From Podgorica Airport to Kotor: A Simple Step-By-Step Guide

Are you looking for the best way to get from Podgorica Airport to Kotor? Our simple step-by-step guide will help you pick the best way to travel. Whether you want comfort, to save money, or to get there fast we’ve got you covered for the 82 km journey through Montenegro.

Key Takeaways

• The distance from Podgorica Airport to Kotor is 81.6 kilometres.
• Average driving time to Kotor is around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
• Bus tickets range from €7 to €10, with a travel duration of about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
• Private airport transfers start at €74, depending on the class and vehicle type.

Introduction to Your Journey from Podgorica Airport to Kotor

OK, I’ll jump right in with the bad news – there’s no direct public transport from Podgorica to Kotor. But don’t worry, there are other ways to get there and this guide will help you find the best one.

Podgorica Airport is the main airport in Montenegro. Many travelers touch down here before heading out to coastal towns, such as Kotor, Budva, and Herceg Novi. With 81.6 kilometers between Kotor and Podgorica Airport, you can choose a private transfer, rent a car, or take a bus from the city center.

Overview of Your Travel Options from Podgorica Airport to Kotor

It’s best to plan the next leg of your journey before you clear customs at Podgorica Airport – most options must be booked in advance. So, let’s first figure out what your best option is. This will depend on your flight arrival time.

Late-Night Arrivals

If you’re booked onto a late-night flight, car rentals and bus journeys won’t be an option. But instead, you could:

• Book an overnight stay in a Podgorica hotel, then rent a car or catch the bus the next day
• Arrange a private airport transfer

Daytime Arrivals

If your flight lands during daylight hours, you could also:

• Rent a car and drive yourself to Kotor from the airport
• Get a taxi from the airport to the main bus station in Podgorica, then catch the bus to Kotor

4 Ways To Travel From Podgorica Airport to Kotor

Let’s go into each option in more detail so you can decide which one is the best for you.

1. An Overnight Hotel Stay in Podgorica

If your flight arrives late at night, you might want to consider checking into a hotel before continuing your journey to Kotor. Traveling during daylight can make the trip much more enjoyable.

The closest option is Hotel Aria, located just 900 meters from Podgorica Airport. You can easily reach it with a quick 2-minute taxi ride or a 10-minute walk. Staying here will give you a chance to rest and refresh before heading to the coast.

Additionally, Hotel Aria offers a car rental service, which can be quite convenient. If you’re interested, you can contact the hotel at info@hotelaria.me or via WhatsApp at +382 67 113 750 to inquire about their available manual and automatic cars.

HOTEL ARIA, NEAR PODGORICA AIRPORT

Rest your head after a long day at this 4-star hotel, just 900 meters from Podgorica Airport.

View on Booking.com

If you’re planning to take the bus to Kotor, a convenient option is to take a 20-minute taxi ride from the airport to one of the hotels in the city center. Here are a few that are just a short distance from the main bus station in Podgorica:

• Hotel Evropa (170 meters to Podgorica Main Bus Station)
• Hotel Terminus (270 meters to Podgorica Main Bus Station)
• Hotel Aurel (1.7 km from Podgorica Main Bus Station)

2. Podgorica to Kotor: Private Airport Transfer

If you want to make the journey from Podgorica to Kotor as quick and comfortable as possible, a private transfer is an excellent choice. You can walk straight out of the arrivals lounge and into an air-conditioned car. This option is perfect for families or anyone looking to start their trip on a high note.

To check transfer prices with intui.com, enter “Podgorica Airport” as your pick-up location and “Kotor” as your drop-off location in the text boxes below, then hit search. This will give you an idea of the type of transfer cars available for your journey.

With a 4.1-star rating on TrustPilot and a 4.7-star rating on Google, intui.com is our recommended choice for airport transfers. Prices for this private transfer start at approximately £74 for up to four people.

Once you have selected your vehicle, click the “Details and Conditions” link for more information about your ride. Be sure to check where the driver will meet you upon arrival. Many vehicles come equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, phone chargers, and complimentary baby or child booster seats.

3. Rent a Car From Podgorica Airport to Kotor

Renting a car is a fantastic way to explore the stunning Montenegrin coast at your own pace. Let’s break down your options for car hire, including the pros and cons of booking through comparison sites versus directly with rental companies

Booking Through Comparison Sites

Pros:

Variety: You can compare prices and options from multiple companies in one go.
Reviews: See what other travelers are saying about their experiences with different rental agencies.
Flexibility: Many offer free cancellations, making it easy to adjust your plans.

