Car Rental in Žabljak

Where to drive

• Explore Durmitor National Park: Drive the scenic Durmitor Ring (P14 road), a spectacular circular route offering panoramic views, glacial lakes, and hiking trailheads. The full loop is around 80 km and takes approximately 3-4 hours of driving, plus stops.
• Visit Black Lake (Crno Jezero): Although walkable from Žabljak town center (around 3 km), having a car allows you to easily access other nearby lakes like Zminje Lake and Barno Lake, each offering unique natural beauty.
• Rafting on Tara River Canyon: Drive to the Tara Bridge, approximately 23 km from Žabljak (around 30 minutes), the starting point for thrilling rafting adventures down one of Europe's deepest canyons.
• Discover the Nevidio Canyon: Located approximately 30 km south of Žabljak, near Pošćenje, this is a prime spot for canyoning enthusiasts. The drive takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
• Journey to Ostrog Monastery: For a significant cultural detour, drive to the famous Ostrog Monastery, a journey of around 150 km (approximately 2.5-3 hours) through varied Montenegrin landscapes.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Montenegro, you typically need a valid driver's license from your home country, a passport, and often an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in a Latin alphabet. Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old and to have held their license for a minimum of 2 years. Some may charge a young driver surcharge for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Žabljak vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars might start from around 25-35 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs or premium vehicles can range from 50 EUR to over 100 EUR daily during peak summer. Winter prices for vehicles equipped for snow can also be higher. Booking in advance, especially through platforms like RentoRika, can secure better rates.

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 on open roads, and 100 km/h on highways (though highways are limited in the mountainous north). The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.3‰. Headlights must be on at all times, day or night, year-round. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and child seats are required for children under 5 years old.

Parking

In Žabljak, parking is generally straightforward. There is a mix of free and paid parking areas, especially around popular spots like Black Lake and the town center. Paid parking typically involves paying at a machine or to an attendant, with rates varying but usually affordable. Outside the immediate town, parking is often free, particularly at trailheads or viewpoints.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are available in Žabljak, offering both petrol (gasoline) and diesel. Fuel prices are regulated nationally and are generally comparable to other European countries, but can fluctuate. Payments can typically be made with cash or major credit/debit cards. It's advisable to fill up when you see a station, especially before heading into more remote parts of Durmitor, as stations are less frequent there.

Which car to choose

For Žabljak and the Durmitor region, a car with good ground clearance is highly recommended, such as a compact SUV or a 4x4. Many roads, especially the scenic routes and those leading to trailheads, can be narrow, winding, and sometimes unpaved or poorly maintained. An automatic transmission can make driving on steep inclines and declines more comfortable, though manual cars are also common and perfectly manageable for experienced drivers. During winter, ensure your rental comes with winter tires or snow chains.

Frequently asked questions