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Car hire in Montenegro is the easiest way to explore the country. Buses run along the coast, but reaching Lovćen, Durmitor, Lake Skadar or the hidden coves of the Luštica peninsula requires your own wheels.
The country is compact: in a single day you can drive from Herceg Novi to Ulcinj, swim in the Adriatic in the morning and watch the sun set over the mountains around Žabljak by evening. Five neighbouring countries — Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Albania and Kosovo — are within a few hours' drive, turning even a short holiday into a proper Balkan road trip.
Many of our guests book a car for five days and end up extending it to ten. After the first drive north, it becomes obvious that a week on the coast covers only half of the country.
Prices remain among the lowest on the Adriatic. In the low season, from November to April, an economy car starts at €17–25 per day; in July and August, at the height of the season, the same class costs €30–50. For monthly rentals the rate typically drops by 30–50%.
Compared with Croatia or Italy, the same car in Montenegro can be roughly half the price — and the sea, the food and the mountains lose nothing in comparison.
Montenegro uses the euro, so most European visitors face no exchange-rate calculations at the pump or the toll booth.
Prices and what's included
Daily rates depend on the car class, the season and the length of your booking. Economy cars (Polo, Fabia, Yaris, Hyundai i20) range from €17–35 depending on the month. Mid-size cars and compact crossovers cost €30–55, while larger SUVs and automatics start from €45 per day. Two-week bookings are usually 20–30% lower, and monthly rates are almost half.
The standard tariff with local suppliers nearly always includes third-party liability insurance, basic CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) with an excess of €800–2,000, theft protection, unlimited mileage and free airport pickup at Tivat and Podgorica. The headline daily rate from a local supplier is what you actually pay — not a stripped-back base price.
We include basic CDW by default — that alone removes 80% of the scenarios where a guest could end up paying for repairs out of their own pocket.
It's the hidden fees that catch first-time customers out. Before you book, check whether cross-border travel, drivers under 25, an additional driver, refuelling or cleaning are charged separately. With TakeCars, the price on the car's listing page is the final price.
The worst moment at handover is a local tax or an airport fee that wasn't in the booking. We put everything on the listing so there's nothing left to discuss on collection.
May and September are widely seen as the sweet spot — the weather is still beach-friendly, prices are 30–40% lower than in August, and the choice of available cars is far wider.
Most tourists in Montenegro start their trip here
Documents, security deposit and payment
To hire a car, you'll need a passport (or EU/EEA national ID), a valid driving licence held for at least one or two years, and a payment card. The minimum age is 21 for economy and mid-size cars and 23–25 for premium models. Drivers aged 21–24 pay a young driver surcharge of €8–15 per day or a flat €80 fee.
EU, UK, EEA and Swiss licences are accepted as they are — no International Driving Permit (IDP) needed. Licences from other countries are fine as long as they're printed in the Latin alphabet; Cyrillic, Arabic and other non-Latin scripts need an accompanying IDP.
Licence questions come up all the time. Tell us what you hold when you book and we'll say straight away whether it needs an IDP — far better settled in advance than at the rental desk.
The approach to the security deposit is where local suppliers and international chains differ. Local suppliers take €100–300 in cash and return it in full at drop-off. The chains place a deposit hold of €500–1,500 on a credit card, and the release can take 10–30 working days.
On TakeCars, the security deposit and how it's taken are shown on the car's listing page before you book. There are also no-deposit options, where Super CDW (zero excess) is built into the price.
Most local suppliers accept a debit or credit card for the 15–20% online prepayment, with the balance paid in cash, in euros, at pickup. The international chains insist on a classic embossed credit card.
A security deposit shown upfront removes most of the awkward moments at handover — the guest already knows exactly what they'll be asked to leave.
For high-season pickups in Tivat and Budva, it's worth checking the licence requirements when you book rather than on the day — the queue in August is not the place to discover you needed an IDP.
Renault Clio 5 in Montenegro
Everything was fine. Great contact with the owner, the car was delivered on time, very clean. Great contact. I recommend.
