Local and Intercity Bus Travel in Montenegro (Updated 2025/2026)

Bus travel is the most efficient and budget-friendly way to explore Montenegro. The country's extensive network of routes connects the sunny Adriatic coast with the rugged mountains of the North and the bustling central region.

2. Official Timetables and Online Ticket Booking

These are the most reliable and verified sources for checking bus schedules in Montenegro:

• https://busticket4.me
This is the official and most accurate system connected directly to Montenegrin bus stations.

Features:

• Real-time departure schedules
• Online ticket purchase
• QR-code digital tickets
• Shows exact carrier (Glušica, Božur, Lazaro, Gardašević, etc.)
• Automatically updated for summer and winter seasons

Useful secondary timetable aggregators:

• https://getbybus.com
• https://balkanviator.com
• https://traveling.com

These are helpful for comparing routes and international connections. 

3. Key Bus Hubs: Contacts and Locations

Below are the essential contact details for Montenegro's primary transport hubs:

4. Major Routes and Estimated Fares

Prices vary slightly depending on the carrier, but here are the average rates and travel times for popular routes:

• Prices are approximate and depend on the carrier. Below are the most frequent connections:

  • Herceg Novi ↔ Podgorica: €12 – €15 (approx. 2.5 – 3 hours)
  • Bar ↔ Tivat: €7 – €9 (approx. 1.5 – 2 hours)
  • Bar ↔ Podgorica: €5 – €7 (1 hour via Sozina tunnel)
  • Tivat ↔ Podgorica: €8 – €11 (approx. 2 hours)
  • Podgorica ↔ Budva: €7 – €10 (1.5 – 2 hours)
  • Podgorica ↔ Kotor: €9 – €12 (2 – 2.5 hours)
  • Budva ↔ Kotor: €3.5 – €5 (35 – 50 minutes)
  • Podgorica ↔ Nikšić: €3 – €5 (55 minutes) – Buses depart every 15-20 mins.

  Luggage Tip: Storing bags in the bus hold typically costs €1.00 per bag, payable in cash to the driver.
  

5. International Bus Connections

Montenegro is well-connected to neighboring countries, making it a great base for exploring the Balkans. Below are the most popular international routes.

This is the most popular cross-border route, especially for travelers using Dubrovnik Airport (DBV).

• Main Hubs: Buses depart primarily from Kotor, Budva, and Herceg Novi.
• Travel Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours (plus border crossing time).
• Note: During the summer, border delays can be significant (1–3 hours). Always book your ticket at least 24 hours in advance.
• Operators: Blue Line, Globtour, and Jadran Ekspres.

A major route connecting the coast and the capital of Serbia.

• Main Hubs: Frequent departures from Herceg Novi, Budva, Kotor, and Podgorica.
• Travel Time: 8 to 11 hours. Many travelers prefer the overnight bus to save on a night's accommodation.
• Note: This route passes through beautiful mountain scenery, but the roads can be winding.
• Operators: Lasta, Glušica, and Bozur.

The primary connection to Albania and onwards to Greece or North Macedonia.

• Main Hubs: Most buses depart from Kotor, Budva, Podgorica, or Ulcinj.
• Travel Time: 3 to 4 hours from Podgorica; 5 to 6 hours from Kotor.
• Note: Ulcinj is the closest hub to the Albanian border, with frequent smaller shuttle buses and international coaches passing through.
• Operators: Old Town Travel, Jadran Ekspres, and local Albanian carriers.

1. Passport Requirements: Always have your passport ready for the bus driver before reaching the border. Check visa requirements for your nationality before booking.
2. Online Booking: For these routes, using Busticket4.me is highly recommended to secure a seat, as international buses often sell out.
3. Check the Station: International buses sometimes stop at specific designated spots near the main stations; verify the exact platform or pick-up point when you arrive at the station.

Regional timetable portals

Useful secondary timetable aggregators:

• https://getbybus.com

• https://balkanviator.com

• https://traveling.com 

• Busticket4.me

6. Airport Connections (Updated 2026) ✈️ Podgorica Airport (TGD)

Unlike some older travel guides still stating otherwise, there is an active bus connection to and from Podgorica Airport.

The airport has a designated bus stop area directly in front of the terminal building. Several licensed operators run scheduled services connecting the airport with:

• Podgorica Central Bus Station
• Ulcinj (selected departures)
• Occasionally other coastal cities in peak season

Airport buses are not as frequent as regular city lines, but they operate multiple times daily and generally align with flight arrivals and departures.

Typical frequency (seasonal):

• Summer (June – September): Increased departures to meet higher passenger demand
• Winter (October – May): Reduced schedule with a few key departures each day

Departure times depend on season and operator.

