Arrival & Transport

Airports

Montenegro has two international airports:

• Podgorica (TGD) — The main airport, 12 km south of the capital. Connections from Germany: Ryanair (from Berlin, Memmingen), Wizz Air (from Dortmund, Memmingen), Eurowings (from Cologne, Düsseldorf — seasonal). Flight time: 2–2.5 hours. Prices: 50–200€ return with early booking. From Podgorica, you can reach the coast (Kotor) in 1.5–2 hours by bus or car.
• Tivat (TIV) — The coastal airport, directly on the Bay of Kotor. In summer: Direct flights from Germany with Eurowings, TUI fly, and charter companies. Tivat is ideal for beach holidays — Kotor is only 8 km, Budva 20 km away. In winter: limited flight operations.

Alternative Airports

Often cheaper and with more connections:

• Dubrovnik (DBV, Croatia) — Only 30 km from the Montenegrin border. Many direct flights from Germany. From Dubrovnik to Herceg Novi: 1–1.5 hours (including border crossing). In summer, the border crossing can take 30–60 minutes.
• Tirana (TIA, Albania) — 160 km from Podgorica. Cheap Wizz Air flights from Germany.

Transfer: From Podgorica airport to the center: Taxi (10–15€, 15 min.) or bus (1.50€). From Tivat airport: Taxi to Kotor (10–15€, 15 min.), to Budva (25–30€, 30 min.). Car rental counters are available at both airports.

By Bus

International bus connections link Montenegro with all neighboring countries:

• Dubrovnik → Kotor/Budva: Several times daily, 2–3 hours, 15–20€.
• Sarajevo → Podgorica: Daily, 6–7 hours, 20–25€.
• Belgrade → Podgorica: Several times daily, 8–10 hours, 25–35€. Night buses available.
• Tirana → Podgorica/Ulcinj: Daily, 3–4 hours, 12–18€.

The main bus company is Balkan Express as well as local providers. Tickets at the bus station (autobuska stanica) or online at getbybus.com.

By Car

Montenegro is accessible by car from Germany — the route goes through Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia (or through Hungary and Serbia). Total distance: approx. 1,300–1,500 km, 13–15 hours of pure driving time. Toll fees: Austria (vignette 10€), Slovenia (vignette 15€), Croatia (toll, approx. 25€), Serbia (approx. 10€). Border crossings can take 1–2 hours in summer (especially Croatia–Montenegro).

By Train

The Belgrade–Bar railway is one of the most spectacular train journeys in Europe: 476 km over 254 tunnels and 234 bridges, through the Dinaric Alps and the Morača Gorge. The journey takes 10–12 hours and crosses the Mala Rijeka Viaduct — the highest railway bridge in Europe (198 m). Price: 20–30€. Unfortunately, the condition of the trains is modest (old, slow, often delayed) — but the experience is priceless. The Podgorica–Nikšić route also offers beautiful landscapes.

By Ferry

A ferry operates from Bari (Italy) to Bar (Montenegro) (Montenegro Lines/Jadrolinija). Crossing: 9 hours (night ferry). Prices: from 50€ per person, car from 70€. In summer: 4–5 times per week. A charming alternative to flying, especially with a car.

Rental Car — The Best Choice

A rental car is the most comfortable way to explore Montenegro — the country is small enough to reach everything on day trips, but public transport does not cover all the sights. Prices: from 25–50€/day (small car), SUV from 50–80€/day. Providers: Europcar, Sixt, Budget, local providers (often cheaper). Book early in summer!

Driving in Montenegro:

• Road conditions: The main roads (coastal road, highway Podgorica–Bar) are good. Mountain roads can be narrow, winding, and without guardrails. The road Kotor–Cetinje over the Lovćen (25 hairpin bends!) is breathtaking, but not for the faint-hearted.
• Driving style: Montenegrins drive dynamically. Overtaking on curves, tailgating, and creative parking are normal. Drive defensively, especially on coastal roads. The horn is often used as a warning signal and greeting.
• Parking: In Kotor, Budva, and Herceg Novi, a big problem in summer. Public parking: 0.50–2€/hour. Arrive early or park on the outskirts and walk.
• Toll: The Sozina Tunnel (Podgorica–Bar) costs 2.50€ and saves 30 minutes of driving time over the pass.
• Speed limits: In towns 40–50 km/h, country roads 80 km/h, highway 100 km/h. Radar checks are frequent.

Buses

The bus network reliably and affordably connects all major locations. The main connections:

Buses are relatively punctual, air-conditioned, and comfortable. Tickets at the bus station or from the driver. No online booking system for domestic buses — just go and buy.

Ferry across the Bay of Kotor

The Kamenari–Lepetane ferry significantly shortens the route around the Bay of Kotor (instead of a 45-minute drive around the entire bay: 5-minute ferry). Runs every 10–15 minutes, around the clock. Price: 4.50€ per car including passengers. Pedestrians: 1€. In summer, there may be waiting times (15–30 min.).

Taxi & Transfers

Taxis are relatively cheap in Montenegro (base fee: 1–2€, per km: 0.80–1.50€), but always insist on the taximeter or negotiate the price beforehand. Apps like Taxi Montenegro and CAR:GO work in Podgorica and on the coast. For airport transfers, pre-booked transfers are often cheaper than on-site taxis.