Montenegro has two international airports: Tivat (TIV), right on the Bay of Kotor, and Podgorica (TGD), near the capital, inland. Which one is better depends on where you are staying and when you fly.
Distances and times
- Tivat Airport → Kotor: 12 km, 15–20 minutes. Typically €15–25 per car.
- Tivat Airport → Budva: 20 km, 20–30 minutes. Typically €15–25.
- Podgorica Airport → Budva: 65 km, 1–1.5 hours. Typically €60–70.
- Podgorica Airport → Kotor: 90 km, 1.5–2 hours. Typically €50–70.
Which airport should you pick?
If you are staying in Kotor, Tivat or Budva, Tivat is much closer: you can be at your hotel within half an hour. Podgorica is the bigger year-round airport and often has more flight options outside summer, but the drive to the coast takes over an hour, across the mountains.
Compare the full trip, not just the ticket: a cheaper flight into Podgorica can be worth it, especially for a group sharing one transfer.
Getting from Podgorica Airport to Budva
There is no direct bus from the airport. You go into Podgorica first and then take a bus to the coast, which takes about 2–3 hours in total. A private transfer takes 1–1.5 hours, door to door.
Getting from Tivat Airport to Kotor
Kotor's old town is 12 km from Tivat Airport, along the bay. In summer the coastal road gets busy, so allow extra time around midday. Airport taxis are in high demand in peak season, so it is worth booking a driver in advance.