Welcome To Podgorica Airport
Podgorica Airport (TGD) is Montenegro’s largest and busiest airport, serving as the main international gateway for visitors heading to Podgorica, Lake Skadar, Budva, Kotor, Cetinje, Lovćen National Park and the rest of the country.
Located just 11–12 kilometres south of Podgorica city centre, the airport is surprisingly compact. Unlike many European airports, passengers can usually walk from check-in to the departure gate in just a few minutes, making arrivals and departures relatively straightforward outside the busiest summer periods.
The airport is served by airlines including Air Montenegro, Air Serbia, Turkish Airlines, Austrian Airlines and numerous seasonal carriers linking Montenegro with destinations across Europe. During the summer months, passenger numbers increase significantly as holidaymakers arrive to explore the Adriatic coast.
Despite its modest size, Podgorica Airport offers an impressive range of transport options. Visitors can choose between private transfers, official taxis, scheduled airport buses, the nearby railway station and car hire, making it one of the easiest airports in the Balkans from which to continue your journey.
Because of its central position, Podgorica Airport is also the natural starting point for a wider tour of the country, fitting neatly into a route like our own 14-Day Montenegro Itinerary, which links the capital with the coast, the mountains and the national parks. Our Things to Do in Podgorica guide covers the city itself in detail if you’re spending a night or two before continuing your journey.
Where Is Podgorica Airport?
One of the biggest advantages of Podgorica Airport is its central location. Situated almost in the middle of Montenegro, it’s an excellent arrival point whether you’re staying in the capital, heading for the Adriatic coast or exploring the country’s spectacular national parks.
| Destination | Distance | Typical Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Podgorica City Centre | 11 km | 15 minutes |
| Lake Skadar (Virpazar) | 25 km | 25–30 minutes |
| Cetinje | 38 km | 40–45 minutes |
| Budva | 65 km | Around 1 hour |
| Kotor | 90 km | Around 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Bar | 50 km | Around 1 hour |
| Ulcinj | 75 km | Around 1 hour 20 minutes |
The airport sits beside Montenegro’s main north-south highway, making road journeys straightforward, while the famous Belgrade–Bar Railway passes nearby, giving travellers a unique public transport option that many visitors never realise exists.
This central position is exactly why so many visitors choose to fly into Podgorica rather than Tivat when planning to explore inland destinations such as Lake Skadar National Park, Ostrog Monastery or Cetinje, all of which are considerably closer to Podgorica than to Montenegro’s coastal airports.
If your trip involves both the mountains and the coast, Podgorica’s central location means you rarely lose much time backtracking, unlike some itineraries built around Tivat Airport, where reaching inland destinations can involve a considerably longer drive back across the country.
Signposting from the airport onto the main highway is clear, so even first-time visitors hiring a car rarely have trouble finding their way out of the airport grounds and onto the correct road for their destination.
Transfer Options At A Glance
| Transfer Option | Journey | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Transfer | 15 mins | Pre-booked | Families, groups, hotels |
| Official Taxi | 15 mins | Around €15 / £13 / US$18 | Fastest door-to-door option |
| Airport Bus | 15–20 mins | Budget-friendly | City centre & bus connections |
| Train | 7 mins (plus walk) | €1.20 (2nd Class) / £1.05 / US$1.40 | Cheapest and quickest public transport |
| Car Hire | Flexible | Varies | Touring Montenegro |
One thing quickly becomes clear: Podgorica Airport offers much better public transport than many airports of a similar size. If you’re travelling light and happy to walk a little, the train is both the cheapest and often the fastest way into the city. If you’re heading directly to the coast or arriving late at night, however, a private transfer or official taxi is usually the more convenient choice.
Each option is covered in far more detail below, including exactly how to book, what to expect on arrival and which choice makes the most sense depending on your destination, luggage and budget.
Costs shown here are approximate and can vary by operator, season and time of day, particularly for taxis and private transfers during the busiest weeks of summer, so treat these figures as a general guide rather than a fixed price.
If you’re unsure which option suits you best, the detailed sections below walk through each one in turn, covering exactly what to expect, how to book, and which type of traveller each option tends to suit.
Private Airport Transfers
For most visitors, a pre-booked private transfer is the easiest and most comfortable way to travel from Podgorica Airport. Rather than searching for a taxi or working out bus and train connections after your flight, your driver will meet you inside the arrivals hall, help with your luggage and take you directly to your accommodation.
Private transfers are particularly worthwhile if you’re travelling to destinations such as Budva, Kotor, Perast, Herceg Novi, Žabljak or Ulcinj, where public transport often requires changing buses or travelling into Podgorica city centre first.
Most operators monitor your flight automatically, so if your aircraft is delayed your driver will normally adjust the pickup time accordingly. Vehicles range from standard saloons for couples to larger minibuses suitable for families and groups carrying lots of luggage.
