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Air Travel

Air Travel

Montenegro

Major Airports & Airlines

Local Airports

Tivat Airport (TGD): closest to Bay of Kotor (7km from Kotor Old Town). Mainly seasonal and charter flights, especially from various European cities. It has the most convenient access directly into the bay area. Podgorica Airport (TGD): Montenegro's largest airport (90km from Kotor). Wider range of year-round flights, including more budget airlines and connections from across Europe. It often more flexibility for travel outside peak season.

Airline Operations

  • From Tivat (TGD): Air Montenegro, easyJet, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Norwegian Air, Wizz Air (mainly seasonal to European cities).
  • From Podgorica (TGD): Air Montenegro, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Turkish Airlines, Austrian Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines (broader European routes).
  • Direct flight options from major global hubs mainly from European cities.

International Gateway

Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), Croatia: across the border (70km from Kotor). Popular choice for travelers due to more frequent international flights, including direct connections from North America and the UK. When using this airport, factor in border crossing times and procedures.

Connectivity & Considerations

  • From Dubrovnik (DBV): Croatia Airlines, easyJet, British Airways, Ryanair, Lufthansa, KLM, Turkish Airlines (wide European routes, some seasonal transatlantic).
  • Flight availability and prices fluctuate significantly by season. Flight frequency and prices increase substantially during the high season (June-August).
  • Shoulder seasons (May, September, and October) have a good balance of pleasant weather and lower prices. Winter months see fewer flights and lowest prices, but also reduced services.

Tivat Airport Facilities

A small airport with basic facilities. Car rental desks, a cafe, and a duty-free shop are present.

Podgorica Airport Facilities

Larger and more modern, a wider selection of car rental agencies, cafes, duty-free shopping, and ATMs.

Dubrovnik Airport Facilities

The most comprehensive facilities, including multiple car rental agencies, diverse restaurants, shops, and extensive taxi and bus services.

Airport Transfers

From Tivat TGD to Kotor

  • Taxi: Readily available. Fixed prices often negotiable. Approximately €10-€15.
  • Bus: Local bus stop on main road (Jadranska magistrala) short walk from terminal. Buses run frequently. Fare approximately €1-€2.
  • Private Transfer: Pre-booked transfers widely available and convenient, typically costing around €15-€25.
  • Distance: ~7 kilometers (4 miles).

From Podgorica TGD to Kotor

  • Bus: Taxi or shuttle (€2-€3) to Podgorica main bus station, then intercity bus to Kotor (€6-€9). Total travel time generally 1.5-2 hours.
  • Taxi: Directly from airport to Kotor costs approximately €50-€70.
  • Private Transfer: Pre-booked transfers for comfort and direct travel, costing approximately €40-€60.
  • Distance: ~90 kilometers (56 miles).

Dubrovnik DBV to Kotor Transfer

Shuttle/Bus

Several companies cross-border shuttle services. Check resources like BusTicket4.me or BalkanViator for schedules and prices.

Taxi

Taking a taxi directly from Dubrovnik Airport to Kotor expensive, approximately €80-€120, plus potential border waiting times.

Private Transfer & Rental Car

Pre-booked transfers often the most convenient option for direct border crossing, typically costing around €70-€100. Rent a car at DBV. Ensure cross-border insurance (a Green Card) for Montenegro, which most major rental companies have.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings & Trains

Montenegro various land transportation options, connecting the Bay of Kotor to neighboring regions and countries.

Details

  • Croatia-Montenegro (e.g., Debeli Brijeg/Karasovići): Main road crossing. Expect long queues, especially during summer peak hours. Passport control for both countries. Rental cars need cross-border insurance (Green Card).
  • Train Connections: Montenegro has a limited railway network, mainly Belgrade-Bar line. Main route connects Bar to Podgorica, Kolašin, Bijelo Polje, then on to Belgrade (Serbia). No direct train connections to Bay of Kotor region.
  • Train-Bus Transfer: To reach Kotor by train, take a train to Bar or Podgorica, then transfer to a bus or taxi for the final leg.

Long-Distance Buses

Buses the main mode of intercity public transport in Montenegro and offer connections to neighboring countries. Generally reliable and affordable.

