Budva is arguably the most famous and popular resort in Montenegro, situated in the central part of the Adriatic coast. The city attracts travellers with its unique charm, where centuries-old history harmoniously intertwines with the lively atmosphere of a modern tourism hub.
The resort's hallmark is the Old Town—an atmospheric quarter with cobbled streets, ancient churches, and mighty fortress walls that guard the secrets of the Venetian era. Nature and sun lovers will be delighted by the famous Budva Riviera with its magnificent beaches, azure sea, and picturesque views of mountain slopes descending directly into the water.
By Plane
Budva does not have its own airport, so travellers usually choose flights to neighbouring cities. The most convenient and closest option is flying into Tivat (TIV), which is located just 20 kilometres from the resort and receives numerous international flights during the high season.
The capital's airport, Podgorica (TGD), often serves as an alternative. The distance by road is approximately 65 kilometres; this airport operates year-round and serves regular routes from major airlines. You may also consider flying into Dubrovnik (DBV) in Croatia, located about 72 kilometres away, though you should account for time spent at the state border crossing when planning your route.
The city has no airport. Nearest cities with air connections:
There is no direct railway connection to the resort, so it is not possible to travel directly to Budva by train. The nearest operating railway stations are located on the coast—in the towns of Sutomore and Bar. Bar is the final stop for most trains, including the panoramic route from Belgrade that is popular among tourists.
Upon arrival at the Bar railway station or the station in Sutomore, travellers need to transfer to a bus or use a taxi service. The journey to the hotel along the picturesque coast of Montenegro will take just 30–40 minutes, making this option much more convenient and faster compared to a transfer from Podgorica.
The city has no major railway stations. Nearest cities with rail connections:
The bus network in the region is excellently developed, making this mode of transport one of the most accessible ways to reach the coast. The shortest and most popular route leads from neighbouring Tivat: buses cover the distance of 25 kilometres in just 30–40 minutes. The journey from the capital, Podgorica, will take a little longer—about one and a half hours for a distance of 65 kilometres, passing through scenic mountain passes.
For those planning a visit from neighbouring Croatia, a direct route from Dubrovnik is convenient. The journey of about 95 kilometres usually takes between 3 to 4 hours, as travel time depends heavily on the situation at border control. At the height of the tourist season, it is better to purchase tickets for this route in advance to guarantee a comfortable seat for viewing the Adriatic landscapes.
Travelling by car to Budva offers you freedom of movement and the opportunity to enjoy the views. The quickest route is from Tivat: the 20–25 kilometre journey takes about 30 minutes, and a taxi will cost approximately 25–40 Euros. The road from the capital, Podgorica, takes just over an hour; during this time you will drive about 65 kilometres, paying an average of 40–60 Euros for the transfer.
A trip from Dubrovnik in Croatia will require more time due to border crossing procedures. Although the distance is about 95 kilometres, you should allow 2.5 to 4 hours for the journey, especially during the high season. A taxi ride along this scenic route by the Adriatic will cost significantly more—often exceeding 120 Euros, but the coastal panoramas are well worth it.
To ensure your holiday in Budva is flawless, it is worth learning about some practical and cultural features of this popular resort in advance. We have prepared a list of useful recommendations to help you plan your trip and feel confident from your first minutes in Montenegro.
Clothing and Footwear. It gets hot here in summer, so choose light, modest clothing made from natural fabrics and be sure to wear a hat. A light cardigan may be useful for evening walks by the sea. Most importantly—footwear: high heels are strongly discouraged for walking in the Old Town. The centuries-polished cobblestones are very slippery, so it is better to bring comfortable flat sandals or sneakers.
Transport. It is most convenient to move around the city itself on foot, as it is quite compact. For trips to distant beaches (Jaz, Ploče) or to the island of Sveti Stefan, it is better to use local buses operated by Mediteran Express—they run frequently and are inexpensive. If you take a taxi, always insist that the driver turns on the meter or agree on a fixed price before the journey begins.
Finances. The official currency is the Euro (€). Visa and Mastercard are accepted in supermarkets, hotels, and most restaurants. However, cash is absolutely essential: souvenir shops, bakeries (pekara), ice cream kiosks, and small service providers often only accept notes and coins.
Health and Safety. Budva is a safe city, but during the peak season, you should keep an eye on personal belongings in crowds. Pharmacies (Apoteka) are common and well-stocked. Tap water is considered potable, but tourists are recommended to buy bottled water to avoid any issues with acclimatisation.
Communication. The official language is Montenegrin. Thanks to developed tourism, service staff speak English well. Additionally, many locals understand and can communicate in Russian, so the language barrier is practically non-existent here.
Local Etiquette. Montenegrins live by the rhythm of "polako" (slowly, without haste). Do not rush waiters or shop assistants—relaxation is part of the culture here. When visiting active Orthodox churches in the Old Town, please observe the dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered.
What to Avoid. Do not walk around the city, and especially the Old Town, in swimwear or without a shirt. This is considered a sign of disrespect, and recently, official fines have been introduced for this, which can reach significant amounts.
Tourist Registration. If you are staying in private apartments rather than a hotel, ensure that the owner has registered you and paid the tourist tax ("beli karton") within 24 hours of your arrival. Failure to register may result in a fine when departing the country.
Observing these simple rules will save you from unnecessary hassle and allow you to fully immerse yourself in the holiday atmosphere. Budva is a hospitable city that will provide you with many positive emotions if you treat its traditions with respect.