Welcome, dear reader, to the journey from Italy to Montenegro – a route filled with stunning landscapes, rich history, and cultural charm. Situated on the Adriatic coast, Montenegro boasts breathtaking beaches, rugged mountains, and centuries-old architecture. In this article, we’ll explore the various ways to get from Italy to Montenegro, which is located approximately 700 kilometers (435 miles) south of Italy, and why this destination is a must-visit for any traveler seeking a unique and unforgettable experience.
Montenegro: A Brief Overview
Montenegro, meaning “Black Mountain” in Serbian, is a small country located in Southeast Europe. It borders the Adriatic Sea to the west, Croatia to the north, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast, Kosovo to the east, and Albania to the south. Despite its small size, Montenegro packs a punch in terms of natural beauty, with rugged mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and gorgeous beaches.
Montenegro’s cultural heritage is equally impressive. The country boasts a rich history and a blend of different influences, including Venetian, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian. This mix of cultures is evident in the country’s architecture, food, and traditions. Montenegro is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the medieval walled city of Kotor and the Durmitor National Park.
Montenegro Tours
Our Top Choice for Montenegrin Tour Operators: Viator and Get Your Guide offer discounted tickets 🎫 for major attractions and have the best variety by far.
Getting Around Montenegro: To fully explore the stunning mountains and beautiful beaches, a car is essential 🚗⛰️🏖️. We highly recommend using LocalRent for the most affordable rental rates.
Why Visit Montenegro from Italy?
Italy is a popular travel destination, known for its stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and rich history. However, for those seeking a different kind of experience, Montenegro offers a unique opportunity to explore a lesser-known corner of Europe. Montenegro is just a short distance from Italy, making it an easy addition to any itinerary.
Traveling from Italy to Montenegro offers a chance to discover a country that has yet to be overrun by tourists. The coastline is dotted with charming fishing villages, while the inland areas offer spectacular hiking trails and breathtaking scenery. Montenegro also has a rich culinary tradition, with fresh seafood, locally-produced wines, and traditional dishes such as cevapi (grilled meat) and burek (flaky pastry filled with meat or cheese).
In short, visiting Montenegro from Italy offers the chance to explore a unique and beautiful country that is still relatively undiscovered by the masses.
Montenegro Tours
Our Top Choice for Montenegrin Tour Operators: Viator and Get Your Guide offer discounted tickets 🎫 for major attractions and have the best variety by far.
Getting Around Montenegro: To fully explore the stunning mountains and beautiful beaches, a car is essential 🚗⛰️🏖️. We highly recommend using LocalRent for the most affordable rental rates.
Read Also: What is the Capital City of Montenegro?
Getting to Montenegro from Italy
Once you’ve decided to visit Montenegro from Italy, the next step is to figure out the best way to get there. There are several transportation options available, including flights, trains, buses, and rental cars. In this section, we’ll provide an overview of each option, along with the pros and cons of each. We’ll also recommend some routes based on your starting location in Italy.
Transportation Options
Flights
Flying from Italy to Montenegro is the fastest and most convenient option. There are several airlines that offer direct flights from Italian cities to Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica, or the coastal city of Tivat. The flight time is typically around one to two hours, depending on the departure and arrival cities.
If you are looking for a transfer when you arrive in Podgorica or Tivat, then Let us introduce you to Kiwi Taxi, your premier choice for private transfers. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, Kiwi Taxi offers a reliable and convenient transportation solution tailored to your needs. With a fleet of modern and comfortable vehicles, our professional drivers ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey from start to finish. We understand the importance of punctuality and strive to provide timely pickups and drop-offs, allowing you to travel with peace of mind. Whether you require airport transfers, city tours, or corporate transportation, Kiwi Taxi is here to exceed your expectations. Experience top-notch service and exceptional comfort with Kiwi Taxi, your trusted partner for private transfers.
Trains
There are no direct trains from Italy to Montenegro, but you can take a train to a neighboring country such as Serbia or Croatia, and then continue by bus or rental car. Trains in Italy are generally reliable and comfortable, with several high-speed options available. However, train travel can be time-consuming and may require multiple transfers. We recommend Omio for booking trains or buses,
Buses
Taking a bus from Italy to Montenegro is a more affordable option than flying or taking the train. There are several bus companies that operate routes between the two countries, with most journeys departing from major Italian cities such as Venice, Florence, or Rome. The journey time can vary depending on the route and traffic, but typically takes around 12 to 14 hours.
Rental Cars
Renting a car in Italy and driving to Montenegro is a great option if you enjoy road trips and want to explore the countryside along the way. The route from Italy to Montenegro takes you through several scenic areas, including the Adriatic coast and the mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, driving in a foreign country can be challenging, especially if you’re not used to the local roads and driving customs.
Read our article on the Ultimate car hire guide for Montenegro. We recommend localrent for the best price in rental cars but unfortunately they don’t have services in Italy.
Ferry
Ferry travel is another brilliant option for getting from Italy to Montenegro and if you have the luxury of time, a great way to get there.
Several companies offer ferry routes connecting the two countries, with departures from several Italian ports including Bari, Ancona, and Venice. The most common route is from Bari to Bar, with a journey time of approximately 11 hours.
The ferries are comfortable and provide a unique opportunity to enjoy the stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. Additionally, taking a ferry to Montenegro allows you to bring your own vehicle, making it a convenient option for those who prefer to travel by car.
