Car Rental in Montenegro: 5 Tips for a Smooth Driving Experience
Essential guide to car rental in Montenegro: local tips, best time to book, road rules, and how to avoid hidden costs while exploring the country.
Car rental in Montenegro is one of the key factors that will allow you to explore this unique country without obstacles. Instead of relying on bus lines, private transfers, or even walking, you can rent a car that suits your needs, making your trip significantly easier.
That’s exactly why we put together this guide. From the best destinations for renting a car in Montenegro to practical tips related to the rental process and the requirements necessary to complete it — our 5 tips for car rental in Montenegro will help you choose the right vehicle in the most practical way and experience everything Montenegro has to offer. And trust us, it truly has a lot to offer.
So let’s begin...
Tip 1: Choose the Ideal Location for Picking Up Your Vehicle
When planning a car rental in Montenegro, one of the main factors is the location where you will pick up the vehicle, which has a much bigger impact than it may seem at first. Choosing the right location can significantly save you time, money, and—above all—make it easier to access some of the most popular destinations in Montenegro such as Kotor, Budva, Tivat, Podgorica, Ulcinj, and others.
Picking up the car at the airport as one of the most practical options
This is certainly one of the most practical options when it comes to car rental in Montenegro, especially if you are arriving with family or friends. We all know that upon arriving at the airport, you’re often tired from traveling, and getting to the nearest city center is something you’re not exactly excited about.
That’s why having a reserved vehicle waiting for you just outside the airport is something you’ll be especially thankful for. Many agencies, including Montenegro Car, offer the option to pick up your car at either Tivat or Podgorica airport after booking. This is very convenient simply because all rental-related matters are handled in advance, and all you have to do after landing is load your luggage and immediately start your adventure across Montenegro.
Additionally, Podgorica and Tivat are located in strategically ideal positions. From Podgorica, you can be in the mountains or at the coast in just a few hours, while from Tivat you can begin exploring everything Montenegro’s coast has to offer right away.
Note: Depending on the agency, airport pick-up fees may be slightly higher (especially during peak season), but it’s a cost well worth paying considering everything this rental method provides.
Advantages of renting in city centers
On the other hand, unlike airport pick-up, renting a car in Podgorica, Kotor, or Budva—in their city centers—is often a more affordable option. Additionally, agencies often use these cities as their operational bases, meaning you’ll have the chance to see the full fleet of vehicles firsthand and choose the one that suits you best.
Yes, this method may take up more time from your planned activities, but it can turn into an adventure in itself, giving you a chance to stroll through some of Montenegro’s most famous cities and possibly discover unexpected places and landmarks.
Also, there are usually more options in cities, so if you decide to rent a car in Budva, for example, you’ll have the opportunity to visit several agencies, compare their offers, and choose the one that best fits your travel plans.
Tip 2: To Get the Best Price, Book at the Right Time
Now we come to the part that might interest you the most: how to get the best price when it comes to car rental in Montenegro. What’s important to know is that rental car prices in Montenegro vary depending on the time of year. That’s why it’s crucial to know when you can get the best price for the highest-quality cars, with minimal impact on your budget.
Seasonal price fluctuations you should be aware of
Since summer is the most important time of year for Montenegro’s tourism season, it’s only logical that car rental prices are somewhat higher than usual. This especially applies to renting cars in Kotor and Budva, as those two destinations are among the most popular in Montenegro.
On the other hand, if you’re planning your visit in winter, you’ll be able to rent a car at a price up to 50% lower than in the summer season. Also, during the winter period, many agencies offer more affordable options for long-term rentals, which can be useful if you’re planning a longer stay.
Now we come to the best time to travel to Montenegro—which is definitely autumn and spring. During these periods, the crowds are significantly smaller, the weather in Montenegro is practically ideal, the car selection is widest, and prices are somewhere between the summer and winter ones, meaning they won’t put a strain on your budget.
