How to Get from Montenegro to Serbia, from Bar or Podgorica to Belgrade. I’ll walk you through two fascinating travel options: flying or taking a train reminiscent of the “Orient Express.” The choice is yours—just pick one and enjoy the journey!

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bar to belgrade train
Even though the locomotive is modern, the train carriages from Montenegro to Belgrade have witnessed not just Yugoslavia but perhaps even the Ottoman Empire!

Podgorica to Belgrade: Key Highlights

Travelers frequently ask how to get from Montenegro to Serbia. In this guide, I’ll skip road trips and instead focus on two fantastic options: flying or taking a scenic train journey through mountains and canyons. Both have their pros and cons, so the choice is up to you!

Things to Keep in Mind:

  • Serbia and Montenegro share a border.
  • The distance between their capitals, Podgorica and Belgrade, is roughly 400 km—and even shorter as the crow flies.
  • Detailed insights about Montenegro on the world map, neighboring countries, and borders can be found via the link.

Good to know:

Southern Serbia, below Belgrade, is mountainous. In Montenegro, over 80% of the territory is covered by mountains. Whether you choose the plane or train, stunning mountain views will be a part of your journey.

Getting from Montenegro to Serbia by Plane

Montenegro has two international airports: Podgorica (the capital’s airport) and Tivat (on the coast). You can find detailed information about these airports, their infrastructure, and more via the provided link.

That said, there’s not much difference in choosing between the two airports. Here are a few facts:

  • The distance between the two Montenegrin airports is just 80 km.
  • Podgorica Airport is 50 km from the coast.
  • Tivat Airport is located right on the coast.
  • What is the sea in Montenegro and everything about it.
podgorica to belgrade plane
With a bit of effort and the right flight choice, you’ll be soaring in no time.

Two airlines operate daily flights from Montenegro to Serbia’s Belgrade: Air Serbia and Air Montenegro. Flight time is about 40-50 minutes, and tickets typically range from €40 to €90. If you catch a good deal, you might snag a ticket for just €30.

I recommend choosing Podgorica Airport and flying with Air Serbia. They operate four daily direct flights on this route, using the twin-propeller ATR 72 aircraft with a 50-passenger capacity. No boarding stairs are needed for this aircraft—it has its own steps, like a private jet.

podgorica to belgrade by plane
Look for a direct Air Serbia flight—this is a standard price, though sometimes it gets cheaper.

Getting from Montenegro to Serbia by Train: Bar to Belgrade via Podgorica

This train might be older than our parents—and definitely older than most readers. It remembers not just Yugoslavia but perhaps even the Ottoman Empire.

Route: Bar – Podgorica – Belgrade

Two trains run daily along this route (one during winter). Travel time is approximately 12 hours.

views on the road from montenegro to serbia
You’ll be treated to these scenic views almost the entire way—provided it’s a daytime train ride.

Good to know:

The train route passes through mountains, gorges, and dozens of tunnels. The scenery is breathtaking.

Bar-Podgorica-Belgrade Train Schedule

The train operates 365 days a year, but it’s important to check the current schedule as times may vary. In winter, one service might be canceled due to low demand. Check the Montenegrin Railways website for the latest schedule.

Train #430 (Daytime)

  • Departs from Bar at 9:00 AM
  • Leaves Podgorica at 9:54 AM
  • Arrives in Belgrade at 8:02 PM
Train timetable Bar to Belgrade number 430
The schedule of the morning train Bar – Belgrade No. 430

Train #432 (Nighttime)

  • Departs from Bar at 7:00 PM (or 8:00 PM)
  • Leaves Podgorica at 7:58 PM
  • Arrives in Belgrade at 6:08 AM the next morning
Bar to Belgrade timetable
Timetable of the night train Bar to Belgrade 432

The train makes around 20 stops in different towns along the way. For a detailed overview of Montenegro’s major and smaller towns, check the provided link to learn which ones are worth visiting.

Important:

We’ve taken this train five times, and not once did it arrive on time. The average delay is 1.5 to 2 hours. In winter, when the mountains are snow-covered, delays can reach up to 4 hours. Keep this in mind. According to local forums, it’s never on time—even though it always departs from Bar punctually.
  • More information about Montenegro’s time zone, operating hours, punctuality, and time changes can be found via the link.

