How to Get to Lake Skadar from Podgorica, Cetinje, Kotor and Budva

The first decision: Rijeka Crnojevića or Virpazar

The lake has two tourism gateways and they lead to different days. Rijeka Crnojevića is the quiet village in the north-west, on the Crnojevića River. Tours from here follow around 15 kilometres of river canyon — stone bridges, reed channels, water-lily fields — before the lake opens up. Virpazar, in the south-west, is the larger hub with the railway station; boats there head straight onto open water and skip the river entirely.

All of our tours leave from Restaurant Savina Luka in Rijeka Crnojevića, directly at the boats, with free private parking.

By car

Driving is the most flexible option and the only practical way to reach Rijeka Crnojevića directly. From Podgorica, take the road towards Cetinje and turn off for the village: about 25 minutes. From the coast you climb the Kotor or Budva mountain road to Cetinje first, then drop down to the river. Roads are paved and in good condition, though the coastal serpentines are narrow and slow in summer.

Car hire in Podgorica or at the airport typically starts around €25 to €35 a day. Parking at Restaurant Savina Luka is free and private for our guests.

By bus and train

Buses connect Podgorica with Virpazar around ten times a day, taking 30 to 40 minutes for roughly €4 to €5. Buses from the coast usually route via Podgorica or Cetinje. The Bar–Belgrade railway also stops at Virpazar: trains from Podgorica run every two to three hours, take about half an hour and cost around €2 — the cheapest and one of the most scenic approaches.

Both reach Virpazar only. If you are travelling without a car and want the canyon route, the simplest plan is to base yourself in Podgorica and arrange a transfer to Rijeka Crnojevića. Write to us before you travel and we will help you organise it.

City-by-city detail

Each main approach has its own guide with directions and timings: Podgorica, Kotor and Budva. Cetinje, the old royal capital, is the closest town of all at about 20 minutes and pairs well with a lake visit if you are exploring inland.