Peugeot 3008 in Montenegro
Everything is great. The car is great. Picking up and returning the car went smoothly.
Renault Megane in Montenegro
We had a great time in Montenegro. It would have been tough without a car. I recommend it.
Citroen C3 in Montenegro
Renting a car in Montenegro turned out to be a great choice! Everything went perfectly and without any problems. Philip was waiting for us at the airport, even though our flight was delayed by an hour, and we’re very grateful to him for that. The car performed flawlessly and never let us down. We drove about 500 km around Montenegro in it. It was a compact car, which turned out to be a huge advantage in heavy traffic, on narrow roads, and on winding mountain roads—plus, it was very fuel-efficient. We’re very happy with the rental. Montenegro and Filip’s car—it was a real jackpot! We definitely recommend it 😊
Peugeot 208 in Montenegro
Renting a car through the TakeCars website was a very professional and pleasant experience. The people responsible for the rental delivered the car to my hotel at the agreed time. The vehicle was clean, smelled fresh, fully fueled, and in perfect working condition. The entire rental process through your website was handled very professionally, and I am extremely satisfied with the service. They also accommodated my request to extend the return time of the car, which I greatly appreciated. The whole experience was carried out to the highest standard. I will gladly recommend your service to anyone looking to rent a car, and I will certainly use your website again in the future.
Renault Clio 4 in Montenegro
I was provided with another car C4 automatic instead of Renault Clio 4. So everything went great with the rental!
Citroen C4 Cactus in Montenegro
Everything went perfectly, the car was in good condition, no complaints. The owner is Russian-speaking. Consumption is low, I liked everything
Peugeot 3008 in Montenegro
I would rate my experience as 4 out of 5, which is really good. I liked: - how the website works: everything is clear and transparent, I could easily find myself a car in Budva without going to an office, - the price was really good too, - I then contacted the person provided in the booking details and was reassured that the car will be delivered to me as expected. The next day the car was delivered even a little bit earlier, which is obviously better than later. What I didn’t like: - After my booking was confirmed I wasn’t contacted by the renter and had to do it myself. It’s ok, but I was a bit worried if my booking was actually processed or not. - The price of the child seat was almost as high as car rental per day. And the seat was not in ideal condition. I would say I’d expect the seat to be significantly cheaper. - Most importantly, the car had some issue with the handbrake, the red indicator was flashing and the break wouldn’t work unless the engine is off, which is actually not safe. Overall I really liked the service, but the car condition and the price of the child seat could be better. Thank you!
Skoda Fabia in Montenegro
Everything was wonderful. Thank you.
Mini Cooper S in Montenegro
Everything went perfectly. Instead of a mini cooper they gave me a mercedes coupe for the same money The landlord adjusted to my logistics, brought the car to the airport, picked it up from the hotel Everything was super
Skoda Fabia in Montenegro
pretty positive experience after all. Apart from that we didn’t get Skoda Fabia ;)
Skoda Fabia Combi in Montenegro
The car is wonderful, the manager did everything to make me comfortable. True, upon arrival, the car was not ready and I was given another, worse, but the next day they brought mine directly to my house. I asked to change the conditions of return, as I was supposed to fly from Podgorica, but did not fly away, but stayed. The manager sent a driver to me to pick up the car. So I'm very pleased.
Opel Vivaro in Montenegro
Rented a minivan from Goran for one day. Since we are 4 adults and 3 children, the car was suitable in all respects. Delivered on time and also collected on time. Very friendly owner of the car !!! By the way, did not even take a deposit). We drove on about 300 km in Montenegro and the car completely satisfied all our needs both in comfort and power (after all, it's all mountains there). Thanks to the owner of the car!
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Real reviews for each specific car
Not just an overall supplier rating — feedback from guests who hired that exact Octavia or Duster.
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Security deposit and terms shown before you book
The amount, the payment method and the excess are on the car's listing page — nothing changes at handover.
