Car rental in Montenegro

To truly appreciate the rich and varied landscapes of Montenegro, renting a car is the ideal way to embark on your adventure across this charming and compact nation. This approach saves you from the hassle of bus transfers and gives you the freedom to visit all the notable sites, explore numerous towns and villages, and immerse yourself in the authentic Montenegrin lifestyle. During the summer months, renting an economy car typically costs between €30 and €50 per day, insurance included. In contrast, winter rates for the same type of vehicle usually range from €10 to €40 daily.

Exercise caution when driving on mountain roads, as falling rocks can sometimes be present. While traveling through rural areas, remain alert for cattle crossing the road to prevent accidents.

Key Cities for Renting Cars in Montenegro

Tivat

Budva

Becici

Kotor

Average Car Rental Prices in Montenegro

The typical daily cost of renting a car is calculated based on booking data from the past three years, encompassing all vehicle classes. This average helps travelers plan their budgets accurately.

Insurance Requirements and Necessary Documents

When renting a vehicle in Montenegro, you must present a valid foreign passport alongside your driving license. A security deposit is often required, ranging from €50 to €300.

Montenegro has few toll roads, with the main one being the Sozina Tunnel, which connects the coastal area near Sutomore to Virpazar close to Lake Skadar. Another toll segment exists on the route from Herceg Novi to Trebinje in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The cost of renting a car in Montenegro generally covers:

  • Third-Party Liability Insurance (TPL)
  • Essential equipment such as a first aid kit, emergency warning triangle, and high-visibility vest
  • Value Added Tax (VAT)

Demand for Car Rental Services Throughout the Year

Rental fleet occupancy varies monthly, with August typically experiencing the highest demand, resulting in limited vehicle availability. To secure the best car choice at an optimal price, it is advisable to book well in advance during peak periods.

Fuel Stations and Refueling Information

Fuel stations across Montenegro supply diesel and unleaded petrol types 95 and 98. Carrying petrol in portable containers is permitted but generally unnecessary due to frequent petrol stations located every 20 to 70 kilometers.

Rental contracts require returning vehicles with the same fuel level as at pickup. Customers can refuel at any station, where fuel quality is consistently high. However, it is recommended to avoid EKO Petrol stations if possible.

Attendants at fuel stations assist with refueling. Simply specify the fuel type and the amount in liters or the total cost you wish to spend. You can also request a full tank, and the attendant will stop when the nozzle automatically shuts off.

Remain near the vehicle while refueling and confirm the final price on the meter. Payments can be made directly to the attendant in cash or at the cashier's desk. All stations accept Visa and MasterCard payments.

Notable Traffic Rules in Montenegro

  • Daytime running lights (low beam) must be used at all times throughout the year on Montenegrin roads. Children under 5 years old must be seated in the rear in approved child seats; those under 12 years are not permitted in the front passenger seat. Both drivers and passengers must wear seat belts if the vehicle is equipped with them. Use of hands-free devices is mandatory when talking on the phone, keeping both hands on the steering wheel. The use of studded tires and radar detectors is prohibited.
  • Speed limits are strictly enforced: 50 km/h (about 30 mph) in urban areas and on main roads outside towns.
  • Overtaking a school bus that has stopped to pick up or drop off children is forbidden under Montenegrin traffic laws.
  • Yield to vehicles already circulating in roundabouts.
  • Respect and patience towards all road users are core to Montenegrin driving culture. For example, if a vehicle stops to allow passengers to board or alight, or if a driver stops to converse with a pedestrian, other traffic waits calmly without honking or impatience. Embracing this courteous attitude enriches the driving experience.

Traffic Fines and Legal Procedures

Montenegrin traffic officers do not accept fine payments directly at the scene. If a foreign driver breaches traffic regulations, the police may confiscate the driver's license, international passport, and vehicle registration documents and issue a citation with court details. The court sets the fine amount, which can be paid via postal order or bank transfer. Prompt payment and completion of paperwork may result in immediate return of confiscated documents.

Minor offenses may be resolved informally with police officers, potentially reducing the fine by half and avoiding complex procedures.

Fines vary widely depending on the violation, ranging from €40 up to €2,000. Violations involving rental cars can also complicate matters for both the driver and rental company.

Parking in Montenegro

Montenegro offers both paid and free parking options. Paid parking lots usually charge approximately €1 per hour during the day or about €4 for overnight stays. Outdoor street parking areas are equipped with automated meters and marked by parking signs. Payment for these zones is time-limited, generally up to two hours, and requires displaying a valid parking ticket on the dashboard. Before time expires, you must either vacate the spot or extend parking by paying for additional time.

Parking facility operators do not assume responsibility for vehicles or belongings; however, Montenegro’s low crime rate provides some reassurance.

In coastal tourist areas, parking fees are higher, and free parking spots are scarcer. Nonetheless, within a 10 to 15-minute walk from major attractions, free parking is usually available. It is important to observe parking restrictions carefully to avoid fines or towing, as enforcement is swift and strict.