Bar

How to Get to Bar

Bar is the primary coastal hub of Montenegro and the terminus of the famous Belgrade-Bar railway. Here is how to reach the city.

From Airport

The nearest airport is Podgorica Airport (TGD), located approximately 45 km away. There are no direct airport shuttle trains, but you have two primary options:

• Train: First, take a taxi (approx. 5 minutes, ~€5–€10) from the airport terminal to the Aerodrom train station. From there, take a local train to Bar station. The journey takes about 50–60 minutes. Tickets cost €1–€5 and must be purchased in cash from the conductor or at the station counter.
• Bus: Several bus operators (such as Zejdin Tours) run direct services from the airport to the Bar bus terminal. The journey takes about 60 minutes and costs €6–€10. Tickets are typically purchased directly from the driver—ensure you have small-denomination euros.

Note: There are no "ticket zones" in Montenegro, so you do not need to worry about zone-based fines. Simply buy a point-to-point ticket for your destination.

From City Center

Bar's train and bus stations are located next to each other in the Polje area, about 2 km from the main city center and port.

• Taxi: The most convenient way to reach your accommodation. A ride from the station to the city center or harbor area should cost €4–€7. Always confirm the price with the driver before starting the trip.
• Walking: If you are traveling light, it is a straightforward 20–25 minute walk from the stations into the main part of the city.

By Taxi/Private Transfer

• Journey Time: Approximately 45–50 minutes from Podgorica Airport.
• Cost: Expect to pay between €35 and €55 for a private transfer. For a stress-free experience, especially during peak summer months, it is highly recommended to pre-book a licensed transfer service online to lock in a fixed rate and avoid "freelance" drivers at the airport terminal.

Welcome to Bar railway station, the final stop on the spectacular Belgrade–Bar railway. As you prepare to navigate this Adriatic terminus, rest assured that the layout is remarkably straightforward. Unlike large European hubs, Bar is a compact, single-level station, making it very easy for first-time visitors to orient themselves upon arrival.

The station features 3 primary platforms, all arranged in a simple, parallel row. Because Bar serves as a terminal station for the international line from Serbia, the tracks effectively end here; you will find that most passenger trains arrive and depart from the same central area, directly accessible from the main station building. Think of the layout as a single, linear progression: once you step off your train, you are only a few meters away from the main concourse, the ticket office, and the exit leading toward the city center and the nearby seaport.

Because the station is small, you do not need to worry about complex platform numbering or navigating between different levels. There are no "Upper" or "Lower" levels to confuse you, and you will not encounter A/B platform suffixes. Whether you are arriving on the scenic daytime train from Belgrade or a regional service, you will simply walk across the platform and head straight toward the station exit.

Given the modest size of the station, walking times are negligible. You can traverse the entire length of the platform area in less than two minutes, even with heavy luggage. There are no complicated elevator or escalator systems to master, as everything is located on the ground floor.

The most common point of confusion for first-time visitors is not the station layout itself, but rather the transition to local transport. Once you exit the main building, you will find yourself in the heart of the station area. If you are heading to the city center or the coast, look for the nearby bus stops or taxi ranks immediately outside the station doors. As a tip, if you are arriving during the busy summer season, the station can become quite lively, so keep your belongings close and follow the clear signage toward the main exit. You will find this compact, manageable station a refreshing and simple experience.

Tips for First-Time Visitors: Bar, Montenegro

I wish someone had told me how "old school" the railway system here is. Don't worry, the scenery on the Belgrade-Bar line is legendary, but you need to be prepared for a different pace of travel.

Before You Arrive

• Forget online booking: You cannot buy train tickets online for routes in Montenegro. You must purchase them in person at the station. If you are traveling during the summer high season, head to the station a few days before your planned departure to secure your ticket.
• Bring your passport: If you are booking the international train to Belgrade, always carry your passport when purchasing the ticket, as it may be required.
• Prepare for "Polako": This local mindset means "slowly" or "take it easy." Trains can be delayed, and things don't happen with Swiss precision. Plan your schedule with plenty of buffer time.

At the Station

• Cash is king: Ticket counters typically require cash. While some larger stations might accept cards, it is not reliable, so always have Euros on hand.
• Pack your own supplies: Do not expect a high-end restaurant car or modern conveniences on the train. Stock up on water, snacks, and wet wipes before you board.
• Toilets: Public toilets at stations are not free and usually require spare change. Keep coins handy, as card payments for facilities are generally not an option.
• Platform clarity: Announcements are often only in Serbian/Montenegrin. If you are unsure, ask a staff member or a local at the station exactly which platform your train departs from immediately after you buy your ticket.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming assigned seats are final: Even if your ticket has an assigned seat, don't be surprised if it’s occupied. This is the Balkans; people sometimes sit where they please. If you want a specific view (like the left side for the best scenery going north), be ready to claim your spot early.
• Expecting modern amenities: Do not be surprised by dirty windows, lack of working power outlets, or cigarette smoke in the gaps between carriages. Prepare yourself for a "no-frills" journey, and you will enjoy the incredible bridge and mountain views much more.

Terminus station serving Bar, Montenegro. Opened in 1976 as the southern end of the vital Belgrade–Bar railway, this station remains a critical link for rail travel in the region. While it is not a massive, high-speed transit hub, it serves as the essential point for international, regional, and local train connections, including the popular route to Belgrade.

First-time visitors often worry about navigating unfamiliar European rail hubs, but you will find Bar station to be a straightforward, manageable facility. It is not huge or complex, and its layout is easy to navigate. Travelers should expect a functional, utilitarian environment rather than a modern, high-tech terminal. While the station is well-established, it is important to note that platform assignments can change 30 to 60 minutes before departure. Always verify your train’s platform on the station’s information displays upon arrival.

The station is accessible and serves as a reliable point for those traveling along the Adriatic coast. To ensure a smooth experience, allow extra time for your arrival, especially during the summer season when international services are more active. By staying attentive to local announcements and displays, you can confidently navigate this key Montenegrin station.