Early booking as a tool for saving money
One of the most important factors when it comes to car rental in Montenegro, especially in relation to pricing, is—of course—early booking! That way, you won’t just save money, but also gain access to a much wider selection of vehicles.
In addition, with early booking, you’ll have more than enough time to carefully read all the specifications of the cars that interest you, compare the competition, read reviews, choose your pick-up location, and easily explore the best places to visit in Montenegro, and more.
On top of that, many agencies offer special discounts and deals for early bookings, so we strongly recommend that—if possible—you book your car at least a month in advance. That way, you’ll be able to secure the best, and more importantly, the most economical deal.
Note: When booking early, always pay attention to the cancellation policy, to avoid unnecessary complications in case you decide to cancel your reservation for any reason.
Tip 3: Familiarize Yourself with Local Driving Conditions in Time
Before diving into a car rental in Montenegro, it’s very important to know what documentation you need, as well as what condition the roads in Montenegro are in (without which it’s basically impossible to rent a car). This type of preparation will allow for a stress-free drive through Montenegro—and beyond.
Mandatory documentation you must have
The basic requirement for driving in Montenegro is a valid driver’s license. A particular advantage is that travelers coming from the EU do not need an international driving permit—they can pick up and drive a rental car with the license issued in their home country.
Rental agencies often ask foreign citizens not only for a driver’s license but also a copy of their passport, ID card, and the credit card used for the deposit. In addition, it’s very important to know that if you wish to cross the border with a rented vehicle, you’ll need written permission from the agency, as well as a green card (international insurance certificate), which is still required for certain countries like Albania.
Note: If you opt for a car rental in Montenegro and plan to cross a border with the vehicle, you should know that rental costs are usually somewhat higher. This is simply because agencies want to cover themselves better in case of any unforeseen situation—which, hopefully, won’t happen.
Roads in Montenegro
Roads in Montenegro vary depending on the region you’re visiting. In the central region (Podgorica–Nikšić–Cetinje and surrounding areas), roads are very good, wide, mostly straight, and without many inclines, so you’ll be able to travel these routes with almost any decent vehicle.
On the other hand, roads along the coast are high quality but often narrower and more winding, so we advise a more cautious driving style there. Also, if you plan to visit some of Montenegro’s hidden spots—whether secluded beaches or mountain attractions—be aware that roads leading to them are often narrow, not very new, full of steep inclines and declines, and sometimes gravel.
That’s why we advise paying attention to which vehicle you rent if you plan to visit these kinds of places, as well as how you drive it, to avoid damaging the car (and, of course, to protect your safety).
Important to know:
- Speed limits range from 50 km/h in urban areas to up to 110 km/h on open roads
- Winter tires are mandatory from November to March
- Headlights must be on at all times during the day
- Police often conduct road checks—follow the rules to avoid fines
If your car rental in Montenegro includes travel outside the country, check all the details with the agency before you leave.
Tip 4: Choose a Vehicle That Matches Your Planned Routes
Now we come to perhaps the most important piece of advice we have to share with you—and that is choosing the right vehicle. With any car rental in Montenegro, the choice of vehicle significantly affects comfort, safety, and overall travel quality.
Car Rental in Montenegro: Match the car to the characteristics of your trip
Before renting a vehicle, it’s very important to sit down and think about where you want to go, which specific places you plan to visit, how many passengers will be with you, and how much gear you’ll be carrying. It’s also very important to know that driving through the Bay of Kotor is nothing like driving toward Durmitor.
For coastal destinations like Budva, Kotor, Bar, and Ulcinj, as well as central regions such as Podgorica, Nikšić, and Cetinje, a slightly roomier car with a smaller engine will do just fine. In fact, due to traffic congestion and the nature of old coastal towns, it would be ideal to choose a smaller vehicle. Of course, this depends on how many people are traveling with you.
On the other hand, if you plan to visit Durmitor, Prokletije, the Tara Canyon or Nevidio Canyon, or any more remote area, we recommend opting for an SUV or a larger car with 4x4 drive. We suggest this because roads in those areas are often steeper, in poorer condition, and sometimes without guardrails—so this type of car will offer a more functional and much safer travel experience.
