Overview
Montenegro is a country in Europe according to historyaah. Montenegro is one of Europe’s little secrets, but that could be about to change. In 2006, the people of Montenegro decided to gain independence for their country, ending the era of the former state of Serbia and Montenegro. The tiny country is now determined to catch the world’s attention. Visitors can, for example, relax on one of the 117 beaches along the Adriatic coast or stroll through the historic towns of Budva, Kotor and Bar, climb the peaks of Durmitor National Park or explore Europe’s deepest canyon while white water rafting,
Getting there
Arriving by plane
Air Montenegro (YM) flies from Frankfurt/M. and from Zurich to Podgorica. Lufthansa (LH) connects Munich and Frankfurt/M. non-stop with Tivat. Swiss (LX) flies Podgorica in cooperation with Air Serbia (JU) via Belgrade. easyJet (U2) connects Geneva with Tivat non-stop. Chair Airlines (GM) flies from Zurich to Podgorica. Austrian Airlines (OS) connects Vienna with Podgorica.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Podgorica: 2 hours; Dusseldorf – Podgorica: 2 hours 15 minutes; Vienna – Podgorica: 1 hour 15 minutes; Zurich – Podgorica: 1 hour 45 minutes; Frankfurt/M. – Tivat: 2 hours; Munich – Tivat: 1 hour 35 minutes; Hanover – Tivat: 2 hours 15 minutes; Geneva – Tivat: 2 hours (both non-stop flights).
Departure fee
Tivat (TIV) and Podgorica (TGD): €15. Children under the age of 2 are excluded.
Arrival by car
By car: From Germany, Austria and Switzerland you have to cross Slovenia and Croatia on the E65 and E71 on the way to Montenegro; The M6 main road runs through Bosnia/Herzegovina from the Croatian border near Grude to the border with Montenegro near Trebinje. Long-distance bus: Flixbus connects Germany, Austria and Switzerland with Ljubljana (Slovenia). In Ljubljana there are connections to Montenegro. Eurolines offers numerous connections from Germany to Montenegro. Tolls: There are no tolls on the road network in Montenegro. However, tolls have to be paid on the E80 for the Sozina tunnel. Documents: The national driving license is sufficient. The green insurance card is recognized in Montenegro; if this is not available, car insurance can be taken out at the border for 15 days, which can be extended by a further 15 days if necessary.
Note on arrival by car
Night driving outside of cities is strongly discouraged.
Arrival by train
Train journeys from Germany, Austria and Switzerland to Montenegro go via Belgrade (Serbia). There are regular connections to Podgorica and Bar from Belgrade, including a night train that takes about 11 hours to get to Bar. Further information is available from the German, Austrian or Swiss railway companies.
rail passes
The Interrail Global Pass is also valid for Montenegro.
Arrival by ship
The main passenger ports of Montenegro are Bar, Kotor and Zelenika.
Cruise ships
Cruise companies such as MSC, TUI Cruises, Royal Caribbean, AIDA and Costa also dock in Montenegro on their Mediterranean cruises.
Ferry provider
Ferry connections between Bari (Italy) and Bar are operated several times a week by Jadrolinija and Montenegro Lines.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
There is no national air traffic.
Traveling by car/bus
The road network is around 7,600 km long. The main routes run on the Adriatic highway from Igalo to Ulcinj and on the highway connecting the south with the north of the country with Pertovac via Podgorica, Kolasin and Bijelo Polje. The Sozina road tunnel forms an important connection between the capital’s airport near Podgorica and the southern coastal region around Bar. Through the Vrmac tunnel, car travelers can quickly and easily reach the Bay of Kotor from Tivat airport. Toll: There is no toll to be paid for using the road. However, the use of the Sozina Tunnel (see above) is subject to a fee. There are petrol stations in all cities and on all main traffic routes.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
Only about half of the entire road network is paved. There are hardly any motorways or expressways.
Road classification
European roads are marked with the letter E and a number in white letters on a green background. National roads (Magistrali) are marked with white letters on a yellow background and a number.
Car rental
Rental cars are available at airports and in major cities. Drivers must be at least 21 years old (may vary by vehicle category) and have held a driver’s license for at least two years.
Taxi
Metered taxis are available in larger cities.
Bicycle
Bikes and scooters can be hired in coastal towns and larger towns.
Coach
An extensive bus network connects all major cities and towns in Montenegro. Depending on the season, there are also special bus lines, such as to Montenegrin coastal towns in summer. There are also minibuses, which are often a bit cheaper and faster and more comfortable.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – Seat belts and helmets are compulsory. – Alcohol limit: 0.3 ‰. – Children must be transported in child seats up to the age of 12. – The dipped headlights must also be switched on during the day. – Telephoning is only permitted via a hands-free device. – Blinkers must be used throughout the overtaking manoeuvre. – Safety vests must be carried and worn when exiting the vehicle outside of built-up areas and staying on the road, such as in the event of a breakdown or an accident. – It is mandatory to inform the police after every traffic accident and it is advisable to have a written accident confirmation (Potvrda) issued. Speed limits: – in built-up areas: 50 km/h; – on rural roads: 80 km/h; – on dual carriageways/motorways: 100 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; for vehicle damage: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, for illnesses: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. The ADAC partner club is Auto-moto Savez Crne Gore (AMSCG), Podgorica, Tel. +382 ( 0)20 234 467. In the event of breakdowns or accidents with the rental car, the rental company must first be informed.
Documentation
The national driving license is sufficient. The international insurance card for motor transport must always be carried with you.
Traveling in the city
Buses operate in larger cities. The relatively cheap taxis are also a good way to get around in the cities.
Locally on the way by train
The railway company of Montenegro, ŽPCG AD Podgorica, operates the country’s railway transport. The main line of the railway network runs from Podgorica to Bar on the Montenegrin coast with a branch from Podgorica to Niksic. There are also railway stations in Mojkovac, Sutomore, Bijelo Polje and in Kolasin. So-called regional trains operate in the country. Reservations are not required.
rail passes
The Interrail Global Pass and the Balkan Flexi Pass are also valid for unlimited rail travel in Montenegro.
Traveling by ship
Ports are in Bar, Budva, Kotor, Zelenika and Herceg Novi. A car and passenger ferry operates between Budva and Herceg Novi (journey time: 10 minutes). Ferry service is between 05:00 and 00:00 in the low season and 24 hours a day during the high season (May to October). The ferries leave in the high season when they are full, otherwise every 15 minutes. Tickets are available at the pier.
