Getting There & Away: Budva

Air Travel

Airports Near Budva

Montenegro has two main international airports, with a third option nearby in Croatia providing more flight choices.

Airport Details

Tivat Airport (TIV): Closest and most convenient, ~20-30 minutes drive (20 km), mainly seasonal flights.
Podgorica Airport (TGD): ~1 hour 15 minutes drive (65 km), Montenegro's main international gateway, more year-round connections.
Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), Croatia: ~2 hours drive (includes border crossing), often broader range of international flights.

Flight Connections

Understand typical routes and direct flight availability.

Airline Overview

Tivat (TIV): Mainly seasonal charter flights and budget airlines (Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet).
Podgorica (TGD): Air Montenegro, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Turkish Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa.
Direct flights to Montenegro from North America are generally not available; connections route through major European hubs.

Tivat Airport TIV

Small but functional. Offers car rental services, taxi stands, a café, and a duty-free shop. Facilities remain limited.

Podgorica Airport TGD

A larger airport with more facilities. Includes several cafes, shops, car rental desks, and ATMs.

Dubrovnik Airport DBV

A modern international airport with extensive services. Find multiple dining options, shops, car rentals, and currency exchange.

Airport Transfers

Tivat to Budva

Taxi: Most convenient, around €20-€30.
Private Transfer: Pre-booked services.
Bus: Walk to main road (5-10 minutes) for a public bus, approximately €3-€5.
Bus travel provides a cost-effective option.

Podgorica & Dubrovnik to Budva

Podgorica Taxi: Expect a fare around €50-€70. Private transfer is ideal.
Podgorica Bus: Taxi from airport to bus station (€10), then a frequent bus to Budva (€6-€8).
Dubrovnik Private Transfer: Prices range from €80-€120+ (border crossing).
Dubrovnik Bus: Shuttle to Dubrovnik bus station, then a bus to Budva. This route can be time-consuming due to border waits.

Flight Seasonality

Peak Summer June-Aug

Flight frequency and routes increase significantly during this time. Expect higher prices.

Shoulder Seasons May-June, Sept-Oct

These months bring a good balance of availability and more moderate prices for flights.

Low Season Nov-April

Reduced flight options exist, and lower prices are common. Fewer crowds are present.

Land Transportation

Cross-Border Travel

Land travel presents scenic routes and connections throughout Montenegro and to neighboring countries.

Border & Rail

Croatia-Montenegro (e.g., from Dubrovnik): Main border crossings are Debeli Brijeg and Konfin. Expect significant queues during peak season.
Bosnia & Herzegovina/Serbia-Montenegro: Crossings generally operate more smoothly than the Croatian border.
Train connections: Montenegro has a limited railway network. The main line connects Bar to Podgorica and then to Belgrade, Serbia. No train station exists in Budva.

Bus Travel

Buses represent the main mode of inter-city public transport in Montenegro.

Bus Network

Budva has a central bus station (Autobuska Stanica Budva) with frequent connections.
Connections to: Kotor (every 15-30 minutes, €3-€5, 30 minutes), Podgorica (€6-€8, 1 hour 15 minutes), Bar/Ulcinj (€4-€7, 40 minutes-1.5 hours), Herceg Novi (€5-€7, 1 hour).
International routes: Buses connect Budva to Dubrovnik, Belgrade, Sarajevo, and other regional cities. Major companies: Blue Line, Božur, Vujović.

Driving Yourself

Self-driving offers flexibility to explore at your own pace. Book a car through DiscoverCars.com.

Driving Basics

Requirements: Valid national driving license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is for non-EU/EEA license holders.
Car registration and insurance (Green Card) are important.
Age: You must be at least 21 years old (some companies have 23 or 25 for certain car classes).

Road Safety

Be aware of local driving conditions.

Road Insight

Road conditions: Main roads along the coast are generally well-maintained but can be narrow and winding. Inland roads may be less developed. Tunnels are common.
Safety concerns: Aggressive driving is not uncommon. Speed limits are often ignored. Be cautious of pedestrians, especially in towns.
Parking in Budva can be challenging and expensive in peak season.

Sea Arrivals

Cruise Port: Budva has a small port that accommodates smaller cruise ships and yachts. Larger cruise ships often dock in Kotor.
Ferry: No regular international car ferry services operate directly to Budva. The main international ferry port in Montenegro is Bar, with services to Bari and Ancona, Italy.
Immigration procedures at seaports: For cruise passengers, immigration typically occurs onboard or at the first port of entry in Montenegro.

Connections to land transportation: From Budva's port, taxis and local buses are available.
From Bar port, taxis and buses connect to the train station and bus station for onward travel.
River transportation options are not applicable to Budva.

Departure Information

Departure Checklist

Prepare for your departure to ensure a smooth exit from Budva and Montenegro.

Steps

Exit fees or taxes: No specific departure taxes or fees are typically levied beyond the ticket price.
Airport departure procedures: Arrive at least 2 hours before scheduled departure for international flights, especially during peak season.
Bus Station departure: Arrive 15-30 minutes before departure.

Departure Facilities

Services available for departing travelers.

Amenities

Tivat Airport: Limited facilities, including a café and a small duty-free shop.
Podgorica Airport: More extensive facilities, like multiple cafes, a larger duty-free shop.
Budva Bus Station: Features waiting areas, ticket counters, and usually a small kiosk or café.

Travel Tip

Consider pre-booking transfers for ease, especially from airports. This saves time and stress.

Getting There & Away