Whether you're dreaming of coastal towns, dramatic mountain roads, or lakeside villages, Montenegro is a country best explored by car. Its compact size, variety of landscapes, and limited public transport options make a road trip not just convenient, but essential.
Keep reading, and find everything you need to rent a car for a road trip in Montenegro, and plan a smooth, exciting self-drive adventure, plus plenty of practical advice from our experience with the drivers.
Why driving is the best way to see Montenegro - from hidden mountain villages to cliffside monasteries that buses can’t reach
What it’s really like on the road - the good, the surprising, and the things to beware of
Tips for navigating mountain roads, old towns, and fuel stops
What you need to know about local driving laws (spoiler: headlights always on!)
When to go - the best seasons to rent a car depending on your vibe (sun and sea, fall vibes, or snow-covered peaks)
Whether you need an international driving permit (you probably don’t, but check inside)
The top 3 scenic road trip routes - coastal, central, and mountain circuits
Smart rental tips from locals and frequent travelers
What to expect from MTL Rent a Car - plus why having support on the ground makes a big difference
Montenegro might look small on the map, but its terrain is packed with winding roads, panoramic coastal paths, and alpine passes that buses can’t reach. Some of the country’s most stunning destinations - Durmitor National Park, the Piva Canyon, the old royal capital of Cetinje - are only accessible by car or tour.
With your own vehicle, you choose when to stop for a view, when to detour, and how long to linger.
Driving through Montenegro is both exciting and rewarding, but it comes with a few quirks every traveler should be aware of. While the country is relatively small, its roads vary significantly depending on where you’re going, so a little preparation goes a long way.
The main roads and highways connecting cities and towns are paved and generally well-maintained. You’ll find smooth driving on routes like the Podgorica–Bar, or the coastal road linking Tivat, Kotor, and Budva.
Mountain roads are another story - expect narrow, winding stretches with sharp switchbacks and limited guardrails. If you're not used to mountain driving, take it slow, stay in low gear on descents, and be prepared for tight curves.
Historic town centers (like Kotor and Cetinje) often have cobbled streets and very tight corners. Locals navigate them with ease, but visitors are better off parking just outside and walking in. This way you’ll avoid parking stress and reduce the likelihood of scratching the car.
Fuel stations are easy to find along main roads and near populated areas. They’re usually open from early morning until late evening, with some on highways operating 24/7. Still, it’s smart to fill up before heading into more remote regions, especially in the north.
Navigation is generally reliable with Google Maps, but in mountain regions and canyons, cell signals can drop unexpectedly. For backup, download offline GPS apps like Maps.me or keep a paper map in the glovebox, just in case.
There are a few local rules and customs that can help you drive more confidently:
Headlights must be on at all times, day or night.
Roundabouts can be chaotic - locals often don’t signal, so drive cautiously and expect unpredictable moves.
Alcohol limit is extremely low, and roadside breath tests are common. The safest approach: no alcohol at all if you’re driving.
Police presence is noticeable, especially on tourist-heavy roads. Carry your license, passport, and rental papers at all times.
Speed limits in Montenegro are fairly standard:
50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas
80 km/h (50 mph) on open rural roads
Up to 100 km/h (62 mph) on expressways and highways
It’s best to follow posted limits strictly because Montenegrin police are active, and fines for speeding are immediate. There are also speed cameras in urban zones, and it’s not uncommon to be pulled over for routine checks - just stay polite and provide your documents.
Finding parking is fairly easy outside peak summer months, but in July and August, coastal towns like Kotor and Budva fill up quickly. These cities have designated paid parking areas, often marked by blue or white lines and signs in Montenegrin (“Zona I,” “Zona II”).
Rates are usually by the hour, and you’ll need local coins or a mobile payment app. Look for pay stations or attendants.
In the north and rural areas, parking is more relaxed and often free, especially near parks and hiking areas.
Try not to park illegally (on sidewalks, too close to intersections, or in front of private gates) to avoid fines - your rental company may charge you an additional admin fee if a violation is reported.