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Free cancellation up to 7 days before pick-up
Flights move and plans shift — you can cancel free of charge up to seven days before pick-up.
Routes worth the petrol
Coastal road and Kamenari–Lepetane ferry
The main coastal road links Herceg Novi with Ulcinj, and in summer it crawls. This is where car hire in Kotor pays for itself: the Kamenari–Lepetane ferry across the Bay of Kotor cuts out 30 km and a good hour. A car with passengers costs €4.50; the ferry runs 24/7, every 15–30 minutes in season.
Kamenari–Lepetane is the standard tip we give guests. Driving from Budva to Herceg Novi at midday in August, you’ll lose an hour without it and ten minutes with it.
Old Bar, Ulcinj and Lake Skadar
Further south, the coast quietens down. With car hire in Bar or Sutomore, a good day loop is Old Bar → Ulcinj’s sandy beaches → Lake Skadar on the way back.
For families with younger children we usually suggest Bečići or Petrovac — gentle entry into the sea, no mountain roads and easy parking.
The north: Lovćen, Durmitor, Kolašin
With two or three spare days beyond the coast, the north repays the drive. The climb from Kotor to Lovćen up the road of 25 hairpins is a route in its own right, and beyond it lie Kolašin, the Tara canyon and Durmitor.
The north is unforgiving on tired cars and worn tyres. For winter trips to Žabljak or Kolašin we fit a winter set in advance — without it there’s no point heading up there.
Most travellers skip Podgorica, yet car hire in Podgorica usually comes in 10–20% cheaper than in Tivat.
Flying into Podgorica? Take the car straight from arrivals — the bus to the coast is slow, and a taxi costs more than a day’s hire.
From TGD, the drive down to Budva or Kotor takes around 90 minutes through the Sozina tunnel — straightforward in any season.
Road rules, fines, parking and winter
Speed, alcohol, headlights
The speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h outside built-up areas, and 100 km/h on motorways and in the Sozina tunnel. There is no unofficial "+20" tolerance. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.3‰, effectively zero for drivers under 24. Dipped headlights are mandatory year-round.
The alcohol limit is stricter than in most of the EU. The simplest rule is not to drink at all if you'll be driving — random checks are common after dark, especially in Budva.
Fines — police don't take cash
Traffic police do not collect money on the spot. You are issued a slip to settle at any bank or post office. If you ignore it, the supplier is notified later and will charge your card plus a €10–25 admin fee.
Parking in Kotor and Budva
Parking inside Kotor Old Town is forbidden — use the paid car parks near the Sea Gate and the Jadran centre, or leave the car in Dobrota and walk in. Budva and Sveti Stefan are much the same: free spaces are gone by breakfast, and paid bays cost €1–2.40 per hour.
The catch with parking is that pay-by-SMS only works with a Montenegrin SIM (+382 67/68/69). A foreign number won't register, so use the meter or buy a paper ticket from a duvan kiosk.
Winter tyres and chains
From 15 November to 1 April, M+S winter tyres are compulsory on most regional and mountain roads. Suppliers fit them free of charge; chains must be in the boot. The fine starts at €60, and without the winter kit your insurance can be voided after an accident.
In Kolašin, Žabljak and along the Durmitor passes, winter tyres and chains aren't a formality — they're basic safety on snow-covered hairpins.
If your route stays on the coast between Herceg Novi and Bar, summer tyres will see you through the winter — snow rarely reaches sea level.
Rates in Montenegro vary throughout the year depending on the season and the rental length in days.
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How expensive is renting a car in Montenegro: average daily rates for a one-week car rental, across all car classes. Delivery across Montenegro not included.
Frequently asked questions about car hire in Montenegro
An economy car costs around €17–25 per day in the low season from November to April and €30–50 in July and August. Mid-size cars generally cost €30–55, while automatic cars and SUVs start at about €45. Two-week rentals may be 20–30% cheaper per day, and monthly rates can be almost half the daily rate. May and September are usually 30–40% cheaper than August and offer a wider choice of cars.
