Booking air tickets is an important part of preparing for any long journey, whether it's a vacation, a move or a business trip. When going to an unfamiliar country, it is important to plan the route in advance and decide which city is best to start the trip from. Therefore, when preparing for a trip to the sunny Balkans, it is worth finding out as much as possible about the airports of Montenegro.
Country Features
Small and picturesque Montenegro gained independence quite recently - in the summer of 2006. Before that, the country was part of Serbia, and even earlier it was part of Yugoslavia.
The Balkan wars of the nineties of the last century for the most part bypassed these lands, but could not but affect their economic growth. Therefore, all major transport infrastructure facilities, including airfields, have been inherited by the Mediterranean state since the heyday of Yugoslavia, which occurred in the late 70s - early 80s of the XX century.
Currently, the operator and owner of all air terminals in the country is the state company "Aerodromi Crne Gora", whose name translates as "Airfields of Montenegro".
An important feature of the work of the country's air gates is pronounced seasonality. After all, with a population of about 600 thousand people, Montenegro is visited by about 1.7 million tourists a year, and most of them enter the country by air.
Most tours take place in the spring and summer months, and passenger traffic through air harbors during this period increases significantly. Therefore, it is advisable to arrive at them 2 hours before departure.
International airports of the Balkan state
As of 2019, the following international airports in Montenegro operate:
- Tivat, located near the city of Tivat;
- Golubovci, which is located near the capital of the state, Podgorica.
Both serve mainly European destinations. Flights from other continents to Montenegro are practically non-existent.
Consider the features of each airport separately.
Tivat
At a distance of four kilometers from the ancient city of Tivat is Tivat Airport. Its history began in 1957, when it was opened for intra-Yugoslav flights. In 1971, upon completion of the reconstruction, the airfield received international status and since then has been steadily receiving flights from all over Europe.
The key feature of Tivat is the sharp fluctuations in congestion during the season, since the number of regular flights in this direction is small and charters make up most of the traffic. If in winter it can receive about 3-4 flights a day, then in summer their number reaches dozens.
The area of the Tivat terminal is only a little over 4,000 m2, so queues at passport control are not uncommon here. Despite the proximity to the city, it can be problematic to get from the airport to the city during the influx of tourists, so it is better to book a transfer in advance. Moreover, there are no bus stops at the airport itself, and to get to the bus, you need to walk about 100 meters to the Jadran highway.
Due to the peculiarities of the existing infrastructure, as of 2019, flights are accepted and departed only during daylight hours.
For visitors to Tivat on its territory there are:
- cafeteria;
- duty free;
- souvenir shops.
It should be noted that the price level in cafes for all meals and drinks (especially alcohol) is quite high and comparable to prices at other airports in Europe. In addition, the cafeteria is located not in the departure hall, but before the air control desk. This should be taken into account when planning snacks.
The Duty Free store, by the way, turns out to be no more profitable than discount stores in Budva.
Up-to-date information on the flight schedule can be found on the official website of the airport Tivat. You can contact its representatives by calling the help desk +382–32–671–337, by fax +382–32–670–950 or by e-mail [email protected].
Golubovci (Podgorica)
Golubovci Airport in Podgorica, named after the nearby town, is located at a distance of 11 km from the Montenegrin capital. Despite this, getting from it to the hotel is sometimes easier than from Tivat - queues are rare here, and there are usually enough seats on buses to the city for everyone.
This is due to the fact that this airfield is primarily focused on receiving regular flights, not charters, respectively, and seasonal fluctuations are less pronounced here. In addition, Podgorica is located a little further from the main Mediterranean resorts of the country, so most beach lovers fly to Tivat.
And the area of the new terminal, which was opened in 2006, is much larger than in Tivat, and is 5500 m2.
The equipment of the Podgoritsky airfield allows it to receive and send flights around the clock. For clients on its territory are open:
- 2 cafeterias;
- Duty-Free shop;
- two newsstands;
- several branches of the Bank of Montenegro;
- car rental office.
The airport's flight schedule is available in the corresponding section of its website. You can clarify the information of interest in the help desk by tel. +382–20–444–244, by fax +382–20–444–231 or by email [email protected].
Other air harbors of the country
Even from a formal point of view, the answer to the question of how many airports there are in Montenegro will be incomplete without mentioning those that do not have international status or are not used at all:
The full list of such objects includes:
- Berana airfield, the only non-international airfield that has a terminal building. It was opened in 1935, the last commercial flight took in 1975. Since then, it has been used by the local aviation club and is awaiting renovation, which Montenegrin politicians have been promising since 2007.