Pre-booking also means you’ll know the price before you travel, removing the uncertainty of negotiating fares after arrival. During the busy summer season, when flights can arrive within minutes of each other, this can save both time and stress.
Drivers typically wait in the arrivals hall holding a name board, so it’s worth having your booking confirmation easily accessible on your phone in case you need to show it. Most transfers can be booked directly through your accommodation or through a dedicated transfer company in advance of your trip.
Many providers also offer a meet-and-greet service where the driver holds up a sign with your name, which is particularly reassuring if it’s your first visit to Montenegro or you’re arriving with young children after a long flight.
Book Your Airport Transfer in Advance
Arriving in a new destination can be stressful, especially after a long flight. Welcome Pickups lets you pre-book a private airport transfer, so your driver is ready and waiting when you land.
It is ideal for first-time visitors, late-night arrivals, and travellers who want a smooth, reliable start to their trip. Instead of searching for taxis or navigating public transport, you can head straight to your accommodation.
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Taxi From Podgorica Airport
Official taxis are available directly outside the arrivals terminal whenever flights are operating and provide the quickest way to reach Podgorica city centre.
A journey into the city normally takes around 15 minutes, depending on traffic. Typical fares are around €15, approximately £13 or US$18, although longer journeys to destinations such as Budva, Kotor and Bar naturally cost more. If you’re travelling beyond Podgorica, it’s worth agreeing the fare before leaving or asking the driver to use the taximeter where available.
Most official taxis accept cash, while many also take credit and debit cards, although carrying some euros is recommended just in case. Montenegro uses the Euro (€) despite not being a member of the Eurozone.
As with any airport, it’s sensible to use only licensed taxis waiting at the official rank immediately outside the terminal. Avoid accepting lifts from anyone approaching you inside the arrivals hall.
For families, groups or anyone travelling during the height of summer, a pre-booked private transfer often costs little more than a taxi while providing the reassurance of a guaranteed driver waiting for your arrival.
A small rank of official taxis is usually visible as soon as you exit the arrivals hall, identifiable by clear signage and roof markings. If in doubt, airport information desks can point you towards the correct rank, which is always the safest and most reliably priced option compared with unmarked vehicles.
Card payment isn’t always guaranteed to work smoothly with every driver, so having a reasonable amount of cash on hand, ideally in euros rather than another currency, avoids any awkwardness or delay once you reach your destination.
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Bus From Podgorica Airport
For many years, one of the biggest frustrations for travellers was the lack of a dedicated airport bus. Thankfully, that has now changed.
The airport is now served by the Podgorica Airport Shuttle, operated by MS Tours, providing a direct connection between Podgorica Airport, the city centre and the main bus station. This makes it much easier for visitors continuing their journey to destinations such as Budva, Kotor, Bar, Ulcinj or Žabljak.
The shuttle is timed around arriving and departing flights wherever possible, with the journey to the city taking approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
Typical fares are around €3 (approximately £2.60 or US$3.50) per person, making it excellent value for solo travellers and couples. Tickets can usually be purchased directly from the driver, with cash in euros being the safest payment option.
The shuttle terminates close to both Podgorica Bus Station and Podgorica Railway Station, allowing straightforward onward connections throughout Montenegro.
If your destination is Podgorica city centre, the shuttle is one of the best-value transport options. However, if you’re travelling onwards to another part of Montenegro with heavy luggage or arriving very late in the evening, you may find a private transfer or taxi more convenient.
Before this shuttle service launched, most visitors without a pre-booked transfer relied on taxis for the short hop into the city, so its introduction has made a genuine difference for budget-conscious independent travellers arriving without a hire car booked in advance.
Plan Your Bus & Coach Journey with Busbud
Booking bus and coach tickets abroad is not always straightforward, especially when different operators, routes, and local booking systems are involved. Busbud makes it easy to compare routes, check timetables, and buy tickets all in one place.
It is especially useful for intercity travel, budget journeys, and destinations where buses or coaches are the simplest way to get around. Instead of searching multiple operator websites, you can plan your trip faster and book with confidence.
Train From Podgorica Airport
One of Podgorica Airport’s best-kept secrets is that it has its own railway station nearby, making it one of the very few airports in the Balkans with a practical rail connection.
The station, simply called Aerodrom, sits on the famous Belgrade–Bar Railway, approximately 1 kilometre from the terminal. The walk takes around 10 to 15 minutes along local roads. It’s manageable if you’re travelling with light luggage, but less convenient with large suitcases or in very hot weather.
Trains are operated by Željeznički prevoz Crne Gore (ŽPCG), Montenegro’s national railway operator. Services run throughout the day between Bar, Podgorica and destinations further north, although trains do not stop at the airport station every time, so checking the timetable before travelling is essential.
