Getting Around Montenegro
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use buses for Podgorica and coastal cities. Rural: Rent a car for mountains and Bay of Kotor exploration. Coast: Buses and ferries. For convenience, book airport transfers from Tivat or Podgorica to your destination.
Train Travel
Željeznica Crne Gore
Limited but scenic rail network connecting Bar, Podgorica, and northern borders with daily services.
Cost: Bar to Podgorica €3-5, journeys 1-2 hours along coastal and mountain routes.
Tickets: Buy at stations or online via official site. Cash or card accepted.
Peak Times: Summer schedules increase, book ahead for tourist routes like the Serbian border line.
Rail Passes
Day passes available for €10-15 unlimited travel on domestic lines, ideal for short explorations.
Best For: Scenic trips from coast to mountains, savings for multiple short journeys.
Where to Buy: Major stations like Bar or Podgorica, with options for international extensions to Serbia.
International Connections
Trains link to Serbia (Belgrade) and Croatia, with the Bar-Belgrade line being a highlight.
Booking: Reserve in advance for cross-border trips, prices €20-40 for longer routes.
Main Stations: Bar for coast, Podgorica central hub, Virpazar for Lake Skadar access.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring mountains and remote beaches. Compare rental prices from €25-45/day at Tivat Airport and coastal towns.
Requirements: Valid license (EU or International), credit card, minimum age 21-23.
Insurance: Full coverage advised for winding roads, verify inclusions for gravel paths.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 100 km/h motorways.
Tolls: Minimal, only on Sozina Tunnel (€2.50 one-way), no vignettes required.
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow mountain roads, roundabouts common.
Parking: Free in rural areas, €1-3/hour in Budva or Kotor old towns.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations available €1.40-1.60/liter for petrol, €1.30-1.50 for diesel, more sparse in north.
Apps: Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation, essential for mountain routes.
Traffic: Congestion in summer on coastal roads near Budva and Kotor Bay.
Urban Transport
Podgorica Buses
Local bus network in capital, single ticket €1, day pass €3, frequent routes to suburbs.
Validation: Buy from kiosks or driver, exact change preferred, no mobile tickets yet.
Apps: Limited, use Google Maps for schedules, services run 5 AM-10 PM.
Bike Rentals
Bike sharing in Budva and Kotor, €5-12/day with coastal paths and lake routes.
Routes: Flat paths around Lake Skadar and Bay of Kotor promenades ideal for cycling.
Tours: E-bike tours available in national parks, combining adventure with sightseeing.
Ferries & Local Services
Blue Line ferries connect coastal towns like Kotor to Perast, €5-10 per trip.
Tickets: €2-5 for short bus rides in Budva, buy onboard or at stops.
Coastal Buses: Intercity buses link Budva, Kotor, and Bar, €3-8 for 30-60 km.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus stations in cities for easy access, old towns in Kotor or Budva for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and festivals like Kotor Carnival.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable mountain weather.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, parking inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G/5G in coastal and urban areas, 3G/4G in mountains and rural spots.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €4 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
T-Mobile, One, and M:tel offer prepaid SIMs from €5-15 with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, kiosks, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 3GB for €10, 10GB for €20, unlimited for €25/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi common in hotels, cafes, and tourist areas, less reliable in remote villages.
Public Hotspots: Bus stations and promenades in Budva offer free access.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in cities, sufficient for browsing and calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1, daylight saving March-October (CEST, UTC+2).
- Airport Transfers: Tivat Airport 8km from Kotor, bus €3 (20 min), taxi €15, or book private transfer for €20-40.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus stations (€2-5/day) and tourist info centers in major towns.
- Accessibility: Buses and trains have limited ramps, coastal paths are walkable but hilly areas challenging.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on buses (€2-5 extra), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on buses for €1-2, trains allow free if space available.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Montenegro
Podgorica Airport (TGD) and Tivat Airport (TIV) are main hubs. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Podgorica Airport (TGD): Central hub 10km from city, bus to center €2 (20 min).
Tivat Airport (TIV): Coastal gateway 6km from Tivat, taxi to Kotor €15 (15 min).
Other Options: Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) in Croatia, 1-hour bus to Montenegro €10-15.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Dubrovnik or Tirana and bus to Montenegro for savings.
Budget Airlines
Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Air Serbia serve Tivat and Podgorica with European routes.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and ground transport when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee €1-3, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in most places, American Express rare outside resorts.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay common in cities, Apple Pay and Google Pay growing in use.
- Cash: Essential for buses, markets, and rural spots, keep €50-100 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Not mandatory, round up or add 5-10% in restaurants for good service.
- Currency Exchange: Euro is official, use Wise for transfers, avoid airport bureaus.