- Niksic, located in the city of the same name. Built in the 30s of the last century, since the nineties it has been used only by the local aviation club. It continues the construction of the terminal and the KDP tower.
- Shpiro Mogosa, located in Podgorica. Before construction, Golubovtsev was the only one in the capital, but since then it has been used only by the local aviation club. One of the country's four air ports, along with international ones and Beran, which has a paved runway.
- Zabljak in the city of the same name, the entire history of its existence is used only by local aviation.
- Ulcinj in the southern city of the same name, has never been actively used and has long been abandoned.
Airlines routes
You can get to the sunny country from Russia from Moscow (Domodedovo) by flights of such Russian companies:
- Ural Airlines (flights of this company from Yekaterinburg, Nizhny Novgorod and Samara are also available).
All of them land at Tivat airport. Aeroflot regular flights depart from Sheremetyevo, and the Pobeda company sends its liners to Tivat from Vnukovo.
You can get to Tivat from St. Petersburg with the help of the Rossiya company or using the services of Montenegrin Montenegro Airlines. The Montenegrin company also operates the only regular flight between Moscow (Domodedovo) and Podgorica.
The average cost of a flight to Tivat depends on the season. In spring, winter and autumn, round-trip tickets will cost about 10,000 rubles, while in summer their cost rises to 15,000 rubles. The most expensive time to fly is in July - at this time the price of a flight can reach up to 17 thousand rubles.
Ticket prices from Moscow to Podgorica are less subject to seasonal fluctuations: in summer they cost about 14,000 rubles, and in other seasons their cost fluctuates around the mark of 11,000 rubles.
Which airlines fly to Montenegro from the Russian Federation also depends on the season. Some firms serve this direction only in the summer, when there is an influx of tourists. Montenegro Airlines flights from St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad are additionally starting to depart from Russia in the summer to Podgorica.
If you are considering the possibility of a transfer in Montenegro or would like to continue your vacation after a vacation at sea in some other European country, then you should know that liners depart from Tivat in the following main directions:
- Belgrade (Air Serbia and Montenegro Airlines);
- Brussels (Thomas Cook Airlines);
- London and Paris (Montenegro Airlines);
- Oslo and Stockholm (SAS);
- Kyiv (Yanair, Windrose Airlines and Khors);
- Leipzig (Germania);
- Frankfurt am Main (Condor).
Podgorica is connected by regular flights to:
- Belgrade (Jat Airways, Montenegro Airlines);
- Zagreb (Croatia Airlines);
- Vienna (Austrian Airlines and Montenegro Airlines);
- Budapest (Malev Hungarian Airlines);
- Minsk (Belavia);
- Istanbul (Turkish Airlines);
- London (Ryanair);
- Paris, Frankfurt, Naples, Rome and Zurich (Montenegro Airlines).
How to choose a destination
If you are going to fly to Montenegro from Russia or other non-Balkan countries, the choice will essentially come down to one of the two international airports. The main criterion to consider is the distance from the end point of your route to the air hub in question.
Here is how the airports of Montenegro are located on the map.
It is easy to see that both transport hubs are located near the Mediterranean coast, far enough from the eastern regions of the state. So if you are not interested in a beach holiday, but in excursions to remote regions of the country, then it would be better to fly to Podgorica, which is usually less busy.
The map shows that, for example, the nearest airport to Budva is in Tivat (the cities are located very close), but if you want to get to Bar, then you should book a flight to Podgorica.
If you find it difficult to estimate the distance on the maps, refer to the table of the approximate duration of the trip between the most popular resorts in the country and its air gates:
| City | Travel time to/from Tivat, hours | Travel time to/from Golubovtsy (Podgorica), hours |
|---|---|---|
| Budva | 0.5 | 1 |
| Becici | 0.5 | 1 |
| Herceg Novi | 1 | 2 |
| Kotor | 0.2 (10 minutes) | 1.5 |
| Kolasin | over 3 | 1.5 |
| Petrovac | 1 | 1 |
| Ulcinj | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Cetinje | 0.75 (45 minutes) | 1 |
The average travel time between two airfields is about one and a half hours.
Holders of a Schengen visa or a Croatian national visa who want to visit the resorts of northwestern Montenegro, in particular Herceg Novi, instead of flying to Tivat, can go to the Croatian airport Dubrovnik - even though it is a little further, it is rarely as overloaded as the Tivat airfield .
