Plan your trip
Podgorica to Lake Skadar: the Fastest Routes
Podgorica is the closest city to Lake Skadar, which makes it the simplest base for a quick visit: about 25 minutes by car to Rijeka Crnojevića, 35 to Virpazar, and half an hour by train for a couple of euros.
- Car to Rijeka Crnojevića
- ~25 min
- Car to Virpazar
- ~35 min
- Train to Virpazar
- ~30 min, ~€2
- Bus to Virpazar
- 30–40 min, €4–€5
- Buses per day
- About 10
- Trip length
- Half day
Driving from Podgorica
For Rijeka Crnojevića, head towards Cetinje and take the turn-off for the village — around 25 minutes in total, ending at Restaurant Savina Luka where the boats are moored. For Virpazar, follow the main road south towards Bar, roughly 35 minutes. Roads are paved and easy, and the airport sits just south of the city, so a lake morning fits neatly around a flight.
Parking with us is free and private. Car hire in Podgorica or at the airport usually runs €25 to €35 a day.
By train or bus
Trains on the Bar–Belgrade line stop at Virpazar every two to three hours, take about 30 minutes and cost around €2. Buses run to Virpazar around ten times a day for €4 to €5, from the station next to the railway terminal. Both serve Virpazar only; an onward transfer is needed to start from Rijeka Crnojevića.
Planning the day
Because the lake is so close, a half-day is enough. Drive out in the morning, take a boat tour through the canyon, eat fresh fish at Restaurant Savina Luka, and you are back in the city by early afternoon. The 40-minute Canyon of River Crnojevića tour is the quickest way onto the water; the Amazon Classic Tour is the most popular choice at around an hour and a half.
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 Podgorica?
About 35 km and 25 minutes by car to Rijeka Crnojevića.
Is Lake Skadar a good day trip from Podgorica?
It is the easiest excursion from the capital. A morning boat tour plus lunch is a comfortable half-day.
Which part of the lake is closest to Podgorica?
Rijeka Crnojevića in the north-west, where the river canyon begins and our boats depart.