The distance between Tivat and Kotor is only 5 to 8 km, and this is also the usual route for those arriving at Tivat Airport who wish to reach the bay. Here are the options, and what you need to know if you’re arriving by plane.
By bus, the cheapest option
This is the most economical option: between €2 and €2.20 for a single ticket. The journey time varies from 10-12 minutes for direct buses to 15-20 minutes on average.
In terms of frequency, it is more limited than on other routes: 3 to 4 daily departures, with the first bus around 05:15 and the last around 19:30-19:49, seven days a week. It is best to check the timetables in advance, especially at the end of the day.
The bus departs from Tivat bus station in the town centre. For those arriving directly at the airport, bus stops are located along the main road in front of the terminal, but walking there is not recommended: the road is dangerous for pedestrians in this area.
The bus arrives in Kotor at the coach station, in the south of the town, on the road leading to the tunnel.
By taxi, the quickest option
For a journey of 6 to 10 km, allow 7 to 15 minutes by taxi, at a cost of between €10 and €20.
This is the obvious choice for those arriving at the airport without pre-arranged transport. It’s always a good idea to agree on the price before getting in, especially during the high season when fares can rise. By way of comparison, a journey from the airport to the centre of Tivat usually costs a maximum of €5.
By car, for flexibility
It takes about 15 minutes to cover 8 km, taking the road that runs along the coast from Tivat and Budva. The route passes through a junction south of the old town where traffic can be chaotic, then through a tunnel before reaching the bay.
Car hire costs around €30 per day, plus €2 to €4 for fuel for this journey. The main advantage is the ability to stop along the way, particularly to visit Perast en route.
As is the case everywhere around Kotor, the old town is entirely pedestrianised. Parking is available in paid car parks outside the city walls: the large car park beneath the coach station, or the smaller ones along the seafront. Arriving before 10 am makes it easier to find a space.
By minibus: the happy medium
The minibus covers the journey in 15 to 20 minutes for around $3, with online booking. A good compromise between the price of the bus and personal comfort.
Hiking, for those with time to spare
There is also a hiking route between Tivat and Kotor, around 18 km long, taking 5 to 6 hours. The route passes through Mount Ilija, the village of Gornja Lastva, then the Vrmac ridge before descending towards Kotor.
The trail is accessible even to beginners, marked by wooden signs and arrows painted on the rock. The 360° view takes in the Bay of Kotor, the Lovćen mountains, Tivat and the Adriatic, whichever direction you choose.
Getting there from Tivat Airport
The airport is located approximately 3 km from the centre of Tivat and 8 km from Kotor. There is no direct public transport service to the airport on arrival.
There are three options. A taxi is the simplest: the journey takes around 7 minutes and costs €10-20 to Kotor. A pre-booked transfer costs around €38 for a return journey, which is handy for those who want to organise everything before arrival. Finally, for those on a tighter budget, a 20-minute walk to Tivat bus station allows you to catch a bus for €2, for a total journey time of around 45 minutes along the bay, a slower but pleasant way to get there.
