Car Rental in Bar, Montenegro

Where to drive

• Drive to Stari Bar (Old Bar), just ≈5 km inland, to explore its fascinating ruins, fortress, and Ottoman aqueduct. The drive takes about 10-15 minutes.
• Head north along the coast to Budva, a vibrant coastal town with a charming Old Town and beautiful beaches, approximately 40 km (≈1 hour drive).
• Journey south to Ulcinj, known for its long sandy Velika Plaža beach and historic Old Town, about 30 km (≈45 minutes drive).
• Discover Skadar Lake National Park, Europe's largest bird reserve, with scenic viewpoints and boat trips. Virpazar, a common entry point, is roughly 25 km from Bar (≈30 minutes drive).
• Take a day trip into the mountains to Cetinje, Montenegro's old royal capital, and then further to Lovćen National Park for breathtaking views, approximately 60-70 km (≈1.5-2 hours drive).
• Explore the picturesque fishing village of Perast and the iconic Bay of Kotor, about 60-70 km north (≈1.5 hours drive).

What documents you need

To rent a car in Montenegro, you typically need a valid driving license from your home country, a passport, and for many non-EU licenses, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required or highly recommended. The minimum age for renting is usually 21, and some companies may require drivers to have held their license for at least 2 years. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Bar fluctuate significantly with the seasons. Economy cars can start from around 20-25 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs and premium models might range from 50 EUR to 100+ EUR daily. During the peak summer months, expect prices to be considerably higher across all categories, potentially doubling or more for popular models.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Montenegro, driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h outside urban areas, and 100 km/h on motorways (though motorways are limited). Headlights must be on 24/7, even during the day. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.3‰, which is very strict, so it's best to avoid alcohol entirely if driving. Child seats are compulsory for children under 5 years old.

Parking

In Bar, parking can be a mix of free and paid zones. In the city center and near popular attractions, you will likely find paid parking, often managed by parking meters or SMS payment systems. Look for signs indicating parking rules and payment methods. Outside the immediate center, especially in residential areas or near some beaches, free parking might be available but can be scarce during peak season. Always check signage carefully to avoid fines.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available throughout Bar and along major roads in Montenegro. Unleaded petrol (BMB 95 and BMB 98) and diesel are standard. Prices are comparable to other European countries, currently around 1.50-1.70 EUR per liter for petrol, and slightly less for diesel. Most stations accept credit cards, but having some cash on hand for smaller purchases or emergencies is always a good idea.

Which car to choose

For exploring Bar and its immediate surroundings, an economy or compact car is often sufficient and easier to navigate through narrow streets and find parking. However, if you plan to venture into the mountainous regions like Lovćen or Durmitor National Park, or prefer more comfort on longer journeys, a mid-size sedan or a small SUV would be more suitable. Automatic transmission cars are available but may be less common and slightly more expensive than manual cars.

Frequently asked questions