Tivat Airport

Tivat Airport (TIV) is not merely a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the sunny Adriatic, which begins to amaze travellers even before landing. Located in the heart of the Bay of Kotor, it offers passengers breathtaking views of the mountains and the sea right from the window, turning the landing into an unforgettable experience. This compact and cosy airport is ideal for those who want to immediately immerse themselves in a holiday atmosphere, bypassing long transfers, as popular resorts are literally a stone's throw away.

Features and advantages of the airport:

Breathtaking landing. The approach to Tivat is considered one of the most picturesque and technically challenging in Europe. Aircraft manoeuvre amidst mountain peaks, flying just above the waters of the Bay of Kotor. Pilots sometimes call this approach the "European Kai Tak," and passengers invariably stick to the windows for unique photos.

Ideal location. The terminal is located phenomenally close to key points of interest. It takes only 10 minutes to drive to the centre of Tivat and the elite marina Porto Montenegro, about 15–20 minutes to ancient Kotor, and less than half an hour to the beach capital, Budva. This allows you to start your holiday almost immediately after leaving the terminal.

Daylight flights only. Due to the complex mountainous terrain and the lack of special equipment for night approaches, the airport operates primarily during daylight hours. This means you always arrive or depart with the opportunity to admire the panorama of Montenegro.

Boutique atmosphere. The airport terminal is small and easy to navigate. There are no endless corridors or confusing passages here, which makes the control process quite fast, although during the peak summer season, one should be prepared for queues due to the influx of tourists.

• Official Website: montenegroairports.com. Information regarding both airports in Montenegro — Tivat and Podgorica — is available on the site.
• Help Desk Phone: +382 32 671 337 or +382 32 670 960.
• Airport Address: Jadranska magistrala, Mrčevac, Tivat 85320, Montenegro.
• Email: For most enquiries, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official website.
• Social Media: The Airports of Montenegro operator has official pages on popular social networks where news and updates are published.
• Lost & Found Information: If you have lost luggage or personal belongings, please contact the tracing service by phone at +382 32 670 912 or via email at lostfound.tiv@aerodromicg.com.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and consultation on general matters, please use the main airport help desk numbers.

Tivat Airport is conveniently located just a few kilometres from the city centre of Tivat and in close proximity to other popular resorts of the Bay of Kotor, making it the starting point for many journeys across Montenegro. You can reach your destination from the airport or get to the terminal in several ways, each with its own features.

The most convenient and popular method is by taxi or pre-booked transfer. Official taxi stands are located right at the exit of the arrivals area. A trip to the centre of Tivat will take 5-10 minutes and cost about 10-15 Euros. The journey to Kotor (15-20 minutes) will cost approximately 15-20 Euros, and to Budva (30-40 minutes) — 25-30 Euros. It is recommended to agree on the fare with the driver in advance or ensure the taximeter is switched on to avoid misunderstandings.

A more budget-friendly but less comfortable option is public transport. There is no bus stop directly at the airport. You will need to walk about 100-200 metres to the main highway (Jadranska magistrala). Here you can flag down passing intercity buses heading towards Budva, Bar, Ulcinj or, in the opposite direction, to Kotor and Herceg Novi. This method is suitable for those travelling light, as waiting for a bus on the roadside with heavy luggage can be inconvenient. There is no train or metro service in this region.

For those who value freedom of movement, the best choice would be car rental. Offices of both international and local rental companies are located within the airport building. By renting a car, you can explore all the beauties of the Montenegrin coast on your own. At the height of the tourist season (July-August), it is strongly recommended to book a car in advance online, as demand is very high.

If you are arriving at the airport in your own or a rented car, a parking lot located directly in front of the terminal building is at your service. It is suitable for both short-term parking (meeting or seeing off passengers) and long-term storage of the vehicle during your absence.

It is also worth considering flights to neighbouring airports, especially if you plan to travel across different regions. The nearest major air hubs are Podgorica Airport (about 44 km) and Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia (about 41 km), from where it is also easy to reach Montenegrin resorts by bus or car.

Tivat Airport (TIV) is one of the two international airports in Montenegro, which, despite its modest size, serves a huge number of tourists, especially during the summer season. Its structure is quite simple and consists of two terminals — T1 and T2, located in close proximity to each other.

Terminal 1 (T1) is the main and older airport building. Most flights are handled here, both arrivals and departures. Inside you will find check-in counters, a passport control area, a small Duty Free shop, and boarding gates. The building is compact, but at the height of the tourist season (from June to September), it can be very crowded, and queues for check-in and security screening can be quite long.

Terminal 2 (T2) is a new, more modern building opened in 2018 to relieve the main terminal. It is used exclusively for departing passengers and handles some flights during the peak season. It has its own check-in counters, security screening area, and waiting lounge. It is important to check in advance which terminal your flight departs from, as this depends on the airline and airport congestion.

Navigation at Tivat Airport is extremely simple. The terminals are only a few dozen metres apart, and walking between them takes no more than 2-3 minutes. All zones are clearly marked with signs. The arrivals area is located only in Terminal 1: after passing passport control, you immediately enter the baggage claim hall, and from there — to the exit where taxis and transfer company representatives await.

The time required to complete all procedures depends heavily on the season. In the off-season, check-in and security may take only 20-30 minutes. However, in summer, especially in July and August, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance — at least 2.5-3 hours before departure. Long queues at all stages of control are common during this period. To avoid stress, carefully monitor the information on the boards and check with airport staff which terminal you need to go to.

Tivat Airport (TIV) has a rich and eventful history inextricably linked to the development of tourism on the coast of Montenegro. Its official opening took place on 25 May 1957. Initially, it was a small airfield with a single grass runway, serving primarily domestic flights and private aviation within Yugoslavia.

