While the Bay of Kotor commands peak-season luxury prices, Montenegro’s rugged capital of Podgorica gives you direct access to the Balkans for practically pocket money. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, dramatic river gorges, and world-class wine country, it functions as a relaxed, compact base for a quick weekend away.
By unbundling direct London Gatwick flights and pairing them with a sleek one-bedroom apartment, you can secure a 3-day DIY trip for just £85.50 per person (£171 total for two).
The Cost Breakdown (Based on 2 Sharing)
| Item | Total Cost (2 People) | Cost Per Person | Notes |
| Direct Return Flights | £114.00 | £57.00 | London Gatwick ➔ Podgorica direct with Wizz Air UK |
| Modern City Apartment | £57.00 | £28.50 | 2 nights at Lux Milenium Apartmans |
| Fixed Baseline Total | £171.00 | £85.50 | Flights + accommodation secured |
| Est. Spending | ~£70.00 | ~£35.00 | Balkan grill feasts, local Vranac wine & espresso |
| Realistic Trip Total | ~£241.00 | ~£120.50 | All-in for 3 full days away |
1. The Flights: London Gatwick to Podgorica
- Airline: Wizz Air UK
- Route: London Gatwick (LGW) ➔ Podgorica Airport (TGD)
- Price: £57 return direct per person (£114 total for two)
- Outbound: 06:50 (LGW) ➔ 10:50 (TGD) – 3h 00m direct
- Inbound: 11:30 (TGD) ➔ 13:35 (LGW) – 3h 05m direct
Why this flight timing works: Touching down at 10:50 AM on day 1 gets you straight into the city centre before midday, giving you two full afternoons and evenings to explore while paying for just two nights’ stay.
Getting from Podgorica Airport to the City
- Taxi: Taxis wait directly outside the single arrivals terminal. Official flat-rate fares to the central district run around €10–€12 (roughly 15 minutes).
- Train: For budget purists, the Aerodrom train halt is a 10-minute walk from the terminal; regional trains run directly to Podgorica central station for under €2.
2. The Stay: Lux Milenium Apartmans
Skip tired hotel rooms, this booking secures a full private one-bedroom apartment near the Millennium Bridge.
- Property: Lux Milenium Apartmans
- Location: 13.Jul br.11, Podgorica (Rated 9.3 Superb on Booking.com)
- Total Cost: £57 for 2 nights (£28.50 per person based on 2 sharing)
- Layout: 484 sq ft private apartment with a separate bedroom (large double bed), private balcony with mountain/city views, living area, and ensuite bathroom.
- Amenities: Full private kitchen with dishwasher and stovetop, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, washing machine, and free high-speed Wi-Fi (rated 10/10).
The apartment sits within easy walking distance of the Morača riverbank, modern cafés, and the BIG Fashion shopping district.
What to Do in & Around Podgorica
- Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ: An immense, striking modern Orthodox cathedral famous for its lavish golden frescoes, marble floors, and detailed stone carvings.
- Millennium & Old Ribnica Bridges: Walk across the sleek white cables of the modern Millennium Bridge, then drop down into the canyon below to see the stone Ottoman bridge where the Ribnica meets the Morača River.
- Lake Skadar Day Trip: Just 25 minutes south by local train or taxi lies southern Europe’s largest lake, known for dramatic mountain reflections, pelicans, and tranquil boat trips through water lily channels.
- Plantaže Wine Cellars (Šipčanik): Tour a massive subterranean wine cellar converted from an abandoned Cold War underground military airbase, tasting local deep-red Vranac wines.
- Incredible Food Value: Montenegro uses the Euro (€), but prices remain ultra-low. Sit down at a traditional konoba for a massive ćevapi plate with kajmak and flatbread for €5–€7, paired with local draft beer for €2.
Prices and availability are accurate at the time of publication and based on two sharing. Fares and rates fluctuate dynamically with third-party providers and can change at any time. We are an independent travel platform and do not sell tickets or process bookings directly.