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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Coastal Montenegro, Montenegro

Air Travel

Airports Serving Herceg Novi

Tivat Airport (TIV): Approximately 23 kilometers (14 miles) from Herceg Novi, the most convenient within Montenegro. Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), Croatia: Around 28 kilometers (17 miles) from Herceg Novi, often with more international flight connections. Podgorica Airport (TGD): Montenegro's largest airport, approximately 105 kilometers (65 miles) from Herceg Novi.

Airport Overview

  • Tivat (TIV) for shortest transfers.
  • Dubrovnik (DBV) for broader international connections.
  • Podgorica (TGD) as Montenegro's largest hub.

Airline Connections

Tivat (TIV): mainly by seasonal charter flights and budget airlines (like Wizz Air and Ryanair during peak season) from various European cities. Air Montenegro (the national carrier) and Air Serbia operate year-round flights connecting to regional hubs like Belgrade. Dubrovnik (DBV): Served by major European carriers (including Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, Croatia Airlines) and budget airlines (like EasyJet, Ryanair, Vueling) with connections across Europe. Podgorica (TGD): Air Montenegro, Air Serbia, Turkish Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Ryanair, and Wizz Air connect Podgorica to various European hubs, including Istanbul, Vienna, and major cities in Central and Western Europe.

Direct Flight Info

  • There are currently no direct flights from North America or Asia to any of these airports. Travelers from these regions typically connect via major European hubs.
  • Plan your international itinerary with an European layover for smoother travel.
  • Flight frequency and prices increase significantly during the high season (July-August). Shoulder seasons (May-June, September-October) offer a good balance of availability and more reasonable prices. Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner are options for searching.

Tivat Airport

This is a smaller airport with basic facilities, including car rental desks, a cafe, and a duty-free shop. It functions efficiently despite its size.

Dubrovnik Airport

A larger airport with more amenities compared to Tivat. You will find multiple international car rental agencies, several cafes, shops, and ATMs.

Podgorica Airport

Offers modern facilities and more services than Tivat. It includes various car rental companies, cafes, restaurants, and shops, providing a more comfortable waiting experience.

Airport to City Transfers

From Tivat TIV

  • Taxi: Approximately €25-€35. Negotiate the fare beforehand or ensure the meter is used.
  • Private Transfer: Pre-booked services range around €30-€40, offering convenience.
  • Bus: No direct airport bus. Walk to the main road (10-15 min) for a local bus (€2-€3).

From Dubrovnik DBV & Podgorica TGD

  • Dubrovnik Taxi: Approximately €50-€70. Involves international border crossing; confirm price/currency.
  • Dubrovnik Private Transfer: Reliable, around €40-€60.
  • Dubrovnik Bus: Airport shuttle to Dubrovnik bus station, then intercity bus to Herceg Novi.
  • Podgorica Taxi: Approximately €80-€100.
  • Podgorica Private Transfer: Around €70-€90.
  • Podgorica Bus: Taxi to Podgorica bus station (€5-€10), then frequent intercity buses to Herceg Novi (€8-€10).

Land Travel Connections

Border Crossings

Croatia-Montenegro (Karasovići/Sutorina): Main road, delays in peak season. Bosnia-Montenegro (Sitnica/Zupci): Generally less busy, quicker passage.

Bus Connections

Herceg Novi main bus station is a hub for domestic (Kotor, Budva, Podgorica) and international routes (Dubrovnik, Mostar, Belgrade).

Train Travel

Herceg Novi has no direct train connections. Closest line connects Bar with Belgrade, Serbia. Not a practical option.

Rental Options

Renting a Car

To rent a car, you will need a valid domestic driving license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended or necessary if your domestic license is not in English or a commonly understood language.

Requirements & Companies

  • Valid driving license, held for at least 1-2 years.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) as advised.
  • A credit card for a security deposit.
  • Major international companies like Hertz, Sixt, Avis, Europcar, Budget and DiscoverCars.com.

