Montenegro

Brief History

Montenegro's rail network has a rich history, starting with the first narrow gauge lines built back in the early 20th century. These railroads are an important artifact of the past, imbued with the beauty of scenery and technical skill of engineers. The first railway line, narrow gauge line Gabela - Zelenika, was opened in 1901, and in 1908 opened the line Bar - Virpazar. Today, Montenegrin passenger trains offer the opportunity to travel along these historic routes, enjoying the unique experience and views from the train.

General Information and Statistics

Railways of Montenegro (Montenegrin: Željeznica Crne Gore (ŽCG) is one of the country's largest employers . Zeljeznicki Prevoz Crne Gore (ZPCG) reported that in the first nine months of 2015, the total number of passengers transported by rail was 967,200.

The total length of the railway network is 250 km, 225 of them electrified. There are only 11 railway stations and 38 train stops in Montenegro.

What connections to other countries there are.

There are frequent train services to the Serbia.

Are trains fast in Montenegro in general? How much time to cross the country?

Trains in Montenegro cannot be called high-speed. The current speed of the Niksic-Podgorica Railway is 75 km/h (47 mph) to 100 km/h (62 mph).. The journey from Bar to Bijelo Polje takes 2:58 hours and from Podgorica to Nikšić 1:03 hours.

What railway companies are available?

There are four separated companies that operate within the Montenegrin railway system: Railway Infrastructure of Montenegro JSC (infrastructure manager), Railway transport of Montenegro JSC (passenger railway undertaking), Montecargo JSC (freight railway undertaking), and Maintenance of railway rolling stock JSC, whose work is regulated and supervised by the regulatory authority or the Directorate of Railways.

What train types are available in Montenegro

There are 3 types of trains in Montenegro: 
    • Regional trains – run between Bar, Podgorica, Bijelo Polje and Niksic.
The Montenegrin Railways website lists them as "local" trains.
No reservations are required.
    • International trains
Bar – Podgorica – Beograd Centar – Zemun (daily)
Listed on the Montenegrin Railways website as "fast" trains.
Reservations are required.
    • Night trains
Bar – Podgorica – Beograd Centar – Zemun (Daily June 20th till September 18th 2023
Shown on the Railway Transport of Montenegro website as "fast" trains.
You need to reserve a seat or sleeping accommodation on the train.
You can find times for this night train in our timetable.

Are there high-speed-trains available?

Montenegro does not have dedicated high-speed trains like those found in some other countries. The train services in Montenegro generally operate at conventional speeds rather than high speeds. The infrastructure and railway network in the country are not designed or equipped for high-speed train travel.

Most important train stations / hubs.

The main railway hubs in Montenegro are Bar, Podgorica, Bijelo Polje, and Nikšić.

Websites to buy train tickets for Montenegro?

In Montenegro it is not possible to buy train tickets online.

Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Montenegro?

No app for buying tickets.

Possible to buy a ticket at a railway station in Montenegro?

You can buy a ticket at the railway ticket office. You can also buy a ticket when you board the train. After boarding the train, you will be approached by a conductor who will ask you where you are going, and after you tell him your destination, he will issue tickets to your destination.
Surcharge in the amount of one euro is charged for tickets purchased onboard the train from the conductor for departures from stations in which there is a ticketing office (Bar, Sutomore, Podgorica, Niksic and Bijelo Polje).

Tickets for international trains can be purchased at one of five points of sale.

Can I buy my ticket by phone?

There is no such opportunity. You can find out information about the schedule:
    • Bar: +382 30/301 615; 301 622
    • Podgorica: +382 20/441 211; 441 212
    • Bijelo Polje: +382 50/478 560

Return the ticket.

The passenger has the right to apply for a refund can only for the failed journey due to the fault of the carrier. no later than 15 days after the journey was completed, i.e. when it should have been completed.
A certified railway ticket must be submitted along with the refund application.

Train ticket prices

Željeznica Crne Gore ticket prices are not high. You can buy tickets for most long-distance journeys within Montenegro for as little as EUR 7.20 – even on major routes such as Bar to Bijelo Polje.

Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?

You can buy international train tickets from Bar to Belgrade Center for 21.00 €.

Where to find timetables.

Find train schedules on https://www.zcg-prevoz.me/

Buying tickets in advance or right before the train

The price of the ticket will not change if you buy it in advance. But keep in mind that in the high season there are a lot of tourists and tickets may not be available.

Types of tickets.

All the interested passengers may purchase a monthly pass at lower price and with up to 75% discount. For example, monthly pass for persons over the age of 26 on the route Podgorica – Sutomore costs 30 Euros whereas the price of this pass for persons under the age of 26 is only 21 Euro. The number of return journeys on the route for which the monthly pass is issued as well as for the journeys within that route is unlimited for monthly pass holders. This pass is issued based on K-5 ID card.

