Bus schedules and ticketing

Heavy tourist buses and public transport are restricted on the narrow Kotor serpentine (between Kotor and Lovćen) due to narrow roads and constant traffic jams. Large buses also frequently block roads near Rijeka Crnoevića. Travelers should avoid expecting public buses on these scenic routes and use smaller vehicles or hike.

Bus drivers in Montenegro often charge a separate fee (1-2 EUR) for placing luggage in the storage compartment, regardless of the baggage size. This is a common local practice. It is advisable to have small change ready for such payments.

From Budva, you can travel to Herceg Novi, Tivat, and Kotor using intercity buses, which are the most budget-friendly option. Taxis or pre-booked transfers offer more convenience and direct service but are significantly more expensive. For specific taxi fares, it's best to contact taxi companies directly for quotes.

Intercity buses from most major Montenegrin cities can take you to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. For example, a bus from Budva to Mostar costs approximately 35 EUR, but comfort levels may vary. Travel to Sarajevo will be longer and likely more expensive. Consider renting a car within BiH and returning it there for more flexibility. The region around Mostar is highly recommended for its impressive natural beauty, reminiscent of Austrian foothills.

To travel from Tivat Airport to Kotor on a budget, take a bus from the Tivat bus station, which is about a 1.3 km walk from the airport. Direct bus service from the airport is not available. Alternatively, consider pre-booking a transfer or looking for ride-sharing options in local Montenegro travel groups to potentially split costs.

Public bus drivers in Montenegro are often bound by strict station-to-station rules. Stopping at unofficial locations is discretionary and largely depends on the driver's mood and the convenience of baggage access. Tourists are advised to keep luggage inside the passenger cabin if they plan to negotiate an unofficial stop.

From Tivat Bus Station in Montenegro, direct buses are available to various destinations. For travel to Petrovac, it's recommended to take a bus heading towards Bar or Ulcinj and get off at the designated stop. Alternatively, catching a bus directly from the main highway, which departs hourly from the Old Town Budva at 10 minutes past the hour, costs 3.5 EUR. For travel to Kotor and Herceg Novi, purchasing tickets online is an option, but printing is required, and a platform fee may apply. Buying tickets at the station is often more convenient.

Buses from Kotor to Budva/Bečići are available. For schedules and online ticket purchases, use busticket4.me. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased with cash at the bus station.

Buses from Budva to Mostar operate approximately once daily. Booking tickets in advance through online platforms like busticket4.me or at the local bus station is recommended. Prices may vary, with online tickets sometimes being cheaper than FlixBus.

For bus tickets from Budva to Podgorica, purchasing at the bus station counter is most reliable. While busticket4.me can be used, a platform fee is still required at the counter. Advance purchase is unnecessary as tickets can be bought on the day of travel.

There is no direct bus from Tivat to Perast; you need to travel via Kotor. Some buses from Tivat to Herceg Novi may pass through Perast and occasionally use the ferry. The journey from Tivat to Kotor takes approximately 2 hours. Bus tickets can be purchased online via busticket4.me or at the bus station.

Public bus tickets from Budva to Podgorica cost approximately 8-10 EUR. Buses typically do not have toilets and make limited stops (usually in Cetinje). Podgorica main bus station (Autobuska stanica) is located next to the railway station.

When traveling by bus from Montenegro to Sarajevo, it is recommended to take a route that passes through Herceg Novi rather than directly from Podgorica. This route is generally considered less difficult and avoids potentially inconvenient areas of Sarajevo.

Purchasing bus tickets online from Bar to Belgrade using a Russian bank card is not possible. Advance booking for buses is advisable, especially for same-day or short-notice travel, to ensure availability.

Public transport in Montenegro is reliable for coastal travel. Buses do not have a centralized, perfectly accurate online ticketing system for all local routes; travelers should visit bus stations in person to check printed schedules and purchase tickets. Major hubs like Budva have main bus terminals for long-distance travel, while local routes often use street-side stops. Cash is required for most local transactions.