Budva’s old town, beaches and sunset views are a big attraction in Montenegro. If you’re flying into Tivat Airport, you’re in luck. It’s the closest airport to Budva, just 20 kilometres away, making it a popular choice for most visitors heading to Montenegro’s coast.
Whilst the distance is short, not all transport options are equally smooth. Some involve multiple steps, tight competition, or simply more hassle than they’re worth, especially in peak season when things get busy in Montenegro.
I’ve spent decades travelling around Europe without a car and I’m well versed in the best ways to navigate new countries and cities. I’m all about striking the right balance between convenience and value for money.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the four main ways to get from Tivat Airport to Budva, including the pros, cons, costs and how to book.
Let’s look at what to expect and which option will suit you best.
Some posts on this site contain affiliate links to products or services I’ve found useful. If you make a purchase through these links I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). This helps keep the travel blog running, so thank you.
Tivat Airport to Budva: at a glance
- Distance: 21 km
- Travel time: 30 minutes by car
- Public transport options: limited
- Best for convenience: private transfer
How to get from Tivat Airport to Budva
Budva is a lovely coastal town in Montenegro. There are limited ways to reach Budva for international visitors arriving at Tivat Airport.
Option 1: book a private transfer
The rooftops of Budva Old Town
If you want to start your trip to Montenegro with the least stress, a pre-booked private transfer from Tivat Airport to Budva is your best choice.
This is most reliable option, especially if you’re landing in summer when taxi demand is high.
With a transfer, your driver meets you on arrival holding a sign with your name, can help with your bags, and takes you directly to your accommodation in an air-conditioned car.
No waiting around, no trying to negotiate prices, no dragging heavy bags onto buses in the heat.
It’s ideal if you’re arriving late, travelling with others, or just want a hassle-free start to your trip.
You’ll be off the plane and on the road quickly within landing and can get your bearings in Budva without the stress of sorting transport first.
Expect the journey to take about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Costs for private transfers in Montenegro are very reasonable, usually starting from £45 ($58) for up to four people.
That’s a smiliar price to the cost of a taxi, and it’s the kind of treat that can make your holiday feel like it’s started from the minute you land.
Option 2: taxi from Tivat Airport to Budva
Montenegro taxi
You’ll usually find a bunch of taxis waiting outside Tivat Airport, ready to take passengers directly to Budva.
It can be a convenient way to get from Tivat to Budva, you can be on your way as soon as you spot an available driver.
However, you’ll be competing with everyone else on your flight who needs to get a taxi. Tivat is a small airport, and in summer the demand for taxis is high.
I’ve used taxis in Montenegro and found the drivers polite and professional, but that’s assuming you can actually get one.
If you do manage to grab a taxi, the price is similar to the cost of a pre-booked transfer, from £45 ($58).
Taxis are an ok option if you’re travelling outside the busiest times and feel comfortable sorting things on the spot.
It’s not possible to take an Uber or similar ride hailing cab from Tivat airport to Budva, as there is no Uber in Montenegro.
Option 3: bus from Tivat Airport to Budva
Buses in Montenegro
You can take a bus from Tivat to Budva, however, the bus station is about 1.5 km up the road towards Tivat.
There is also a small bus stop located around 200 metres from the airport but there are conflicting experiences about whether or not buses to Budva actually stop there, so I would not recommend relying on it if you’re in a rush or have lots of luggage.
This means that to catch the bus from Tivat Airport you either need to take a taxi to the Tivat Bus Station or walk along a very busy road without a path and with your bags (not recommended).
For the location of the bus station, search for ‘Autobuska Stanica, Tivat’.
If you do want to try the bus, you can find times from Tivat at BusTicket4me. Tickets cost from €3, plus a euro for each piece of luggage.
This option could be useful if you’re on a tight budget. Though for many visitors, especially after a flight, it may feel like too much hassle.
Want a stress-free start to your trip from Tivat to Budva?
Skip the queues and competition for taxis and book a private transfer.
It’s quick, reliable and surprisingly affordable, especially if you’re travelling as a couple or group.
Option 4: car hire at Tivat Airport
It’s possible to hire a car at Tivat Airport. If you’re planning a road trip around Montenegro or heading into the mountains of Durmitor National Park, this could be a good choice.
But if you’re just heading to Budva, it’s probably not required. The town is walkable, and most day trips can be done by bus or with organised tours.
So while car hire is an option, it’s probably one to skip unless you’re planning a wider Montenegro itinerary and know you’ll make use of it.
What is Tivat Airport like?
On my visit to Tivat Airport, I found it small and easy to navigate. However, it was very busy.
There are two terminals for international flights, the second one only operates during peak summer season.
Montenegro uses the euro, and while most places accept cards, some taxis and small shops still prefer cash.
There’s an ATM inside the terminal, but it’s worth taking euros with you if you can.
If you want to get online straight away, there is free Wi-Fi at Tivat airport. To connect to 4g or 5g you’ll need to get an eSIM in advance, as Montenegro is not included in a lot of European roaming plans.
Facilities are limited but useful. There’s a small café, shop and toilets.
More Montenegro resources
Bay of Kotor, Montenegro: Best Things to Do
Best View of Kotor: Where to Get Great Photos
How to Get Around Kotor Without a Car
How to Get to Black Lake, Montenegro, & Best Things to Do
How to Spend One Day in Kotor, Montenegro, for First Timers
Is Kotor Walkable? How To Get Around Kotor, Montenegro
Is The Kotor Cable Car Worth It? My Honest Review
Kotor Old City Walls and the Fortress of Kotor
Ladder of Kotor Hike, Montenegro: Ultimate Guide
Should I stay in Dobrota or Kotor Old Town?
What to Do on a Trip to Perast, Montenegro, from Kotor
Please visit:
Our Sponsor