Tivat Airport (TIV/LYTV) – Your Essential Gateway to the Montenegrin Coast
Tivat Airport (TIV) is the strategic international gateway to Montenegro’s stunning Adriatic coastline. Nestled within the spectacular Bay of Kotor, the airport’s location is uniquely appealing, situated only 4 km (2.5 miles) from Tivat city center and a mere 10 km (6 miles) from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kotor. TIV is indispensable for accessing the country’s most popular tourist destinations, including Porto Montenegro, Budva, and the luxury resorts of Sveti Stefan.
Tivat Airport operates as a highly seasonal hub, experiencing significant traffic peaks during the summer months and is currently managed by the state-controlled operator, Aerodromi Crne Gore (ACG).
General Information and Vital Statistics
The airport plays a vital role in Montenegro’s thriving tourism sector, with passenger traffic showing strong signs of recovery and expansion in the post-pandemic era.
| Feature | Details |
| IATA / ICAO Code | TIV / LYTV |
| Location | Tivat, Montenegro (42° 24′ 12” N, 18° 43′ 32” E) |
| National Base | Base for the national carrier, Air Montenegro |
| Passenger Traffic (2024) | 1.12 million passengers (Surpassed the 1 million mark for the first time since the pandemic) |
| Peak Season | May – September, accounting for over 80% of annual traffic |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
Terminal Facilities and Key Infrastructure Projects
Tivat Airport operates a single terminal building, which features gates C and D. The facility is fully equipped to accept payments in Euros (EUR) and provides essential services for travelers.
Current Passenger Services
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi access is available via the “Tivat Airport Wi-Fi” network.
- Amenities: A duty-free shop, the Sky Cafe, and baggage wrapping services are available (approx. €5).
- Disabled Access: The terminal is equipped to provide necessary access and assistance for passengers with reduced mobility.
- Premium Experience: A VIP Lounge is available for a charge, typically around €20 for a 2-hour stay, offering a more comfortable environment.
- Lost & Found: For inquiries regarding lost luggage or items, contact: +382 32 670 930.
Future Development and Concession
The Montenegrin government has recognized the critical need to modernize TIV’s infrastructure to meet growing demand.
- Terminal Expansion: An internal expansion project, scheduled for completion in 2025, is set to add 2,500 m² of space, increase the terminal’s capacity to 2.5 million annual passengers, and introduce four new gates to improve efficiency during peak hours.
- Concession Process: A long-term concession process for the operation of Tivat and Podgorica airports is actively underway, with international bids being evaluated in mid-2025. The goal is to secure a private partner to fund and execute major, long-term infrastructure improvements.
- Road Access: Significant improvements to surrounding road networks, such as the Tivat-Jaz Boulevard reconstruction, are progressing and expected to enhance traffic flow to and from the coast by early 2026.
Airlines and Direct Destinations
Tivat Airport offers a dynamic network of connections, heavily focused on key European markets to facilitate tourism.
Major Carriers and Market Trends
The airport connects Montenegro with major cities across Europe and the Middle East, with more than 33 scheduled destinations in 20 countries during the summer season.
- Flag and Network Carriers: Air Montenegro, Air Serbia, Turkish Airlines, Austrian Airlines, and British Airways (exploring new London Heathrow routes for 2026).
- Low-Cost & Charter: easyJet (significant capacity increase from the UK and Germany), Wizz Air, and TUI.
- Middle East: Flydubai operates the longest non-stop flight from TIV to Dubai (DXB), with a flight time of approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes, reinforcing Tivat’s growing global reach.
Key Routes and Summer 2025/2026 Season Highlights
- New Routes (2025): New connections include Prague (Air Montenegro, 3X-weekly) and Barcelona (Vueling, 3X-weekly), alongside strengthening links to the UK with expanded services from easyJet to London Gatwick, London Luton, Manchester, and Bristol.
- High Frequency: The Belgrade (BEG) route remains the most crucial connection, served multiple times daily by Air Montenegro and Air Serbia.
- Regional Expansion: Efforts are underway to attract new routes from destinations like Marseille (Volotea), Antalya (SunExpress), and Düsseldorf (Eurowings) for the 2026 season.
Ground Transportation Options
Tivat Airport offers several reliable transfer options to key coastal destinations like Kotor, Budva, and Tivat itself.
| Mode of Transport | Travel Time (approx.) | Fare (approx.) | Recommended Advice |
| Taxi | Tivat: 10 mins Kotor: 15–20 mins Budva: 30 mins | Tivat: €10–€15 Kotor: €20–€25 Budva: €30+ | Use licensed companies like Red Taxi or Bolt. It is crucial to confirm the fare with the driver before the journey begins. |
| Private Transfers | Kotor: 15–20 mins Budva: 30–35 mins | Kotor: Approx. €25 Budva: Approx. €30 | Best for pre-booked, hassle-free travel directly to your hotel. Advance reservation is required. |
| Car Rental | Varies | Starting from €50/day (Peak Season) | International companies (Hertz, Sixt, Europcar) are available on-site. Highly recommended for exploring the entire Montenegrin coast and the surrounding national parks. Book early for summer! |
| Public Transport | N/A (Indirect) | €2–€5 (Local bus fare) | There are no direct public bus services from the airport terminal. Travelers must take a taxi or walk to the main Tivat Bus Station for onward connections. |
Contact Information
For official inquiries and traveler support, use the following contact details:
- Address: Tivat Havalimanı, 85320 Tivat, MONTENEGRO
- Information Phone: +382 32 670 930
- Website: www.airports.me