Tip 5: Avoid Hidden Costs and Unpleasant Surprises
During a car rental in Montenegro, it’s not uncommon for clients to encounter fees, charges, and insurance conditions that aren’t clearly emphasized at the time of booking. Understanding these can save you from uncomfortable situations during your rental and trip—something you definitely want to avoid.
Insurance: what is and isn’t covered
The base price often includes only the most basic insurance with a high deductible. Additional coverage, such as Super CDW, can significantly increase your protection in case of incidents, but it comes with a daily fee—which you should be aware of. Also, damages to tires, windows, mirrors, and the vehicle interior are often excluded from coverage unless paid for separately.
Tip: Check whether your policy or credit card covers part of the insurance (read the rental agreement carefully). If not, the additional deposit may amount to several hundred euros.
During a car rental in Montenegro, there are also some items that are commonly charged extra. Some of them include:
- Child seat
- GPS
- Border crossing
- In some cases, airport pick-up or delivery to a special location is also charged separately.
Bonus Tips for a Stress-Free Car Rental
If you opt for a car rental in Montenegro, it’s very important to understand that good preparation is what will make a significant difference during your trip. As the first piece of advice, we would highlight thoroughly inspecting the vehicle. This is very important because if you don’t notice a defect, scratch, or damage when picking up the car, and later return it with that same issue, you could end up being held responsible for damage you didn’t cause.
In addition, we advise you to become well informed about the traffic rules in Montenegro to avoid unpleasant and potentially dangerous situations. It’s important to know that individuals under 18 are prohibited from operating vehicles. Also, driving under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive substances carries very serious consequences. The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.3‰, while driving under the influence of drugs is strictly prohibited. The Montenegrin police have tests that detect drug use within the last 24 hours, and driving during that period is strictly forbidden.
Car Rental in Montenegro: Smart Vehicle Rental as the Key to Quality Travel
To conclude, we can tell you just one thing: if you follow the five tips we’ve shared with you, renting a car in Montenegro—as well as exploring the country—will become much more efficient. From choosing the right pick-up location to practical advice on selecting the right vehicle, every tip has been shared with purpose—so that you don’t have to go through the negative experiences that, unfortunately, many others have faced before you.
Choose your ideal starting location, explore the wide selection of vehicles and available discounts, book according to your needs and possibilities, and allow your car rental in Montenegro to be not a burden, but an enjoyable experience that will truly enhance your trip. Enjoy the natural beauty, breathtaking views, comfortable and safe driving, and turn your visit to this destination into one of those unforgettable journeys that stay with you for a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for renting a car in Montenegro?
A valid driver’s license and passport or ID card are required. Some agencies may ask for an International Driving Permit. A credit card is usually needed for the deposit.
Where can I find the best car rental deals in Montenegro?
The best prices for car rental in Montenegro are usually found by booking early, especially in spring and autumn. Local agencies like Montenegro Car often offer better rates and more flexible terms compared to large international brands—plus the advantage of local support and knowledge.
Are there any age restrictions for car rentals in Montenegro?
Yes. Anyone 18 or older can legally rent a car in Montenegro, though most agencies require that you’ve held a valid license for at least one year. Drivers under 25 may face a young driver surcharge, especially when renting higher-category vehicles.
What is the average cost of car rental in Montenegro?
Compact cars usually cost about €25 to €45 per day, depending on the rental period and season. Prices increase for larger or newer vehicles. Rental rates are generally higher during the summer months.
Can I rent luxury vehicles in Montenegro and what are the conditions?
Yes, luxury vehicles are available in major cities and at airports. These rentals usually require a higher deposit and full insurance, and some agencies may ask for additional documentation depending on the vehicle category.
Is it necessary to rent a car in Montenegro for travel convenience?
For exploring remote spots and national parks, car rental in Montenegro is highly recommended. Public transport rarely covers those areas.
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