Regardless of the route chosen, if you are going to visit Montenegro at the height of the high tourist season (from late June to mid-September), it would be wise not to rely on buses and other public transport, but to pre-book a shuttle service to the hotel. This way you will save both time and money, because public transport will be full of tourists, and taxi prices almost double in high season. If in the low and transitional seasons the transfer from Tivat to Budva will cost no more than 30 euros, then in the summer not a single taxi driver will carry a tourist cheaper than 50 €.
Another option that will allow you not to depend on the peculiarities of local transport is to order a car rental that will be delivered directly to the airport.
Conclusion
Choosing between the two international airports in Montenegro is best based on how close they are to the resort you are going to visit. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that in the summer months Tivat is heavily overloaded.
You can get to Montenegro from Moscow by regular flights of Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, Montenegro Airlines and other companies.
Tivat Airport: Video
- the identity card specified in the order,
- birth certificate when traveling with children,
- printed itinerary receipt (optional).
What can you take on a plane
Hand luggage is the items that you take with you on the plane. The carry-on baggage allowance can vary from 5 to 10 kg, and its size most often should not exceed the sum of three dimensions (length, width and height) from 115 to 203 cm (depending on the airline). A handbag is not considered hand luggage and is carried freely.
The bag that you take with you on the plane should not contain knives, scissors, medicines, aerosols, cosmetics. Alcohol from duty free shops can only be carried in sealed bags.
How to pay for luggage at the airport
If the baggage weight exceeds the norms established by the airline (most often - 20-23 kg), you need to pay for each kilogram of excess. In addition, many Russian and foreign airlines, as well as low-cost airlines, have tariffs that do not include free baggage allowance and must be paid separately as an additional service.
Baggage must be checked in at the airport at a separate drop-off check-in desk. If you are unable to print your boarding pass, you can get it at the regular check-in desk of the airline, and check in and check in your luggage there.
Where to find out the arrival time if you are a greeter
You can find out the time of arrival of the aircraft on the online scoreboard of the airport. The Tutu.ru website has an online scoreboard of the main Russian and foreign airports.
You can find out the exit (gate) number on the arrivals board at the airport. This number is located next to the arrival flight information.
What to do if the flight is canceled
If the flight was canceled more than 24 hours before departure, then passengers are transferred to similar flights of the airline. The costs are borne by the carrier, the service is free for the passenger. If none of the options offered by the airline suits you, most airlines can issue a "forced refund". After confirmation by the airline, the money will be returned to your account. Sometimes this may take several weeks.
How to check in at the airport
Online check-in is available on the websites of most airlines. Most often, it opens 23 hours before the start of the flight. You can go through it no later than 1 hour before the departure of the aircraft.
To check in at the airport you will need:
Montenegro is a beautiful country that attracts travelers with Adriatic beaches, mountains, canyons and lakes. The most convenient way to get to the place of rest on the sea is through the international airports of Montenegro. There are only two air harbors, the distance between them is 80 km.
So, the list of airports in Montenegro is as follows:
- (Podgorica is the heart of Montenegro);
- (Tivat airport).
Airport of Montenegro in the capital of the country
Contact Information
- Address: Gradska opština Golubovci, Podgorica, Montenegro
- Phone: +382 20 444 244
Airport of Montenegro in the city of Tivat
The starting point for traveling around the country is Tivat. From this city came the name of the airport in Montenegro. The terminal of the air terminal was repaired for the last time in 1971, it is already considered obsolete. The air harbor is located at an altitude of 6 m above sea level, so during takeoff and landing you can observe picturesque landscapes through the porthole of the liner.
This is the nearest airport in Montenegro to the famous resort. This airport terminal is often referred to as the "gates of the Adriatic" and is operated by the state-owned company Aerodromi Crne Gore.
From here, daily flights to Moscow and Belgrade are made throughout the year. Most passengers fly here in the summer on charters. Approximately 6 flights can be served here per hour. The air harbor is open in winter from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm, and in summer from 6:00 am to sunset.
The terminal has an area of 4000 sq. m., there are 11 check-in counters. The airport terminal is distinguished by polite staff, efficient customs control and passport service, so there are rarely crowds here. On the territory of Tivat airport are:
- Duty free shop;
- bank branch;
- small cafe;
- souvenir shops;
- tourist agency.
The air harbor is served by such well-known European airlines as LTU, SAS, Muscovy, S7, AirBerlin and other carriers.
