Podgorica Airport

Podgorica Airport, often referred to as the "Heart of Montenegro," is the ideal starting point for your journey through the Balkans. It is known by the historic code TGD (derived from the city's former name — Titograd) and is situated in the picturesque Zeta Valley, offering stunning views of mountain ranges and Lake Skadar during take-off and landing. Unlike huge and noisy hubs, this airport captivates with its compactness and welcoming atmosphere, allowing tourists to complete all formalities in just a matter of minutes and immediately head to the coast or the mountains.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Podgorica Airport is a modern yet intimate transport hub that was completely renovated in 2006. The terminal building, constructed from glass and aluminium, is filled with natural light and designed to ensure travellers feel as comfortable as possible.

The main advantage of the airport is its compactness and speed of service. There are no long walkways or confusing corridors here; the path from the aircraft steps to the city exit takes minimal time. All necessary services are available for passengers: a Duty Free zone, cafes, a business lounge, as well as car rental desks directly in the arrivals hall.

The airport's location makes it a strategically convenient point: just a 15-minute drive to the capital's centre and less than an hour to popular seaside resorts such as Bar or Petrovac. Additionally, within walking distance (about 1 km) is the "Aerodrom" railway station, providing a budget-friendly alternative to taxis.

For the latest information, flight schedule clarifications, or to resolve any issues, you can use the official contact details of Podgorica Airport.

• Official Website: www.montenegroairports.com. Information on flights, services, and general rules for passengers is available on the site.
• Information Desk Phone: +382 (0)20 444 244. You can receive consultation on general airport operation questions at this number.
• Address: Aerodrom Podgorica, 81000, Podgorica, Montenegro.
• Email for General Inquiries: info.podgorica@am.co.me.
• Social Media: The airport is present on major platforms under the brand "Airports of Montenegro," where important news and updates are published.
• Lost & Found Service: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should first contact your airline's representative. The Lost & Found service phone at the airport: +382 (0)20 444 246, e-mail: lostfound.tgd@am.co.me.
• Passenger Support: For questions related to your journey, flight check-in, and other services, it is recommended to contact the information desk in the terminal or the main enquiry service phone.

Podgorica Airport (TGD), the main air hub of Montenegro, is located approximately 11 km south of the city centre. Despite its proximity to the capital, transport connections have their own specifics. You can get from Podgorica to the airport in several ways, each suitable for different budgets and preferences.

Public Transport. There is no direct municipal bus service to the airport. However, there is the "Aerodrom" railway station, located approximately 1.2 km from the terminal (about a 15-20 minute walk). Trains run on the Podgorica – Bar line, but they do not run frequently, so this option requires careful planning and is not very convenient if you have luggage. The train ticket cost is the lowest, around 1-2 Euros. This is more of an adventurous and budget option than a convenient tourist route.

Taxi and Private Transfer. This is the most popular and comfortable way to reach the airport. The trip from the centre of Podgorica will take about 15-20 minutes. The cost of a taxi ride is usually 10–15 Euros. It is recommended to book a car in advance via local apps or arrange with verified services, as prices from drivers waiting at tourist spots may be higher. Booking a private transfer is an excellent option for families or large groups, guaranteeing a fixed price and comfort.

Car Rental. If you plan to actively travel around the country, renting a car will be the optimal solution. Offices of many international and local rental companies operate at Podgorica Airport. You can pick up a car in the city and return it right before your departure at the airport. This gives maximum freedom of movement but requires accounting for fuel and rental costs.

Airport Parking. For those arriving by their own or rented car, parking is provided at the airport. It is located directly in front of the terminal building and offers both short-term and long-term rates. The parking lot is quite spacious, so finding a spot is usually not a problem.

Podgorica Airport (TGD) is a modern and compact aviation hub distinguished by a simple and clear structure. It consists of one main passenger terminal which handles all international and domestic flights. The old airport building is used for special purposes, and ordinary tourists do not encounter it, making navigation maximally convenient.

The terminal layout is very logical. The building is effectively single-level, where all key zones are within walking distance of each other. Immediately upon entry, you find yourself in the general hall where the check-in counters and luggage wrapping points are located. After completing check-in, passengers head to pre-flight security and passport control, which are located right there. Thanks to the airport's small size, getting lost is practically impossible.

Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated. After passing security control, passengers enter a small but cosy departure lounge, where there are several Duty Free shops, cafes, and boarding gates. The arrival zone is located in another part of the building. After exiting the aircraft, passengers follow the corridor to passport control counters, and then to the baggage claim hall located immediately behind them.

Completing all formalities at Podgorica Airport usually does not take much time. In a standard situation, check-in and security take no more than 30-40 minutes. However, during the peak tourist season (summer) or when several flights depart simultaneously, queues are possible, so it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — 2 hours before departure. The main advice for navigation is simple: follow the signs — they are everywhere here and intuitively understandable even for those visiting this airport for the first time.

The history of the airport in Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, is closely tied to the development of the entire region. The original airfield on this site was built as a military facility. Civil transport began after the Second World War, and in 1961, the first small passenger terminal was opened, marking the start of regular air service.

