Car Rental in Tivat, Montenegro

Where to drive

• Drive the scenic coastal road around the Bay of Kotor, visiting Perast and Kotor Old Town. This loop is approximately 40-50 km and takes about 1.5-2 hours of driving, not including stops.
• Explore Budva and Sveti Stefan, famous for their historic charm and beautiful beaches. This is about a 25-30 km drive south from Tivat, taking around 45 minutes to an hour.
• Head inland to Lovcen National Park and the historic capital Cetinje for panoramic views and cultural insights. The drive is roughly 50-60 km, taking about 1.5 hours through winding mountain roads.
• Discover the rugged beauty of Lustica Peninsula, with its olive groves, hidden coves, and charming villages. This local exploration can be a half-day trip, covering about 30-40 km depending on your route.
• Visit Skadar Lake National Park, a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. This journey is approximately 70-80 km and takes about 1.5 hours, offering a different side of Montenegro.

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 often an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in a Latin alphabet. The minimum age for rental is generally 21 years, with at least two years of driving experience. Some companies may charge a young driver surcharge for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Tivat vary significantly by season and vehicle class. Economy cars can start from approximately 20-30 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs and premium models might range from 50-100 EUR or more daily. Expect prices to be considerably higher, potentially doubling or tripling, during the peak summer months.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Montenegro, vehicles drive on the right. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h outside urban areas, and 100 km/h on motorways, where available. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03%. Headlights must be on 24/7, even during the day. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and child seats are required for children under 5 years old. Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited.

Parking

In Tivat, parking in the town center and near popular attractions is often paid, especially during the high season. Look for marked parking zones (usually blue or white lines) and pay at nearby machines or via SMS, if available. Free parking can be found further away from the main tourist areas, but spaces can be limited. Always check signage for specific rules.

Fuel stations

Fuel (petrol and diesel) is readily available at numerous stations throughout Tivat and Montenegro. Most stations accept cash and major credit cards. Fuel prices are generally comparable to other European countries, but can fluctuate. For example, a liter of unleaded petrol might cost approximately 1.50-1.70 EUR.

Which car to choose

For exploring Tivat and the Bay of Kotor, a compact or economy car is ideal due to narrow streets and limited parking in historic towns. If you plan to venture into the mountains or require more comfort for longer drives, an SUV or a mid-size sedan with manual transmission might be preferred, as some mountain roads can be steep and winding. Automatic transmission cars are available but less common and often pricier.

Frequently asked questions