Getting There & Away: Sveti Stefan

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Podgorica Airport (TGD), about 60 km from Sveti Stefan, holds Montenegro's main international airport. Tivat Airport (TIV), closer at 30 km, mainly serves seasonal and charter flights. Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) in Croatia, 90 km away, presents a popular alternative with frequent international connections.

Airlines:

Budget carriers: Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet.
Full-service: Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Air Serbia.
National airline: Air Montenegro.

Seasonal Flight & Transfers

Flight frequency and prices fluctuate throughout the year. High season (June-August) brings highest frequency and prices. Shoulder seasons (May-June, Sep-Oct) mean more affordable flights. Low season (Nov-April) has fewer flights but lowest prices.

Transfer Options:

Taxis: Readily available, agree on price beforehand.
Private Transfer: Pre-booking offers convenience and fixed price.
Bus: Less direct, often less convenient with luggage.

Affordable Flights

Find flight deals with Dollar Flight Club.

Flight Comparison

Compare options on Skyscanner.

Car Rental

Book rentals through DiscoverCars.com.

Airport Facilities

Podgorica & Tivat Airports

Car rental desks available.
Duty-free shops.
A few cafes or small restaurants.
Wi-Fi generally available.

Dubrovnik Airport Croatia

Wider selection of shops.
More restaurants.
Lounges.
More frequent and varied international connections.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings

Expect queues and wait times at Croatia-Montenegro border during peak season. Passport control for both countries takes place.

Train Services

Limited network. Scenic Belgrade-Bar line. Sveti Stefan is not directly on a train line; closest major station is Bar.

Long-Distance Buses

Most widespread and efficient intercity public transport. Nearest major bus station in Budva (10 km).

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Driving Requirements

To rent and drive a car, a valid national driving license from your home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP) are needed. A major credit card for a security deposit also counts as a requirement. Vehicle green card insurance document is necessary.

Rules:

Drive on the right side of the road.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
Headlights must be on at all times, day or night.

Road Conditions & Safety

Main roads generally stay in good condition, but they can be narrow and winding, specifically in mountainous areas. The main coastal road around Sveti Stefan sees heavy traffic congestion during summer.

Safety Notes:

Strict drink-driving laws; very low blood alcohol limit.
Parking is challenging and expensive in popular areas.
Weather hazards (heavy rain, snow) affect road conditions inland.

Sea/River Arrivals

Sea travel brings unique perspectives, though not a main direct arrival method for Sveti Stefan itself. Cruise ports include Kotor and Bar. An international car ferry connects Bar (Montenegro) to Bari (Italy).

Sea Travel Notes:

No direct ferry services to Sveti Stefan.
Local boat taxis or private boat hires from Budva or Sveti Stefan beach.
Standard passport control at port of entry for international arrivals.

Departure Information

Montenegro imposes no specific departure or exit fees for tourists at its borders or airports. Any airport taxes typically find inclusion in your airfare. Airport facilities are basic.

Departure Timing:

Arrive at airport at least 2 hours before international flight.
Allow extra time during peak season or for luggage check-in.
Check in online if your airline offers this service.

Important Travel Alerts

No Uber or Bolt in Montenegro; rely on local taxis.
Agree on taxi price beforehand to avoid surprises.
Car rental minimum age typically 21-25.

International Driving Permit (IDP) finds legal requirement.
Montenegrin drivers sometimes appear aggressive.
Sveti Stefan island is generally for Aman guests or those with reservations.

Transportation Tips

Seamless Travel

For seamless arrival, pre-book private transfers from the airport. For budget travel, local buses work well between Sveti Stefan and Budva. Always keep small Euro notes for bus fares and taxis.

Getting There & Away