The journey from Aerodrom Station to Podgorica Railway Station takes only around 7 minutes, making it the fastest public transport option available. Standard second-class tickets cost approximately €1.20 (around £1.05 or US$1.40) and can be purchased from the station ticket office where available, onboard the train if the office is closed, or through the ŽPCG website and mobile app on selected services.
For travellers heading to Bar, the train is also an excellent option, offering a comfortable journey through the Montenegrin countryside without the need to travel into Podgorica first. If you’re continuing towards Belgrade, this is where one of Europe’s most scenic railway journeys begins.
For budget-conscious travellers with light luggage, the train is arguably the best value airport transfer in Montenegro.
Car Hire At Podgorica Airport
If you’re planning to explore more than one part of Montenegro, hiring a car at Podgorica Airport is often the best option. The airport sits close to the country’s main road network, allowing you to reach the coast, mountains and national parks without relying on bus timetables or organised tours.
Several well-known international companies, alongside reputable local operators, have rental desks inside or immediately outside the terminal. During the busy summer season, demand can be extremely high, so booking in advance is strongly recommended to secure both the best prices and the widest choice of vehicles.
Driving in Montenegro is generally straightforward. Main roads linking Podgorica, Budva, Bar, Cetinje and Kotor are well maintained, although traffic can become heavy around the coast during July and August. Mountain roads leading towards Lovćen National Park, Durmitor National Park and the Tara River Canyon are narrower and more winding, but they are also among the most scenic drives in Europe.
Fuel stations are plentiful around Podgorica and in all major towns, while parking in the capital is usually easier and less expensive than in the coastal resorts. If you’re staying in Kotor or Budva, it’s worth checking whether your accommodation includes parking before collecting your vehicle.
For travellers planning to visit several destinations over a week or more, car hire often works out cheaper than booking multiple private transfers, while providing complete freedom to explore Montenegro at your own pace.
Most companies require a valid driving licence held for at least a year, and drivers under 25 may face a young driver surcharge, so it’s worth checking the terms carefully when booking. A credit card in the lead driver’s name is also typically required for the security deposit at collection.
Travelling To Montenegro’s Most Popular Destinations
One of the biggest advantages of Podgorica Airport is its central location. Whether you’re heading to the coast, the mountains or one of Montenegro’s historic towns, most destinations can be reached within a couple of hours.
| Destination | Private Transfer / Taxi | Public Transport | Typical Journey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Podgorica | ✔ | Bus / Train | 15 minutes |
| Lake Skadar (Virpazar) | ✔ | Train | 25–30 minutes |
| Cetinje | ✔ | Bus | 45 minutes |
| Budva | ✔ | Bus | Around 1 hour |
| Bar | ✔ | Train / Bus | Around 1 hour |
| Kotor | ✔ | Bus | Around 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Perast | ✔ | Bus | Around 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Ulcinj | ✔ | Bus | Around 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Herceg Novi | ✔ | Bus | Around 2 hours |
| Žabljak | ✔ | Bus | Around 2 hours 30 minutes |
If you’re travelling to Budva, Kotor, Perast or Herceg Novi, the simplest public transport option is usually to take the airport shuttle or train into Podgorica, then continue from the main bus station, where frequent services operate throughout the day.
Visitors heading to Bar have another excellent option, as the Belgrade–Bar Railway stops at Aerodrom Station, allowing you to travel directly south without first entering the city centre.
For mountain destinations such as Lovćen National Park, Žabljak and Durmitor National Park, hiring a car or booking a private transfer generally offers the most convenient and flexible experience.
For a much deeper look at planning day trips or a longer stay based around the capital, our dedicated Day Trips from Podgorica guide covers journey times, transport options and what to expect at each destination in far more detail than we can fit here.
Which Transfer Option Is Best?
The best transfer depends on your destination, budget and travel style.
If you’re travelling with children, lots of luggage or arriving on a late-night flight, a private airport transfer is usually the most convenient option. You’ll be met inside the terminal, taken directly to your accommodation and won’t need to worry about timetables or changing buses.
For visitors staying in Podgorica, the airport shuttle offers excellent value, while the train is both the cheapest and often the fastest public transport option if you’re happy with the short walk to Aerodrom Station.
If you’re planning to tour Montenegro and visit places such as Budva, Kotor, Lovćen National Park, Lake Skadar, Durmitor National Park and the Tara River Canyon, hiring a car provides by far the greatest flexibility.
Those travelling to the Adriatic coast without a car will usually find it easiest to take the airport shuttle into Podgorica Bus Station before boarding one of the frequent buses to destinations including Budva, Kotor, Bar, Ulcinj and Herceg Novi.
