future Plans:
Next year, cabins are expected to be installed—allowing for night crossings, which are believed to be in demand . - Historical Context:
For decades, the Sveti Stefan ferry serviced this route. Though frequently canceled and reinstated, Alković hopes this time it will be sustainable and profitable for Bar Shipping, without high maintenance costs bokanews.me.
Additionally, the Mia ferry by Adria Ferries (operating between Ancona and Durrës) will once again call at Bar. Alković explained that:
"Interest in the Bar–Bari line is strongest among Montenegrins, while the Ancona–Bar–Durrës route is more attractive to Western European residents and truckers. They save time by boarding in Ancona and arriving in Bar by around 7 AM"
- Route Appeal & Flexibility:
The route is appealing for travelers heading onward to Kosovo, Bosnia & Herzegovina, or staying in Bar. It offers a relaxed and restful journey .
- Mia Ferry Schedule & Pricing:
- Runs three times weekly or more, depending on demand.
- Prices range from €72–108 for passengers one-way, and €104–170 for vehicles, depending on booking time (dynamic pricing).
- The route between Bar and Ancona is now in its second season; this year's start was better prepared with earlier staff training and promotion efforts
Alković noted the route's initial launch last July involved cooperation with the Montenegrin government and the Italian embassy.
- Growth in Awareness:
Thanks to better promotion this year, there's more public awareness—Alković says they are even receiving inquiries from Western Europe .
- Strategic Importance:
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić remarked last July that there's no connection more crucial for Montenegro than that with Italy—it represents a direct link to the EU
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