Planning a vacation in Budva and landing in Podgorica? Great — now all that’s left is to figure out how to get to the coast faster and more conveniently. I’ll tell you about all the current options: from bus and car rental to transfer and taxi. We’ll compare prices, travel times, and tell you what to choose for your travel style.
Content
How to get from Podgorica airport to Budva
Podgorica Airport is one of two international airports in Montenegro, and is often used by tourists heading to the coast. Budva is about 65–70 km from the airport, and the route between the two is considered important by visitors. There are several ways to get there, each with different prices, travel times, and comfort levels.
Ways to get from Podgorica airport to Budva:
- Taxi directly from the terminal: convenient but expensive option. Average 50-60 euros, travel time is about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Transfer booked in advance: fixed price, meet with a sign, sometimes slightly cheaper than a taxi.
- Car rental: convenient if you are planning a trip along the coast. There are rental companies right at the airport.
- Bus: the most budget option, but you first need to get to the center of Podgorica, and from there take a regular bus to Budva.
- Shared transfers (shuttles): an intermediate option between a bus and a taxi. They operate on a schedule and require advance booking.
There are enough options to choose a route that suits your travel style. If you want to save money, choose a bus. If comfort and minimum effort are important, take a taxi or transfer. The distance between Podgorica and Budva is small, and the route itself is quite picturesque.
Advice: if you arrive in the evening, it is better to book a transfer or taxi in advance – public transport may not be running.
Taxi from Podgorica airport to Budva
Taxi is one of the most convenient and fastest ways to get from Podgorica Airport to Budva. Travel time is about an hour, which makes this option popular among tourists with luggage or those who want to avoid transfers. It is important to know where to find a taxi, how much the trip costs and how not to overpay so that the trip is comfortable and without surprises.
Main taxi services and fares:
- Taxis at the airport terminal – prices usually start from 50 euros for a trip to Budva. You can agree on a fixed price in advance.
- Local taxi services: Taxi Podgorica, Croatia Gora Taxi, Taxi Budva — prices are similar, around 50–60 euros. Contacts are easy to find online or ask airport staff.
- Mobile apps: Bolt and Car:GO operate in Podgorica, often offering slightly lower prices than regular taxis. You can book a ride in advance through the app.
- Travel time is approximately 60–75 minutes, depending on road conditions and time of day.
- At night the cost may be higher, especially if you order a taxi directly at the airport without a reservation.
To avoid overpaying, it is recommended to pre-book a transfer through trusted services or use apps where the price is fixed and transparent. If you get into a random taxi, you may encounter an inflated price.
Taxi is the best option for those who value comfort and speed. With the right approach, the trip will not be expensive, and the time on the road will fly by. Use official services or applications to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Tip: Order a taxi through mobile apps to get an accurate price and avoid overpaying at night.
Transfer from Podgorica airport
Transfer is a convenient and pre-arranged way to get from Podgorica Airport to Budva. It is often chosen by travelers who want to avoid queues and unpredictable expenses. You can order a transfer online by choosing the appropriate option and the time of the car’s arrival.
Types of transfer and approximate prices:
- Private transfer – the car is delivered right on arrival, the price starts from 55 euros. Suitable for companies or families who value comfort and personal space.
- Shared transfer – passengers are transported together with other tourists, the cost is lower – about 25-30 euros, but the travel time may increase due to additional stops.
- Meeting with a sign – the driver meets the passenger at the exit of the terminal and helps with luggage.
- Online services for ordering transfers: GetTransfer, KiwiTaxi, Blacklane, as well as local websites offering transfers in Montenegro.
- You can book a transfer in advance, which guarantees a fixed price and no waiting at the airport.
The advantages of a transfer are convenience, fixed cost and door-to-door service. The disadvantages are that the price is higher than public transport and the need to book in advance.
Conclusion: The transfer is suitable for those who want to avoid unnecessary worries and plan their trip in advance. It is a safe and comfortable way to get to Budva without stress. The payment is fixed, and the trip will be without surprises.
Tip: Book your transfer in advance to get a good price and not waste time looking for transport at the airport.
Bus Podgorica-Budva
Traveling by bus from Podgorica to Budva is a budget and popular option among tourists. There is no direct bus from the airport, so you first need to get to the bus station in the city center. From there, buses regularly go to Budva, and the cost of travel will pleasantly surprise budget travelers.
