When going to and from the Peaks of the Balkans trail you have a variety of options. Reaching the trail requires a bit more logistical planning than your average hike - but that’s exactly part of what keeps this trek special. Fewer crowds, remote valleys, and a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Below I’ve gathered the most common and reliable entry points so you can decide what suits your itinerary, budget, and preferred starting country.
Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Plav (recommended)
Flying to Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, is one of the most straightforward ways to access the trail - especially if you want a smooth start with good infrastructure. Many international flights connect via Vienna, Istanbul, or Belgrade. Low-cost carriers such as Ryanair also operate direct routes from selected European cities. Podgorica Airport (Golubovci) is small and efficient, located about 15 km south of the city center. There is no official airport shuttle bus, so your best option is a taxi.
- Taxi to Podgorica bus terminal: €10-€15
- Travel time: ~20 minutes
- Ride sharing is common and can reduce costs
You can attempt to flag down a local bus on the Podgorica-Bar road, but it requires walking to the main road and there’s no guarantee it will stop if full.
Podgorica Bus Terminal → Plav
From the central bus station (15 minutes walk from downtown), there are around five daily departures to Plav.
- Travel time: ~4 hours
- Ticket price: ~€20
- Buy your ticket early - buses can fill up
A taxi from Podgorica to Plav is possible but expect to pay €100+ (again, ride sharing helps).
Why start in Plav?
Plav is one of the best logistical starting points:
- Large supermarkets (best resupply option on the trail)
- ATMs and pharmacies
- Multiple guesthouses and small hotels
- The trail runs directly through town
It’s a comfortable and practical place to begin.
Optional detour: Lake Skadar
Podgorica Airport is almost as close to Lake Skadar as it is to the city itself. If you have extra time, consider staying in Virpazar for kayaking or wine tasting before heading into the mountains.
Tirana Airport (TIA) to Theth or Valbona
If you prefer starting in Albania, Tirana is your main gateway. It has strong international connections and is often competitively priced. Tirana Airport is located about 17 km northwest of the city center.
- Airport bus to city center available
- Taxi: approx. €20
From Tirana, you have two main ways to reach the Albanian side of the trail.
Option 1: Tirana → Shkodër → Theth
- Bus from Tirana to Shkodër
- Transfer to a minibus heading to Theth
- Total travel time: 4-5 hours
- Total cost: roughly €40-€50
The road to Theth is steep but fully paved and dramatically scenic. Theth is a classic and beautiful starting point for the loop.
Option 2 (Most Scenic): The Koman Lake Ferry Route to Valbona
This route is more complex - but arguably one of the most beautiful transport experiences in the Balkans.
Step 1: Bus from Tirana to Koman (approx. 3 hours)
Step 2: Ferry from Koman to Fierze (approx. 3 hours)
Step 3: Minibus from Fierze to Valbona (45 minutes)
- Ferry ticket: ~€8
- Minibus: ~€7
- Taxi from Bajram Curri to Valbona (if needed): ~€25
Ferries operate via different companies (for example, Koman Lake Ferry and Mario Molla). Some operators bundle ferry + minibus transfers in one booking, which simplifies logistics. Valbona valley is long and spread out - tell the driver the name of your guesthouse to avoid being dropped far away.
This route takes more time, but if your schedule allows it, it’s absolutely worth it.
Pristina International Airport (PRN) to Rugova Valley
Pristina is less commonly used - but actually one of the shortest routes to reach the trail. Pristina Airport (Adem Jashari) is located about 15-20 km from the city.
- No official airport shuttle
- Taxi to city center: approx. €15
From Pristina bus terminal:
Step 1: Pristina → Pejë
- Buses every 20 minutes
- Travel time: ~2 hours
- Ticket price: ~€10
Step 2: Pejë → Rugova Valley
- Typically 1-2 daily buses (season dependent)
- From the valley you hike approx. 5 km to reach the trail
This is a very efficient entry if flight connections work for you. Pejë also has good accommodation options if you want to break the journey.
Alternative Entry: Tivat (Montenegro Coast)
If you plan to combine your hike with time on the Montenegrin coast, Tivat Airport is another option. From Tivat:
- Bus or taxi to Kotor
- Bus from Kotor to Podgorica
- Continue onward to Plav
This route adds extra travel time but works well if you want coastal days before or after your hike.
Arriving by Train
Podgorica lies on the railway line between Belgrade and Bar. The train ride through Montenegro is spectacular, crossing mountain ridges via tunnels and high viaducts. If you're traveling across Europe by rail, Interrail passes cover Montenegro and Kosovo (but not Albania). This can be a slower but memorable way to reach the region.
Tips & Tricks
- Minibuses are king in the Balkans. They’re frequent, flexible, and often faster than official buses.
- Guesthouses can help arrange transfers - this is often the easiest way to avoid language barriers.
- Ride sharing taxis is common and reduces cost significantly.
- Always carry some cash (euros are widely accepted in Montenegro and Kosovo).
- Timetables can change - confirm locally when possible.
Lastly, if the logistics feel overwhelming, consider using a local trekking agency to arrange transfers and accommodation. It’s surprisingly affordable and removes a lot of uncertainty - especially if you're short on time. Getting there takes a bit of coordination - but once you're in the mountains, see our Stages of the Trail to plan your days - it will all feel worth it.
