Off-Season Arrivals: Getting Around Bar When Fewer Taxis Are on the Road

Montenegro's coast runs on a summer rhythm, packed with visitors from around June through September, and noticeably quieter the rest of the year. If you're arriving in the off-season, whether by ferry, train, bus, or otherwise, a few things work differently, and it's worth planning around them.

The ferry may not be running at all

The Bar-Bari ferry is a seasonal service, typically operating during the warmer months when tourist demand is highest. Outside that window, it may not run at all, or may run on a much reduced schedule. If you're planning an off-season trip and were counting on this route, check directly with the current operator well ahead of time, since assuming it runs year-round is a common and costly mistake.

The railway still runs, but check timing carefully

The Belgrade-Bar railway operates year-round, but service frequency and specific timetables can shift between seasons, and this is a line where delays aren't unusual even in peak conditions. In winter, mountain weather can add further unpredictability to an already long journey. Build in extra buffer time if you're connecting to something time-sensitive at the Bar end.

Buses keep running, generally with less frequency

Intercity bus routes typically continue through the off-season, but with fewer daily departures on some routes compared to summer's peak frequency. If you're relying on buses for a specific connection, check the current schedule rather than assuming summer-level frequency.

Fewer taxis on the road

This is the part that catches a lot of off-season visitors off guard. During peak summer, Bar has a strong taxi presence with cars readily available at the port, station, and around town. In the quieter months, there are simply fewer drivers working at any given time, which means less "just walk outside and flag one down" convenience and a stronger case for booking ahead.

What to do differently

Book ahead whenever you can. If you know your ferry, train, or bus arrival time, booking a taxi through the Greencar.me Taxi app in advance means a car's arranged rather than relying on availability at the moment you arrive. This matters more in the off-season than in July or August, when cars are simply everywhere.

Build in more buffer time. Whether it's a train that's running behind schedule, a bus with a longer than usual gap before the next departure, or just fewer cars available for a same-day booking, off-season logistics benefit from a bit more slack than a tightly scheduled summer itinerary.

Confirm everything closer to your travel date. Off-season schedules, especially for the ferry, change more than peak-season ones. Don't lock in a rigid plan too far ahead without a final check closer to departure.

The upside of off-season travel

It's not all downsides. Fewer crowds at Stari Bar, easier restaurant tables, and a quieter, more relaxed version of the town. If you don't mind planning a little more carefully around transport, the off-season has a genuine appeal of its own.

Where the pickup zone still applies

Regardless of season, our pickup zone stays the same: anywhere within Opština Bar municipality (Bar, Sutomore, Čanj, Dobra Voda, Šušanj, Stari Bar, Virpazar, Utjeha), with drop-off anywhere. Full details in our airport transfers guide.

For a broader look at getting around without a rental car, in any season, see Seeing Montenegro Without a Rental Car, and for the general arrival picture, our pillar guide to arriving in Bar. Once you're set, A Practical Checklist for Your First Hour in Bar is a handy reference no matter what time of year you land. Book through the Greencar.me Taxi app: Google Play or the App Store.