If you’re planning a trip to Montenegro, both Podgorica and Kotor should be on your bucket list!
The capital, Podgorica, is a hidden gem often overlooked by tourists, while Kotor (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is by far the most famous destination in Montenegro and a must-visit on any trip – even if only for the day.
Whether you’ve enjoyed some time discovering the best things to do in Podgorica or you’re just flying into Podgorica Airport, there are plenty of ways to get from Podgorica to Kotor.
And I’ve got all the insider tips you need to make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible!
Related Posts
- 20+ Best Things to Do in Podgorica + City Travel Guide
- Top Things to See and Do in Kotor
- Best Kotor Hikes inc Ladder of Kotor
How to Get from Podgorica to Kotor
Travelling from Podgorica city to Kotor is straightforward and offers several options.
Located 85km apart, you can make this journey in several ways depending on your budget, timeframe and travel style.
Regardless of the method you choose, you can expect a scenic journey through Montenegro’s stunning landscapes, which is worthwhile in its own right!
If you’re wondering which destination to visit first, then it depends entirely on your trip logistics!
As the capital, Podgorica is easier to reach from other European capitals and less touristy cities, whereas Kotor is easier to reach from other nearby coastal cities like Dubrovnik and Bar.
If you’re travelling into Montenegro by bus (perhaps from neighbouring Croatia or Albania), then look at whether Podgorica or Kotor is easiest to get to.
If you’re flying into Montenegro (either to Tivat Airport near Kotor or Podgorica Airport) then I’d base your decision on price and flight times!
Note: This article covers how to travel from Podgorica to Kotor, but all the advice can also be used if you travel from Kotor to Podgorica too.
Bus from Podgorica to Kotor
Pro: Cheap
Cons: Longest travel time
The cheapest way to travel to Kotor is by bus.
Start your journey at the Podgorica Central Bus Station near the city centre, from where there are direct connections to Kotor.
There are around five bus departures daily and the journey takes 2 – 2.5 hours.
The earliest bus departure is around 9:30am, and the latest is around 11pm, though this can change drastically depending on your travel date.
Before travelling, you can purchase the ticket directly at the station’s counter or online in advance.
Either way, it’s good to check departure times online when planning your journey.
Remember that some counters at the bus terminal only accept cash and may not have change available.
Depending on the bus company, ticket price typically ranges from €7-10.
Make sure you ask about student, child, and pensioner tickets if applicable too.
You will normally need to pay a reservation fee online or a commission at the ticket booth at the bus terminal.
Many companies operate the route, so make sure you check the prices across multiple services to find the cheapest bus ticket, along with a bus that leaves at a reasonable hour!
Buses do sell out!
The bus journey is comfy, easy and straightforward.
However, extra luggage may incur an additional cost (normally around €2). Therefore, make sure you arrive at the bus station at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time to sort this out.
The bus will drop you off at the Kotor Bus Station, about 7 mins walking distance of the Old Town. Taxis are usually waiting too if you have heavy luggage.
Some routes have multiple drop-off locations in Kotor to choose from, so make sure you ask for the correct one.
You could also easily do a day trip from Podgorica to Kotor by bus.
Book an early departure and a late return (at the same time) if you’re opting for this.
Podgorica to Kotor by Hire Car
Pros: Flexibility: you can explore other parts of Montenegro enroute and set your own timings
Cons: Limited parking in Kotor, Can be expensive if you won’t be using the hire car again
Hiring a private car is a convenient and flexible way to travel from Podgorica to Kotor.
Car rentals are readily available in Podgorica city and at the airport – book online here.
The drive to Kotor from Podgorica will take you along the scenic E80/E65 route.
The journey takes about 1.5 hours, but you can transform it into an enjoyable day trip by stopping at some popular destinations along the way, such as the charming town of Virpazar.
Here, you can explore local vineyards and sample famous wines.
Another place worth a stop is the historic town of Cetinje, the UNESCO-listed old royal capital of Montenegro, where you can explore the Cetinje Monastery and the National Museum.
As you continue the drive to Kotor, you’ll come across the Lovćen National Park. It’s another great place to stop, where you can visit the Mausoleum of Njegoš and some fab hiking.
Tip: If you plan on hiring a car, there will be more parking options if you stay in Budva. Read my comparison of Budva Vs Kotor here for more info.
Taxis from Podgorica to Kotor
Pros: Readily available, Straightforward, Door-to-door service
Cons: Expensive, Not all drivers are willing to go all the way to Kotor
Plenty of taxis in Podgorica will take you to exactly where you need to go in Kotor.
Because of the language barrier, it’s best to get your hotel to call for one.
The hotel can also recommend a good, reputable local taxi company.
Because it’s a longer journey, booking the day before is advisable.
If possible, ask for a set price to avoid any surprises.
If not, check with your taxi driver that the taxi is metered before starting your journey.
The journey takes around 1.5 hours.
Depending on the taxi service and time of day, a one-way trip typically costs €50-75.
Private Transfers from Podgorica to Kotor
Pros: Everything can be sorted in advance, Shortest travel distance, Good customer service if anything goes wrong
Cons: Expensive
Booking a private transfer from Podgorica to Kotor is a more expensive yet hassle-free option – perfect if you’re travelling in a group, arrive at night, or have lots of luggage.