Cons:

Hidden Fees: The lowest price might not include all the extras (like insurance or fuel policies), so watch out for unexpected costs.
Customer Service: Resolving issues can be trickier than dealing directly with a rental company.

Booking Directly with Rental Companies

Pros:

Direct Communication: You can ask specific questions about the vehicle or rental terms and get immediate answers.
Loyalty Perks: If you rent often, you might benefit from discounts or upgrades.
Easier Changes: Modifying your booking is usually more straightforward.

Cons:

Limited Options: You might miss out on better deals available through comparison sites.
Less Price Transparency: You won’t see all available vehicles across different companies.

Here are some quick pointers to consider when renting a car in Montenegro:

1. Third-Party Coverage: Consider buying supplementary insurance for extra protection against damages or theft. It can often be cheaper than what the rental company offers.
2. Credit Card Benefits: Check if your credit card provides rental car insurance as part of its perks—this could save you some cash!
3. Know the Laws: Familiarize yourself with local traffic regulations and insurance requirements for peace of mind.
   • Minimum age requirement: usually 21 years for rental companies
   • Alcohol level limit: below 0.03% (stricter than the UK!)
   • Winter tires are mandatory from November 15th to March 31st
   • Dipped-beam headlamp usage required 24 hours a day
4. Book Early: Secure the best rates and vehicle availability by booking in advance.
5. Consider Off-Airport Rentals: Renting from locations away from the airport can save you extra fees.
6. Understand Fuel Policies: Make sure you know the fuel return policy (like full-to-full) to avoid extra charges.

4. Podgorica to Kotor By Bus

Traveling by bus from Podgorica to Kotor is both easy and affordable. Since there is no public transport directly from the airport, your journey will begin with a taxi ride to Podgorica Main Bus Station, which typically costs around 15 EUR (£12.50).

Taxis are available outside the airport terminal, but booking one in advance is advisable to avoid long queues.

Once at the main bus station, you’ll find twenty-four buses departing for Kotor each day. At the time of writing this blog post, the first bus leaves at 00:30, followed by a wait until the next departure at 07:05. The last bus from Podgorica departs at 20:20 and arrives in Kotor at 22:23.

The journey duration varies between 1 hour 55 minutes and 2 hours 45 minutes, depending on traffic and specific routes.

For ticket prices, expect to pay approximately 7-10 EUR for a one-way ticket.

The bus schedule (as of January 2025) is:

The bus services are operated by various providers, so onboard facilities may differ. You can usually check these details at the time of booking.

Tickets can also be purchased at Podgorica Bus Station, but it’s best to book early, especially during busy periods when prices may increase. Be aware that bus services might be more limited on weekends or public holidays. To ensure availability on your travel date, check the schedules using the booking sites listed in the table above.

Health and Safety Considerations

When you’re driving in Montenegro, be prepared for some unpredictable road conditions, especially if the weather takes a turn for the worse. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

First off, the drink-driving limit here is stricter than what you might be used to in England and Wales, so it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether if you’re planning to drive.

During the summer, it can get really hot, so make sure to stay hydrated. In contrast, winter brings cold temperatures, so dress warmly if you’re out on the roads.

Also, keep an eye out for the occasional earthquake and know the emergency numbers. Dial 112 for general emergencies, for police assistance call 122, for fire emergencies use 123, and for an ambulance, it’s 124.

Emergency Contacts

Travel insurance is a must. Solo travellers should find plans that suit their needs, while families need policies for children.

If, like us, you travel full-time or for longer than a month at a time, SafetyWing offers affordable travel insurance. They allow you to pause your monthly subscription when you don’t need it and children can be added to your policy.

Conclusion

Traveling from Podgorica Airport to Kotor requires some planning since there’s no direct public transport. The best option for you will depend on your arrival time and personal preferences.

• Late-night arrivals: Consider staying overnight at Hotel Aria near the airport or arranging a private transfer for convenience.
• Daytime arrivals: You might choose to rent a car or take a taxi to the bus station, where you can catch a bus to Kotor.

If you opt for car rental, remember to book in advance, familiarize yourself with local traffic laws, and be mindful of the strict drink-driving limits.

The bus is an affordable choice, costing between €7-€10, but keep in mind you’ll need a taxi to get to the bus station.

Private transfers offer the quickest and most comfortable ride, starting at around £74 for up to four people.

Prioritize your safety by being aware of road conditions and staying hydrated in summer or warm in winter. Don’t forget to have travel insurance and note down emergency numbers just in case.

I hope this guide helps you decide on the best way to travel between Podgorica Airport and Kotor. Enjoy your trip and safe travels!

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