Tivat Airport (TIV) sits on the southern shore of the Bay of Kotor — one of the best-positioned airports in the Balkans for its destination. The old town of Kotor is less than 10 km away, and the drive skirts the edge of the bay with views of the water. For most arrivals heading to Kotor, Budva, or the Montenegrin coast, Tivat is the obvious choice over Podgorica.
The airport is compact. Arrivals — passport control, baggage, customs — typically take 20–30 minutes. The taxi rank is immediately outside the arrivals exit. There are no long corridors or confusing terminals.
Taxis from Tivat Airport
Licensed taxis wait at the rank directly outside arrivals. Fares are low by Western European standards, and the short distances to the main destinations mean costs are very manageable.
Typical fares from Tivat Airport (as of 2026):
| Destination | Approx. fare | Journey time |
|---|---|---|
| Tivat town centre | €5–8 | 5–10 min |
| Kotor Old Town | €10–15 | 15–20 min |
| Perast | €15–20 | 20–25 min |
| Herceg Novi | €35–45 | 45–60 min |
| Budva | €20–30 | 30–40 min |
| Bar | €45–60 | 1 hr |
| Ulcinj | €60–75 | 1.5 hrs |
| Podgorica | €60–80 | 1.5 hrs |
Tip: For the short run to Kotor, ensure the meter is running or agree a price before departure. The official rank is well-regulated, but asking is good practice.
Ridehailing in Montenegro
Bolt operates in Tivat and Kotor during the summer season (May–October). Airport pickup with app-based services is inconsistent — the rank is more reliable for arrivals. Once you are in the bay area, Bolt works well for short hops between Kotor, Tivat, and Perast.
No Direct Airport Bus — What to Do
There is no scheduled bus service connecting TIV directly to Kotor or Budva. Public buses do serve the Tivat–Kotor–Budva corridor from Tivat town centre (Autobuska Stanica, roughly 2 km from the terminal), but reaching the bus station requires a separate taxi. For most travellers, this transfer-within-a-transfer makes little practical sense given how affordable direct taxis are.
If you are a solo budget traveller, you can walk or take a short taxi to Tivat town centre and catch the Kotor-bound bus for approximately €2–3.
Private Transfer
A pre-booked transfer is the most convenient option for families, groups, and travellers with significant luggage.
Book a private transfer from Tivat Airport via Kiwitaxi — fixed price, driver meets you in arrivals, direct to Kotor Old Town, Budva, or any Bay of Kotor destination.
Welcome Pickups specialises in English-speaking, rated drivers and is particularly useful for first-time arrivals who want a guaranteed meet-and-greet service.
GetTransfer lists multiple operators for TIV and is particularly useful for comparing prices on longer Bay of Kotor transfers where rates vary between providers.
Advantages of a pre-booked transfer:
- Fixed price agreed before arrival — no meter disputes
- Driver monitors your flight for delays
- Useful for arrivals with children or heavy luggage
- Direct to your hotel without needing to navigate bay-side roads on arrival
The Bay of Kotor Drive
Most visitors arriving into Tivat for Kotor do not realise the drive itself is part of the experience. The road from Tivat hugs the southern rim of the bay, passing marinas and the fortified town of Kotor rising above the water. At dusk or early morning, this short transfer is genuinely scenic.
If you are staying in Perast, note that cars cannot enter the village itself — your driver will drop you at the entrance and luggage is usually carried by trolley.
Connections to Dubrovnik and Split
Many travellers combine Montenegro’s bay with Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. Tivat Airport is a practical alternative entry point for this itinerary:
- Dubrovnik (approx. 80 km north via Croatia, 1.5–2 hrs): Private transfer available directly. A private transfer from TIV to Dubrovnik typically costs €80–110. See our Dubrovnik Airport transfer guide for the Croatia-side logistics.
- Split (approx. 260 km north, 4.5 hrs): Best reached from Dubrovnik or by ferry rather than directly from Tivat.
For those combining Montenegro with Bosnia, the Tivat–Dubrovnik–Sarajevo route is a classic Balkans circuit. See our Sarajevo Airport guide for that leg.
Getting to the Airport for Departure
Book a taxi or private transfer the evening before for early morning flights — Tivat has a busy summer season and taxis can be in demand. Most hotels in Kotor and Tivat can arrange airport drop-offs. Agree the fare in advance (€10–15 from Kotor is standard).
Tivat Airport has a small café and duty-free area post-security. There is little reason to arrive more than 90 minutes before departure for most European flights.
Key Facts
- Airport IATA code: TIV
- Full name: Tivat Airport (Aerodrom Tivat)
- Distance to Kotor Old Town: approximately 8 km
- Distance to Budva: approximately 25 km
- Public bus: No direct service (town centre bus connections only)
- Taxi to Kotor: approx. €10–15 as of 2026
- Journey time to Kotor: 15–20 minutes
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
Plan Your Trip
- Flights — Find the best fares into the Balkans
- Travel Insurance — Get covered before you go
- eSIM — Stay connected from landing
- Car Rental — Compare prices across providers
- Kotor tours — Book activities in the Bay of Kotor