How to Drive in Montenegro?

Montenegro, a small Balkan country is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Europe. Surrounded by mountains and the beautiful Adriatic Sea, it is a real paradise for holidays and recreation. Due to its beautiful nature, Montenegro gaining popularity every year for road trips.

Whether you're planning to rent a car in Podgorica Montenegro or just curious about driving, we will try to explain how to drive in Montenegro.

Consider renting a car for your Montenegro trip. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Plus, it's often more cost-effective than relying on taxis or organized tours. 

With the increase of flights every year, many tourists are deciding to rent a car at airport Podgorica or other airports and nearby locations. This is not surprising, since tourists want to use their vacation best.

Taking a car at the airport makes you feel no waste of time since you immediately continue your trip. So, renting a car in Montenegro is a good idea, since you get most of your holiday.

Podgorica, Montenegro's capital, is the perfect starting point for your road trip. Our most popular rental locations are Podgorica Airport, the city center of Podgorica, and bus/train station. These are the most convenient locations for travelers, making the easy transition from other transportation options.

Also, Podgorica is located in the heart of Montenegro. You can reach the most of tourist attractions in less than 2 hours.

Always wear your seatbelt, and remember that the blood alcohol limit is 0.03%. It's best to avoid drinking altogether if you're driving.

Montenegro's mountains are a big part of its charm, but they can be challenging for drivers. The country's highest peak, Zla Kolata, stands at 2,534 meters. While you won't be driving to the peak, you'll still encounter some steep climbs and sharp turns.

When driving uphill, give way to vehicles coming downhill if the road is narrow. It's easier for you to start again on an incline than for them to stop.

Also, be prepared for sudden weather changes. The temperature can drop significantly as you climb higher. The temperature decreases by about 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters you ascend.

During the winter you must have a winter tyre set and snow chains in the car, in case of snow.

Montenegro's coastline stretches for 295 km, offering some of the most stunning seaside drives in Europe.

The coastal road from Kotor to Budva is particularly famous, driving along the Bay of Kotor with dropping views at every turn.

The coastal roads can get quite busy during the summer tourist season, with traffic increasing by up to 200% in July and August. Plan your coastal drives for early morning or late evening to avoid the crowds.

Parking in Montenegro can be a bit problematic, especially in popular tourist areas during the summer season. In cities like Podgorica and Kotor, you'll find a mix of street parking and parking garages.

During peak season, it's not uncommon to spend 15-20 minutes looking for a spot in places like Budva, Tivat, or Kotor. Many hotels offer parking, so that's something to consider when booking your accommodation.

In smaller towns, you might see locals using informal parking areas. It's best to stick to official parking spots to avoid any issues.

As of 2023, the average price of gasoline is about 1.44 euros per liter, while diesel costs around 1.39 euros per liter. This is about 20% cheaper than the European average. Most fuel stations are open from 6 AM to 11 PM, with some 24-hour stations on major routes. It's a good idea to fill up when you see a station, especially if you're heading into more rural areas.

In case of emergencies, the universal European emergency number 112 works here. 

National emergency numbers:

• 122 – police
• 123 – fire brigade
• 124 – ambulance

To wrap up, here are some final tips for driving in Montenegro. First, always carry your driver's license, leasing documents car rental agreement, and insurance documents. 

It's also a good idea to have some cash on hand, as not all places accept cards. When renting a car, inspect it thoroughly before driving off. Take photos of any existing damage to avoid issues later. 

Adopt the local driving culture. Montenegrins are generally relaxed drivers, so don't be in a rush. After all, the journey is just as important as the destination in this beautiful country.