How to rent a car in Montenegro for an epic road trip
Montenegro is green, mountainous, rugged, and asking to be explored.
To rent a car in Montenegro is absolutely the best way to explore the country. Because it’s small and accessible, nothing is out of reach with a car!
You can visit Europe’s deepest canyon, and the world’s oldest olive trees, and meet a diverse multicultural community of wonderful people.
When you rent a car in Montenegro, check out Discover Cars, a company with rental branches all over Montenegro.
Read next: How to Plan a Montenegro Road Trip
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Car Rental in Montenegro
I recommend checking out Discover Cars, because they’re the best deal finders for rental car companies in Montenegro, and I use them.
Why I recommend Discover Cars:
- Discover Cars compare rates for car rental companies in Montenegro – both International and reputable local companies
- They have 24/7 support and great reviews
- They also offer a low rate guarantee!
- They’re the biggest brand in car hire
Budget for Your Road Trip in Montenegro
So much of Montenegro is best seen by car, where you have the freedom to explore. But, as you explore, you’ll need to budget your hotels, food, petrol, and more. So, here’s a budget guide to help you prepare for your road trip.
- Accommodation: $50-75 per night for a nice apartment
- Food: $10-15 per day for eating out
- Car rental: $35-55 per day for a car
- Fuel: $1-1:40 per litre
Rent a Car in Montenegro (FAQs)
Driver’s Licence
As long as you have a valid, in-date driver’s license from your home country, you’re fine to rent a car in Montenegro. However, some rental companies do require an international license, which you can apply for easily at home before your trip.
Age
If you’re renting a car in Montenegro, you need to be at least 21 years old. And you must have had your license for at least one year before you rent your car.
Read next: 10 popular things to do in Montenegro
Payment Methods
Before you rent a car, Montenegro car companies, just like those in most countries around the world, prefer customers to use credit cards, not debit. So, make sure you have one!
Accidents
When you rent a car in Montenegro, you’ll also take out insurance which covers you for accidents with a low excess, as well as information on how to reach a breakdown service if you need one.
Driving in Montenegro
Speed limits
When you rent a car in Montenegro, one of your first thoughts will be about making sure you follow the rules of the road.
This is incredibly simple to do in Montenegro. Just remember the following: 50km/h in the cities and 80km/h on the open roads. And also remember that it’s km/h in Montenegro, not mph like in the US and the UK.
Which lane is used for driving?
Montenegrins drive on the right side of the road and the left side of the car. If you’re from the UK or Australia, this might take some getting used to.
If you’re not, you’ll be fine. But even for Brits, this is an easy thing to overcome, and Montenegro is so much fun to explore by car, this is just one more part of the fun.
What’s it like to drive in Montenegro?
There are two things you should know about driving in Montenegro: locals tend to drive a bit aggressively, and there are lots of twisting, turning, winding open roads.
Montenegro is a very small country made up mostly of twisting, turning, winding open roads. Driving the roads is relatively safe, but also engaging and can make you feel, at times, like a rally driver.
The roads that crisscross Montenegro take you from towns to lakes to mountains to valleys, adventuring across every kind of landscape!
It’s a beautiful country to drive through, but you do need to drive safely.
How to Choose the Perfect Car in Montenegro
Are you going on a short trip or a long road trip?
Given how small Montenegro is, these are really one and the same. So, it really depends on what kind of roads you’ll be using.
There are no tolls in Montenegro, so it doesn’t matter which route you take. But the more rugged the roads, the tougher you’ll want your car to be.
If you’re sticking to the main roads and the city streets, an economy car is fine and will also save you some money.
If you’re going off the beaten track, consider a larger car with a bigger fuel tank, more gear, and space to carry your luggage.
Manual or automatic
This is all about personal preference. However, when you go to rent a car, Montenegro generally prioritizes manual transmission.
So, if you can drive a manual – which most people in the UK and mainland Europe can – you’ll find that they’re a little cheaper and there’s a bigger selection on offer.
If you can’t drive a stick, though, no worries! Companies like Discover Cars still offer automatics, just not in as much of a variety of options.
