As one of the most beautiful and scenic destinations in Europe, Montenegro attracts visitors from all over the world. If you’re planning to travel to Montenegro, it’s important to know about the airports that service the country. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the airports in Montenegro and Croatia, and help you decide which one is right for you.
Montenegro has two international airports – Podgorica Airport and Tivat Airport. Both airports provide travelers with excellent facilities and services, making it easy to fly in and out of the country. Let’s take a closer look at each airport and the airlines that fly there:
Podgorica Airport (IATA code PDG)
Podgorica Airport (+382 (0)20 444 244) is the biggest airport of the two airports in Montenegro, with a capacity of up to 1.5 million passengers per year. The airport is located in the capital city of Montenegro, Podgorica, which makes it an excellent choice for travelers who want to explore the city. The airport provides a range of facilities, including parking, car rental, dining options, and duty-free shops.
If you’re planning a trip to Montenegro and have cities like Nikšić, Danilovgrad, Cetinje, or Kolašin on your itinerary, then Podgorica Airport is your best bet. Centrally located, this airport serves as a convenient gateway to these cities, ensuring a shorter travel time upon landing. Instead of navigating through the country from farther airports, flying into Podgorica will place you in closer proximity to these destinations, making your journey smoother and more efficient.
Podgorica Airport is also known as Golubovci Airport because it is located in the small town of Golubovci, which is situated just a few kilometers from the airport. The airport’s official name is “Podgorica Airport”, but it is often referred to as “Golubovci Airport” because of its location. Golubovci is a small town in Montenegro that is home to around 6,000 residents. The town is located in the fertile Zeta valley, which is known for its vineyards, orchards, and agricultural production.
The name “Golubovci” is derived from the Serbian word “golub” which means “pigeon”, and it is believed that the town was named after the many pigeons that used to inhabit the area.
In recent years, the area around Podgorica Airport has seen significant development, with several new hotels, shopping centers, and other facilities being built. This has made Golubovci and the surrounding area an important center of tourism and commerce in Montenegro and has helped to boost the local economy.
The airport is located 11 kilometers south of the capital city, Podgorica, and serves as a hub for the national carrier, Montenegro Airlines.
The history of Podgorica Airport dates back to the 1940s when it was built as a military airfield by the Yugoslav Air Force. After World War II, the airfield was expanded and modernized, and it became a civilian airport in the 1950s. Throughout the following decades, the airport underwent several upgrades and expansions, including the construction of a new terminal building in the 1980s.
In 1999, during the NATO bombing campaign against Yugoslavia, Podgorica Airport was heavily damaged by bombing raids. The airport was closed for several weeks, and the runway and terminal building were severely damaged. However, after the conflict ended, the airport was quickly rebuilt and modernized, and it reopened for commercial flights in 2000.
Since then, Podgorica Airport has continued to grow and develop, with several upgrades and expansions to the terminal building, runway, and other facilities. Today, the airport serves as a major gateway to Montenegro, with direct flights to many European cities providing affordable flights and plays an important role in the country’s tourism and transportation industries.
Airlines flying from Podgorica
Air Serbia
Ryanair
Turkish Airlines
Laudamotion
Wizz Air
Aeroflot
LOT Polish Airlines
Austrian Airlines
Pobeda
S7 Airlines
Read also: Air Montenegro – An in-depth review
How do I get from Podgorica airport to the city center?
There are several options for getting from Podgorica Airport to the city center:
Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal and are a convenient way to get to the city center. The ride takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic, and the fare should be around 10-15 euros.
Bus: There is a local bus (Line 20) that runs from the airport to the city center. The bus stop is located just outside the terminal, and the ride takes around 30 minutes. The fare is very cheap, around 0.80 euros, but the service is not very frequent, so it’s important to check the schedule in advance.
Private Transfer: You can also arrange a private transfer from the airport to your hotel or the city center. This option is more expensive than a taxi or bus, but it offers more comfort and flexibility. Many hotels and tour operators provide private transfer services, and you can also book them online in advance.
Alternatively, you can use Kiwi taxis who provide a reliable service and have a great range of cars.
Car Rental: If you plan to explore the city and surrounding areas on your own, you can also rent a car from one of the car rental companies at the airport. This is a good option if you’re planning to stay in the city for a few days and want to have the freedom to explore on your own.
For an in-depth guide to car rental in Montenegro, read this blog post.
The following car rental services operate from Podgorica airport
Europcar
Sixt
Avis
Budget
Hertz
Enterprise
Lutar Rent a Car
Montenegro Rent a Car
We recommend Localrent – which provides a great range of cars which we have found to be in some cases at least 30% cheaper compared with competing car rental companies.
How do I get from Podgorica airport to Kotor?
There are several options for getting from Podgorica Airport to Kotor:
Private Transfer: One of the easiest and most convenient ways to get from Podgorica Airport to Kotor is to arrange a private transfer with a local tour company or private car service. This option provides the most comfort and flexibility, and the driver can take you directly to your hotel or accommodation in Kotor.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal, and you can negotiate a fare directly with the driver. The ride takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic, and the fare should be around 50-70 euros.
Bus: There are also local buses that run from Podgorica to Kotor, with a stop at Tivat Airport. You can take a taxi or bus from Podgorica Airport to the bus station in Podgorica, and then take a bus to Kotor. The bus ride takes around 2 hours, and the fare is around 5-10 euros.
Car Rental: You can also rent a car from one of the car rental companies at Podgorica Airport and drive to Kotor. The drive takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the route is well-signposted. However, please note that the roads in Montenegro can be narrow and winding, so it’s important to drive carefully.
For an in-depth guide to car rental in Montenegro, read this blog post.
