Car rental in Montenegro: a 2025 guide
Montenegro is an ideal country for road trips: compact territory, good-quality roads, and access to locations not served by public transport (Durmitor National Park, Piva Lake, remote beaches). In 2025, the rental market is experiencing a 10–20% price increase due to inflation, but it remains more affordable than in neighboring Croatia or Italy. Below is a concise summary of facts, prices, and rules for independent drivers.Seasonality and prices
Rental cost directly depends on the month. It is recommended to book a car for summer 1–2 months in advance.- Low season (November — February): The lowest prices. Economy class (Toyota Yaris, Hyundai i20) costs 10–16 euros per day.
- Shoulder season (March — May, September — October): Balance of price and weather. Prices range from 14 to 37 euros per day.
- High season (June — August): Peak demand. Prices rise by 15–20%, average economy price is 30–50 euros.
Editor’s tip: For mountain trips, choose a car with an engine capacity of at least 1.6 liters. Small engines “suffocate” on long mountain serpentines, especially with air conditioning on.
Where to rent: aggregators and companies
The market is divided into local family businesses and international brands.Localrent (formerly MyRentacar)
An aggregator of local rental companies. The most popular choice among Russian-speaking tourists.- Fleet: Over 700 cars (from older sedans to convertibles and SUVs).
- Payment: Accept Russian cards (Visa, Mastercard, MIR). Prepayment of 15–20% on the website, the rest in cash or by card on site.
- Pros: Russian-language interface and support, low deposits.
- Cons: Quality depends on the specific rental company (it is important to read reviews before booking).
Sitngo
A company focused on “all-inclusive” service.- Feature: Rental without a deposit.
- Prices: 30–50 euros per day (often above the market, but with transparent terms).
- Who it’s for: Those who do not have a credit card.
Discover Cars and international brands (Hertz, Sixt, Avis)
Suitable for those accustomed to corporate standards.- Prices: Above average (40–70 euros/day).
- Deposit: High, from 500 to 1000 euros. A credit card in the driver’s name is required.
Lifehack: For rentals of 8–14 days, many companies offer free car delivery to Tivat and Podgorica airports, as well as to hotels in Budva or Kotor.
Requirements and documents
The rental procedure in Montenegro is simpler than in the EU. Age and experience: Usually from 21–22 years old with 1–2 years of driving experience. Driving license: Russian national licenses are valid (the country has signed the Vienna Convention). An IDP is not required. Passport: Required to sign the contract.Insurance and deposits
The standard deposit is 100–300 euros. It is paid in cash or blocked on a card and returned after vehicle inspection. Third-party liability insurance: Included in the base price (covers damage to third parties). CDW: Optional, 5–30 euros per day. Usually comes with an excess. Super CDW: Full insurance with no excess. Recommended for beginners.
Important: When receiving the car, be sure to record a detailed video of the body, windows, and wheels. Note all scratches in the inspection sheet to avoid disputes when returning the deposit.
Traffic rules and fines
Police are loyal to tourists, but serious violations are punished strictly. Maximum fines reach 2000 euros. Lights: Low-beam headlights must be on at all times, 24/7. Fine: 30–80 euros. Speed: 50 km/h in cities, 80 km/h outside cities. Alcohol: Allowed up to 0.3‰. Parking: In cities (Budva, Kotor) — 0.8–1.2 euros/hour. Often free at night and on Sundays.
Restrictions: Smoking in rental cars is strictly prohibited (fine 100 euros). Travel to Albania, Bosnia, or Croatia is only possible with a “Green Card” and a note in the contract.