Overview
Montenegro packs dramatic mountains, a jewel-like Adriatic coastline and walled medieval towns into a country smaller than Wales. For UK travellers it is an easy short-haul escape, with typical flight times of around three hours. This hub covers every Montenegrin airport we fly to and how to reach it affordably.
Best time to fly to Montenegro
The coast has a warm Mediterranean climate. July and August bring hot, dry days and lively resorts, but also peak demand for flights and hotels. Late May, June, September and early October are the sweet spot: the sea is still warm, prices are calmer and the old towns are quieter. Winter is sleepy on the coast but good for skiing at Kolašin and Žabljak. See the When to book chart above for how fares shift through the year.
Main gateway cities & airports
Two airports serve the country. Tivat (TIV) sits right on the bay, minutes from Kotor, Perast and Budva, and is busiest in summer. Podgorica (TGD), the capital's airport, runs year-round and suits Lake Skadar, the northern mountains and city breaks. Dubrovnik in neighbouring Croatia is another popular entry point for the north-western coast.
Airlines and routes
In summer, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, Wizz Air and British Airways operate direct flights from the UK to Tivat and Podgorica, typically from Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, Manchester and Bristol. Air Montenegro also links Podgorica with London. Outside summer, direct services thin out and most trips connect through Belgrade, Vienna, Zurich or Istanbul on Air Serbia, Austrian, Swiss or Turkish Airlines. London to Montenegro takes about three hours; from Manchester allow around three and a quarter.
Popular places to visit in Montenegro
- Kotor: a fjord-like bay and a UNESCO-listed old town beneath soaring limestone cliffs.
- Budva: sandy beaches, buzzing nightlife and a compact Venetian-era centre.
- Sveti Stefan: the postcard-perfect fortified islet joined to the mainland by a causeway.
- Durmitor National Park: alpine lakes, the deep Tara Canyon and rafting near Žabljak.
- Lake Skadar: the Balkans' largest lake, rich in birdlife, island monasteries and family wineries.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Montenegro
- Book summer seats to Tivat three to six months ahead, as popular weeks sell out early.
- Compare flying into Podgorica or Dubrovnik as well as Tivat, then add a transfer.
- Travel midweek and in the shoulder months, and watch the price charts on this page for dips.
- Pack light or check cabin-bag rules on the low-cost carriers to avoid add-on fees.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders can visit Montenegro visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism; carry a passport valid for the length of your stay. The currency is the euro, even though Montenegro is not an EU member. For the best value, book summer flights well ahead and use the price charts on this page to time your booking.
