Pickup
Return
🎁 Use code WELCOME3 during checkout to get discount on your first booking with us. Enjoy! ☀️
Car hire in Montenegro is the easiest way to make the country open up. Locals like to say that without a car you turn into furniture — buses do run along the coast, but reaching Lovćen, Durmitor, Lake Skadar or the hidden coves of the Luštica peninsula needs 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 — sit 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 class car starts at €17–25 per day. In the peak summer months of July and August 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 maths to do at the pump or the toll booth.
Prices and what's included
Daily rates depend on the class, the season and the length of the booking. Economy (Polo, Fabia, Yaris, Hyundai i20) runs €17–35 depending on the month. Mid-size and compact crossovers — €30–55. Larger SUVs and automatics — from €45 per day. Two-week bookings usually drop 20–30%, monthly rates almost halve.
A standard tariff with local suppliers nearly always includes Third Party Liability, basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) with an excess of €800–2,000, theft protection, unlimited mileage and free delivery to Tivat and Podgorica airports. The headline daily rate from a local company 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.
Hidden fees catch out first-timers most often. Before you book, check whether there are separate charges for cross-border travel, for drivers under 25, for an additional driver, for refuelling and for cleaning. With TakeCars, the price you see in the listing is the final price.
The worst moment is hearing about a local tax or an airport fee that wasn't in the booking. We try to put everything on the listing so that there's nothing new to discuss on collection.
May and September are widely seen as the sweet spot — the weather is still beach-friendly, prices sit 30–40% below August and the choice of available cars is far wider.
Most tourists in Montenegro start their trip here
Documents, deposit and payment
To hire a car you'll need a passport (or EU/EEA national ID), a valid driving licence with at least one or two years' experience, and a payment card. Minimum age is 21 for economy and mid-size, 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 is — no IDP required. Licences from other countries work if they're in the Latin alphabet; Cyrillic, Arabic and non-Latin scripts need an accompanying IDP.
Most worries about whether a licence will be accepted can be resolved before booking. We confirm the document type in advance, so there are no surprises on the day.
The deposit is the main difference between local suppliers and international chains. Local companies take €100–300 in cash, returned in full at drop-off. International brands block €500–1,500 on a credit card, with release taking 10–30 working days.
On TakeCars the deposit and the way it's collected are visible in the listing before you book. We also offer no-deposit options where Full Cover with 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 settled in cash euros at pick-up. International chains insist on a classic embossed credit card.
Showing the deposit upfront, on its own, removes most of the awkward moments at handover — the guest already knows what to expect when they arrive.
For high-season pickups in Tivat and Budva, we recommend confirming the document type a day or two before arrival — it saves a phone call at the rank.
Citroen C3 in Montenegro
everything went smooth. Our car got upgraded, Filip and Djole was very nice and they made everything smooth.
Renault Megane in Montenegro
When it came to picking up and returning the car, everything went smoothly. The only downside was the initially empty tank. It would have been more convenient for us to get a fully fueled car and return it. Thank you and best wishes!
Toyota Yaris in Montenegro
Generally it was ok, only 2 problems (1) there weren't kids seats as we booked, the guy provided them, but it took extra 2-3 hours (2) the car was in a bad condition from outside - i mean, it was skretched in many places, one element (front left) almost torn of. The driving was ok though. Oh, and one front light stopped working on the last day.