Yes. Some cars on TakeCars are available without a deposit and include Full Cover with no excess for bodywork damage. Cover for the tyres, wheel rims, glass and underbody may also be included or offered as an add-on. This option is useful if you do not want a deposit held on your card.
Usually not with a local supplier. A debit card is sufficient for the 15–20% online prepayment, while the remaining balance and deposit are generally paid in cash in euros when you collect the car. International chains are stricter and usually require a credit card in the main driver's name.
Yes. Cross-border travel to either country usually costs an additional €30–50 and requires a Green Card. The Božaj crossing into Albania is generally quieter than Sukobin or Murićani. For Bosnia, the Klobuk crossing on the road from Nikšić is convenient if you are travelling towards Mostar or Sarajevo.
The minimum age is usually 21, with one to two years of driving experience, for economy and mid-size cars. Premium cars may require drivers to be 23–25. Drivers aged 21–24 often pay a young-driver fee of €8–15 per day or a flat fee of around €80 per booking. Most local suppliers do not have an upper age limit.
Yes — no separate permission from the supplier is needed. A car with passengers costs €4.50 one way, paid by card or cash at the booth. The ferry runs 24/7 and leaves every 15–30 minutes in season. The crossing takes about ten minutes and saves roughly 30 km of road.
Use a parking meter (cards or coins) or a paper "parking karta" ticket from a duvan kiosk. Pay-by-SMS only works with a Montenegrin SIM (+382), so a foreign number will not register. Parking is forbidden inside the Kotor Old Town — use the paid lots near the Sea Gate or by the Jadran shopping centre.
Call 112 immediately — a police report is mandatory; without it neither CDW nor Super CDW will pay out. Photograph everything from several angles, sign nothing without a translation and notify the supplier within 48 hours. Don't move the car before the police arrive, even if it's partially blocking traffic.
From 15 November to 1 April, winter tyres marked M+S are compulsory on most regional and mountain roads. Suppliers fit them free of charge during the winter season. Snow chains must be carried in the boot, and the fine for not having them starts at €60. For winter trips to Kolašin, Žabljak or Durmitor, this equipment is essential.
Rates from November to April are usually 40–60% lower than at the height of summer. July and August are the most expensive months. May and September offer a good balance of pleasant weather, prices that are 30–40% below August levels, and a wider choice of available cars.
There is no national vignette. Only two paid sections exist: the Sozina tunnel (€2.50 for cars) on the Bar–Podgorica route and the A1 motorway Podgorica–Mateševo (€4.50). The Kamenari–Lepetane ferry adds €4.50. All other roads, including mountain passes and the coastal route, are free.
Licences issued in the EU, EEA, UK and Switzerland are accepted without an International Driving Permit. Licences from other countries are also accepted if they are written in the Latin alphabet. If your licence uses Cyrillic, Arabic or another non-Latin script, you must carry an IDP with the original licence. You will also need a passport, or an EU national identity card, when collecting the car.
Standard cover includes third-party liability, theft protection and Collision Damage Waiver with an excess of €800–2,000. Tyres, wheel rims, glass, the underbody and the interior are generally excluded. Super CDW costs around €4–10 per day and reduces or removes the excess. It may be useful for mountain roads, winter travel or drivers unfamiliar with local conditions. A police report is required for any claim.
Local suppliers usually require a cash deposit of €100–300, which is returned when you hand back the car. International chains may place a hold of €500–1,500 on a credit card and release it within 10–30 working days. Deposits for premium cars can reach €3,000. TakeCars shows the amount and payment method in the listing before you book.
Yes. You will need a Green Card and written permission from the supplier. The cross-border fee is usually €30–85, and the rental agreement must explicitly permit travel outside Montenegro. Queues at the Debeli Brijeg crossing can last one to two hours around midday in summer, so cross early in the morning or after 20:00. The drive from Budva to Dubrovnik takes about 2.5 hours in normal traffic.