In case of an emergency, here are the key numbers to keep handy:
122 for Police
124 for Ambulance
If you experience a breakdown or accident, contact your rental company immediately. Many car rental providers, including MTL Rent a Car, offer roadside assistance as part of the service or as an add-on, so check your rental agreement for details. Having roadside support can save you a lot of stress, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
The best time to rent a car in Montenegro really depends on your travel style and what kind of experience you’re looking for. Montenegro offers very different vibes and driving conditions across the seasons, so let’s break it down:
You prefer mild weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable options? Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) are perfect.
During these months, the temperatures are pleasant - not too hot or cold - and the main tourist spots are less crowded, making your drives more relaxing. You’ll also find better availability and prices for cheap rent a car Montenegro deals, since demand is lower than in the busy summer months. It’s a great time to explore both the coast and the mountains without the hustle and bustle.
If you thrive on summer energy, beach vibes, and lively towns, then July and August might be your favorite time.
These months bring warm, sunny weather ideal for coastal drives and seaside stops. However, be prepared for higher car rental prices, especially along the coast where demand spikes, and much heavier traffic around popular destinations like Budva and Kotor. If you choose summer, it’s essential to book your car rental well in advance to secure the vehicle you want and get better rates.
For those who enjoy winter sports, snowy landscapes, and quieter roads, renting a car in the winter months (November through February) can be a unique experience.
The northern parts of Montenegro, such as Kolasin and Zabljak, become winter wonderlands perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and cozy mountain getaways. Just keep in mind that driving conditions can be challenging due to snow and ice, so when you rent your car, ask specifically for snow tires or chains to ensure safety. Also, winter driving means shorter daylight hours and occasional road closures, so plan accordingly.
Ultimately, your best time to rent a car depends on your preferences. Whatever season you pick, MTL Rent a Car offers flexible options for car rental in Podgorica, Tivat and Kotor, and can help advise you on the best vehicle and insurance packages to match the time of year and your itinerary.
For most travelers, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required when driving in Montenegro. If you're visiting from the EU, United Kingdom, United States, or Canada, and your license uses the Latin alphabet, you can legally drive with your standard driver’s license for short-term stays.
However, if your license is printed in a non-Latin script, such as Cyrillic, Arabic, or Chinese, you’ll need to carry an IDP alongside your original license to comply with local regulations.
When you book with MTL Rent a Car, we’ll confirm your eligibility and any necessary paperwork requirements in advance, so you can arrive fully prepared, with one less thing to worry about.
Here are the most popular road trip routes in Montenegro, as chosen by our drivers:
Distance: approximately 100 km
Time: 3-5 hours with stops
Highlights:
Kotor - a medieval walled city with a fjord-like bay
Budva - beaches, nightlife, and history
Sveti Stefan - iconic islet photo stop
Ulcinj - longest sandy beach in the Balkans
Distance: approximately 300 km total
Time: 3 - 4 days
Highlights:
Žabljak - gateway to Durmitor hikes and lakes
Tara River Canyon - Europe's deepest canyon
Piva Canyon - stunning reservoir drives
Biogradska Gora - one of the last virgin forests in Europe
Great for short stays or day trips
Must-sees:
Cetinje - royal history and mountain monasteries
Lovćen National Park - climb to Njegoš Mausoleum
Lake Skadar - boat tours and birdwatching
Ostrog Monastery - a pilgrimage site built into cliffs
While this guide is about traveling, it wouldn’t be complete without covering car rental logistics.
Pick-up and drop-off at Podgorica Airport and Tivat Airport
Clean, modern vehicles for city, coastal, or mountain driving
24/7 customer support and roadside assistance
Unlimited mileage
Transparent pricing, no hidden fees
No cancellation fees
One-way car rentals - so you don’t have to backtrack.
You can add full insurance for extra peace of mind - MTL offers flexible packages for your trip.
Download offline maps before remote routes
Avoid night driving in rural areas - limited lighting and animals
Don’t rely on speed signs only - Google Maps can show speed zones
Ask locals for shortcuts or alternate scenic routes
With a car, Montenegro becomes an open invitation to explore deeply - from panoramic coastal roads to hidden forest lakes. You’ll stop at roadside fruit stands, take unplanned detours to abandoned fortresses, and make your own version of the perfect trip.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car now or Contact MTL for help planning your route.
