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How to Get to Petrovac

How to Get to Petrovac

Petrovac Montenegro Travel Guide

Major Airports & Airlines

Tivat Airport TIV

Located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Petrovac, Tivat Airport represents the closest and most convenient option for Petrovac and the central Montenegrin coast. It mainly services seasonal and charter flights.

Airlines & Routes

  • Mainly seasonal charter airlines and low-cost carriers in summer.
  • Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, Lufthansa, Air Serbia, Turkish Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle.
  • Connects Tivat to London, Manchester, Berlin, Belgrade, Istanbul, Oslo.

Podgorica Airport POG

Situated about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Petrovac, Podgorica Airport serves as Montenegro's main international airport. It offers a greater number of year-round flights and connections compared to Tivat.

Airlines & Routes

  • More year-round services.
  • Ryanair, Wizz Air, Air Montenegro, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines.
  • Connects Podgorica to London, Vienna, Frankfurt, Rome, Budapest, Istanbul, Belgrade.

Flight Availability & Price

Flights are most frequent and at their highest prices in July-August. Prices are lower in shoulder season (May-June, Sep-Oct) with good availability. Low season (Nov-Apr) has fewer direct flights, with Podgorica offering more year-round connections. Use Dollar Flight Club for deals or Skyscanner for comparisons.

Dubrovnik Airport DBV

About 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Petrovac, across the border in Croatia. Many travelers fly into Dubrovnik due to its broader range of international flights and then transfer to Montenegro. This option involves crossing an international border, requiring careful planning.

Direct Flights from Global Hubs

Direct flights from major global hubs (e.g., New York) are uncommon when flying directly to Montenegro. Travelers from these locations typically have at least one layover in a major European city. Common layover points include London, Frankfurt, Vienna, Istanbul, or Belgrade.

Airport Transfers to Petrovac

From Tivat Airport TIV

  • Taxi: Approximately €30-€40. Confirm price before journey.
  • Private Transfer: Pre-booked, €35-€50.
  • Bus: No direct public service. Local bus to Tivat bus station, then intercity bus to Petrovac.
  • Car Rental: Desks available at airport.

From Podgorica Airport POG & Dubrovnik DBV

  • Podgorica Taxi: Around €40-€55.
  • Podgorica Private Transfer: €45-€60.
  • Podgorica Bus: Taxi to bus station (€5-€10), then intercity bus (€5-€7).
  • Dubrovnik (DBV) Private Transfer/Taxi: Most straightforward, €100-€150+, FlixBus offers international routes.

Airport Facilities

Tivat Airport

A smaller airport with basic facilities, including duty-free shops, a cafe, car rental desks, and limited public transport.

Podgorica Airport

Slightly larger, with several cafes and restaurants, a duty-free shop, various car rental agencies, and ATMs. It also features more regular taxi and bus services.

Wi-Fi Access

Both Tivat and Podgorica airports provide Wi-Fi access for travelers.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings & Train Services

If arriving by land from a neighboring country, understand border crossing procedures. The main border crossing with Croatia is Debeli Brijeg, near Herceg Novi. Expect potential queues, especially during summer. All passengers must present valid passports. For personal vehicles, a valid car insurance green card for Montenegro is necessary.

Train Information

  • Montenegro has a limited train network.
  • Main railway line: Bar, through Podgorica, north into Serbia (Belgrade).
  • Petrovac itself lacks a train station. The closest station is in Bar, 20 km away.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Buses are the main mode of intercity public transport throughout Montenegro. They provide extensive coverage and frequent connections. Petrovac has a small bus station conveniently on the main coastal road, Jadranska Magistrala.

Bus Routes & Companies

  • Frequent connections from Petrovac to Budva, Bar, Podgorica, Kotor, Tivat, Ulcinj.
  • International connections to Serbia, Croatia (Dubrovnik), Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo.
  • Companies: Blue Line, Gardasevic, Božur. Tickets bought at station or from driver.

Self-Driving & Requirements

Renting a car provides the greatest flexibility for exploring Montenegro. A valid driver's license is necessary. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is often needed if your domestic license is not in Latin script or a widely understood language. Your passport, a credit card for rental, and vehicle registration are also required. DiscoverCars.com offers options.

Rental & Insurance

  • Minimum age for rental usually 21.
  • CDW usually included, but full insurance (Super CDW or Zero Excess) is advisable.
  • If driving your own car from abroad, a valid insurance green card for Montenegro is necessary.

Road Conditions & Safety

Main roads, specifically the coastal highway (Jadranska Magistrala), are generally well-maintained. However, mountain roads can be narrow, winding, and steep. Drive with caution, especially in adverse weather conditions.

Driving Notes

  • Driving standards vary; local drivers may drive fast.
  • Speed limits are enforced (50 km/h urban, 80 km/h outside urban).
  • Mountain roads can be challenging.

Important Driving Laws

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
  • Headlights must be on 24/7.
  • Zero-tolerance policy for alcohol while driving.
  • Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited without hands-free.
  • Roadside Assistance: AMSCG (Auto Moto Savez Crne Gore).

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

While Petrovac is a coastal town, its harbor mainly caters to local boats and excursions. Larger sea arrivals occur at other ports.

Sea Access Points

  • Bar: Montenegro's main international port, with regular ferry connection to Bari, Italy.
  • Kotor & Bar: Significant cruise ship ports. Passengers take day trips to other coastal towns.
  • Petrovac Harbor: Small, serves local boats, fishing vessels, and excursion boats; no international ferry/cruise arrivals.

River Transportation & Immigration

No significant river transportation options directly service Petrovac. Skadar Lake, inland, offers boat tours for scenic exploration but not transport to Petrovac.

Immigration & Connections

  • Immigration at Seaports: Standard passport control for international ferry arrivals (e.g., Bar).
  • Connections to Land Transport: Taxis readily available at Bar ferry port.
  • Local bus to Bar bus/train station for intercity connections to Petrovac.

Border Crossings

Be prepared for passport checks and potential queues at land borders. A valid car insurance green card for Montenegro is necessary if driving a personal vehicle.

Departure Fees/Timing

Montenegro does not typically levy specific exit fees for tourists departing by air or land; these costs are generally included in your ticket price. Arrive 2 hours early for international flights, 15-30 minutes for buses/trains.

Airport/Station Facilities

Tivat and Podgorica airports have limited facilities: cafes, duty-free shops, basic amenities, and Wi-Fi. Bus stations offer small kiosks, cafes, and restrooms.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures & Timing

Montenegro typically does not impose specific exit fees or taxes for departing tourists; these costs are usually incorporated into your airline ticket or bus/train fare. Expect no additional fees at the border or airport upon departure.

Departure Advice

  • Airports: Arrive at least 2 hours before international flights, especially in peak season.
  • Bus/Train Stations: Arrive 15-30 minutes before scheduled departure for ticket purchase and boarding.
  • Customs: Standard customs checks for prohibited items apply.

Airport/Station Facilities for Departing Travelers

Both Tivat and Podgorica airports have limited facilities in their departure lounges. Bus stations feature basic but functional amenities.

Available Amenities

  • Airports: A few cafes for refreshments.
  • Airports: Duty-free shops for last-minute purchases.
  • Airports: Wi-Fi access available for departing travelers.

Additional Departure Notes

Customs Awareness

Be aware of any restrictions on items you can export from Montenegro.

Travel Document Check

Ensure all travel documents are in order for departure, including passport and any necessary exit visas.

Local Currency

Spend any remaining local currency before departure, as conversion rates abroad may be unfavorable.