Car Rental Specifics

Public transport in Montenegro is developed only between major cities (Budva, Podgorica, Bar). Getting to national parks Durmitor, Lovćen, or the Tara River Canyon by bus is difficult and time-consuming. Taxi rides over long distances are not cost-effective (a tour can cost up to 100 euros). Renting a car is the only way to move freely around the country with its mountainous terrain.

The average rental duration is 4–8 days. In the low season (January–February), prices drop by 30–50%, making a car trip cheaper than group tours.

Choosing a Rental Company

The market is divided into international giants and local firms. According to 2025 data, local rental companies often offer more flexible terms.

Local Companies (Recommended)

Local firms such as SitnGo, MTL Rent a Car, and Astralis focus on clients who want to avoid bureaucracy.

Pros: Often no credit card or deposit required, accept cash, provide a free "Green Card" for traveling to neighboring countries, child seats, and a second driver.
Cons: Fleet may be older than international brands, limited selection during peak season.
SitnGo (Rating 9.0): No deposit, CDW included. Popular models: Toyota Yaris, Suzuki Vitara.
MTL Rent a Car (Rating 9.2): Reliable service, but high prices for models like VW Polo.

Recommendation: For tourists from Russia and CIS countries, local companies are the optimal choice as they operate without credit cards and accept cash in euros.

International Networks

Brands Alamo, Hertz, Sixt are available at Tivat (TIV) and Podgorica (TGD) airports.

Pros: New cars, standardized service, 24/7 support.
Cons: Strict requirement for a credit (not debit!) card to block a deposit (from 300 to 1000 euros), paid extra services, hidden fees.

Rental Costs (January 2026)

Prices depend on the season, car class, and rental duration. Booking for 8 days or more often guarantees a discount and free delivery to the hotel.

Mini (Fiat Panda, Toyota Aygo): 10–20 €/day. Economical option for 2 people.
Economy (VW Polo, Renault Clio, Skoda Fabia): 18–30 €/day. Optimal for coastal trips.
Compact/Wagon (Skoda Scala, Hyundai i30): 25–40 €/day. Suitable for families with luggage.
SUV/Crossover (Dacia Duster, Suzuki Vitara): 30–60 €/day. Required for mountain trips in winter or to the northern part of the country.
Premium (BMW X5, Audi Q5): 70–250 €/day.

Lifehack: For comfortable driving on mountain serpentine roads, choose a car with an engine volume of at least 1.2 liters (preferably 1.6 l). Small cars "struggle" on long climbs.

Requirements and Documents

Standard document package for contract processing:

Passport: Valid.
Driver's License: National licenses are acceptable, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended to avoid disputes with police or in case of major accidents.
Age: Minimum 21 years (sometimes 22). Driving experience from 1–2 years.

Attention: Drivers under 21 (or 19–20 in some companies) pay a "Young Driver" fee of about 10–15 €/day. The upper age limit is usually 70–75 years.

Insurance and Deposits

Read insurance terms carefully. The base price usually includes only OSAGO (liability to third parties).

CDW (Collision Damage Waiver with deductible): Your liability is limited to the deposit amount (300–500 €). Damage to glass, underbody, and tires is usually not covered.
SCDW (Full CDW / Super Cover): Costs an additional 15–20 €/day. Removes the deductible (deposit) and covers more risks.

Traffic Rules and Fines

Montenegro has driving specifics: narrow roads, serpentines, and sometimes aggressive local drivers.

Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h outside. Cameras are common.
Alcohol: Allowed limit is 0.03‰ (almost zero).
Parking: Zones in cities (usually marked blue). Payment via SMS (local SIM required) or parking meters. Fine for illegal parking — 50–100 € + towing.
Fuel: Average price — around 1.4–1.5 €/liter. Car return usually requires a full tank.

When receiving the car, make sure to take photos and videos of all scratches, fuel level, and interior condition to avoid unjustified claims upon return.

Car Rental Specifics