Practical Guide to Public Transport in Montenegro

Published on April 26, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Are you considering moving to Montenegro? Discover everything you need to know about public transportation in this small Balkan country. Between buses, trains, and taxis, Montenegro offers various options for getting around, but with certain quirks to be aware of. Here is a complete guide to help you find your way and prepare for your relocation.

An Extensive but Sometimes Outdated Bus Network

The bus is by far the most common form of public transportation in Montenegro. A fairly dense network connects the country’s main cities, with frequent links between major hubs like Podgorica, the capital, Budva on the coast, and Nikšić.

Intercity buses are an economical option for traveling across the country. For example, a Podgorica-Budva trip costs around €6-7 for 65 km. Buses are generally comfortable on these main routes.

However, in more rural or mountainous areas, the network becomes sparser and the vehicles can be quite old. Expect longer and less comfortable trips to reach some remote destinations.

In cities, urban buses serve the main neighborhoods. In Podgorica, for example, about a dozen routes crisscross the capital. A single ticket costs less than €1, making it a very affordable option for daily travel. However, frequency and punctuality can sometimes be lacking, especially outside of peak hours.

The Train: A Scenic but Limited Alternative

• Podgorica – Bar (on the coast)
• Podgorica – Nikšić
• Podgorica – Belgrade (Serbia)

The Podgorica-Bar line is particularly spectacular, crossing mountains and canyons via numerous tunnels and viaducts. It’s an experience worth having at least once for the breathtaking scenery. The journey takes about 1 hour and costs €12 for second class.

However, the rolling stock is often outdated and delays are frequent. Trains are also slower than buses on most routes. For example, Podgorica-Nikšić takes 2.5 hours by train compared to 1 hour by bus.

The train remains an interesting option for certain trips, especially to Serbia. The overnight train from Podgorica to Belgrade offers a comfortable alternative to long bus rides.

Taxis: A Practical Solution but Use with Caution

In larger cities like Podgorica or Budva, taxis are everywhere and offer a practical option for getting around quickly. Fares are generally affordable, with a starting fee around €0.60 and a per-kilometer cost of about €0.70.

• Choose official companies, recognizable by their clearly marked vehicles
• Make sure the meter is running at the start of the trip
• For longer trips, negotiate the price in advance

Ride-hailing apps like Uber are not yet available in Montenegro. However, some taxi companies offer their own apps for booking a ride, which can be convenient.

Transport Budget for an Expat: Manageable Expenses

Overall, public transportation in Montenegro is significantly cheaper than in Western Europe. For an expat, the monthly budget for commuting remains relatively modest.

• Monthly urban bus pass: €30
• 2-3 taxi rides per week: €40-50
• 1-2 intercity bus trips: €20-30

That’s a total of about €100 per month for public transportation. Of course, this amount can vary depending on your habits and where you live. If you live in a smaller, less well-connected town, you might need to consider buying a vehicle.

Note that the cost of gasoline is relatively high in Montenegro (around €1.50/L), which can weigh on your budget if you opt for a personal car.

Challenges of the Montenegrin Transport Network

Despite attractive fares, the public transportation system in Montenegro has certain limitations to be aware of:

An aging network: Many buses and trains are quite old, which can affect comfort and reliability. The government has launched modernization plans, but progress is slow.

Uneven coverage of the territory: While major cities and the coast are well connected, rural and mountainous areas are sometimes poorly served. Some villages are only accessible by car.

Schedules not always respected: Delays are frequent, especially for trains. You need to be patient and flexible with your travel plans.

Lack of information in English: Schedules and information are rarely available in foreign languages, which can complicate trip planning for expats.

Despite these challenges, many expats appreciate the simplicity and affordability of Montenegrin public transportation. With a bit of organization and adaptation, it is entirely possible to get by without a car on a daily basis.

Future Outlook for Transportation in Montenegro

The Montenegrin government is aware of the shortcomings of the current transport system and has launched several initiatives to improve it in the coming years:

Modernization of the railway network: A major renovation plan for tracks and rolling stock is underway, with support from European funds. The goal is to increase train speed and frequency by 2030.

Development of green transport: Several cities, including Podgorica, plan to introduce electric buses and expand bike lanes to encourage sustainable mobility.

Improvement of regional connections: Projects are being studied to strengthen links with neighboring countries, including a high-speed rail line to Belgrade.

Digitalization of services: The rollout of mobile apps for ticket purchases and real-time information is planned in major cities.

These developments should gradually make travel easier for expats and improve the overall quality of public transportation in Montenegro.

Conclusion: Affordable Transport Despite Some Challenges

In summary, public transportation in Montenegro offers an economical solution for getting around, with an extensive bus network and a few scenic train lines. Expats generally appreciate the affordable fares and simplicity of the system.

However, you need to contend with certain limitations, such as aging infrastructure or uneven coverage of the territory. Good planning and a bit of flexibility are necessary to make the most of Montenegrin transport.

With a monthly budget of around €100, it is entirely possible to get around efficiently on a daily basis without a car. Ongoing modernization projects promise significant improvements in the years ahead, which should make life even easier for expats.