A turning point in the airport's history occurred between 1968 and 1971. During this time, a large-scale modernisation was carried out: a new asphalt runway, taxiways, and a passenger terminal — modern for that time — were built. This allowed the airport to receive large passenger aircraft and effectively turned it into the international aerial gateway of the Adriatic coast, contributing to the tourism boom in the region.

A serious challenge for the airport was the strong earthquake in 1979, which damaged the runway and infrastructure. Subsequent restoration work allowed not only for the repair of the damage but also for the improvement of facilities. In the following years, the airport expanded continuously. Significant modernisation took place in 2018, when the new Terminal 2 was opened. This was done to increase capacity and provide more comfortable service to passengers during the peak summer season.

Among interesting facts, it is worth noting that Tivat Airport is considered one of the most difficult for pilots due to its location in a valley surrounded by mountains and strong crosswinds. At the same time, the approach offers passengers some of the most breathtaking views of the Bay of Kotor. Today, the airport is one of Montenegro's two international airports and breaks passenger traffic records in the summer months, remaining a key element of the country's tourism infrastructure.

Tivat Airport (TIV), despite its compact dimensions, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Although the selection here is not as wide as in major international hubs, you will find everything essential for a pleasant start or end to your journey in Montenegro.

Before departure, you can have a snack in one of the cafes located in the terminal building. Here you will be offered sandwiches, pastries, and hot and cold drinks. The main attraction for shopping is, of course, the Duty Free shop. It features a standard assortment of goods: perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, tobacco products, and Montenegrin souvenirs that can be picked up as gifts.

For those who value enhanced comfort, the airport operates a VIP Lounge (Business Lounge). Access is usually granted to business class passengers or loyalty card holders, but the service can also be used for an additional fee. Here, in a quiet atmosphere, you can wait for boarding while enjoying drinks and snacks. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for mobile devices are available in the waiting areas.

Financial matters can be settled right upon arrival: currency exchange offices and ATMs operate at the airport. For emergencies, there is a medical point where first aid will be provided. Passengers with small children can use the mother and child room for changing and feeding the baby. The airport also provides services for passengers with reduced mobility, including assistance and special facilities; however, it is recommended to inform the airline of the need for such assistance in advance.

There are no hotels directly on the airport territory, but many accommodation options are within walking distance or a few minutes' taxi ride in the city of Tivat itself. Specialised conference rooms are also not provided at the airport, although the business lounge can offer basic conditions for work for business travellers.

Tivat Airport (TIV) is a compact and seasonally busy aviation hub, so the choice of dining establishments reflects this: it is not vast, but allows for a comfortable snack before departure. The main options are concentrated in the single terminal.

The main dining area is located in the departure lounge, after passing passport control and security screening (airside). A spacious cafe-bar operates here, where passengers can fully relax while waiting for their flight. The menu features:

• Quick snacks: Sandwiches, including those with local delicacies like smoked meat and Njeguski cheese, fresh pastries (croissants, buns), and pizza.
• Light meals: Salads and ready-made appetisers.
• Drinks: A wide selection of coffee, tea, juices, as well as various other beverages.

This is an ideal place for both a quick coffee and a more substantial snack before the flight. Prices here, as in most airports around the world, are slightly higher than the city average but remain acceptable. The opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule, so they are open for all departing passengers.

Before passing security control (landside), the choice is more limited and usually comes down to small kiosks with drinks, coffee, and packaged snacks. This is a convenient option if you have arrived early and want to drink water or coffee before checking in for your flight.

Regarding special dietary needs, finding specialised vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes may be difficult due to the limited assortment. However, the cafe menu usually includes vegetable salads or fruits that may suit vegetarians. Passengers with strict dietary requirements (such as Halal) are advised to carry a small supply of food with them.

To ensure your journey through Tivat Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. This small but lively airport, especially in the summer season, has its own characteristics, and knowing a few nuances will help save time and reduce stress.

Arrival time at the airport. At the peak of the tourist season (from June to September), Tivat Airport can be heavily congested. We recommend arriving no less than 2.5-3 hours before your international flight departure. In the off-season, arriving 2 hours prior is sufficient. This will give you enough time for check-in, luggage drop-off, and passing control without unnecessary haste.

Check-in and security control. If possible, complete online check-in for your flight — this will save you time in the queue. Check-in counters and the security control zone are compact here, so queues can form when several flights depart simultaneously. Be prepared in advance: keep your passport and boarding pass ready, and remove laptops and liquids from your hand luggage.

Seat selection on the plane. One of the most exciting moments of flying to Montenegro is the landing in Tivat with a view of the Bay of Kotor. To enjoy this unforgettable spectacle, try to choose a window seat on the left side of the aircraft (usually row A) during check-in. It is from there that the panorama of the fjords and ancient towns opens up.

Hand luggage. The rules for carrying hand luggage are standard: liquids are allowed in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects and other dangerous items are prohibited. Always check the weight and size limits for hand luggage with your airline, as they may differ.

Connecting passengers. Tivat Airport is primarily an airport for direct flights, not a major transit hub. If you have a transfer planned, ensure that you do not need to collect luggage and check in again. Clarify this information with your airline in advance.

Customs control. For tourists, the procedure is usually fast. Follow the "Green Channel" if you have no goods to declare. Remember that large sums of cash (usually over 10,000 Euros) must be declared when entering and leaving the country.

Saving time and money. Book a transfer from the airport online in advance to avoid inflated prices from taxi drivers on site. Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be high, so you can bring a small snack (for example, a sandwich or bars) that does not violate security rules.

In case of flight delay. Periodically check your flight status online. If the flight is delayed for a long time, contact your airline representative. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for food or drinks. Having travel insurance can also help in unforeseen situations.