For live, date-specific timetables, use these trusted resources:

📍 Busticket4.me – Real-time schedules with ticket purchase
Search for: "Podgorica Airport (TGD)" → Your date
https://busticket4.me

📍 Podgorica Airport Bus Timetable (Digital Nomads) – curated schedules with explanation
https://digital-nomads.me/local-info/podgorica-airport-bus-timetable

📍 Airports of Montenegro – Parking & Transport Info – official overview (updated periodically)

https://montenegroairports.com/en/podgorica-airport/parking-and-transportation 

6. Summer vs Winter Schedule Differences

Summer timetable (June–September):

• Significantly more departures
• Extra lines to beaches
• Additional international routes
• Possible delays due to traffic

Winter timetable (October–May):

• Reduced frequency
• More consistent timing
• Less traffic delays

All seasonal schedules are automatically updated on:

https://busticket4.me

and

http://blueline-mne.com 

Local City Bus Guide: Boka Bay, Budva and Podgorica (2025/2026)

Unlike intercity buses, local city buses use public stops (marked with yellow or blue signs on the road) rather than the main terminals. Tickets are purchased in cash directly from the driver.

This is the most reliable local network in the bay, running along the "Riviera" from the Croatian border to the ferry.

• Line: Igalo – Kamenari (Ferry)
  • Summer Schedule: Every 20 minutes. First bus at 05:30, last bus around 01:00.
  • Winter Schedule: Every 30–40 minutes.
  • Price: Approximately €1.50.
• Circular Line (Igalo – Meljine): Runs every 40 minutes from 06:05 to 20:45 (No service on Sundays).
• Official Link: Blue Line Herceg Novi Timetable
• 
  

Kotor's local lines are vital because the old coastal road is too narrow for large intercity buses.

• Line: Kamp (Dobrota) – Kotor – Stoliv: Connects the two sides of the bay through the Old Town.
  • Frequency: Approximately every 60 minutes.
• Kotor – Perast – Risan: Connects the city to the historic town of Perast.
  • Frequency: Usually every hour on the hour or half-hour.
• Official Link: Kotor Municipality Public Transport (Look for PDF files titled "Privremeni red vožnje" – these are the current seasonal schedules).

Tivat's local lines connect the luxury marinas and airport to the more quiet residential areas.

• Tivat – Radovići (Plavi Horizonti Beach): Essential for reaching one of the best sandy beaches in the country.
  • Frequency: Every 60 minutes during the summer.
• Tivat – Lepetane (Ferry): Connects the center to the ferry crossing for Herceg Novi.
• Note: Many Blue Line buses passing through Tivat are actually on their way to or from Kotor.
• Official Link: Blue Line Tivat/Kotor Schedules

 Budva (Operator: Mediteran Express)

Budva's local transport is highly organized and essential for reaching the famous beaches outside the city center.

• Budva – Sveti Stefan:
  • Summer (June–Sept): Every 10–15 minutes (08:00 to 22:00), then every 30 minutes until 01:30.
  • Winter: Every 30 or 60 minutes.
  • Stops: Main Mediterranean Street, Boreti, Bečići, Rafailovići, Pržno.
• Budva – Petrovac: Runs every 40–60 minutes in summer; less frequent in winter.
• Budva – Jaz – Trsteno – Ploče Beaches: This line operates Summer Only (usually from June 1st).
• Official Link: Budva Local Transport (Tourist Organization)

 Podgorica – Local City Bus Network

Podgorica has an organized local city bus system operated by Putevi d.o.o., the municipal public transport company.

The official and up-to-date timetables are available at:
👉 https://putevi.me/gradski-prevoz/aktuelni-red-voznje/

The city operates numbered bus lines connecting residential areas, the city center, suburbs, and surrounding settlements.

• Line 0 – Zlatica ↔ Zabjelo
• Line 1 – Botun ↔ Masline
• Line 1B – Kakaricka Gora ↔ Zabjelo
• Line 3 – Trg Golootočkih žrtava ↔ Tološi
• Line 4 – Konik ↔ Tološi
• Line 5 – Konik ↔ Gornja Gorica
• Line 6 – Stara Zlatica ↔ City Kvart
• Line 8 / 53 – Stari Aerodrom ↔ Beri
• Line 9 – Zabjelo ↔ Zagorič
• Line 10 – Zelenika ↔ Doljani
• Line 11 – Main Bus Station ↔ Manastir Morača
• Line 12 – Main Bus Station ↔ Bioče
• Line 13 – Main Bus Station ↔ Veruša
• Line 16 – Trg Golootočkih žrtava ↔ Dahna
• Line 18 – Zabjelo ↔ Block VI
• Line 19 – Konik ↔ Block VI
• Line 20 – Rogami ↔ Kokoti
• Line 21 – Zabjelo ↔ Zlatica ↔ Smokovac
• Line 23 – Main Bus Station ↔ Spuž

🕒 Frequency & Schedule

Bus frequency varies by line and time of day:

• Peak hours: approximately every 15–25 minutes
• Off-peak hours: every 30–60 minutes
• Reduced service on Sundays and public holidays

Always check the official timetable page for the most accurate and updated schedule.

• Tickets are purchased directly from the driver
• Payment is usually in cash
• Average ticket price: €0.90 – €1.20