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Car hire in Montenegro is the easiest way to make the country open up. Buses do run along the coast, but reaching Lovćen, Durmitor, Lake Skadar or the hidden coves of the Luštica peninsula takes 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, which turns even a short holiday into a proper Balkan road trip.
Many of our guests book a car for five days and end up extending 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 runs €30–50. For monthly hires 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 for most European visitors there's no exchange-rate arithmetic at the pump or the toll booth.
Prices and what's included
Daily rates depend on the class, the season and how long you book for. Economy cars (Polo, Fabia, Yaris, Hyundai i20) run €17–35 depending on the month. Mid-size cars and compact crossovers cost €30–55, larger SUVs and automatics from €45 per day. Two-week bookings usually come in 20–30% lower, and monthly rates almost halve.
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 pick-up 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-timers 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% below 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, 23–25 for premium. Drivers aged 21–24 pay a young driver surcharge of €8–15 per day or €80 flat.
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 security deposit is where local suppliers and the international chains part ways. 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 pick-up. 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 pick-ups in Tivat and Budva, it's worth checking the licence requirements when you book rather than on the day — an August queue is not the place to discover you needed an IDP.
Citroen C4 in Montenegro
Everything went quickly and smoothly, both when we picked it up and when we returned it. At first, we were worried because an error light was on the dashboard, but we were assured that everything was fine. The car didn’t let us down; it performed flawlessly during the trip. Overall, we’re satisfied—it was a comfortable ride. Thank you very much!
Mercedes-Benz A180 cdi in Montenegro
They were not serious at all. When I had an accident, I didn’t get any help, and it really wasn’t good. Almost no one there spoke English, which made things even worse. Best regards, Benjamin
Renault Clio 3 in Montenegro
We are 100% satisfied and will book again next year.
Volkswagen Touran in Montenegro
We rented a car for 2 days. Everything was great. The car was delivered to the place of stay and picked up at the airport. Very adequate rental prices, it's nice that there was no deposit. And for 2 days of traveling, we spent quite a bit of fuel. Thank you 🙏 for the good service. I will recommend
Renault Megane in Montenegro
Sorry, but the car was ok but very old. I cannot have a comment on it
Toyota Yaris in Montenegro
I rented a yaris, got an opel corsa, a little dirty and tired, the high beam didn’t work, the box was tired, the power steering was broken, they replaced the car with a school that was in good condition, there were no questions about Skoda, they changed it relatively quickly, the car broke down in the evening at 7, in the morning by 11 they brought a replacement (fortunately, it was not necessary to go anywhere at night).
Toyota Yaris in Montenegro
I will write the pros and cons. pros: 1. there was no our car, they called us and offered another, until ours appeared (one day). 2. polite employee, pleasant communication. 3. punctuality. the car and the first and second were brought on time. 4. the technical condition of large units (engine, brakes, gearbox) was in good working order, at least from the driver's point of view. the box was not "stupid", the engine did not fail, the brakes worked properly. minuses: 1. both the first and second cars were not very new. or rather not at all in a new one, although the Toyota was only three years old, but it was in very strong scratches, chips. in the Audi (which we were given on the first day) there was a crack in the windshield, and one rear door was not closed with the central lock. also, the trunk did not open there, at all, in general, in any way. 2. cleanliness. The Audi interior was stained with .. I don't know .. with salt? sea water? sweat ?. that is, no one at all takes care of the cleanliness. small debris on the rugs. before handing over the Toyota, we washed the car and it was much cleaner on delivery than when it was handed over to us. 3. there was no washer in the car at all !!! I had to buy it for my own money, as the roads are dusty in places and without a washer. 4. price. as it turned out, it is slightly higher than the market for such a state of the car.
Skoda Superb in Montenegro
Everything is fine. The only thing was that there was little gasoline in the car, 10-15 liters somewhere. I ignored the sensor. Although Guy said the tank was full. But I returned it to him with a full.