Train Prices and Carriages (Bar-Podgorica-Belgrade)

The train offers two types of seating: standard seats and compartment options. Note these key points:

  • There are no open-plan sleeper cars.
  • Compartment carriages come with varying capacities.

Pricing:

  • Seat from Bar to Belgrade: €24-€36 depending on the class
  • Seat from Podgorica to Belgrade: €22-€32
ticket prices train bar to belgrade
Train ticket prices from Montenegro to Serbia from Bar

If you prefer a compartment, you’ll need to pay extra on top of the first-class ticket price:

  • Bed in a 6-person compartment: €8. A typical 6-person compartment with three-tier bunks.
  • Bed in a 4-person compartment: €12. This is the standard compartment style you might be familiar with.
  • Bed in a 3-person compartment: €16. Three bunks on one side, none on the other—a “half” of a 6-person compartment, so to speak.
  • Bed in a 2-person compartment: €24
  • If you want a single compartment, the surcharge is €48.
price train bar beograd sleeping
Amount of surcharge for a seat in a sleeping car

Interesting to know:

1, 2, and 3-person compartments are essentially the same with three-tier bunks. If you book a single bed for €24 + €16, two other passengers might still join you. But if you pay €24 + €48, you’ll be guaranteed the entire compartment.

My wife and I always opt for a 2-person compartment on the night train. It comes to €24 + €24 = €48 per person, or €96 for a couple—and we have the space all to ourselves.

By the way, there are no first-class sleeper carriages. Even in regular seating, the difference between first and second class is minimal—mainly fewer people in first class.

From Montenegro to Serbia: What the Train Compartments Look Like

These trains are very old, the kind you won’t find in many countries anymore. I won’t show the 4-person, 6-person, or standard seating compartments—they’re pretty much the same as what we have. Though in the 6-person compartment, there’s an extra ladder to reach the third bunk.

Here’s a look at the 1-3 person compartments. Aside from the sleeping space, you’ll find:

  • A small table
  • A washbasin under the table
  • A trash chute below the washbasin
  • A mirror above the table
  • A 220V power socket, though there’s only one

Important: Bedding is included in the ticket price. All beds are already made when you board, and you don’t need to remove the bedding at your destination.

bar to belgrade train timetable prices what it looks like
This is what a 3-person compartment looks like. We booked it for €96, turning it into a 2-person compartment for my wife and me.
single compartment in the train podgorica to belgrade
Another example of a 3-person compartment: if you fold down the top bunk, it becomes a single compartment. Pay €24 + €48, and you can have it all to yourself. The small door under the table is the trash chute.
compartment car in the train bar to belgrade
And if you lift the table lid, you’ll even find a fully functional washbasin!

Travel Tips

How you travel from Montenegro to Serbia is up to you, but here are some key tips and advice to consider:

  • The fastest way from Montenegro to Serbia is, of course, by plane.
    • On a plane, you can’t carry much luggage, but on the train, you can bring as many suitcases as you can find space for.
  • For a daytime train, it’s perfectly fine to choose second-class seating. The views are spectacular.
  • For a night train, always go for a sleeper compartment. Which one you choose depends on your budget.
    • The night train is convenient because it saves you the cost of a hotel or apartment (which can be €30-€40).
  • Trains are convenient because they depart and arrive at city center railway stations, whereas airports are always located outside the city.

I also recommend reading a helpful guide on how to get from Montenegro to Albania.

In Conclusion

Now you know how to get from Montenegro to Serbia. Personally, I prefer the night train. You can sleep and arrive at your destination first thing in the morning.

The only downside? Border guards wake you up at night to check your passport—but that’s unavoidable.

Resources to help you plan your dream trip to Montenegro

  • WayAway: Cheap flights and best deals.
  • Car rental in Montenegro:
    • LocalRent – works with local rental companies. Leader in car rental in Montenegro.
    • DiscoverCars – a large international platform.
  • Budget-friendly vacation packages to Montenegro: CheapOair.
  • Hotels and apartments all over the country:
    • Trip.com – the most popular accommodation booking platform
    • TripAdvisor compares the prices among dozens of other booking services and offer the best price
  • Tours, excursions and activities (including extreme ones):
    • GetYourGuide – more than 800 tours
    • Viator – 1000+ excursions and activities throughout the country
  • Comprehensive travel insurance: EKTA
  • Internet and Calls:
  • Taxi and airport transfers: Intui.Travel