7 money-saving rules for riding the Lovćen sleeper train in Montenegro

One of the world’s most scenic train journeys is Europe’s Belgrade-to-Bar route, which connects Serbia’s capital with Montenegro’s Adriatic coast. The route passes through 254 tunnels and crosses around 435 bridges, offering spectacular mountain views along the way.

However, traveling on the historic Lovćen sleeper train requires some planning. In this listicle, we take a look at seven money-saving rules to follow before boarding the train.

1. Booking guide

The train journey is world-famous and often busy, especially during the summer. Hence, booking a ticket early is a good way to secure a preferred seat or a sleeping compartment.

Passengers can book a ticket online through Serbian and Montenegrin railway services.

2. Compare sleeper and couchette prices

Once on the booking site, travelers can choose between regular seats, private sleeping compartments, and couchettes. A bed in a six-person couchette costs €8 extra. Meanwhile, a two-bed sleeper costs €24 extra, per The Man in Seat 61.

Also, choosing a shared compartment can help save money.  Securing a preferred seat can make the Lovćen sleeper train experience in Montenegro more worthwhile and memorable.

3. Prefer the day train

Another important way to save money is to book a daytime train to enjoy the beautiful landscapes without paying extra for a sleeper compartment.

A seasonal daytime service operates during the summer, and you must check the seasonal timetable before scheduling a trip.

4. Bring some essentials

Other essentials travelers can carry include earplugs, an eye mask, and comfortable clothing. The border checks can interrupt sleep, as Serbian and Montenegrin officials inspect passengers’ travel documents during the journey.

5. Check the windows

A small but important step to make your journey more comfortable without spending extra money is checking whether your window opens before you sit down. Some travelers have reported that older train compartments can get hot at night, which may cause discomfort during the journey, per Rail Away.

Checking the window early could help travelers, as they can request a seat switch or have it fixed to ensure a smooth journey.

6. Carrying your own food

Travelers should also consider bringing their own food, as options on an overnight train are often limited and more expensive.

Therefore, passengers must either bring food from home or buy food and drinks at Belgrade Central Station before boarding. Local bakeries also offer the best options at an affordable price.

7. Book a return ticket on time

During peak travel season, sleeper compartments can sell out quickly, and if you plan to head back to Belgrade, you must book a return ticket in advance; a round-trip ticket could be the best option.

That said, the Belgrade-Bar railway is a thrilling way to reach Montenegro’s coast without spending much on travel; with some early preparation, travelers can make the journey smoother and stay under budget.