Cheapest Ways on How to Get to Montenegro This Year
Montenegro is really starting to win over travelers in 2024 so hunting down the most affordable ways to get there is a smart move for anyone watching their budget. Luckily budget-friendly options open the door for more people to explore Montenegro's stunning coastlines, majestic mountains and charming historic towns.
Exploring Your Travel Options to Montenegro A Little Adventure Awaits
Montenegro can be reached by different ways including air, bus, car, train and ferry. The main airports in Tivat and Podgorica handle international flights which makes arrivals straightforward. Buses connect Montenegro to its neighbors which is handy if you want a road trip vibe. Driving around gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. I’ll admit the train services are limited so don’t expect a scenic railway adventure here.
- Montenegro boasts two main international airports: Tivat Airport (TIV) and Podgorica Airport (TGD) each offering different airline choices.
- Frequent bus routes connect Montenegro with Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo and Albania making border hopping straightforward.
- Major driving routes cross the borders with Serbia, Croatia and Albania giving travelers plenty of options for road trips.
- Train services to Montenegro are limited but exist from Serbia and mostly serve domestic and regional journeys.
- Ferry services operate seasonally between Italy and coastal towns like Bar offering a charming mix of transport and sightseeing—perfect for those who enjoy sea breeze with their travel plans.
How to Snag the Most Affordable Flights to Montenegro Without Breaking the Bank
Flying remains the fastest way to reach Montenegro though savvy booking can stretch your dollar further. Scouring flight comparison sites or hopping on budget airlines often trims the price down nicely. Eyeing alternative airports like Tivat instead of Podgorica helps too.
- Take a peek at flight comparison sites like Skyscanner or Kayak to get a good feel for prices across different airlines and dates. It is like window shopping for your trip.
- Aim to book your flights about 6 to 8 weeks in advance. Avoid booking too early because locking in too soon can mean missing the best discounts.
- Consider flying into smaller airports such as Tivat instead of Podgorica since they often come with friendlier price tags and less hustle.
- Flying mid-week, especially on Tuesday or Wednesday, usually gets you cheaper tickets than weekend flights which tend to be pricier because of the weekend rush.
- Sign up for airline newsletters and fare alerts so you might catch some sneaky last-minute deals or special promos that can save you a pretty penny.
Travelers searching for the cheapest flights to Montenegro at a bustling international airport.
Overland Travel Options for Budget Travelers Navigating the World by Buses and Trains
For travelers who want to dodge the high costs of flying, hopping on a bus or train overland can be a real wallet-saver. A handful of international bus lines link Montenegro with its neighbors and the prices won’t make you wince. Train services might not be as frequent or widespread but when you mix and match them with buses you often get some flexible and affordable travel options.
- Buses run regularly from Serbia (Belgrade to Podgorica), Bosnia (Sarajevo), Croatia (Split) and Albania with tickets often less than $30—hard to beat for budget travelers.
- Train services mostly connect Montenegro with Serbia. The routes offer scenic views but tend to be slower and less frequent so plan accordingly if you’re in a hurry.
- You can snag tickets online through operators like FlixBus or grab them in advance at local stations for better deals.
- For most European travelers, crossing land borders involves simple formalities making overland bus travel straightforward and hassle-free.
- Combining train rides with bus transfers is a clever way to save money and enjoy more flexible scheduling when zipping around the region.
How to Drive to Montenegro Without Burning a Hole in Your Wallet
Driving to Montenegro whether you’re behind the wheel of your own car or a rental often proves to be a wallet-friendly and flexible choice. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on fuel costs and toll fees and those little border crossing formalities to keep your budget on track.
- Rent a fuel-efficient or hybrid car to keep fuel costs in check, especially if you don’t have your own set of wheels handy.
- Map out your journey to stick to toll-free roads whenever possible.
- Team up with your travel buddies to share driving shifts and chip in on fuel expenses. It’s a win-win that lightens the load on everyone’s wallet.
- Double-check that your rental car comes with cross-border insurance and brush up on any border crossing rules so you don’t face any surprises when you hit the checkpoints.
- Consider breaking up your trip with overnight stops in budget-friendly towns. This not only helps nip fatigue in the bud but also lets you snag affordable lodging and catch some real local flavor along the way.
Ferries and Sea Routes as a Refreshingly Different Way to Travel Instead of Flying or Driving
Taking a ferry to Montenegro can be a surprisingly charming and generally budget-friendly way to get there, especially if you’re coming from Italy or other nearby coastal spots. It’s a neat little shortcut that helps travelers dodge the usual road traffic and soak in some truly stunning views along the way.
- Ferries regularly shuttle between Italian ports like Bari and Ancona and Montenegro’s Bar, drawing plenty of travelers especially from spring through autumn when the weather’s just right.
- Come summer the schedules really pick up steam with daily or multiple departures throughout the week to suit your timing.
- Booking tickets online well in advance usually scores you better deals and locks in your preferred sailing without last-minute scrambles.
- Ferry fares often come in cheaper than flights and you can often bring a vehicle along which cuts down on local transport expenses once you arrive.
- Combining ferry travel with local buses or renting a car after you dock is a handy way to stretch your budget and keep your plans flexible because nobody likes feeling boxed in.
Extra Tips to Help You Save Money When Planning Your Trip (Because Every Penny Counts!)
Stretching your travel budget is about more than just snagging the cheapest ride from point A to B. Choosing the right travel insurance and packing like a pro are smart moves. Heading out during shoulder seasons and hopping on local transport around Montenegro help keep expenses in check without skimping on the experience.
- Plan your travels during the quieter months like May or September to snag better deals on accommodation and transport. Trust me, your wallet will thank you.
- Make the most of Montenegro’s reliable local buses and shared taxis instead of splurging on pricier private transfers.
- Look for hotels or hostels that include free shuttle services to airports or major transit hubs. Little perks like these make a big difference.
- Keep it light with just hand luggage to dodge pesky checked baggage fees on budget airlines.
- Don’t forget to tap into travel apps—they often offer discounts on meals, tours and rides across Montenegro which can add up to serious savings.
