After spending two wonderful days in Belgrade (Serbia’s capital), our next destination was Podgorica (Montenegro’s capital). We opted to cross the border by bus as it was a cheaper option.
↪️ Download this free Border crossing guidebook ↩️
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How to buy the bus tickets
It is hard to find a bus company that operates on this route. Getbybus, a search engine for bus connection in Europe solves your problem. Enter the website and follow these two steps
- Search your route
- Book your ticket
Tip: Most of the trips in this route need a printed copy of your ticket. So be sure to read the FAQs.
Several bus companies operate this route. We selected Bozur, the 17.45 departure. The price was decent (17 €) for a 500 km route.
Note: Irrespective of the booking, the driver charges 1€ additionally to store your luggage during boarding.
Our bus had already left
We reached the Belgrade main bus station at 17.30. To our surprise, the bus had just left.
‘What do we do now?’, was our only thought. Later we tried contacting the bus company’s helpline number. They said, ‘The bus left at 17.30. Don’t worry, you can board our next bus at 19.30’. At that point, there was no option.
How can a bus company be irresponsible? Since it was just a matter of a couple of hours, it was ok. What if that was the last bus for the day?
Pro-tip: Reach your bus/train station at least an hour before the departure time.
Inside Bozur bus
Comfortable seats with push back option, free wifi onboard, toilet; what else do you need? But the bus was half empty as we traveled during the off-season (February).
The Bozur bus was similar to other European operators like Flixbus, Eurolines, Regio jet.
Border crossing
It was mid-night, ~ 1 am. Our bus reached the Serbian-Montenegro border. Two police officers entered the bus, started collecting everyone’s passport along with any other travel document. In our case, we gave the German Residence permit.
These officers generally enter your data in their system to check the validity. After thirty minutes, both returned back and handed over our belongings.
Even though all your travel documents are correct, if someone takes away the passport for verification, you feel anxious. Isn’t it?
Arrival at Podgorica bus station
It was 5 am when the bus arrived. There was hardly anyone. Our accommodation through Booking.com was only a few hundred meters away from the bus station, yet it was a scary walk.
My experience
The total journey lasted about 8 hours. It was a pleasant experience except for long breaks at a few stops. The seats were comfortable, the border crossing went smoothly and most important importantly the arrival was punctual. Everything was worth the price (17 €). If you are on a budget, then the bus is the best option on this route.
Overall experience: 
out of 5
Time of visit: February 2020
“If you want reality take the bus” – David LaChapelle