Toyota Yaris in Montenegro
Initially, they required a deposit and did not take into account the prepayment. With the help of the manager, everything was decided, and in the end everything was fine.
Hyundai Tucson in Montenegro
Everything went well with the lease. We liked. The only thing that could be improved is the communication on the site, because after we reserved the car we had to wait a very long time for replies to messages
Audi A3 in Montenegro
The review is positive, I liked everything.
Skoda Fabia in Montenegro
everything was fine 5 stars
Citroen C4 in Montenegro
I rented this car in Montenegro and everything went well
Take Cars in Montenegro
Clear terms matter more here than any slogan. If the listing says a €150 security deposit in cash, that's what you leave at pick-up and what comes back when you return the keys. Every supplier below works to the same rules, so the only real difference between listings is the car itself.
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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 limits are 50 km/h in towns, 80 outside them, 100 on the motorway and in the Sozina tunnel — and there's 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 don't collect money on the spot. You're issued a slip to settle at any bank or post office. Ignore it and the supplier is notified later, charging your card plus a €10–25 admin fee.
Parking in Kotor and Budva
Parking inside the 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: the 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
Economy starts at €17–25 in the low season (November–April) and €30–50 in July and August. Mid-size sits at €30–55, automatics and SUVs from €45. Two-week bookings drop 20–30% and monthly hires almost halve. May and September are 30–40% below August with the same weather and a far wider choice of available cars.
Local suppliers take €100–300 in cash euros, returned in full at drop-off. International chains block €500–1,500 on a credit card, with release taking 10–30 working days. Premium classes can reach €3,000. On TakeCars the amount and the way it's collected appear in the listing before you book.
Yes. Some cars on TakeCars are listed with a no-deposit tariff that already includes Full Cover with zero excess on the body. Tyres, rims, glass and underbody are usually covered too, or available as add-ons. It's the most relaxed option for travellers who don't want money frozen on a card.
With most local suppliers, no. A debit card is enough for the 15–20% online prepayment, and the balance and deposit are typically settled in cash euros at pick-up. International chains are stricter — they require an embossed credit card in the main driver's name.
EU, UK, EEA and Swiss licences are accepted as is — no IDP required. Licences from other countries work as long as they're in the Latin alphabet. Cyrillic, Arabic or other non-Latin scripts need an accompanying IDP. A passport (or EU national ID) is also required at pick-up.
21 with one to two years' driving experience for economy and mid-size cars, 23–25 for premium. Drivers aged 21–24 normally pay a young-driver surcharge of €8–15 per day or a flat €80 per booking. Most local suppliers don't apply an upper age limit.
Standard cover includes Third Party Liability, Collision Damage Waiver with an excess of €800–2,000, and theft protection. Tyres, rims, glass, underbody and interior are not covered. Super CDW at €4–10 a day cuts or removes the excess — sensible for first-timers, mountain roads and winter trips. A police report is required for any claim.
Yes, with a Green Card and the supplier's written permission. The cross-border fee is €30–85 and the contract must explicitly allow exit from Montenegro. The Debeli Brijeg crossing queues 1–2 hours during midday in summer — leave early or after eight in the evening. Dubrovnik is around 2.5 hours from Budva.
Yes. Each country adds €30–50 to the booking and a Green Card is required. The Božaj crossing into Albania is normally quieter than Sukobin or Murićani. A useful Bosnian crossing is Klobuk, on the road from Nikšić, especially when heading for Mostar or Sarajevo.
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.
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.
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, M+S winter tyres are compulsory on most regional and mountain roads. Suppliers fit them free of charge during the season. Snow chains must sit in the boot — the fine for not having them starts at €60. For Kolašin, Žabljak and Durmitor in winter this is a practical necessity, not a formality.
Rates from November through April sit 40–60% below the summer peak. July and August are the most expensive months. May and September are the sweet spot — pleasant weather, prices 30–40% below August and a noticeably wider choice of cars in stock.