Car Rental in Montenegro
One-way rental fee
One-way rental means renting your car in one location – Tivat Airport, for example – and returning it to another, such as Budva. This really frees up your options when it comes to road-tripping, but it does mean paying a lot extra.
A one-way rental fee is typically double the rental cost of returning your car to the same branch you got it from.
So, if you’re okay with money and you’re happy to pay twice the rental price (probably $80 instead of $40) per day, then it’s definitely a great choice to ensure you the utmost freedom when you travel.
Costs and extra charges
Your biggest extra charge is going to come from a one-way rental fee if you choose to go that route.
Otherwise, it’s just the insurance, which you’re expecting anyway, and the fuel which should cost you about $1-1.40 per litre.
Minimum age
Anyone can rent a car in Montenegro as long as they’re at least twenty-one and have had their license for at least one year. Those are the only requirements!
Taking the car on the ferry
When you rent a car in Montenegro, you can take a ferry to Albania, Bosnia, Croatia, and even Italy.
You can take your rental car on the ferry to these countries, but your insurance won’t cover any damages incurred on the ferry ride, so keep that in mind!
Also, just let your rental company know that you’re planning to take the rental car from Montenegro on the ferry.
Documents you need for renting a car in Montenegro
If you want to rent a car in Montenegro, all you need is a valid driver’s license from your own country.
As I’ve mentioned, some rental companies prefer you to have an international license so check that before you go. If you do get an international license, it’s quick, cheap, and easy to do from home. Just get the process started a few weeks before your trip.
Do you need a special border-crossing card to enter other countries?
Yes, and it’s called a Green Card. To cross borders between any of the Balkan nations, such as Montenegro, Croatia, and Bosnia, you need this Green Card.
When you rent a car in Montenegro, mention your intention to cross borders and the rental company will provide you with a Green Card. These ensure that you’re insured when you cross the border.
Read next: The Ultimate Balkan Travel Guide
So, when to visit Montenegro?
Montenegro can be a very hot, sticky, and sweaty place in the middle of summer, so it’s best to avoid peak season (July and August).
From April to June, and from September to October, the country’s weather is perfect.
You get sunshine every day, a cooling breeze from the ocean, and enough warmth to ensure you only need your summer clothes. It’s the perfect time to take a road trip from the beaches to the mountains and back again.
Essential packing list for visiting Montenegro
For a detailed packing list of all the absolute essentials, you can check out my Balkans packing list.
But the things you absolutely mustn’t leave home without are sunscreen (no matter the month) and an in-car phone charger for when you’re relying on your phone for directions and road-tripping music.
Ready to book your car rental in Montenegro?
There you have it.
I hope this answers all your questions about Montenegro car rental. If not, ask me anything in the comments or send me an email. If you’re ready to go ahead with your booking, you can do it right here:
FAQ – Car rental Montenegro
Is it worth renting a car in Montenegro?
Yes, renting a car in Montenegro is worth it. It gives you the flexibility to explore the country’s stunning landscapes at your own pace.
How much does it cost to hire a car in Montenegro?
Car rental costs vary, but you can expect to pay around €30-€50 per day, depending on the car type and rental period.
Can I drive in Montenegro with a US license?
Yes, you can drive in Montenegro with a US license, but it’s a good idea to have an International Driving Permit as well.
Can you drive from Croatia to Montenegro in a rental car?
Yes, you can drive from Croatia to Montenegro in a rental car, but check with the rental company about cross-border policies and any additional fees.
Before you go – don’t miss out on these posts:
- The Ultimate Montenegro Travel Guide
- 10 popular things to do in Montenegro
- A day trip to Durmitor National Park and Black Lake
- Yoga and relaxation at Palazzo Radomiri Hotel
- Montenegro Road Trip: How to experience the highlights in 7 days
Save it!
Hello, of course, thank you for this great article and tips. Do you think it is possible to pick up the car in Montenegro and drop it off in Zagreb, Croatia? Please, i found an agency in Podgorica, cars4rent, does anyone have experience with this agency.
Hi Camilla,
Yes, it’s possible to drop off the car in another location. HOWEVER, it will cost you. Try going with a renowned company, one of the big ones, like Sixt, Rentalcars or Hertz. It’s safer.