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We love slow travel, especially by train. We have crossed the United States on the California Zephyr and Lakeshore Limited and have travelled overnight from Yogyakarta to Malang in Indonesia and Budapest to Romania. If you wonder whether the train ride from Bar to Belgrade (or Belgrade to Bar) is worth your money (and time) and how to secure your ticket, we can comfortably help you – whichever your travel direction – as we made the journey twice:
- the first time around, during the day from Bar to Bijelo Polje on the border between Montenegro and Serbia (northbound) and
- about six weeks later, overnight from Belgrade to Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro (southbound).
If you plan to travel the Bar Belgrade Railway as part of a more extended trip around Montenegro, our 14-day Best of Montenegro Itinerary might also be helpful. And if you wonder how affordable this adventure might be, head over to our Montenegro Travel Budget Guide. But let’s chat about the Bar Belgrade Railway first.
While not the Hogwarts Express, the Montenegro Express (as the Bar Belgrade Railway is also known) is pretty special | Image courtesy of Jack Anstey on Unsplash
Why consider train travel in the first place?
I grew up travelling by train. Every school holiday, I would make the 6-hour/250km journey to my grandparents (and back home) – often on my own. Luckily, I share my life with someone who loves train journeys just as much as I do.
Here are some of the reasons why train travel remains our preferred mode of transport:
- We love the space and the ability to move around. We can chat with locals and fellow travellers around the globe or admire the landscapes passing by our window while someone else takes us from A to B.
- Train travel has become much more comfortable and faster since my childhood days in East Germany – maybe except for the Bar Belgrade Railway – but that is part of its charm (more on that below). In European countries with a reliable, high-speed rail network, train travel has become a viable alternative to flying.
- Finally, with trains often running on (renewable) electricity these days, taking the train also reduces our carbon footprint—a win/win situation.
What’s so special about the Bar Belgrade Railway?
The Belgrade Bar/Bar Belgrade Railway (or Montenegro Express, as it’s sometimes called) connects the Serbian capital, Belgrade, with the Montenegrin capital, Podgorica, and the port town of Bar on the Adriatic Coast, some 477km away. First conceived in 1952, the complete line was not operational until 1976.
One of the reasons it took so long is Montenegro’s mountainous topography. On its journey through Montenegro, the train traverses the Dinaric Alps, travelling over 243 bridges (the most famous being the Mala Rijeka Viaduct) and through 254 tunnels, reaching its highest point (at 1,032m a.s.l.) in Kolašin. Perhaps unsurprisingly, with such challenging terrain, the Belgrade Bar/Bar Belgrade Railway was one of Europe’s most expensive railway projects at the time. However, because of its mountainous terrain, it’s also one of Europe’s most spectacular train rides.
Climbing from sea level to over 1,000m, the Bar Belgrade Railway passes through 254 tunnels and crosses over 243 bridges
Map of Accommodation, Points of Interest, Eateries and Transport
Below is a map of the recommended accommodations, points of interest, eateries, and transport terminals or stops mentioned in this article.
How do you experience the best part of the Bar Belgrade Railway?
The most scenic sections of the Bar Belgrade Railway are in Montenegro:
- the stretch between Virpazar and Podgorica – when the train crosses Skadar Lake and
- the climb into the mountains – between Podgorica and Kolašin (the highest point on the line).
To experience this stretch, you’ll need to travel it during daylight hours (of course). So, before you plan your trip, check the daylight hours in Podgorica and Kolašin during your travels.
While it doesn’t matter whether you travel northbound or southbound, the northbound journey is the best option as you experience the slow ascent into the Dinaric Alps (rather than the slow descent if you travel southbound). Either way, pick a clear and sunny day if possible, as the views are one of a kind.
Following the Morača and Mala Rijeka rivers, the train starts its ascent into the mountains just north of Podgorica
Day trip from Bar to Kolašin (or Mojkovac)
You don’t have the time for the entire journey from Bar to Belgrade (or vice versa)? No problem. You can experience the best part of the Bar Belgrade Railway on a day trip between Bar and Kolašin. If you want to add a few nights to explore Biogradska Gora National Park, continue to Mojkovac (which is closer to the park and only about 20 minutes further north).
Train 1130 is the (faster) international train from Bar to Belgrade; the other two are local trains (which stop at every station). Given daylight hours vary throughout the year, we have included below (in brackets) the best times to travel. Make sure to confirm the train schedule before your trip:
From Kolašin (or Mojkovac), you can
- return by train the same way you came – pending schedule,
- return by bus along the E65 – directly, or with a stop-over at the Morača Monastery [Google Maps location] or a hike along the Mrtvica Canyon [Google Maps location], or
- continue your travels by bus to Žabljak, the gateway to Durmitor National Park, via Pljevlja and the Đurđevića Tara Bridge (another engineering marvel) – though there is only one connection per day – or via Podgorica.
