Getting There & Away: Tivat

Air Travel

Major Airports

Airports near Tivat that serve travelers:

Airport Options

Tivat Airport (TIV): Just 3 km (2 miles) from Tivat center. Mainly handles seasonal and charter flights.
Podgorica Airport (TGD): Montenegro's main international airport, about 90 km (56 miles) from Tivat. More year-round connections.
Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), Croatia: Approximately 60 km (37 miles) from Tivat. A wider range of international connections.

Airlines & Routes

Carriers flying to the region:

Flight Services

Tivat (TIV): Air Montenegro, Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines. Connects with major European cities.
Podgorica (TGD): Air Montenegro, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Turkish Airlines, Austrian Airlines. Diverse year-round connections.
Dubrovnik (DBV): Croatia Airlines, Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM. Extensive seasonal direct flights.

Seasonal Availability

High season (July-August) brings the most frequent flights and highest prices. Book several months in advance for better rates. Lower prices are typical for flights to Podgorica or Dubrovnik in low season.

Flight Price Tips

Compare prices across different platforms. Consider flight deals from services like Dollar Flight Club and search engines such as Skyscanner for the best value.

Airport Facilities

Tivat Airport (TIV) is small with basic facilities. Podgorica (TGD) and Dubrovnik (DBV) offer more services, including diverse dining options and various shops.

Transfers from Airports

Tivat Airport TIV

Taxi: Readily available. Ride to Tivat center is typically €5-€15. Confirm price before departing.
Walk: Possible for light luggage to city center (20-30 minutes).
Car Rental: Desks are at the airport.
Private Transfer: Pre-booked services.

Podgorica TGD & Dubrovnik DBV

Taxi (TGD): Approximately €70-€100 to Tivat.
Bus/Train (TGD indirect): Taxi to Podgorica bus/train station, then intercity bus to Tivat.
Private Transfer (DBV): Most convenient. Prices vary from €70-€120+.
Car Rental (DBV): Ensure cross-border travel approval. Green Card insurance needed. For rentals, see DiscoverCars.com.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings

Montenegro shares borders with Croatia (Debeli Brijeg), Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Albania. Passport checks are standard. Expect potential delays, especially in peak season. Green Card insurance needed for rental cars.

Train Connections

Montenegro has a limited train network. The main international route connects Belgrade (Serbia) to Bar (Montenegro) via Podgorica. Tivat lacks a direct train connection; the closest station is Bar.

Long-Distance Buses

Intercity buses are the most common and efficient way to travel. Tivat has a bus station (Autobuska Stanica Tivat). Frequent services connect to Kotor, Budva, Herceg Novi, Podgorica, etc. International bus connections also exist.

Self-Driving Considerations

Driving Requirements

Understand the rules for operating a vehicle in Montenegro.

Legal Aspects

Valid national driving license. International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-EU licenses.
Green Card insurance is needed for cross-border travel.
Minimum driving age is 18, rental companies often call for 21 (surcharge under 25).

Road Conditions & Safety

Navigate Montenegrin roads with awareness.

Driving Environment

Main roads are generally good. Coastal roads can be narrow, winding, and busy, especially in summer.
Local driving styles can be aggressive. Watch for poor lighting on some roads and potential pedestrians.
Parking can be challenging and expensive in Tivat center/Porto Montenegro. Look for designated lots.

Sea Arrivals

Tivat, positioned on Boka Bay, features sea arrival options, mainly for yachts and cruises.

Port & Ferry Services

Cruise Port: Porto Montenegro acts as a prominent superyacht marina. It occasionally hosts smaller luxury cruise ships.
Local Ferry: A car ferry runs across the Verige Strait (Kamenari-Lepetane) within Boka Bay, shortening travel distance.
International Ferry: Tivat does not have regular international passenger ferry services. The main port for international connections is Bar (to Bari, Italy).

Departure Information

Be aware of any fees, allow adequate time, and confirm your travel details.

Exit Procedures

Exit Fees/Taxes: Montenegro does not impose specific exit fees upon departure. These charges are usually part of your ticket price.
Air Travel: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before international flights from TIV. For TGD or DBV, allow 2-3 hours. If departing from DBV after Montenegro travel, allow extra time for border crossing.
Land Travel (Bus): Arrive at Tivat bus station 20-30 minutes before departure.

Important Travel Notes

Always check current border crossing requirements and potential wait times.
If flying into Dubrovnik, border crossing into Montenegro will occur, which means passport checks and potential delays.
Ensure your rental car company allows cross-border travel into Montenegro and provides the necessary Green Card.

For yacht arrivals, captains must follow specific customs and immigration procedures.
Confirm tourist registration with your accommodation before departure.
Airport facilities after security may be limited at smaller airports.

Local Transportation

Public Transportation

Tivat’s public transport relies on a bus network. No metro or tram system.

Bus System

Buses: Local network covers Tivat and nearby areas. An economical way to travel shorter distances.
Intercity Buses: Tivat Bus Station is the main hub. Connects to Kotor, Budva, Herceg Novi, Podgorica.
Ticketing: Local tickets from driver (€1-€2). Intercity tickets at bus station counter.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis offer a convenient way to get around, especially for short distances or with luggage.

Taxi Services

Licensed Taxis: Identified by roof signs, meters, consistent color. Operate from designated stands.
Fares & Payment: Short rides within Tivat typically €5-€10. Airport to center €5-€15. Payments almost exclusively cash (Euros).
Ride-Sharing Apps: Uber or Lyft are not widely operational. Rely on traditional taxis.

Car Rental

You need a valid driving license, passport, and credit card for deposit. Minimum age is typically 21. International chains and local companies are present.

Motorcycle & Scooter

Rental shops offer motorcycles and scooters. A valid motorcycle license is necessary. Helmets are mandatory and must be worn.

Bicycle Rentals

Tivat lacks a formal city-wide bicycle sharing program. Several shops in Tivat and Porto Montenegro offer bicycle rentals, including e-bikes.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian Areas

Tivat offers pleasant environments for walking and cycling.

Walkable Zones

Tivat Promenade (Pine Promenade): Very pedestrian-friendly, ideal for strolls.
Porto Montenegro: Designed for walking, with wide promenades and pedestrian zones.
Old Tivat: Charming, smaller streets of older parts of town.

Cycling & Safety

Cycle with care on shared roads.

Cycling Considerations

Dedicated bicycle lanes are limited. Cyclists generally share roads with cars.
Exercise caution, especially on busy routes.
Avoid walking or cycling on highways and through tunnels for safety.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

Tivat lacks hop-on-hop-off services. Tour buses mainly operate for day trips to other towns (Kotor, Budva) or national parks.

Boat Taxis

Available from Porto Montenegro or Pine promenade. Scenic transfers to nearby islands or for exploring Boka Bay. Prices are negotiable.

Kotor Cable Car

The Kotor-Lovćen cable car, opened in 2023, offers scenic views and connects Kotor to Lovćen National Park.

Accessibility Information

Infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges is developing. Porto Montenegro is relatively modern and generally accessible. Older parts of town may present challenges due to uneven pavements or steps.

Getting There & Away