Montenegro has two operating airports: in the capital Podgorica (Pòdgorica) and in Tivat (Tivat). The airports are small, without a chic atmosphere and without well thought-out transportation logistics. There are no direct transfers from there to Budva, so it is worth preparing for the trip.
I will briefly tell you how to get to the main resort of the country.
How to get to Budva from Podgorica Airport
The modern Podgorica Airport (Aerodrom Podgorica) is located near the town of Golubovci. The old terminal building is used for charters, while the new terminal is used for regular flights.
Infrastructure: car rental, parking, ATMs, duty free, cafe, vip-lounge, luggage packing, tobacco store, airline offices.
The airport is 65 km away from the Budva coast. The resort can be reached by bus, cab or rented car.
Bus Podgorica — Budva
There are no direct buses to Budva from this airport: from the airport you have to take a cab (about 10 €) or a transfer to the bus station and there take a bus to Budva.
From the Aerodrom station there are trains and electric trains to the center of Podgorica. The stop is located 800 meters from the airport. The cost in second class is 1,2 €, in first class 2 €. The train station in the capital is opposite the bus station.
The journey from Podgorica bus station to Budva takes 1.5 hours. The bus station is open 24 hours a day. There are stores, post office, bank, restaurant, cafe, parking, travel agency, car rental and free wifi. In the ticket the number of the platform is indicated, but often drivers park the bus not there. You need to look for the flight by departure time and the name of the transportation company.
- Ticket price 5—6 €, luggage fee 1 €.
- Schedule: 06:20 to 20:00, there is one night flight at 00:30.
During the pandemic the flights change. It is better to check departure times at the bus station, on the Balkanviator or Omio website.
By cab
Going to Budva by bus is the cheapest option, but you will waste a lot of time. It is better to choose a cab. At the airport cab drivers will charge you at least 80—90 €.
I recommend choosing and booking your transfer online in advance. Then the cost will be fixed and you will be met at the airport with a nameplate.
From Podgorica to Budva — 36 €.
I flew to Montenegro to Podgorica airport and booked a transfer in advance. I was met with a sign and taken comfortably to my destination. After walking around the capital, the next day I left for Budva by shuttle bus from the bus station.
By car
If you have a driver’s license and experience driving on serpentine roads, rent a car. Rental prices start from 12—15 € per day. You can book a car on Myrentacar or Rentalcars.
There are two routes from Podgorica Airport: the picturesque Cetinski and through Skadar Lake. The Cetinski route is usually served by buses and is shorter. On the highway across the lake there is a toll section, through the Sozina Tunnel. The price is 5 €.
How to get to Budva from Tivat Airport
Budva is closer to Tivat airport, being 20 km away. It is better to choose a flight here, but the airport does not operate at night. It has two small terminals and one runway. In summer, the terminal receives hundreds of regular and charter flights, in the off-season — only a couple of flights per day. There are three halls in the building: the departure area, the arrival area and the entrance lobby. Inside it is cramped and there are not enough seats. There is Duty Free, luggage packing, lost and found, a café, and a business lounge.
You can get from Tivat to Budva by bus, shuttle, cab, car rental.
By bus
The drive from Tivat airport takes about 50 minutes, there are no direct flights from there. You will have to wait for a bus on the highway. You have to signal with your hand to avoid being passed by it.
The stop is located on the Jadranski put highway. Exit the airport, walk to the highway, turn left, walk another 100 meters.
- The ticket price to Budva is 2 €, for luggage 1 €.
- Schedule: from 06:00 to 23:00. Intercity flights pass along the highway: from Herceg Novi, Igalo.
On the shuttle
From Tivat there are shuttles of different companies: Krivokapić turs, Ellit Express, Adriatic Travel, Gardaśevic. The shuttles take tourists from the bus station, which is located 20 minutes from the airport and can be reached on foot. If you don’t have heavy suitcases, walk to the waterfront.
The shuttle ride to Budva takes about 40 minutes.
- The ticket costs €3, with a €1 luggage fee.
- Schedule: from 05:30 to 20:00. Bus departure times may vary, better check the Balkanviator or Omio website.
By cab
I recommend taking a cab to Budva resort: it is fast and convenient, only 25 minutes. At the airport transfer prices are overpriced, the trip will cost at least 50 €. I advise you to book a cab online in advance: Kiwitaxi from Tivat to Budva — 24 €.
By car
There is only one direct road from Tivat to Budva, so it is easy to get there by rental car. There is a rental center at the airport, but the selection of cars there is small. On Myrentacar or Rentalcars website you can find a suitable car with delivery to the airport and return in any city. The price for renting a car starts from 10 € per day.
Parking at the airport is paid — 0,8 € per hour.