You don't have to travel all the way. The most spectacular sections of the Bar Belgrade Railway can be experienced on a day trip
Complete Bar to Belgrade (or Belgrade to Bar) Journey
If you plan to travel from Montenegro to Serbia (or vice versa) anyway, I recommend doing the complete journey.
While the Montenegrin and Serbian Railways operate the trains, they’re not the quickest for publishing their seasonal schedules online. If you want to plan, it’s best to check the Deutsche Bahn website for the latest timetable. Remember that train delays are common, so don’t take the schedule as gospel. We experienced up to 1 1/2 hours when we travelled the route.
Important to know: During the summer season (mid-June to mid-September), the international trains run twice daily in either direction – one in the morning (arriving in the evening) and one in the evening (arriving the following morning). There are only overnight trains during the off-season (mid-September to mid-June). Also worth noting is the day trains start/finish in Subotica (Serbia).
In 2025, the Bar-Belgrade day train runs from 14 June to 15 September; the Belgrade-Bar day train runs from 13 June to 14 September:
| Day (Train 1131) | Overnight (Train 433) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Subotica | 0804h | ---- |
| Novi Sad | 0858h | ---- |
| Belgrade | 0945h | 2000h |
| Mojkovac | 1811h | 0406h |
| Kolašin | 1833h | 0424h |
| Podgorica Train | 2010h | 0548h |
| Bar | 2110h | 0654h |
Bearing in mind daylight hours during the year, you will only be able to see the most beautiful stretch:
- From Bar to Belgrade (northbound) – when taking the day train between mid-June and mid-September.
- From Belgrade to Bar (southbound) – when taking the overnight train between mid-May and mid-July. While not ideal, frequent train delays mean you’d (still) be descending as the sun rises.
These were also the two trains we took, and while our southbound trip was on a slightly overcast day, we did get to see the beautiful scenery twice. From Belgrade to Bar (southbound), you could (theoretically) take the day train as well, but given (often lengthy) delays are prevalent, you may end up descending when it’s already dark (and end up not seeing much at all).
To experience the most spectacular section of the Bar Belgrade Railway, you need to travel between Podgorica and Kolašin during daylight hours
How much does a trip on the Bar Belgrade Railway cost?
The daytime trains have first- and second-class seating. The overnight/sleeper trains have second-class seating, 4 and 6-berth couchettes and 1, 2 and 3-bed sleeper cabins with wash basins. So, you’ve got options, even if you’re on a very tight budget:
- The most spectacular stretch of track from Bar to Kolašin or reverse is less than EUR10 per person (including seat reservation, which only applies if you take the faster international train).
- The complete overnight journey from Bar to Belgrade or reverse (in a 2-berth cabin with washbasin) costs less than EUR50 per person. Even if you travel alone and want a cabin, it’ll cost you no more than EUR75.
Where can you buy tickets for the Bar Belgrade Railway?
From Bar (or Podgorica)
I recommend heading to the Bar (or Podgorica) train stations at least 30 minutes before departure for your day trip. If you do the complete journey, I recommend heading to the train station a few days in advance to avoid disappointment.
Important to note: If you are making the complete journey, given you are crossing a border, bring the passports of all those travelling with you when you buy the train tickets. They may not ask for them, but you don’t want to be without them if they do.
To buy train tickets from Bar just head to the train station (ideally a few days before your trip if you go all the way to Belgrade)
From Belgrade
You can buy tickets in person at the Belgrade Centre/Beograd Centar railway station – also known as Prokop [Google Maps location]. We recommend heading to the station a few days before departure to avoid disappointment. If you don’t have enough time, be at the station at least an hour before your train departs, as queues can be expected. You can pay for your ticket by credit card or cash (an ATM is in the main hall). There is also wifi at the station.
Important to note: If you make the complete journey, bring the passports of all those travelling with you when you purchase the tickets, just in case they’re needed.
While it’s called Belgrade Centre, it’s nowhere near the city centre. But there are public transport options to get here:
- Buses #34, #36, #38L and #600: Only bus #36 passes the city centre – take it from outside the Old Railway Station at Sava Square/Savski Trg [Google Maps location] or from Slavija Square/Trg Slavija [Google Maps location].
- Trolley buses #40 and #41 pass through the city centre. Take them from the stop at the Main Post Office/Glavna Pošta [Google Maps location] opposite the Parliament Building.
The railway station is within walking distance of the Museum of Yugoslavia complex [Google Maps location], which includes Tito’s tomb at the House of Flowers. So, you could combine your ticket purchase with a visit to the museum (though it’s closed on Mondays).
While not centrally located, Belgrade Centre Railway Station is in walking distance from the Museum of Yugoslavia
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What can you expect on the train between Bar and Belgrade?
The train
Since 2024, both the Montenegrin and the Serbian Railway companies have operated modern, air-conditioned trains during the day. These trains have large passenger cabins with two seats on either side of the aisle. Some seats are facing each other, with a small table in between. If you have the choice, sit on the left (northbound) for the best views.