Basic information about the bus route Podgorica – Budva:
- There is no direct bus from the airport, you need to get to Podgorica bus station by taxi or public transport.
- The bus station is located in the city centre, approximately 15 minutes drive from the airport.
- Main routes: regular buses No. 3 and No. 12 go to Budva.
- The ticket price is about 3-5 euros, depending on the carrier.
- Buses run from early morning until late evening, with intervals between buses being approximately 30-60 minutes.
- Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver or at the bus station; advance booking is usually not required.
The bus is the best option for those who want to save money and are not in a hurry. The journey will take a little longer than by taxi or transfer, but will allow you to enjoy the local landscapes. Getting to the bus station from the airport is easy, thanks to the availability of accessible transport.
Advice: for convenience, plan your trip in advance and check the bus schedule at the bus station, especially during the high season.
Car rental
Renting a car in Montenegro gives you freedom of movement and the opportunity to explore not only Budva, but also the surrounding area in a convenient mode. You can rent a car directly at Podgorica airport or in the city. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the high season, to choose the right option in terms of price and class.
Basic information on car rental:
- Popular rental services include Sixt, Hertz, Europcar, as well as local rental companies with better rates.
- The rental price depends on the class of the car and the season, on average from 25 to 60 euros per day.
- To rent you need an international driving license valid in Montenegro.
- Booking in advance helps you get the best prices and ensures the availability of your chosen vehicle.
- Parking in Budva is paid, but there are also free areas, especially outside the center.
- Montenegro’s roads are in good condition, the route from Podgorica to Budva is easy and picturesque.
Renting a car is a great solution for those who want to plan their own route and not depend on transport schedules. This is a convenient option for traveling around Montenegro, especially if you plan to visit remote places. When renting, it is important to consider the traffic rules and parking features in Budva.
Tip: Check the condition of the car upon receipt and clarify the return policy to avoid additional costs.
Which method to choose: comparison
The choice of transport from Podgorica airport to Budva depends on budget, time and personal preferences. The article considers the main options: taxi, transfer, car rental and bus. Each method has its pros and cons, suitable for different categories of travelers.
Comparison table of methods:
Way | Price (Euro) | Travel time | Comfort | Who is it suitable for? |
Taxi | 40–60 | 30–40 min | High | Couples, families, those who value convenience |
Transfer | 30–50 | 30–40 min | High, in advance | Tourists who prefer to plan |
Car rental | from 25 per day | 30–40 min | Freedom of movement | Car enthusiasts, active travelers |
Bus | 3–5 | 1–1.5 hours | Average | Budget travelers, solo travelers |
Each option is suitable for different purposes and budgets. If speed and comfort are important, choose a taxi or transfer. For savings and independent travel, a bus or car rental is suitable. Assess your priorities and choose the appropriate method.
Tip: Plan your transportation in advance to avoid surprises in time and price.
Useful tips for tourists
Before traveling to Montenegro, there are a few important things to consider to ensure your trip goes smoothly and comfortably. Pay attention to the exchange rate, as the euro is the official currency, but some places may only accept cash. Seasonality affects prices and traffic congestion, especially in the summer months. Evening flights and transport may operate with restrictions, and popular destinations may sometimes experience traffic jams. To avoid scammers, use official services and trusted apps.
Question and Answer:
- Which apps will help with transport in Montenegro?
It is recommended to download Bolt, Cammeo and Montenegro Bus for taxis and buses. - How to avoid overpaying for a taxi?
Order a car through apps or official services, do not agree to offers from drivers immediately after leaving the airport. - Do I need to book a transfer in advance?
Yes, especially during high season to guarantee availability of a car and a fixed price. - What features should be taken into account during the holiday season?
During the summer months, roads are often congested, it is better to plan trips outside of peak hours. - What currency is used in Montenegro?
The official currency is the euro, it is worth having cash and a card with you.
There are different ways to get from Podgorica Airport to Budva, from budget buses to comfortable transfers and car rentals. The choice depends on your budget, time and personal preferences. It is important to plan your trip in advance to avoid unexpected complications. Links to proven services will help you organize a transfer or car rental without unnecessary hassle.