Car Rental in Herceg-Novi

Where to drive

• Drive along the Bay of Kotor to Kotor Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, approximately 45 minutes (≈30 km) away. Explore its medieval walls, charming squares, and historic churches.
• Visit Perast, a picturesque village famous for its two island churches, Our Lady of the Rocks and Saint George. It's about an hour's drive (≈40 km) from Herceg-Novi.
• Head to the tranquil beaches of Lustica Peninsula, such as Plavi Horizonti or Rose, offering secluded coves and clear waters. This is roughly a 30-40 minute drive (≈20-25 km).
• Explore the historic city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, just across the border. Allow for border crossing times; the drive is approximately 1.5-2 hours (≈50-60 km).
• Discover the rugged beauty of Lovćen National Park and its Mausoleum of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, offering panoramic views. This trip is about 2 hours (≈70 km) and involves winding mountain roads.
• Journey to Budva, known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches, approximately an hour and 15 minutes drive (≈60 km) along the coastal road.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Montenegro, you typically need a valid national driving license held for at least 1-2 years, your passport, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in Latin script. The minimum age for rental is generally 21, with some companies requiring drivers to be 23 or 25 for certain car classes, and often an additional 'young driver' fee applies for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Herceg-Novi vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars might start from ≈20-30 EUR per day during the low season, while SUVs or premium models can range from ≈50-100 EUR or more, especially in peak summer. Expect prices to be considerably higher from June to September.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Montenegro, the general speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h outside urban areas, and 100 km/h on expressways (where applicable). The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03%. Headlights must be on at all times, day or night, throughout the year. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and children under five must be secured in an appropriate child safety seat.

Parking

In Herceg-Novi, parking can be challenging, especially in the town center and during peak season. There are designated paid parking zones, often marked with blue lines, where you can pay via SMS or parking machines. Free parking is available in some areas further from the center, but spaces fill up quickly. Always look for signs indicating parking restrictions.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available throughout Montenegro, including in and around Herceg-Novi. You'll find unleaded petrol (Eurosuper 95 and 98) and diesel (Eurodiesel). Prices are comparable to other European countries and can fluctuate, currently being approximately 1.50-1.70 EUR per liter for petrol. Most stations accept cash and major credit cards.

Which car to choose

For exploring Herceg-Novi and the winding coastal roads of the Bay of Kotor, a compact or economy car is often the best choice due to narrow streets and limited parking. If you plan to venture into the mountains or prefer more comfort for longer distances, a mid-range sedan or a smaller SUV with a manual transmission can be suitable, as many locals prefer them. Automatic cars are available but might be less common and slightly more expensive.

Frequently asked questions