Plan your trip
Budva to Lake Skadar: Complete Travel Guide
Budva sits about 50 km from Lake Skadar, a drive of roughly 50 minutes inland over Cetinje. Public transport is cheap but slower and only reaches Virpazar, so most day-trippers drive or take a transfer.
- Distance
- ~50 km
- Driving time
- ~50 minutes
- Fuel cost
- €6–€8 return
- Bus + train
- ~€2, ~1h 45min
- Our departure
- Rijeka Crnojevića
- Best months
- May to October
Driving from Budva
The road climbs from Budva to Cetinje and then drops towards the lake. For Rijeka Crnojevića, follow the Cetinje road and take the village turn-off — about 50 minutes, ending at Restaurant Savina Luka and its free private parking. For Virpazar, continue via Podgorica or the Sozina tunnel road.
Morning is best in both directions: cooler air, calmer water and quieter roads.
By bus and train
From Budva's main station a bus runs to Podgorica or Sutomore, and the Bar–Belgrade train stops at Virpazar. Combined, the trip takes around one hour 45 minutes and costs a couple of euros. It is a good budget option if Virpazar is your destination; for the canyon route you would need an onward transfer to Rijeka Crnojevića.
What to do once you are there
A private boat tour through the reed channels and lily fields is the reason most people make the trip. Birdlife is exceptional — the lake has more than 280 recorded species, including Dalmatian pelicans — and in summer the boat stops for a swim in clean, warm freshwater. Lunch at Restaurant Savina Luka rounds off the day with fresh lake fish.
Plan your day on the water
Private boat tours from Restaurant Savina Luka in Rijeka Crnojevića — your group only, free private parking, swim stop included in season.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Lake Skadar from Budva?
About 50 km, roughly 50 minutes by car via Cetinje.
Can you get from Budva to Lake Skadar by public transport?
Yes, by bus and train to Virpazar in about one hour 45 minutes for around €2. Rijeka Crnojevića needs a car or transfer.
How long should a day trip take?
Allow two hours of travel plus your time on the water — a half-day for a short tour, a full day if you add lunch and a viewpoint stop.