Tivat Airport (IATA code TIV)
Tivat Airport (+382 (0)32 670 930)is the smaller of the two airports, with a capacity of up to 1 million passengers per year. The airport is located in the town of Tivat, which is a popular tourist destination. Tivat Airport is known for its beautiful views of the Bay of Kotor and provides a range of facilities, including parking, car rental, dining options, and duty-free shops.
For travelers eager to experience the stunning coastal towns of Montenegro, Tivat Airport is the ideal entry point. If destinations like Kotor Bay, Herceg Novi, Budva, or Perast are on your travel list, then landing at Tivat will significantly reduce your transit time. This airport is strategically situated near the Adriatic coast, providing easy access to these picturesque towns. Opting for Tivat Airport ensures you’re just a short drive away from the azure waters and historic charm of Montenegro’s riviera.
The history of Tivat Airport dates back to the 1950s, when it was built as a military airfield by the Yugoslav Air Force. In the 1960s, the airport was converted to a civilian airport, and it started to receive regular commercial flights to various European destinations.
In the following decades, Tivat Airport underwent several upgrades and expansions, including the construction of a new terminal building in the 1980s. During the Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s, the airport was closed for several years due to security concerns.
After the wars ended, Tivat Airport was modernized and reopened for commercial flights in 2003. Since then, the airport has seen significant growth in passenger numbers, with more than 1 million passengers passing through the airport in 2019.
Today, Tivat Airport is an important hub for several international airlines, including Montenegro Airlines and several low-cost carriers. The airport offers direct flights to many European destinations, as well as to several cities in the Middle East and Russia.
Tivat Airport has become an important center of tourism and commerce in Montenegro, and it plays a key role in the country’s economy. The airport has undergone several recent upgrades and expansions, including the construction of a new terminal building in 2014, and is continuing to develop and expand its facilities to meet the growing demand for air travel in the region.
Airlines flying from Tivat
Ryanair
Wizz Air
Aeroflot
Austrian Airlines
Lufthansa
Pobeda
How do I get from Tivat airport to Kotor?
There are several options for getting from Tivat Airport to Kotor:
Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal, and you can negotiate a fare directly with the driver. The ride takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic, and the fare should be around 15-20 euros.
Bus: There is a local bus (Line 37) that runs from the airport to Kotor. The bus stop is located just outside the airport terminal, and the ride takes around 30 minutes. The fare is very cheap, around 1-2 euros, but the service is not very frequent, so it’s important to check the schedule in advance.
Private Transfer: You can also arrange a private transfer from the airport to your hotel or the city center in Kotor. This option is more expensive than a taxi or bus, but it offers more comfort and flexibility. Many hotels and tour operators provide private transfer services, and you can also book them online in advance.
Car Rental: If you plan to explore the area around Kotor and Montenegro on your own, you can also rent a car from one of the car rental companies at the airport. This is a good option if you’re planning to stay in the area for a few days and want to have the freedom to explore on your own.
For an in-depth guide to car rental in Montenegro, read this blog post.
Dubrovnik Airport (IATA code DBV)
If you’re flying from Dubrovnik, Croatia, you can also consider Dubrovnik Airport as an option. This major international airport, although located outside Montenegro, serves as a popular entry point for those looking to explore this attractive country. Given its proximity to the Croatia – Montenegro border, many travelers opt for flight routes that land in Dubrovnik and then drive across the border into Montenegro. As a testament to its significance, Dubrovnik Airport offers a range of facilities, from parking and car rental services to diverse dining options and duty-free shops, ensuring a seamless transition for visitors heading to Montenegro.
If you’re landing at Dubrovnik Airport with plans to venture into Montenegro, it’s essential to be prepared for the international border crossing. As you approach Montenegro from Croatia, you’ll encounter International Border checkpoints where travel documents and vehicle inspections are standard procedures. While the time estimation for this process can vary based on the season and time of day, it’s generally advisable to allocate at least 1-2 hours for a smooth transition. Given the unpredictability of queues and potential delays, travelers are recommended to factor in some extra buffer time. This ensures a stress-free journey as you transition from the historic charm of Dubrovnik to the breathtaking landscapes of Montenegro.
Read also: Croatia vs Montenegro – where should I go for my next holiday?
Airlines flying from Tivat
Croatia Airlines
easyJet
Ryanair
Vueling Airlines
Jet2.com
Norwegian Air Shuttle
How do I get from Dubrovnik airport to Kotor?
Private Transfer: You can arrange a private transfer with a local tour company or private car service. This option provides the most comfort and flexibility, and the driver can take you directly to your hotel or accommodation in Kotor. The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic, and the cost is around 70-100 euros.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal, and you can negotiate a fare directly with the driver. The ride takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic, and the fare should be around 70-100 euros.
Bus: There is a local bus service (Line 10) that runs from Dubrovnik Airport to the main bus station in Dubrovnik. From there, you can take a bus to Kotor. The bus ride from Dubrovnik to Kotor takes around 2 hours, and the fare is around 20-25 euros.
Car Rental: You can also rent a car from one of the car rental companies at Dubrovnik Airport and drive to Kotor. The drive takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and the route is well-signposted. However, please note that there is a border crossing between Croatia and Montenegro, which may result in longer waiting times during peak season.
For an in-depth guide to car rental in Montenegro, read this blog post.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you’re traveling to Montenegro for business or pleasure, the airports in Montenegro and Dubrovnik provide excellent facilities and services. Each airport has its advantages, and the one you choose will depend on your travel needs and preferences.
As always, we recommend choosing Montenegro Airports whenever possible, as it is truly one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe. Please note that the list of airlines provided is not comprehensive and is subject to change.