A significant step in development was the construction of a new, more modern terminal in 1977. This building served as the main air gateway to the city, which at that time bore the name Titograd, for many years. In the 1990s, due to the changing political situation in the region, airport activity and the number of international flights temporarily decreased.

A key moment in the airport's modern history was 2006. Due to the growth of tourist flow and the country's development, a completely new, spacious, and high-tech passenger terminal was built and opened. The old building was reconstructed and is used today for VIP flights and general aviation needs. This large-scale modernization allowed the airport to meet international standards and significantly increase capacity.

Since the opening of the new terminal, the airport has been constantly developing. Reconstruction of the runway and taxiways was carried out, as well as the modernization of navigation equipment. An interesting fact: until 1992, the airport was officially called Titograd Airport. Today, it is one of the country's two international airports and an important transport hub that annually serves hundreds of thousands of travellers seeking to discover the beauties of Montenegro.

Podgorica Airport (TGD), despite its relatively small size, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafes where you can have a snack or drink coffee before departure. For shopping enthusiasts, there is a Duty Free shop with an assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, and local souvenirs.

For those who value enhanced comfort, the airport has a VIP lounge. Here, passengers can relax in a quiet atmosphere, enjoying snacks, beverages, and access to the press. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, as well as sockets for charging electronic devices. Financial matters can be settled at bank branches, currency exchange points, or by using ATMs located in the terminal building.

The airport has also taken care of passengers with special needs. A mother and child room is provided for travellers with children. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on special assistance and escort, and the terminal infrastructure is adapted for their convenience. In case of necessity, one can visit the first aid station.

Although there are no hotels within the airport territory itself, several accommodation options are located in the immediate vicinity, just a few minutes' drive away. For business travellers, basic business services such as workspaces and internet access are provided in the VIP lounge, but specialized conference centres are not provided in the terminal.

Podgorica Airport (TGD) is compact and modern, and although the choice of establishments here does not compare with major international hubs, passengers will not go hungry. Dining options are concentrated in several cafe-bars that serve both departing passengers and those seeing them off.

Main Dining Zones:

• Public Zone (Landside): Before passing passport and security control, the main cafe-bar is located. This is an excellent place to drink coffee or have a snack together with those seeing you off. Here you can order sandwiches, pastries, desserts, as well as hot and cold drinks.
• Departure Zone (Airside): After completing all formalities, passengers enter the secure area, where a cafe also operates. The assortment here is similar: sandwiches, snacks, beverages. This is a convenient option for those who want to refresh themselves immediately before boarding the flight.

What to Try and What to Expect:

The menus of the establishments are dominated by standard European snacks: croissants, sandwiches with cheese and cured meats, pastries, and snacks. For a more substantial lunch, the choice is limited, but you can certainly find a filling sandwich or salad. Regarding local flavour, it is worth paying attention to the drinks: order a cup of strong local coffee or try other local beverages. Local refreshments are also usually available in the assortment.

Regarding special dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, Halal), the choice is very limited. Vegetarians can find sandwiches with cheese or vegetables, but for vegans, those requiring strict Halal options, or passengers with gluten intolerance, finding a suitable dish will be difficult. It is recommended to carry your own snacks if you have strict dietary restrictions.

Prices at the airport are traditionally higher than in the city but remain at an acceptable European level. The opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule — they open early in the morning and work until the departure of the last aircraft, so even at night, you will be able to drink coffee. Finding a cafe is very easy thanks to the terminal's small size.

Planning a trip through Podgorica Airport? To ensure your journey through Montenegro begins and ends smoothly, use our tips. The airport is small, but during the peak tourist season (from June to September), it can be quite busy. We recommend arriving at least 2–2.5 hours before international flights to complete all formalities without rushing.

The check-in and security control process at Podgorica Airport is organized simply and clearly. If you have checked in for the flight online and are travelling only with hand luggage, you can head straight to security. Always keep your passport and boarding pass close at hand — this will significantly speed up passing through all stages.

When choosing a seat on the plane, note that during take-off and landing, stunning views of the mountains open up. A window seat will give you unforgettable impressions and beautiful photos for memory. Regarding hand luggage, standard rules apply: liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, and the absence of prohibited items. Be sure to check your airline's regulations regarding weight and dimensions.

Passengers with transfers should clarify in advance whether they need to collect and re-check their luggage. The airport is compact, and navigation will not cause difficulties, but extra time never hurts. Customs control upon departure usually passes quickly. If you are taking out goods subject to declaration, prepare the documents in advance.

To save time and money, check in for your flight online. For travel to or from the city, order a taxi via official services or book a transfer in advance — this will help avoid inflated prices. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are traditionally higher, so you can bring an empty water bottle and fill it after the security zone.

In case of a flight delay, remain calm. Monitor information on the departure boards and in your airline's app. Do not hesitate to ask the carrier's representatives for clarifications. During long delays, airlines are obliged to provide passengers with drinks and meals. While waiting for departure, you can visit a cafe or the Duty Free shop.