You can get directly from your accommodation or the airport in Podgorica to exactly where you need to be in Kotor.
There are several reliable transfer companies you could book with, including Montenegro Travel Service and Kotor Travel.
The price often depends on the distance, how many people are travelling, luggage, type of vehicle and any extras like car seats that need to be booked.
You should always book a private transfer before you travel so your driver can wait for you upon arrival at the airport or your Podgorica accommodation.
If you forget to book a transfer in advance, you will need to opt for a taxi instead (see above).
Getting the Train to Kotor from Podgorica
Pros: Fun and quirky, Direct from Serbia
Cons: Only goes to Bar so you’ll need to make your way to Kotor from there
You can’t arrive into Kotor by train directly from Podgorica, but you can get a train connection from the capital to the nearby coastal town of Bar, on the Montenegro coast, and then get a bus or taxi to Kotor.
Trains from Podgorica to Bar take around 90 minutes are the part of a longer railway route that extends all the way to Belgrade on an 11 hour journey!
To get to Bar from Podgorica there are 2 daily train options.
Departure times from Podgorica’s train station are at 7:13pm and 6:17am every day between mid June and mid September.
Sadly, the train doesn’t run in the winter months anymore.
One journey is on a sleeper train, with couchettes, as its comes overnight from the Serbian capital.
The other is on a regular day train with individual seat options – the only travel class available on this one is second.
Between Bar and Kotor, the train passes the beautiful Lake Skadar before heading along the Adriatic Sea.
Train tickets can be bought using cash or credit card at the ticket counter within the Podgorica train station.
From Bar, you can then get to Kotor by bus or taxi.
@bigworldsmallpockets Podgorica in Montenegro is my biggest travel surprise of 2024 so far! #presstrip #podgorica #visitpodgorica #montenegro #gomontenegro #montenegrowildbeauty #visitmontenegro #exploremontenegro #europetravel #balkantravel #balkantrip #montenegro🇲🇪 #montenegrotravel #montenegrotrip ♬ original sound – Big World Small Pockets
How to Get from Podgorica Airport to Kotor
If you’re flying into Podgorica Airport and want to go straight to Kotor, there are various options available.
While Tivat Airport is much closer to Kotor and has cheaper airport transfers, Podgorica Airport is the main gateway to Montenegro, and you can often get cheaper flight deals.
Podgorica International Airport is 11km south of Podgorica’s city centre, while Kotor is another 85km (1.5 hour drive) from there.
Travelling from Podgorica Airport to Kotor is similar to travelling from Podgorica city centre.
Taxis and private transfers can pick you up straight from the airport and take you directly to Kotor, but others require you to travel to Podgorica city centre first.
There are plenty of car rental options at the airport too.
If you want to travel by bus from Podgorica to Kotor, then you must first go to the Podgorica bus station.
There is no direct bus from Podgorica Airport to Kotor.
A taxi to the city’s bus station from the airport costs roughly €12-15.
You can also travel by train from Podgorica airport to the city’s bus station for €1.20 (6am – 9pm).
The train station is a 20-minute walk from the airport terminal and the bus station is very close at the other side.
There are no ticket staff at the station, so you’ll need to buy your train tickets on the train.
Learn more here.
Just enter your details below and I'll email it you - simple!
Information will be sent to the email provided above
Podgorica to Kotor: Final Thoughts
So that’s my guide on how to travel from Podgorica to Kotor.
You can take a quick, but more expensive, taxi or private transfer, or else travel by bus, which is cheaper and offers more local vibes.
Hiring a car is also a good option if you plan to explore more of Montenegro, or are part of a group or family!
Hopefully, you’ve found this information useful, but any other top tips you have to add that could help a fellow traveller out, please drop them into the comments box below…
Read my Montenegro Travel Guide for more advice on travelling to Montenegro!
Mini Travel Guide to Montenegro
When to Visit?
I think the best time to visit is during the months of May, September and October – less crowds and better prices!
How Much Time Do You Need?
I’d advise staying at least 7 nights.
Where to Stay in Kotor?
I highly recommend the Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort.
Is Montenegro Safe?
I’ve travelled Montenegro as a solo female and felt very safe.
What to Pack?
#1 Good Camera – I highly recommend the Sony A6000,
#2 Good Walking Shoes – Make sure your feet are comfortable with a pair of New Balance Trainers.
#3 Good Water Bottle – Ensure you have a metal water bottle that you can refill as you go, because the tap water is drinkable.
#4 Good Backpack – You can’t go past the Bobby Anti Theft Backpack, which is perfect for helping you avoid pickpockets.
Travel Insurance
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.
Money in Montenegro
The currency in Montenegro is the Euro and I advise bringing some cash with you, as well as a good card you can use to pay for things abroad.
With real exchange rates, no transaction fees and no ATM withdrawal charges, you can use your Wise card just like a debit card when travelling… and it links easily with Google and Apple pay.
Grab yours here.
Best eSIM for Montenegro
I highly recommend Holafly, which I used throughout my time in Montenegro and had great connection across the country.
Get 5% off with the discount code: BIGWORLDSMALLPOCKETS
Top Montenegro Tours
If you want to visit Montenegro with a group and an experienced guide, then check out these top tours that include a stop in Kotor.
PIN IT TO PINTEREST!
