Many travelers around the world have paused their dream vacation destination due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, after almost two years, vaccines are rolling out and world tourism is recovering.
We have no doubt Montenegro is on your bucket list already. A small, beautiful, and cozy country, with famous beaches, but foreign travelers do not fully discover it. Many tourists have called it the pearl of the Mediterranean!
If you are thinking of exploring our beautiful country by car, a car rental in Montenegro is very popular and is the best choice.
I will explain in this guide what to look for.
Montenegro is not a pricey destination, and if you respect the local culture and heed certain warnings, you can also visit the main tourist attractions, as well as destinations on paved roads, enjoying the ride between them while driving.
Car rental in Montenegro
If you are looking for a Hollywood movie road trip, driving a car in Montenegro for tourists can be very adventurous and exciting. There are many breathtaking places and secret gems to discover if you are driving, which may not be possible without a vehicle.
Sometimes car rental in Montenegro can be frustrating if you do not understand the rental rules. However, following our simple tips, you can even save your budget.
It is highly recommended to hire a car from a local rental company. This is because Montenegro car rental agencies are often cheaper, more flexible, include additional insurance and you can count on extra help with GPS, travel tips, etc. Some of the agencies will give you extras free of charge if it’s off-season.
How much does it cost car rental in Montenegro?
You can easily rent an economy car (for example, Toyota Yaris) for an average of 250 EUR per week, which is a very good price compared to prices in neighboring countries such as Croatia (the average price of a car for a week is 350 EUR).
If you finish booking up to a few months in advance, you can find extremely cheap cars but these offers are usually time-limited.
The price of gasoline is around 1.2-1.4 EUR per liter. In a week your car will run out about 50 EUR for petrol.
Rental deposit
Car rental companies in Montenegro usually take a deposit of 50 – 500 EUR. This can be very shocking for people who have never rented a car but don’t be afraid of this.
A deposit of EUR 100 is reasonable when renting a car in Montenegro
However, buying CDW can make your travel safer and you will not be asked for a deposit from a local company.
Some international brands may block money on the card if you book a car online. Be sure to check this in their policy before booking. However, local agencies may ask you for a cash deposit – we do not recommend accepting this option! Also, check before making a final decision.
Any deposit amount greater than 100 EUR is high. Do not recommend booking a car with that company, except that it is a very recognized brand.
However, the amount of the deposit depends on many aspects, the type of car, the year of production, etc.
What is a collision damage waiver (CDW)?
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is add-on insurance offering to people who do car rentals. A waiver of collision damage is optional, and the price of the waiver depends on a variety of factors, including the type of car to be rented, the year of the production, and where the car is driven. The waiver usually covers theft or damage to the rented car but is unlikely to cover bodily injuries caused by the accident.
Popular car rental location in Montenegro
Many travelers decide to pick up a car right at the airport after the flight. This is the easiest and most convenient way. However, there are several other options.
There are only two airports, Podgorica and Tivat.
The largest airport, Podgorica, the airport is a passenger center because from here you can easily reach any place in Montenegro. The airport is a 15-minute drive from the center of Podgorica.
The second airport is on Tivat. This airport is much smaller, but during the summer season, more flights are connecting western and eastern Europe with Montenegro. If you are traveling to the south of the country, the best choice is to choose the airport on Tivat, as well as to pick it up. The airport is a 5-minute drive from the center of Tivat.
Important Note: Sometimes airport transportation may incur additional charges due to the taxes that companies pay to airports.
Hotel or private accommodation – It is very common to pick up a car at the hotel or your accommodation on Airbnb. Most local companies will not charge for the delivery of the car to the requested address, however, we recommend that you check before booking. International car rental brands usually charge for delivery to the address, but you can check this when booking your website.
How safe is it to travel by car in Montenegro?
Montenegro is generally a very safe country and most travelers can visit it without any risks. However, you need to keep some things in mind to stay safe.
The speed limit is 80 km / h on the open road unless the signs specify otherwise. The speed limit within cities is 40-50 km / h. Winter tires are mandatory in the winter season, from November 1 to April 1.
The most popular boulevards in big cities are covered with cameras.
The main roads are in very good condition.
- Bijelo Polje – Podgorica – Cetinje – Budva – Kotor – Perast – Risan – Herceg Novi, distance 250 km.
- Podgorica – Danilovgrad – Niksic, distance 55 km
- Risan – Nisic – Zabljak, distance 147 km.
- Herceg Novi – Tivat – Budva – Petrovac – Bar – Ulcinj, distance 108 km.
When to visit Montenegro?
The best time to visit Montenegro is approximately between May and September.
The country lies in southern Europe with the coast in the Balkans, so the weather is often warm and sunny.
Montenegro has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. During the summer the temperature is around 35 ° C. In the winter it is around 5 ° C in the south and between 5 and -10 ° C in the north.
The Montenegrin coast is a pleasant place to stay at any time of the year, but there can be unpleasant crowds in July and August. During that time, the temperatures and passengers reach a peak. Accommodation and rental services are also the most expensive in this period.
June and September are generally optimal months to travel because you will have enough sunny days and there are far fewer people in popular places.
Some hotels and resorts closing their doors from the end of November until March, but you may be able to take advantage of the very good prices of those who stay open and private accommodation on Booking, Agoda, and Airbnb.
Bonus tips
One way rental fee
One-way rental means you can car rental in one place, for example at Tivat Airport – and drop it off at another location, such as Budva. Pay attention and check-in details, since one rental fee can be very high.
Most international brands charge a one-way rental fee, but you can negotiate with local companies. Some of them do not even charge an additional fee.
What do you need for a car rental in Montenegro?
A valid domestic driver’s license is required in the name of the main driver. Some local rental services may ask you to take a picture of your driver’s license and passport.
Do you need an international driver’s license?
No. You are not obliged to have an international driver’s license to drive a car in Montenegro. All foreigners can rent a car in Montenegro without an international driver’s license or ID.
Be sure to take photos of a car
We highly recommend that you take a few photos of the car. Pay special attention to scratches on the sides of the car and headlights. It is very common for rental agents (all over the world) to accuse passengers of damaging cars they did not do. By taking photos, you can avoid potential stress and additional costs.
