How to Get to Virpazar for a Lake Skadar Boat Tour (from Podgorica, Budva, Kotor)
How to get to Virpazar from Podgorica, Budva and Kotor — driving, bus, train, parking and the meeting point for boat tours.
Virpazar is small, but it sits at a crossroads: 40 minutes from Podgorica airport, an hour from Budva, an hour and a half from Kotor. That makes it one of the easiest lake destinations in the Balkans to reach — as long as you know which road to take and where to leave the car.
Here's what actually works, by transport type and by starting point.
From Podgorica (airport or city)
By car: 35–45 minutes, ~35 km. Take the E80 south, then the M2.4 towards Bar. Virpazar is signposted from the main road. Simple, mostly two-lane, no tolls.
By bus: hourly buses from Podgorica bus station to Bar or Sutomore stop in Virpazar. €4–5, ~45 minutes.
By train: two to three trains a day on the Podgorica–Bar line stop at Virpazar station. €2–3, ~30 minutes, very scenic.
From Budva
By car: 50–65 minutes, ~55 km. The pretty way is the coastal road to Sutomore and inland via Bar; the faster way is the Sozina tunnel (€3.50 toll) from Bar towards Podgorica.
By bus: no direct bus. Take a Budva–Podgorica bus, change at Sutomore or Bar for a Bar–Podgorica bus that stops in Virpazar. Slow — 2 hours total.
Best option for a day trip: rent a car for the day or hire a private driver. €70–100 return.
From Kotor
By car: 1h 20min–1h 40min, ~80 km. Via the Sozina tunnel (fastest), or the scenic old road over the Lovćen pass (add an hour but stunning).
By bus: same story as Budva — no direct route, expect 2.5–3 hours with connections.
By taxi or private transfer: €90–130 one way, or book a driver for the day at €120–180.
From Tivat airport
By car: 1h 15min, ~75 km via the Sozina tunnel. Most rental agencies at Tivat let you drop off at Podgorica airport if you're only using the car one-way.
There are no direct buses; a taxi is €90–110.
Parking in Virpazar
The village has a small paid car park by the bridge (€2–3 per day) and a larger free lot on the edge of the village, five minutes' walk from the pier. In July and August the paid lot fills by 10am — arrive earlier or use the free lot.
Do not park on the narrow lanes inside the village; you'll block a delivery truck and someone will move you.
The boat tour meeting point
Almost all tours meet at the main pier under the stone bridge in the centre of Virpazar. It's 3 minutes on foot from the paid car park, 5–7 minutes from the free lot, and clearly signposted.
Wooden boat tours from Poseljani meet at a different pier, 15 minutes by car from Virpazar. If you booked a wooden boat, double-check the meeting point before you drive.
How early to arrive
Arrive 15 minutes before your booked time. That covers parking, the walk to the pier, finding your skipper and getting on board. In July and August, add 10 minutes for the car park.
If you're on the train, the station is a 5-minute walk from the pier — comfortable.
Frequently asked
How long does it take to drive from Podgorica airport to Virpazar?+
About 35–45 minutes, roughly 35 km on good roads. No tolls.
Is there a train to Virpazar?+
Yes. Two to three trains a day on the Podgorica–Bar line stop at Virpazar. Around €2–3 and 30 minutes from Podgorica.
Can I get to Virpazar by bus from Kotor or Budva?+
Not directly. You'll change at Bar or Sutomore. Expect 2–3 hours total. For a day trip, a rental car or private driver is much easier.
Where do I park in Virpazar?+
There's a paid lot by the bridge (€2–3 per day) and a free lot on the edge of the village, 5 minutes on foot from the pier. In summer, arrive before 10am for the paid lot.
Where does the boat tour meet?+
At the main pier in the centre of Virpazar, under the stone bridge. Wooden boat tours from Poseljani have a different meeting point 15 minutes away — check your booking.
Can I do Virpazar as a day trip from Kotor?+
Yes, but plan on 3+ hours of driving for the round trip. Leave early, do a morning boat tour and lunch in the village, and you'll be back by early evening.