A Detailed Guide to the Belgrade to Montenegro Train Journey
Discover this unique 11-hour adventure: the stunning scenery along the route, travel tips, and everything you need to know about this unforgettable trip.
We received numerous messages on Instagram asking how to travel from Belgrade to Kotor, Budva, and other Montenegrin cities, so we decided to share this guide.
Before our trip, we had planned an itinerary covering Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo, allocating specific days to each location. One of the most challenging steps in sticking to our plan was figuring out how to get from Serbia to Montenegro.
You have a few options: train, bus, or plane. However, while the train journey is the most scenic and logical option, it does come with planning difficulties. This is because purchasing a train ticket from Belgrade to Montenegro requires visiting the station in person—there is no online booking available. (There might be an option for locals with a domestic phone number, but even they are typically directed to the station.)
During our trip, which would take us through three different countries, we had to leave purchasing our Montenegro train tickets until the last minute. This mix of excitement and stress made for a whirlwind of emotions. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as smoothly as we’d hoped. When we finally managed to find the train station—after a lot of effort—we discovered that the tickets were sold out.
Montenegro by Train (Our Choice)
The day before our trip, the train appeared fully booked. But when we checked again the morning of our departure, we found out that seats had become available, and we immediately grabbed our tickets.
The most reliable way to get your tickets is directly from the Belgrade train station. The station is modern, with a café and a market inside. Before your train journey, you can buy drinks and snacks here to enjoy along the way. Prices are quite similar to those in the city center.
Belgrade to Montenegro Ticket Price
Although we dreamed of booking a 2-person compartment, due to the lack of online ticket sales, we ended up finding seats last minute in a 6-person triple bunk compartment. It turned out to be a fun and unique travel experience!
Train Ticket Price for 2 People: 6,504 Serbian Dinars (approximately $60)
Our train journey to Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, took 11 hours. We departed at 20:30 and arrived at Podgorica Train Station at 07:30 the next morning. If you prefer, you can book a direct ticket to Bar and then reach popular tourist destinations like Kotor and Budva using Blue Line buses.
We had arranged for a car rental through a Turkish company we found on Instagram, and they delivered the vehicle right on time at the train station. If you’re considering renting a car, be sure to read our guide on Car Rental in Montenegro.
Our Sleeper Train Experience
At 20:30, we embarked on this adventurous train journey in an old compartment, settling into the top bunks of two triple bunk beds. For the next 11 hours, we shared this space with 6 other travelers, making for an unforgettable experience.
At first, we felt like infantry soldiers heading off to World War II, but we quickly adapted to the atmosphere and started to enjoy ourselves. Since the bunks were quite high, reaching the top third bunk was a bit challenging. Despite the tricky climb, once the lights were out, we enjoyed a surprisingly restful sleep.
