Local Guides

How to Get to Skadar Lake

How to reach Skadar Lake from Podgorica, Kotor, Budva, Bar, Tivat and Dubrovnik — driving times, transfer prices, honest advice.

By Skadar Lake Guide Editorial6 min readUpdated 14 April 2025
Road signs pointing to Virpazar and Skadar Lake

Skadar Lake sits in the middle of southern Montenegro, and every major base is under 2 hours away. Here's how to actually get there from each.

From Podgorica

35–45 minutes to Virpazar on the E762. Fastest and easiest. Rental car ideal. Taxi €40–60 one way. Bus from the main station (multiple daily) drops at Virpazar.

From Podgorica Airport

45 minutes to Virpazar — no need to enter the city. Ideal for arrival or departure day. Rental car pickup at the airport is straightforward.

From Bar

35 minutes over the Rumija mountain via Sutorman pass. Beautiful, slow. Alternative: 25 minutes from Sutomore via the Sozina tunnel. Rental car essential.

From Budva

55 minutes via the Sozina tunnel. Small toll (€3.50). The easiest coastal-resort connection.

From Kotor

90 minutes to 2 hours depending on the Budva bypass. Doable as a day trip if you leave by 07:30 and commit to a real half-day plan.

From Tivat

Almost identical to Kotor — 90 minutes. Airport transfers direct to Virpazar exist but expensive (€90–120).

From Dubrovnik

3 hours minimum via the coastal border. Only worth it if you're spending at least one night on the Montenegrin side.

When you arrive

Public parking in Virpazar fills by 10:00 in summer. Reserve private parking a two-minute walk from the pier.

For any peak-season visit, arrange private parking in Virpazar.

By public transport

Bus from Podgorica or Bar to Virpazar runs several times a day (€3–5). The Bar–Belgrade train also stops at Virpazar. Both are viable if you're not renting a car.

Frequently asked

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