However, it’s important to note that ferry schedules and availability can vary depending on the season, so be sure to check for the latest information and book in advance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.
Flying from Italy to Montenegro
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to get from Italy to Montenegro. In this section, we’ll explore which airlines offer direct flights from Italy to Montenegro, provide tips for finding cheap flights, and give you an idea of what to expect at the airports in Italy and Montenegro.
Airlines
There are several airlines that offer direct flights from Italy to Montenegro. These include:
| Airline | Departure Airport(s) | Destination Airport(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Wizz Air | Milan (Malpensa) | Podgorica |
| Wizz Air | Rome (Fiumicino) | Tivat |
In addition to these airlines, you may also find flights with other airlines that have connecting flights or codeshare agreements.
Alternatively, there are more options if you fly to Dubrovnik and can then get to Montenegro. For more details on how to travel from Dubrovnik to Kotor, read this article.
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights
If you’re looking to save money on your flight to Montenegro, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Book early: The earlier you book your flight, the more likely you are to get a good deal.
- Be flexible: Being flexible with your travel dates can often help you find cheaper flights.
- Use flight comparison sites: Websites such as Skyscanner or Kayak can help you compare prices from multiple airlines.
- Sign up for airline newsletters: Airlines often send out special offers and deals to their email subscribers.
- Consider alternative airports: Sometimes flying into a nearby airport can be cheaper than flying into the main airport.
Airports
In Italy, the relevant airports that offer flights to Montenegro are Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa. These airports are well-equipped with facilities such as restaurants, shops, and currency exchange services.
In Montenegro, the two main airports are Podgorica and Tivat. Both airports have basic facilities such as restaurants and shops, and there are currency exchange services available as well. Note that during peak season, the airports can be quite crowded, so be sure to arrive early to avoid long lines and delays. Please read our guide to these two airports to ensure you have what you need to know.
In the next section, we’ll explore another transportation option for getting from Italy to Montenegro – taking the train or bus.
Getting from Italy to Montenegro via Train
There are no direct train connections between Italy and Montenegro, so if you’re traveling by train, you will need to take a combination of trains and buses to reach your destination. The nearest international train station to Montenegro is in the city of Bijelo Polje, which can be reached by train from Belgrade, Serbia. From Bijelo Polje, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Montenegro.
Alternatively, you can take a train to Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, and then take a bus or taxi to your final destination. It’s important to check the train and bus schedules and book your tickets in advance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.
Driving from Italy to Montenegro
To travel from Milan or Rome to Montenegro by car, you can choose between options that include driving through multiple countries or taking a car ferry from Italy to Montenegro. Here are the suggested routes for each option:
Option 1: Driving through Italy, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina
From Milan:
- Drive from Milan to Venice (approx. 270 km, 3 hours)
- Continue from Venice to Trieste (approx. 160 km, 2 hours)
- Drive from Trieste to Rijeka, Croatia (approx. 100 km, 1.5 hours)
- Follow the Croatian coast south, passing through Split and Dubrovnik (approx. 600 km, 7-8 hours)
- Drive from Dubrovnik to Herceg Novi, Montenegro (approx. 50 km, 1 hour)
Total approximate travel time: 14-15.5 hours
From Rome:
- Drive from Rome to Ancona (approx. 300 km, 3.5 hours)
- Continue from Ancona to Trieste (approx. 400 km, 4.5 hours)
- Follow the same route as from Milan (see above)
Total approximate travel time: 17-18.5 hours
Option 2: Taking a car ferry from Italy to Montenegro
From Milan:
- Drive from Milan to Bari (approx. 870 km, 9 hours)
- Take a car ferry from Bari to Bar, Montenegro (approx. 11 hours). Ferry operators for this route include Jadrolinija and Montenegro Lines.
- Upon arrival in Bar, drive to your desired destination in Montenegro.
Total approximate travel time: 20 hours
From Rome:
- Drive from Rome to Bari (approx. 420 km, 4.5 hours)
- Follow the same steps as the route from Milan (see above)
Total approximate travel time: 15.5 hours
Please note that travel times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic, road conditions, and weather. Also, make sure you have all the necessary documentation for crossing international borders, such as passports, visas (if required), and car insurance. If you choose the car ferry option, check the ferry schedule and book your tickets in advance, as direct ferry routes to Montenegro may be limited and subject to availability.
Conclusion
Traveling from Italy to Montenegro can be an unforgettable experience, with stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and plenty of opportunities for adventure. In this article, we’ve provided an overview of the transportation options available for getting from Italy to Montenegro, including flights, trains, buses, rental cars, and driving. Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve covered:
- Flying from Italy to Montenegro: Several airlines offer direct flights from Italy to Montenegro, with a flight time of approximately 1-2 hours.
- Taking the train or bus from Italy to Montenegro: There are several options available, with journey times ranging from 12-20 hours depending on your starting location.
- Driving from Italy to Montenegro: This option offers a scenic and adventurous journey, with several routes to choose from and journey times ranging from 14 – 20 hours depending on your starting location.
No matter which transportation option you choose, be sure to plan your itinerary carefully, check schedules, and factor in potential delays at border crossings. Additionally, when traveling to Montenegro, it’s important to respect the local customs and culture, and take precautions to ensure your safety and security.
Finally, we recommend taking the time to explore Montenegro’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant cities, from the stunning Bay of Kotor to the historic old town of Budva. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, Montenegro is truly a destination not to be missed.