Motorcycles, Scooters, Bicycles

Motorcycles and scooters are available for rent from various local shops in Herceg Novi, especially along the promenade. Bicycle rentals are available from private shops or some guesthouses and hotels.

Rental Essentials

  • Valid motorcycle license for motorcycles/scooters.
  • A Helmet is mandatory for both driver and passenger.
  • Scooters typically cost €20-€40 per day, motorcycles €40-€80+.
  • Bicycle rentals typically range from €10-€20 per day.

Driving Laws & Roads

In Montenegro, you drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Headlights must be on at all times, day and night. The legal alcohol limit for drivers is very low, and there is zero tolerance for professional drivers. Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited.

Roads & Safety

  • Main roads are generally well-maintained, but coastal roads can be narrow, winding, and very busy, especially in summer.
  • Be aware of aggressive local driving habits and limited parking in popular areas.
  • Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban, 80 km/h outside urban, 130 km/h on motorways. Speed cameras are in use.

Sea Arrivals & Ferry

Herceg Novi's sea arrival options are mainly local ferries and tour boats. The Kamenari-Lepetane car ferry operates frequently across the Verige strait, significantly shortening the driving distance around the Bay. The passenger fee is minimal, and the car fee is around €5-€7.

Boat Transport

  • Kamenari-Lepetane Ferry: Efficient travel between bay sides.
  • Cruise Ships: Large ships typically dock in Kotor, not Herceg Novi.
  • Boat Taxis: Take you to nearby beaches (e.g., Žanjic, Mirišta) or other Bay of Kotor towns.

Border Crossing Info

  • Croatia-Montenegro Border (Karasovići/Sutorina): Significant delays during peak season.
  • Ensure passport and visa documents are readily available for inspection.
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina-Montenegro Border (Sitnica/Zupci): Generally less busy, offers quicker passage.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports: Typically only for international cruise ships arriving in Kotor.
  • Ferry terminals have taxi stands and bus stops for convenient onward travel.
  • River transportation is not applicable.

Public Transportation

Local Bus System

The main public transit system in Herceg Novi is a network of local buses. These buses connect different parts of Herceg Novi, providing access from Igalo in the west, through the city center and Old Town area, to Meljine and Zelenika in the east.

Routes & Fares

  • Routes follow the main coastal road (Jadranska magistrala) and serve inland neighborhoods. The main bus station is a significant hub.
  • Tickets are purchased directly from the driver upon boarding; cash transactions. Single rides within Herceg Novi are typically €1-€2.
  • Buses operate from early morning (approx. 6:00 AM) until late evening (10:00 PM or 11:00 PM). Frequency varies by route and time of day, 15-30 minutes on main routes during peak hours.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis offer a convenient way to get around Herceg Novi, especially for longer distances or when carrying luggage.

Hailing & Fares

  • Licensed taxis are typically white or yellow, with a taxi sign. Hailable on the street, at stands, or by phone.
  • Short rides within Herceg Novi typically cost €3-€7. Cash (Euros) is the preferred payment method.
  • Popular international ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt are generally not operational. Local taxi apps may exist.

Walking Routes

Pet Danica Promenade: 7km pedestrian walkway from Igalo to Meljine, with scenic coastal views, cafes, and restaurants. Old Town: Maze of narrow cobblestone streets and stairs, pedestrian-only, ideal for exploration.

Cycling Safety

Dedicated bicycle infrastructure is limited. Cycling mainly occurs on shared roads. Promenade becomes crowded in peak season. Main coastal road can be challenging due to traffic.

Water Transport

Water transportation is abundant and popular. Boat taxis take you to nearby beaches. Organized boat tours explore the Bay of Kotor, including the Blue Cave and Mamula Island.

Intercity Bus Tip

For easy movement between the two sides of the Bay of Kotor, use the Kamenari-Lepetane car ferry. It saves significant driving time compared to circumnavigating the entire bay.