Car Rental in Perast, Montenegro

Where to drive

• Explore Kotor Old Town: Just a 15-minute drive (approx. 12 km) south of Perast, the UNESCO-listed Kotor Old Town offers medieval architecture and city walls to climb for panoramic views.
• Visit Budva Riviera: Drive south for about 45 minutes (approx. 30 km) to reach Budva, known for its lively Old Town, beautiful beaches like Mogren, and vibrant nightlife.
• Discover Lovćen National Park: Head inland from Kotor for an hour's drive (approx. 35 km) up winding roads to Lovćen National Park, offering spectacular views of the Bay of Kotor and the Njegos Mausoleum.
• Day trip to Lake Skadar: A scenic drive of about 1 hour and 30 minutes (approx. 70 km) southeast brings you to Lake Skadar National Park, a haven for birdwatching and boat trips.
• Explore Herceg Novi: Drive west along the bay for about 40 minutes (approx. 25 km) to Herceg Novi, a town known for its fortresses, botanical gardens, and long promenade.
• Visit Our Lady of the Rocks: While the islands themselves are reached by boat from Perast, a car allows you to easily reach the Perast waterfront to catch a boat and then continue your journey along the bay.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Montenegro, you typically need a valid national driving license, a passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended, and sometimes required, especially if your national license is not in a Latin alphabet. The minimum age for renting is usually 21, and some companies require at least 2 years of driving experience; drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Perast vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars can start from approximately 20-30 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs and premium vehicles might range from 50 EUR to 100+ EUR daily. Expect prices to be considerably higher, sometimes double, during the peak summer months of July and August.

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 on open roads, and 100 km/h on motorways (though motorways are limited). The legal blood alcohol limit is very strict, approximately 0.03%. Headlights must be on at all times, day and night. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and child seats are required for children up to 5 years old.

Parking

Perast is largely a pedestrian-only village. Parking for visitors is available at designated lots just outside the main village entrance, usually for a fee (approx. 2-5 EUR for a few hours or a day). Free parking can be scarce, especially during peak season. In other Montenegrin towns, parking is often paid via parking meters, SMS, or dedicated apps.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available along main roads throughout Montenegro. Major towns and cities will have multiple options. Fuel prices are generally comparable to other European countries, currently around 1.50-1.70 EUR per liter for petrol (BMB 95/98) and diesel. Most stations accept credit cards, but it's always wise to have some cash on hand as a backup.

Which car to choose

For exploring the narrow, winding roads around the Bay of Kotor and within older towns, an economy or compact car with a manual transmission is often the most practical choice. If you plan to venture into the mountains or prefer more comfort for longer distances, a mid-size sedan or a smaller SUV would be suitable. Automatic transmission vehicles are less common and may cost more to rent.

Frequently asked questions