Transportation

Montenegro's main airports are Podgorica (TGD) and Tivat (TIV); Tivat is closest to the coastal resorts of Kotor and Budva. There is no airport rail link, so the usual options are a metered taxi, a pre-booked airport transfer or a rental car. From Podgorica a city bus also runs. Agree the taxi fare or use a licensed rank.

Montenegro has no metro or tram; within cities you rely on local buses and shared minibuses. The country is small, so intercity buses are the backbone of getting around. Urban services are basic, and fares are usually paid in cash to the driver.

Montenegro has no nationwide contactless travel card like those in big European cities. City and intercity buses are mostly paid in cash, either to the driver or at the bus station ticket window. Keep small notes and coins handy, as change for large notes can be limited.

Licensed taxis with meters are widely used in Montenegro, and phone or app dispatch by local firms is common. International ride-hailing such as Uber is generally not present, so use a metered taxi or a local taxi app instead. Check the meter is running or agree the fare before longer trips, especially from the airport.

Renting a car is popular and gives the most freedom to explore Montenegro's coast and mountains. Driving is on the right; bring your licence and an International Driving Permit to be safe. Roads include winding mountain passes and narrow lanes around the Bay of Kotor, so drive cautiously and allow extra time.

Long-distance buses are well developed and connect Podgorica with Kotor, Budva and other towns frequently. There is also a scenic railway from Bar on the coast through Podgorica to Belgrade in Serbia, popular for its mountain views. For most routes the bus is faster and more frequent than the train.

Montenegro is small, so there are essentially no scheduled domestic flights. The airports at Podgorica and Tivat mainly handle international routes. For travel within the country, buses or a rental car are the practical choices, and driving times are short.

In summer, the coastal roads around Budva and the Bay of Kotor get very congested, so allow extra time. Mountain roads are scenic but full of tight curves; drive slowly and use pull-offs. The narrow lanes around Kotor can be tricky, and parking near the old towns is limited, so arrive early or park outside and walk.