Montenegro Airports: Tivat (TIV) or Podgorica (TGD)?
Montenegro has two international airports – Tivat and Podgorica. Both are suitable for a coastal vacation, but operate differently. Below is a short and practical comparison for independent travelers.
Brief Comparison
- Tivat (TIV) – closer to resorts, fully tourist-oriented, seasonality is pronounced.
- Podgorica (TGD) – the capital, more low-cost airlines and regular flights.
When to Choose Tivat
- If your destination is Kotor, Budva, Tivat, Porto Montenegro.
- If your flight arrives during the day and you want minimal travel time.
When to Choose Podgorica
- If you need low ticket prices (Wizz Air and other low-cost airlines).
- If your flight is scheduled for late evening or night.
- If you are flying outside of peak season.
Tivat (TIV): Features
What You Need to Know
- Proximity to Resorts: Kotor – 15–25 mins, Budva – 25–40 mins.
- Difficult Approach – mountainous terrain, narrow bay.
- Limited Night Flights – flights are sometimes diverted to Podgorica in case of delays.
- High Seasonality: minimal flight options in winter.
How to Get from Tivat Airport
- Taxi: Kotor 12–20 €, Budva 25–45 €. Cheaper with pre-booking.
- Buses: There is no regular shuttle to the city. Buses only run from the central bus station of Tivat – you need to get there on your own.
Lifehack: Taxi drivers at the terminal often inflate prices by 2–3 times. Book a transfer in advance or go to the highway – the price there is closer to the real one.
Podgorica (TGD): Features
What You Need to Know
- More Low-Cost Airlines, including regular Wizz Air flights.
- Operates 24/7 – suitable for night arrivals.
- Further from the Sea: travel time to Budva/Kotor – 1–1.5+ hours.
- Convenient Bus Connections – Podgorica bus station is 1.2 km from the airport.
How to Get from Podgorica Airport
- Taxi: Budva 40–60 €, Kotor 60–80 €.
- Bus: You need to walk to the railway station (200–300 m) or the bus station. There are no direct buses from the airport.
Important: Taxi drivers at the airport exit often offer inflated fares. Agree on the price in advance.
Taxis, Buses and Logistics Pitfalls
Why are there no normal buses at the airports?
There are no official regular shuttles between the airports and resorts. This is due to low traffic outside of the season and a focus on private transfers.
- In Tivat – only a city bus from the bus station.
- In Podgorica – only from the bus station; the airport is not served by direct routes.
Recommendation: For evening arrivals, it is optimal to book a transfer in advance – it is cheaper and more reliable than taking a taxi on the spot.
What to Choose in the End?
If your destination is the coast and the flight is during the day
Tivat is the most convenient: minimal travel time, quick transfer.
If you need savings or a night flight
Podgorica is usually more advantageous and stable in terms of schedule.
If you are traveling in winter
Podgorica is almost always the only option with direct flights.