Budva and Kotor are among the most popular places in the Balkans to see in the New Year, with open-air concerts and parties along the coast. Getting there in winter is a little different from summer: fewer flights, busier roads on the 30th and 31st, and no taxis to spare after midnight.
Which airport in winter?
Podgorica Airport has the most flights in winter. Tivat, right next to Kotor and Budva, is much closer but has far fewer flights outside summer. If you find a flight into Tivat, take it. Otherwise plan on Podgorica and a drive over the mountains to the coast.
- Podgorica Airport → Budva: 65 km, 1–1.5 hours, typically €60–70 per car.
- Podgorica Airport → Kotor: 90 km, 1.5–2 hours, typically €50–70 per car.
- Tivat Airport → Budva: 20 km, 20–30 minutes, typically €15–25 per car.
Coming from Albania
Many visitors combine Tirana and the coast. Tirana → Budva: 270 km, 3.5–4.5 hours, typically €150–200 per car. The border near Lake Shkodër can be slow on holiday weekends, so leave early on the 30th or 31st.
On the night
- Staying in Kotor but celebrating in Budva, or the other way round? Budva → Kotor: 25 km, 30–45 minutes, typically €20–35 per car. Book the ride back in advance: on New Year's night taxis are hard to find.
- Agree the pickup time and place with your driver on WhatsApp the day before. Roads near the old towns are often closed to traffic that night.
- Group of friends? Book one minivan for everyone, there and back. Per person it is often cheaper than taxis.
Flying home
New Year's Day is quiet, but 2 January is a busy travel day. Budva → Podgorica Airport: 65 km, 1–1.5 hours, typically €60–70 per car. Leave plenty of time, especially if there is snow on the mountain road.
On BetterTransfer you post your trip, local drivers send offers, and you choose. The price is per car, not per person. No booking fee, and you pay the driver in cash.