Whatever option you choose, Podgorica Airport is one of the easiest airports in the Balkans from which to continue your journey, with transport choices to suit every budget and every style of traveller.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
Flying into Podgorica Airport? Here are a few tips to help you start your Montenegro adventure smoothly:
- Don’t overlook the train: Very few visitors realise there’s a railway station just a short walk from the airport. If you’re travelling light and heading to Podgorica or Bar, it’s usually the cheapest and often the quickest public transport option.
- Book transfers before you arrive: If you’re travelling to Budva, Kotor, Perast or another coastal destination, pre-booking a private transfer can save time, particularly during the busy summer months.
- Carry a few euros: Although many taxis and transport providers accept cards, having some cash in euros is useful for bus tickets, smaller cafés and local taxis.
- Hire a car if you’re touring Montenegro: The airport’s central location makes it the ideal place to collect a hire car before exploring Lake Skadar, Lovćen National Park, Durmitor and the Adriatic coast.
- Allow extra time in summer: Roads towards Budva, Kotor and the coast can become extremely busy during July and August, especially on Friday afternoons and weekends.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Podgorica Airport from the city centre?
Podgorica Airport is located approximately 11 kilometres south of the city centre. The journey usually takes around 15 minutes by taxi, private transfer or airport shuttle, while the train reaches Podgorica in around 7 minutes once you’ve walked to Aerodrom Station.
Is there a train station at Podgorica Airport?
Yes. Aerodrom Railway Station is located around 1 kilometre from the terminal building, approximately a 10 to 15-minute walk. Trains operated by ŽPCG connect the station with Podgorica, Bar and destinations further north along the famous Belgrade–Bar Railway.
Is there a bus from Podgorica Airport?
Yes. The Podgorica Airport Shuttle, operated by MS Tours, connects the airport with Podgorica city centre, the main bus station and the railway station. The journey normally takes around 15 to 20 minutes, with tickets purchased directly from the driver.
How much is a taxi from Podgorica Airport?
A taxi to Podgorica city centre typically costs around €15, which is approximately £13 or US$18. Longer journeys to destinations such as Budva, Kotor and Bar cost more depending on distance.
Is Uber available in Podgorica?
No. Uber does not currently operate in Montenegro. Visitors should use official airport taxis, private transfers or local taxi companies.
Can I walk from the airport to the railway station?
Yes. The walk to Aerodrom Station takes around 10 to 15 minutes. It’s relatively straightforward if you’re travelling with light luggage, although it may be less comfortable during very hot weather or if you’re carrying several large suitcases.
Is Podgorica Airport open 24 hours?
The airport operates around scheduled flight times, but individual facilities such as cafés, shops and car hire desks have their own opening hours. If you’re arriving very late or departing early in the morning, it’s worth checking the opening times of any services you’ll need before travelling.
Should I fly into Podgorica or Tivat Airport?
It depends on your itinerary. Podgorica Airport is the better choice if you’re visiting Podgorica, Lake Skadar National Park, Cetinje, Ostrog Monastery, Žabljak, Durmitor National Park or planning to tour the whole country. Tivat Airport is more convenient if you’re staying primarily in Kotor, Perast, Tivat or the northern part of the Bay of Kotor.
Can I travel directly from Podgorica Airport to Budva or Kotor?
Yes. The easiest option is a private transfer or taxi. If you’re using public transport, take the airport shuttle or train to Podgorica, then continue by frequent intercity bus to Budva, Kotor or other coastal destinations.
Is hiring a car worth it?
If you’re planning to visit several destinations across Montenegro, then yes. A hire car gives you complete flexibility to explore places such as Lovćen National Park, Durmitor National Park, Tara River Canyon, Lake Skadar and the Adriatic coast without relying on public transport timetables.
Further Reading
Once you’ve landed, the capital and its best day trips are the natural next stop, covering the city itself and the excursions within easy reach.
Podgorica is also the main gateway for winter visitors, offering the shortest transfers to all three of Montenegro’s ski resorts. Our Best Ski Resorts in Montenegro guide is the place to start if that’s on your itinerary, and our guide to reaching the resorts covers the drive from here in full.
Heading to the coast instead, Budva, Kotor and Perast are three of the most popular destinations reachable from the airport, and this guide to the wider bus and rail network fills in the rest.
Arriving specifically for the mountains? Lake Skadar, Durmitor and the Tara River Canyon cover Montenegro’s natural highlights, and the Belgrade to Bar railway, one of Europe’s more scenic train journeys, starts right at the airport’s own station.
For the bigger picture, this 14-day itinerary shows how Podgorica fits into a route around the whole country.
Last Updated
July 2026. We regularly review this guide to ensure transport operators, journey times, fares, public transport information and travel advice remain accurate and up to date.
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