Podgorica Airport is the entry point for a large portion of tourists who choose Montenegro as their destination. It is smaller than Tivat in terms of traffic, but well-equipped and easy to navigate. If you're flying to Podgorica for the first time—here's everything you need to know from the moment you land.
Basic information
Official name: Podgorica International Airport IATA code: PDG Location: ~12 km southeast of the center of Podgorica Business hours: Adapted to flights — the terminal is open during all commercial operations
The airport has one passenger terminal. Arrivals and departures are in the same building—the layout is intuitive and doesn't require any special navigation.
After landing — step by step
Passport control: EU citizens with a valid ID card pass through quickly. Passengers with a passport go through standard passport control — during peak season the wait can be shorter, but the terminal isn't large, so lines rarely take long.
Luggage: One baggage carousel, so pickup is fast. Baggage delays are rare, but if they do occur, the baggage claim desk is right at the exit of the pickup area.
Customs: Standard rules — no specific restrictions for tourists coming to Montenegro.
Car rental at Podgorica Airport
The car rental counters are located in the terminal's arrivals hall—just after you pass through customs. Vehicle pickup is quick if you have a reservation.
Benefits of picking up directly at the airport:
- No waiting for a transfer to the city
- You can head directly to your destination.
- Luggage directly into the trunk
If you prefer in-town pickup—that's also an option, with delivery to a designated address.
For Vehicle reservation for pickup in Podgorica — Vehicles are available year-round, without the seasonal restrictions characteristic of coastal destinations.
Transportation from the airport to the center of Podgorica
If you are not renting a car right away, the options are:
Taxi: The taxi stand is in front of the terminal. The ride to downtown Podgorica takes 15-20 minutes and costs €10 to €15. Use registered vehicles with a taximeter.
Bus: There is a bus line that connects the airport to the city center—a more economical option, but it can be inconvenient with luggage. Check the schedule on-site, as it changes seasonally.
Private transfer: It can be reserved in advance — convenient if you're arriving late or with a group.
Terminal Services
The terminal is compact, but it has all the basics:
- Exchange office — immediately upon leaving the customs zone
- ATM — available in the lobby
- Cafe — in the departure waiting area and in the arrivals hall
- Free WiFi — available throughout the terminal
- Information desk — for questions about transportation and accommodation
Currency: Montenegro uses the euro, although it is not a member of the EU — there is no need to exchange currency if you are coming from the eurozone.
Airport parking
Parking is located directly in front of the terminal. Short-term stops for loading and unloading are free for up to 10 minutes. Longer parking is charged by the hour or day — rates are posted at the entrance.
Flights — which airlines fly to Podgorica?
Podgorica is directly connected to most European hub airports. Flights are operated by, among others:
- Air Montenegro — national carrier, connections to Europe
- Ryanair — budget lines to Western Europe
- Turkish Airlines — connections through Istanbul
- Wizz Air — routes to Central and Eastern Europe
The number of routes increases seasonally—in the summer, there are direct flights to destinations that are not flown in the winter.
Podgorica Airport vs Tivat Airport — which to choose?
This question is often asked. The short answer:
Tivat - It's a better choice if your goal is the coast — Budva, Kotor, Petrovac. You're right on the sea, without an hour and a half drive.
Podgorica - It is a better choice if you are planning a combined trip—to the coast and the interior, or if you are flying with a carrier that does not fly to Tivat. Podgorica has more routes and more stable traffic year-round.
Have you arrived in Podgorica and want to visit the coast? Check out our guide on it. How to get from the airport to the coast the fastest and cheapest — comparison of all options with prices.
