General Information
Podgorica Airport (TGD) is the main international aviation hub of Montenegro, located 12 km south of the capital, in the settlement of Golubovci. The airport is compact, has one terminal and one runway. It operates 24/7, however the main flow of flights takes place during daytime.
This is the base airport for the national airline Air Montenegro. Unlike Tivat Airport, which is focused exclusively on beach tourism, Podgorica handles regular flights year-round and is the main entry point for those planning to visit the mountainous regions of the country, business trips, or permanent relocation.
Airlines and Destinations
The airport connects Montenegro with key European hubs. Main carriers include:
- Air Serbia: Daily flights to Belgrade (travel time — 50 minutes).
- Turkish Airlines and Pegasus: Flights to Istanbul (main airport and Sabiha Gökçen).
- Austrian Airlines: Vienna.
- Wizz Air and Ryanair: Low-cost carriers flying to London, Berlin, Budapest, Milan, Krakow, Gdansk, and other cities.
How to Get to the City and Resorts
Public transport is poorly developed. There are no direct shuttle buses “Terminal — City Center”.Taxi
The taxi stand is located right outside the terminal exit. The trip to the center of Podgorica takes 15–20 minutes.
- Cost: 15–20 euros.
- Notes: Uber and Bolt do not operate in Montenegro.
Train
A budget option for travelers without heavy luggage. The “Aerodrom” railway station is located 10–15 minutes on foot from the terminal (about 800–1000 meters walking along the road).
- Price: 1–2 euros.
- Travel time: 7 minutes to Podgorica railway station.
- Frequency: Trains run infrequently, approximately once every 3 hours. It is better to check the schedule in advance on the Montenegrin Railways website.
Car Rental
Arrival area hosts desks of international (Avis, Budget, Europcar) and local companies. Rental prices start from 20 euros per day in the low season. This is the optimal option if you plan to visit national parks (Skadar Lake, Durmitor) or the coast.
Infrastructure and Services
The terminal is small but offers a basic set of services:
- Wi-Fi: Free throughout the terminal.
- Finance: ATMs and a CKB Bank branch (currency exchange) operate from 08:00 to 22:00.
- Connectivity: Kiosks with local SIM cards (useful for tourists who need internet immediately upon arrival).
- Food and shopping: Coffee Cake café, Duty Free shop, press and tobacco kiosk.
- Lounges: Business Lounge (for business class and loyalty cards) and VIP lounges (cost 150–300 euros/hour, booking required).
There are no luggage storage facilities or showers at the airport.
Parking
A parking lot is located in front of the terminal. Rates are affordable:
- Short-term: 3 euros for 30 minutes (for pick-ups).
- Long-term: 3 euros per day (cost-effective if you are flying for several days).
Visa Rules and Customs
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months after the end of the trip.
- Visa: Citizens of the EU, Russia (up to 90 days), Ukraine (up to 90 days), and Belarus (up to 30 days) may enter visa-free.
- Registration: Every foreigner must register with the tourist office or police within 24 hours of entry. Hotels do this automatically. In private accommodation, it is the responsibility of the property owner or the guest.
For Expats and Relocating Travelers
Podgorica Airport is convenient for initial entry when relocating:
- Housing: Apartment rental in Podgorica costs 300–500 euros per month, cheaper than on the coast.
- Lost baggage: The Lost & Found office can be reached at +382 20 444 244. We recommend checking suitcases for damage immediately upon receipt.
- Logistics: If you have many belongings, book a transfer in advance (around 15 euros), as luggage may not fit in a regular taxi, and carrying it to the train is inconvenient.