Interrail/Eurail Passes in Montenegro

Interrail/Eurail Passes are available for Montenegro. It is best to buy them from the official website.

Saver price.

There are no tickets at the best price in Montenegro, if you travel a lot, it is better to buy a monthly pass, with it tickets will be many times cheaper.

Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?

Buy single tickets, not return tickets. This will give you more flexibility if you need to change your travel plans. It is not cheaper to buy return tickets.

Flexible tickets.

Flexible tickets are not needed here, you can always get off at any stop by paying the fare, then get back on the train and buy a new ticket.

Rules of boarding.

When traveling by international train, in addition to a ticket, you may need a passport.

Discounts for group travel.

For the group journeys, if the group consists of more than 6 adults, the discount of 30% is allowed
Persons under the age of 26, retirees, persons over the age of 60 holding K-5 ID card and groups of 6 or more passengers, benefit of approx 30% discount to the regular ticket price.

Age groups and discounts.

Children from 6 to 14 years of age travel with 50% of discount.
Children up to 6 years of age travel free of charge if accompanied by a person having a ticket.
Students and scholars holding K-15 ID card, journalists holding K-5 ID card, holders of EURO < 26, ISIC, ITIC, IYTC, ETC cards, benefit of approx 50% discount to the regular ticket price.

Age limitations for minors.

Children from 6 to 14 years of age travel with 50% of discount.
Children up to 6 years of age travel free of charge if accompanied by a person having a ticket.

Handicapped passengers.

Visually impaired persons and accompanying persons are transported at the price of 1 euro on all lines operated by Railway transport of Montenegro with the K-5a ID card which is only owned by visually impaired a person;
Persons suffering from multiple sclerosis and related diseases are transported free of charge on all lines operated by Railway transport of Montenegro with the K-5 ID card.

Seat reservations in trains in Montenegro.

The only trains in Montenegro that require reservations are the day and night trains to Belgrade and Zemun (Serbia). You can do this at your local train station in Montenegro (five points of sale).

Comfort classes on the trains.

Trains assume second class and first class service. There is not much difference between the two classes, except that first class seats are larger and more comfortable) The Bar-Belgrade night train has sleeping carriages that can accommodate from 1 to 6 people.

Food and drink in trains / train restaurant in Montenegro.

There is no café bar or catering on the trains.

Night trains in Montenegro?

The only overnight train in Montenegro is Bar – Podgorica – Beograd Centar – Zemun. It includes sleeping compartments from a personal compartment for 1 person, to a compartment that accommodates 6 people.

Important train routes in Montenegro.

Bar – Podgorica / from 0:58 hours / from 2.40 EUR / 1 train every 1-3 hours
Bar – Bijelo Polje / from 3:08 hours / from 7,20 EUR / 5 trains a day
Podgorica – Niksic/ 1:03 hours / from 2,80 EUR / 5 trains a day
Podgorica – Bijelo Polje from 1:58 hours / from 5,20 EUR / 5 trains a day

International train routes.

There is direct international train from Montenegro to the Serbia.

Tourist / scenic routes in Montenegro.

Durmitor National Park is not only a hiker's paradise, but also a rafting paradise – some of the best in Europe. In winter the park opens for snow sports and you can buy a day pass for skiing and snowboarding. The Bay of Kotor is one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Mediterranean, which can be enjoyed by kayak – a number of companies offer tours through this spectacular part of the country.
The main rafting centres and slopes of the Durmitor National Park can best be accessed from Žabljak, which can be reached by road. The Bay of Kotor can only by reached by bus. There are daily buses linking Herceg Novi, Kotor, Budva, Cetinje and Podgorica.

Spend some time in the town of Bar, the landing point for all those crossing from Italy, and discover the ancient wonder that is Stari Bar. The sixth-century buildings that fill the area were created during Byzantine times and were destroyed during the Ottoman battles of the 19th century. The 240 or so ruins are surrounded by rocky cliffs, further enhancing the spectacular view of this magical ancient site.
The railway station in Bara is a 10-minute walk from the centre.

Luggage information.

On international trains the permitted free baggage allowance is 50 kilograms per person.

Bicycle on the train.

On local trains you can take your bike with you, a ticket is compulsory
Bicycle ticket – 4 Euro (2018).

Ski or snowboard on the train.

In winter, the beaches in Montenegro are replaced by ski resorts. There is no information on the official website about bringing skis and snowboards.

Luggage lockers on the stations in Montenegro.

There are no luggage storage facilities at railway stations in Montenegro. In Podgorica, however, there is a luggage storage room at the bus station.

Lost and Found Items.

There was no information from the official carrier. The most popular service in Serbia and Montenegro for finding lost things is https://tagmefy.com/serbia-and-montenegro/.

Pets on the trains.

Small dogs are transported with 50% discount to regular travel prices.