How to get to Virpazar: from Podgorica, Bar and Tivat
Virpazar sits strategically well — right on the Podgorica–Bar motorway, a train station in the village, 35 km from Podgorica airport. And still, most travellers either miss their connection or pay double because they pick the wrong route.
Here's what I send friends before they arrive. All times and prices checked in the last few weeks — 2026 numbers.
From Podgorica (airport and city)
Podgorica airport (TGD) is the closest — 35 km, officially 40 minutes, realistically 45–55 depending on traffic. Rental car straight at the airport is the easiest option. From €25/day in low season, €45–60 in summer. Book online — booking at the counter costs almost double.
Without a car: a taxi from the airport to Virpazar runs €45–55. Fare is usually official but agree it upfront — not every taxi uses the meter. WhatsApp transfers cost €40–50 and are more reliable because you have the driver's number in advance.
From Podgorica train station it's cheaper: the Bar-bound train stops in Virpazar, costs €3–4 and runs six to eight times a day. Journey time 45 minutes. Catch: the station isn't at the airport — you need a taxi from the airport to the station (€10), then wait for the next train. Count on two hours total. Worth it mostly if you're solo and don't need a car.
From Bar
Bar is the second-closest sizeable town — 30 km, about 35 minutes by car. If you arrive by ferry from Italy (Bari), Bar is often the most practical starting point for Montenegro.
Train from Bar to Virpazar: 30 minutes, €2–3. Regular, honestly scenic (three tunnels and a short section overlooking the lake). This is the option I recommend most often.
Rental car from Bar: same rates as Podgorica, but the choice at the port is smaller. Book online in advance and pick up at the station or airport.
From Tivat and the coast
From Tivat airport (TIV) it's 75 km — officially 90 minutes, realistically two hours. The route goes through the Sozina tunnel (toll €3.50), Bar, then east to Virpazar.
Direct bus from Tivat to Virpazar: doesn't exist. You have to change in Bar or Podgorica. For most travellers a rental car from Tivat is the only stress-free option — €55–80/day in season.
From Kotor: 90 km, two to 2.5 hours. Beautiful drive, but a real time sink. Coming from Kotor, plan the day as a driving day, not 'quickly on the way'.
Getting around in Virpazar itself
Virpazar is tiny — 300 residents, everything within five minutes on foot. The train stops right at the edge of the village, the boat dock is 200 metres beyond, most guesthouses sit in between.
Parking is easy off-season right by the stone bridge. In July and August I recommend parking above the village (free gravel lot on the access road) and walking the last stretch.
If you're staying at one of the guesthouses right on the lake (east shore, say), ask at booking about a station pickup — almost every property offers it for free.
My recommendation by traveller type
Short trip, two to three nights, Podgorica airport, no interest in driving: take the train from Podgorica. Zero stress, cheap, scenic.
Montenegro tour of seven+ days: rental car from Podgorica or Tivat. No sensible substitute — buses and trains between regions are too slow.
Arriving by ferry from Italy: train from Bar. Direct, scenic, 30 minutes.
Landing in Tivat with the lake as your target: rent a car. Everything else takes too long.
Häufige Fragen
What's the fastest way from Podgorica airport to Virpazar?
Is there a train to Virpazar?
Do I need a rental car for Virpazar?
How much is a transfer from Podgorica airport to Virpazar?
Can I take a bus directly from Tivat to Virpazar?
Note: the German version of this article is more detailed. If you read German, you may prefer the full German edition.