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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 C4 Grand Picasso in Montenegro
It was good. Somewhat mixed feelings , but I would give it a 4 The car was just a little different than the reservation and its condition was concerning, but overall it was good enough. Thank you
Citroen C3 in Montenegro
Everything went well. Eventually the Citroen was taken and we were offered a Reno by Philip, which for traveling in the mountains was even better.
Smart Fortwo in Montenegro
The vehicle provided was in poor technical condition. The vehicle needs a good technical inspection. The steering is without power steering. It is extremely difficult to steer on serpentine roads and in narrow streets. When releasing the brake pedal, the car did not start moving. It just rolled backwards. When driving on the still repaired road, uphill, it was uncomfortable, complete with signaling cars behind, which saw the rolling car, not keeping the distance when stopping. At a slight press on the gas pedal, in a traffic jam, the car twitched. In order to ensure at least some smoother movement, I had to push the gas pedal harder, which created the risk of creating an emergency situation with the car in front. Headlights' near light does not work. I had to move with high beam, I feel uncomfortable, because oncoming cars indicated it to me by signaling and blinking. Taking into account all a number of faults, which further there is no sense to describe, the rented car was parked for a longer time. At the end of the rental period, a comrade arrived and said that he saw new defects and a scratch on the car. I had to bring up the photos that had been taken beforehand. Luckily the owner of the car came up and clarified that these defects were present. Perhaps it was a move to withhold the deposit value of the car from us. My wife was determined to drive herself along the serpentine, along the roads of coastal towns with a beautiful view of the sea, but such a technical condition of the car did not allow her to enjoy the road behind the wheel. We needed exactly SMART. A small car, with possibility to park and drive in narrow places of cities. But considering the condition of the car it was decided not to expose ourselves and our vacation to risks and unpleasant situations. We refused to travel most of the planned routes. Naturally, I do not wish to advise this rental to anyone. The price for a car in such a state is unreasonably high. Besides, I did not want to expose myself to risks on vacation in a foreign country.
Volkswagen Polo in Montenegro
Great car and great landlord. Everything worked out without any unnecessary questions - quick meeting, contract execution, deposit and payment in cash, which is very convenient. The car traveled 1550 km through three countries: Montenegro, Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, no problems at the borders - I showed the car documents and the border guard entered everything himself. The car feels great on the highway and serpentine. The only nuance was that the passenger front window did not roll down, but it was not a problem for us as the air conditioner was working constantly and there was no need to open the window. I recommend the rental company and Nori personally.
Renault Clio 4 in Montenegro
thank you, everything was great! The car was good, the service was fast, the owner was helpful.
Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan in Montenegro
Everything was fine.
Volkswagen Polo in Montenegro
It was really good The car was in great condition and the person who reached out to me were really helpful and friendly Overall it was a great experience 🔥✨
Renault Megane in Montenegro
it was ok, first we got another car, (not the one that we rented but they guys havent received the cars yet) and after they changed the car for the Renault and perfect really kind and polite person
Peugeot 107 in Montenegro
Yeah, everything went about fine. The first day they gave me the wrong car I was expecting, a Citroen Picasso. It was too big for the city. It was very uncomfortable to park. But the next day I got a Peugeot 107. A very nimble little car. But there was one thing. I had a full tank of gas. And the car started leaking gasoline. I immediately informed the owner of the car. It's not safe to have a car with such a defect. But in general I was satisfied. I want to thank you for the rental.
Renault Clio 4 in Montenegro
Everything was great Your site is very clear, I really like that there is no deposit and it was always possible to contact you All in time No tons of papers Easy return Only one was strange because I didn't know that I had to return the washed car and had to pay extra 5 euros. Compared to other rentals, you are still the best I will recommend you to my friends and acquaintances
Hyundai i20 in Montenegro
Due to the car rental and service everything was great!
Audi A3 in Montenegro
I got great pleasure from driving this car, for trips over long distances I recommend this car to everyone. With regards to renting a car, everything was great, no problems with the design, everything is simple and clear. Thanks for the good service.
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
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.
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Real reviews on every specific car
Not just an overall supplier rating, but feedback from guests who hired the very same Octavia or Duster.
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Deposit and terms shown before you book
The amount, payment method and excess sit in the car listing, so the handover holds no surprises.
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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.
Driving to Croatia, Bosnia, Albania and beyond
Montenegro's biggest advantage as a base is its five neighbours within a few hours by car. From here you can reach Dubrovnik, Mostar, Shkodër, Belgrade or Prizren in a single day.
Croatia (Dubrovnik)
Cross-border fee €30–85. The contract must explicitly allow exit from Montenegro, and a Green Card has to be issued. Debeli Brijeg crossing queues 1–2 hours during midday in summer — leave early or after eight in the evening.
Dubrovnik in a day is realistic. From Budva it's roughly 2.5 hours each way along a steady road, with no serious mountain passes.
Albania (Shkodër, Tirana, Berat)
€30–50 surcharge, and most local suppliers allow it without fuss. The Božaj crossing near Lake Skadar is normally quieter than Sukobin or Murićani. Food and accommodation are below Montenegrin prices.
Before driving into Albania we'd top the tank up at home — Montenegrin 95 petrol is generally more reliable and a touch cheaper.
Bosnia (Mostar, Sarajevo, Trebinje)
€30–50 surcharge applies. Since 2021 the Green Card isn't technically required for Montenegrin-plated cars entering Bosnia, but suppliers still issue it. Neat day trip: Tivat → Trebinje → Mostar via the pass, back through Nikšić.
Multi-country trips are often the reason guests hire a car in the first place. Croatia and Bosnia in one five-day loop is a typical August itinerary.
Serbia and Kosovo open under the same terms; North Macedonia is slightly higher at €40–60.
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.
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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.