Skoda Fabia Combi in Montenegro
After ordering I was promptly contacted by a representative of the rental company and asked me if I had ordered a trip abroad. I checked the box, so I confirmed that yes, I had ordered it. My friend complained about some error, but then said that okay, and systems make mistakes, so I will have a trip. At 10pm the day before the rental (the rental was for 9am), I was contacted again by a representative of the company and asked if I was driving a manual. The thing is that Skoda in Bara and because of two days it will not be taken to me, so I have a choice: ancient Accent on automatic or 208 on manual. I chose the 208. In the morning they brought the car. In the contract I paid attention to the field "Car for rent in Montenegro", where there was a stamp of the rental company. I asked what about traveling abroad. The man called someone, clarified, then wrote BiH with a pen over the stamp and said that now everything is normal. I checked a couple of times whether the pen over the seal was really normal, and I was assured that everything was definitely normal. Naturally, the first thing I was told at the border was that it was not normal and illegal to do so. I had to "turn on the fool" and with a lot of effort I had to beg the border guards to let me pass. Otherwise, the rental went fine. When handing over the car, I pointed out this fact to the guys, to which I received the answer that they always do so, and always everything works, and of course it is absolutely normal to do so, and in general, the exit costs 5 euros (as if I did not pay for it). In general, not a bit of doubt and regret on their part. That was the end of it. That's how it went
Renault Clio 4 in Montenegro
It went great. Everyone is happy. Instead of a clio, they gave a fabia combi. But this is not a minus. Maybe even a plus). Another trip in a couple of weeks. Will use again
Renault Clio 4 in Montenegro
On the site we chose Renault Clio 4, but in fact we got Peugeot 208. The car is even better and newer than that one. We were very satisfied. The car is good, high-spirited, easily climbs the serpentines, maneuverable. The driver drove him to our place of residence. Everything works in the car, the washer reservoir is full, the interior is clean, the air conditioner works, good summer tires. There were no problems. Traveled all over Montenegro, took almost a month. For a family, a very good option. Left at the airport in the parking lot, as agreed in advance. I liked everything very much. We strongly recommend. We will order more from this site.
Audi A3 Cabrio in Montenegro
the car is excellent, economical and very efficient, with a good power reserve, the road, however, for the most part did not allow using its capabilities, I also advise autumn, if with small children, up to 15 years old, then it’s great for a family
Renault Clio 3 in Montenegro
Everything was good
Renault Megane SW in Montenegro
We liked the service, the car was completely satisfactory, the only thing the guys forgot to install a child seat, but they brought it in within 1 hour. So, in general, the service arranged. I will advise your service
Toyota Yaris in Montenegro
Everything went well! Thanks.
Hyundai i20 in Montenegro
Thank you, everything went well!
Skoda Fabia in Montenegro
5 stars! Some time in the fall I will rent a car again.
Opel Corsa in Montenegro
The lease was in order, the service representative was quite OK, there were no questions for him. In the car itself, the air conditioner did not work (there was no climate control), or rather it worked, but only in the maximum power position - it was noisy to the maximum and blew with the coldest air, and simply did not work at a lower power. It was a noticeable discomfort. The rest is fine, it is quite possible that I will still use your service in the future.
Take Cars in Montenegro
Transparent terms aren't a marketing line — they save you three hours at handover. If the listing says €150 deposit in cash, that's exactly what you'll leave and exactly what you'll get back when you return the keys. Every supplier listed below is on the same terms, so the only thing that changes between cars is the car itself.
-
Real reviews on every specific car
Not just an overall supplier rating, but feedback from guests who hired the very same Octavia or Duster.
-
Deposit and terms shown before you book
The amount, payment method and excess sit in the car listing, so the handover holds no surprises.
-
Free cancellation up to 7 days before pick-up
Plans change — booking should feel risk-free, not a commitment carved in stone.
Routes worth the petrol
Coastal road and Kamenari–Lepetane ferry
The main coastal road links Herceg Novi to Ulcinj. In summer it crawls, and car hire in Kotor pays off with the Kamenari–Lepetane ferry: crossing the Bay of Kotor saves 30 km and an hour. A car with passengers — €4.50, 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
South, the coast quietens. Day loop: car hire in Bar or Sutomore → 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
If you have two or three days beyond the coast, the north is worth it. The climb from Kotor to Lovćen on the road of 25 hairpins is a route in its own right. 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 is usually 10–20% cheaper than 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.
The drive from TGD 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
50 km/h in towns, 80 outside, 100 on the motorway and in the Sozina tunnel. No "+20" tolerance. Blood-alcohol limit 0.3‰, effectively zero for under-24s. Dipped headlights 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
Officers don't take cash. They issue a slip you settle at any bank or post office. Ignore it and the supplier is later notified, charging your card plus €10–25 admin fee.
Parking in Kotor and Budva
Parking is forbidden inside the Kotor Old Town — use the paid lots near the Sea Gate, the Jadran centre, or park in Dobrota and walk in. Budva and Sveti Stefan are similar: free spaces fill by breakfast, paid bays €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 — use the meter or 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 sit in the boot. Fine from €60; 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 are fine right through the winter — the snow rarely reaches sea level.
Rates in Montenegro vary throughout the year depending on the season and the rental length in days.
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
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.