In the summer, planes fly here from Paris, Oslo, Kyiv, Kharkov, St. Petersburg, Frankfurt, Yekaterinburg. It is better to book a transfer from Tivat Airport in Montenegro in advance (for example, from Kiwitaxi) so as not to overpay on the spot. Jadranska magistrala runs 100 meters from the entrance. Buses always stop here at the request of passengers. There are no designated stops here.
After arriving at the airport of Montenegro Tivat here you can. Near the entrance there is paid parking and a taxi rank. Keep in mind that private prices are too high.
Contact Information
- Address: Adriatic Highway, Mrcevac, Tivat, Montenegro
- Phone: +382 32 671 337
- Website: www.montenegroairports.com
Which Montenegro airport to choose for travel?
Montenegro is a small country, so it doesn't make much difference which airport you choose. Most importantly, keep in mind that there are no regular domestic flights. Those who want to quickly get to the desired city from the airport in Montenegro should be guided by a map of the area.
So, for example, the settlement is separated by a distance of 24 km to the airport in Tivat and 62 km to Podgorica, and 37 km to the capital's air terminal and 51 km to the second one.
Many travelers are wondering which airport is next to in Montenegro? It is most convenient to get to this settlement from the air harbor located in Tivat, the distance between them is only 7 km.
It is also useful to find out which cities are located near the airports in Montenegro. Depending on the planned type of vacation (beach, ski or sightseeing), you should choose the airport of arrival. In the first case, the capital air terminal is suitable, in the second - Tivat, and in the third there is not much difference, since the ancient sights are equidistant from them.
If you are going to spend your vacation in this amazing country, then to enter it, choose one of the airports in Montenegro, where European service is provided, as well as professional staff.
When planning a vacation in this amazing country, it is important to know where the airport in Montenegro is located, in which city you will land and how you will get to the resort.
In this small state, there is no infrastructure familiar to many residents of megacities. But still, Montenegro has two airports, in the cities of Podgorica and Tivat, in which it welcomes visitors.
Podgorica International Airport
Podgorica is the capital of Montenegro and one of the largest cities by the standards of this country. The airport is located at a distance of 5 km from Podgorica. It receives flights from various countries of the world, with which Montenegro has air links.
The airport operates around the clock throughout the year. It mainly serves regular flights, although several may appear on the airport's schedule during the summer season. As a rule, if you are flying on a regular flight, then Podgorica is the airport of arrival in Montenegro from Moscow and other cities.
Podgorica International Airport is a medium-sized building with equipped territory and parking. Among the services that passengers can use, the following can be distinguished:
- comfortable cafe with free access WiFi;
- small shop;
- representations and offices of airlines;
- branch of the Montenegrin bank;
- souvenir and newsstands;
- luggage packing;
- Waiting hall;
- the possibility of renting a car;
- taxi call.
From the airport, passengers have the opportunity to get to any resort town in the country. The most convenient and comfortable mode of transport is a taxi. Although taxi fares may seem overpriced, especially in summer, when the flow of tourists noticeably increases.
By far, the most profitable transport in Montenegro is the bus and train, which stops near Podgorica Airport. It does not go often, sometimes it changes the schedule, so it is better to check the departure time in advance and carefully plan the route.
Tivat International Airport
The small seaside town of Tivat is located near the entrance to the Bay of Kotor. The airport is located 3 km from the city of Tivat, also on the bay. During takeoff and landing, passengers can see the mesmerizing spectacle of the sea, mountains and subtropical vegetation. Of course, if this happens during daylight hours and in clear weather.
Tivat Airport is a small building that can hardly accommodate a huge flow of tourists heading to rest. The runway of the airport is designed to receive small aircraft. As a rule, these are charter flights from different cities.
Thus, if you are flying on a tourist package, then 99% that Tivat will be the airport of arrival in Montenegro. Some regular flights from Moscow also arrive here in the summer. The airport does not operate at night and during the winter season.
If you don’t know which airport in Montenegro your flight arrives at, but you know which city you will be vacationing in, then guessing is quite easy. Charters to all popular resorts arrive in Tivat, since it is very convenient to get to any seaside town from here.
From Tivat Airport, passengers can get to:
- in 20 minutes;
- Kotora in 10 minutes;
- Herceg Novi in 50 minutes;
- Cetinje in 50 minutes;
- for 1 hour;
- Podgorica in 1.5 hours;
- Ulcinj in 1.5 hours.
The whole journey takes place along the highway along the coast, along a comfortable mountain road.