Since 2024, the Montenegrin Railway operates modern, airconditioned trains on the Bar Belgrade Railway (though only during the day)
The overnight trains are still old-style, with six-seat cabins (three on either side facing each other) and sleeper cabins with one, two, three, four, and six berths. Our two-berth cabin had a bunk bed and washbasin, and it was lockable from the inside. Toilets are in the same carriage but shared among the passengers. Unlike the Amtrak trains we used in the US, there are no showers on the overnight trains between Bar and Belgrade (or reverse).
Two berth cabins are clean and comfortable...
...with shared toilets at the end of the hallway
During the journey
The train journey from Bar starts at just above sea level. For the first few kilometres, the train follows the Adriatic coast. Shortly after Sutomore (a package holiday hotspot), the train turns inland and passes through the first long tunnel. Once on the other side, the train passes through Virpazar and crosses Skadar Lake.
On the stretch between Bar and Podgorica, the train crosses gorgeous Lake Skadar
The train starts to ascend just north of Podgorica. One of the most incredible experiences is crossing the Mala Rijeka Viaduct [Google Maps location] between Bioče and Bratonožići, about 25 kilometres north of Podgorica. The Mala Rijeka Viaduct is 498 metres long and 198 metres above ground level. We had hoped the train would slow down for the crossing, but it didn’t. So, watch out the window and have your camera ready.
The train performs a horseshoe turn as it crosses the Mala Rijeka Viaduct
The gorges of the Mala Rijeka and Morača rivers become deeper and deeper, and the surrounding mountains become more and more rugged and impressive the further you climb.
The higher the train climbs
...the smaller the river and highway become
In Kolašin, the landscape, architecture and climate are distinctly alpine.
Kolašin has a distinctly alpine feel, with pleasant temperatures even on the hottest summer day
The border crossing
If you do the complete journey, you’ll cross the border between Montenegro and Serbia. This means your passports will be collected by uniformed border personnel (and returned to you) twice: once on the Montenegrin side and once on the Serbian side (or vice versa if you travel southbound). The stops on either side of the border take between 20 and 60 minutes each. Don’t set your alarm for the border crossing if you take the sleeper train. The trains are never on time. And the knock of the border personnel on your cabin door will wake you up.
You’ll also have to change trains if you’re taking the day train. Your seat reservation is valid on both trains (so you must make your way across to the other train, find your car and seat, and continue your journey). Just make sure you don’t leave anything behind.
There are two checkpoints when crossing the border between Montenegro and Serbia by train (plus a train swap during the day)
What else is essential to know?
You can use your Interrail/Eurail ticket on the Bar Belgrade Railway, though (as with other trains) you must reserve your seat/berth.
The age of the railway line and delays at the border mean the trains are always late. Our train from Belgrade, for example, arrived in Podgorica over an hour later than scheduled. So, if you have onward travel plans on the same day, leave enough buffer.
Don’t expect a restaurant car (or any other form of food and beverage service). Bring sufficient food and water for your day or overnight trip.
Smoking is (sadly still) quite prevalent in both Serbia and Montenegro. While the modern, airconditioned day trains are smoke-free, you’ll still be exposed to smokers on the old-style overnight trains. We didn’t find it unbearable on our journey but talk to your conductor if need be.
It gets pretty noisy in the tunnels (there are 254 of them). If you travel on the sleeper train, be prepared to close and reopen your windows frequently when taking photos.
Where to stay before/after your train trip?
Are you looking for accommodation before or after your railway journey? Here are our recommendations.
Accommodation in Bar
All are less than 1.5km (flat) walk away from the train station in Bar.
| Name | Property Features | Type | Price Indicator | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Sol Apartmani | Very close to train and bus station, yet quiet | Apartment | $$ | Book Now |
| Les appartements Prives Bar | Certain documented environmental practices implemented at property. 1100m from Bar train station Mountain views Fully equipped kitchen | Apartment | $$$$ | Book Now |
| Summer apartment | Balcony Washing machine Close to Seafront yet still walking distance to bus and train station | Apartment | $$ | Book Now |
Accommodation in Belgrade
All are centrally located and within 20-30 minutes by public transport from Belgrade’s Central Train Station.
| Name | Property Features | Type | Price Indicator | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savamala Lux Apartment | The entire place is yours, Parking, Wellness, Views, Kitchen Facilities | Apartment | $$ | Book Now |
| Simma Luxury Apartments and Rooms | Entire place options, views, Kitchen Facilities, Accessibility | Apartments | $$ | Book Now |
| Capitol Apartment Belgrade | The entire place is yours, Parking, Shuttle service, Kitchen Facilities | Apartment | $$$ | Book Now |
Keen to experience the Bar Belgrade Railway?
Do you have a question I didn’t answer? Or have you done the journey recently and would like to add something? Either way, please let me know.
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