Montenegro has experienced a great deal of change over the past sixty years. During the latter half of the 20th century it was one of the republics within socialist Yugoslavia. After Yugoslavia broke apart in the 1990s, Montenegro remained in a state union with Serbia for several more years.

In 2006, a national referendum paved the way for Montenegro to become an independent country once again. Since then, the country has concentrated on political reforms, growing its tourism sector, and strengthening ties with Europe. Montenegro joined NATO in 2017 and continues working toward EU membership. Recent elections have also brought a fresh wave of political change as the country focuses on economic development and modernisation.

Getting Around Montenegro

Although Montenegro is relatively small, its landscapes are varied, with winding mountain roads, dramatic coastal routes, and a network of scenic valleys. Travellers have several ways to get around, and shuttles and minivans play a major role in connecting the key towns and tourist areas.

Road travel remains the easiest and most flexible option. Major routes link Podgorica with the coast and northern regions, and newer motorway sections are gradually improving travel times. The Sozina Tunnel, for instance, makes the journey between Podgorica and Bar noticeably quicker.

Shuttle services and minivans, both shared and private, are among the most popular ways for visitors to travel between airports, resorts, and national attractions. Shared shuttles offer an affordable option for solo travellers, while private minivans provide door-to-door convenience—ideal for families or groups.

Airport transfer services operate from all key entry points, including Podgorica Airport, Tivat Airport, and the nearby Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia. Many travellers rely on pre-booked transfers to reach coastal destinations such as Kotor, Budva, and Herceg Novi, especially during the busy summer season when public transport can be crowded.

Buses run frequently between major towns and offer a reliable public alternative, while rail services along the Bar–Podgorica–Bijelo Polje route provide one of the region’s most scenic train journeys. Taxis and ride-hailing services are common in urban areas, and coastal travellers often make use of seasonal water taxis and local ferries.

Cross-Border Travel

Montenegro borders Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania, making cross-border trips easy to add to a holiday itinerary. Many visitors combine Montenegro with other Balkan destinations.

For road travellers, several established border crossings link Montenegro with its neighbouring countries. The Debeli Brijeg crossing into Croatia is the busiest and is often used by travellers connecting through Dubrovnik Airport. Crossings into Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia are well used throughout the year, while several routes into Albania offer both inland and coastal options. The mountainous crossing into Kosovo is particularly scenic, although winter conditions can affect travel.

Shuttle operators and minivan services run regular cross-border transfers, especially between Montenegro and Croatia (including Dubrovnik), as well as routes to Albania and Serbia. These services are popular because they save the hassle of switching buses at borders and offer direct hotel-to-hotel or airport-to-hotel travel.

Travellers crossing by car should check insurance requirements, such as the need for a Green Card or locally purchased border insurance. Public buses also operate international routes to Dubrovnik, Sarajevo, Belgrade, and Tirana, offering convenient alternatives to private transport.