Routes & Companies

  • Major Routes from Kotor: Regular connections link Kotor to Budva, Podgorica, Herceg Novi, Ulcinj, Bar, Nikšić. These routes run frequently throughout the day.
  • International Routes: Buses run daily to major cities: Dubrovnik (Croatia), Belgrade (Serbia), Sarajevo (Bosnia & Herzegovina), Tirana (Albania), Pristina (Kosovo).
  • Companies & Tickets: Numerous private bus companies operate these routes. Purchase tickets at bus stations. Buying tickets at the station often more reliable, especially for international routes, than directly from driver.

Self-Driving & Rental Cars

Driving Laws: Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory. Headlights on at all times. Mobile phone use while driving prohibited. Drink-driving limits strict (0.03% BAC). Petrol stations widely available throughout country.

Requirements & Tips

  • License: Valid national driving license needed. An International Driving Permit (IDP) strongly recommended and often needed for non-EU citizens. Carry both documents.
  • Insurance: Mandatory third-party liability insurance (Green Card). Most rental car companies have this document. Confirm its inclusion when renting.
  • Cost: Daily rates vary by season, car type, duration, typically €25-€60. DiscoverCars.com for car rentals.

Road Conditions & Parking

Main roads generally good condition, but winding mountain roads can be narrow, steep, and challenging, especially the famous Kotor Serpentine. Caution with aggressive local drivers and occasional potholes.

Navigating Roads

  • Traffic: Heavy in coastal towns during peak tourist season, leading to slower travel times.
  • Parking: Limited and challenging in Kotor Old Town itself. Paid parking lots outside walls, but they fill up quickly in peak season.
  • Motorcycle and Scooter Rentals: Available in some coastal towns. Appropriate motorcycle license needed. Helmets mandatory.

Important Driving Rules

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seatbelts mandatory for all occupants.
  • Headlights on at all times, day and night.
  • Mobile phone use while driving prohibited.
  • Drink-driving limits strict (0.03% BAC).
  • Carry passport and relevant vehicle documents when crossing borders.

Sea/River Arrivals

Cruise & Ferry Services

The Bay of Kotor a significant maritime destination, specifically for cruise ships.

Maritime Options

  • Kotor a major cruise ship port. Large cruise ships regularly dock, bringing many day-trippers.
  • Passengers typically disembark via tender boats into Old Town or directly onto quay.
  • Verige Strait Ferry: Small car ferry operates Kamenari to Lepetane, connecting sides of bay. This ferry saves a long drive around the bay.

International Ferries & Procedures

A seasonal ferry service historically connected Bar (Montenegro) to Bari (Italy). Check current availability and schedules, as these services can change. The Bay of Kotor a sea bay, not a river, so river transportation options not relevant.

Arrivals & Connections

  • Immigration Procedures: For cruise passengers, immigration typically handled by cruise line. Standard passport control for international ferry arrivals.
  • Connections to Land Transportation: From Kotor cruise port, taxis readily available at pier. Kotor Old Town within easy walking distance.
  • Local buses caught near port entrance, connections to other towns in bay.

Kotor Cruise Port

A significant maritime destination for cruise ships, with regular docking during peak season.

Verige Strait Ferry

A small car ferry connects Kamenari to Lepetane, saving a long drive around the bay.

International Ferry

Seasonal service historically connected Bar (Montenegro) to Bari (Italy). Check current schedules.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

No specific departure tax typically levied on passengers at airports in Montenegro. This fee usually in the price of your airline ticket. For international flights, arrive at Tivat or Podgorica airport at least 2 hours before scheduled departure.

Airport Departure Advice

  • For Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), allow more time—2.5 to 3 hours at the airport, plus buffer for potential delays at Croatia-Montenegro border crossing.
  • Bus Stations: Arrive 15-30 minutes before departure for domestic routes.
  • For international buses, arriving earlier, perhaps 30-45 minutes before, a good idea to confirm ticket and luggage storage.

Airport Facilities

Both Tivat and Podgorica airports basic facilities for departing travelers, including duty-free shops and cafes, as mentioned in section 4.1.

Services Available

  • Duty-free shops for last-minute purchases.
  • Cafes for drinks and snacks.
  • Information desks for traveler assistance.

Flight Resources

Flight Deals

Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.

Flight Search

Skyscanner for flight comparison.

Border Crossings

Account for border crossing time, especially when flying from Dubrovnik (DBV).

Smooth Departure

Planning departure times, especially for international flights and cross-border travel, for a stress-free exit.