Public transportation in Montenegro is one of the cheapest and safest options for getting around cities. This is especially true if you want to avoid driving in the country during the peak tourist season or being scammed by taxi drivers.
Although navigating the public transportation system may be challenging as the stops on the routes can seem random and the schedule may be hectic, you can rest assured that you will feel safe.
This blog will present the transportation options in Montenegro to help you overcome these difficulties and stay safe. We will discuss bus and train routes, the best companies to use, and how to navigate public transportation.
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Keep reading as we showcase the local and inter-city options available while you explore some great places around Montenegro.
Overview of Public Transportation in Montenegro
Montenegrin public transportation includes buses and train routes throughout the country. Currently, there are no available metro or tram routes in any of the cities.
Despite this, many cities are well connected, and the local lines within cities also serve citizens very well. The buses and trains departures are frequent, especially throughout the summer months.
Buses
Buses are the most popular means of public transportation. The two main types of buses are local buses, which operate within the city, and private buses, which operate between cities.
The public transportation companies differ depending on your region and city. In areas such as the south, sometimes local buses can go also outside the borders of a town. This is the case in Boka Bay and Budva. They are very frequent, although prepare yourself for a lot of people who use it and significant delays, especially in July and August, due to traffic jams on the main roads.
One of the most popular public transportation companies in the south is Mediteran Express. It takes you throughout Boka Bay and has a network in all major southern cities, including Budva, Petrovac, Bar, and Ulcinj. Unfortunately, buses are older, which sometimes means that their condition could be better. However, they are very safe. The track record of incidents for public transportation is very low, which further confirms the reliability and safety of buses.
In these cities, you can also find private inter-city buses of different operators, which connect all the coastal areas with Podgorica and the north. These buses operate on a fixed schedule and typically have more stops than the local buses.
The best way to check the routes and schedule is by using busticket.com. The condition of these types of buses is better than the local ones. They are also very safe, and the number of accidents on the road is very low.
Trains
Trains are another popular means of public transportation in Montenegro. However, the network of routes is not very convenient. There are 3 major directions that are accessible to trains, which is why you need to plan your journey carefully.
One of the main routes is Niksic—Podgorica, where the train operates around five times a day in one direction. On this route, a new and reliable train makes the journey very pleasant.
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Besides this route, the Podgorica- Bar train is another popular travel option. This option is very good for reaching the southernmost part of the country. However, trains on these routes are packed during summer, and finding a seat is a challenge.
Another popular route is a continuation of the Podgorica-Bar train ride, which ends in Bijelo Polje, a city in the north of Montenegro. Along the way, you can stop in Kolasin and Mojkovac, making this route popular when exploring smaller towns in the north.
The train is also much cheaper when travelling around the mentioned routes, which makes it a very popular option for tourists on a budget. It is also a safe option, although the conditions of the trains that operate in the north are not the best as they are quite old.
Common Safety Concerns and How to Address Them
Besides the conditions of the buses and trains, it is important to mention the road conditions, which contribute to public transportation safety. The roads, in general, are excellent, especially in the central and southern parts. It is important to note that the area around Kotor is currently under construction, which impacts the transport schedule as it causes delays. However, this occurs without significant safety concerns.
In the north, the roads are not in ideal conditions in many areas, but this does not impact safety, especially in public transportation, thanks to the caution of the drivers. The weather may cause some challenges due to snow and rain, but companies operating in this area have experienced drivers. Therefore, majority of the bus drivers that operate in this area do so via highway and avoid the bad roads or more challenging ones.
Speaking of which, drivers typically behave in the best way and respect the signalisation on the roads, which really makes you feel comfortable and safe. Sometimes, you may encounter some drivers speaking on the phone, but when reminded of the rules, they tend to respect them.
How to Stay Safe on Public Transport in Montenegro
When using public transportation in Montenegro, there are a few tips that everyone should follow which will make their journey more pleasant.
You should primarily use official buses from reputable travel companies. To ensure you are on the right track, buy tickets only from the authorised seller in the bus or train stations. Sometimes, you can do so on the bus or train, but make sure that these buses feature the official name of the company and have an explicitly listed route. All mentioned means of transportation are also obligated to have a clearly stated departure and arrival destination together with major stops, which will ease your travel.
When it comes to the local buses, tickets for this form of transportation can only be purchased on the bus. Therefore, choose official companies in the south, such as Mediteran Express or Glavni Grad Podgorica bus.
We suggest you try to book tickets in advance or buy a return ticket, especially if you visit during the summer months. This will ensure you have a secured seat on the bus, which can be overcrowded.
Final remarks
Navigating public transportation in Montenegro can be a challenge for newcomers and travellers. But don’t worry—a few of the tips we shared can help you manage it easily.
The public transportation network is well developed, especially when travelling between cities. However, pay attention to delays during the peak season. If you still cannot understand the buses and trains, the welcoming workers in tourist offices can assist you as well.
