Do you Need a Car in Montenegro?
Kotor Serpentine Road, Montenegro
Introduction
I had the pleasure of visiting Montenegro in the spring of 2024, and my journey through this captivating country was nothing short of incredible. This country has stunning coastlines, mountainous landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and very kind people.
Montenegro offers a tremendous amount of experiences for travellers. During my trip, I opted to rent a car, and in this article, I will share my insights on whether you need a car in Montenegro. By discussing the pros and cons of driving versus relying on public transport and other travel options, I hope to help you make an informed decision for your own adventure.
Article Summary and Key Takeaways:
Flexibility: Renting a car offers the flexibility to explore Montenegro at your own pace, including remote areas.
Cost-Efficiency: It can be more cost-effective than relying on taxis or organised tours, especially for exploring multiple locations.
Public Transport: Sufficient for staying in one area, but less ideal for broader exploration.
Driving Conditions: Generally stress-free but requires attention in mountainous regions. Drivers often overtake especially during rush hour. An automatic car is best.
Advance Booking: Recommended during peak tourist seasons.
Local Laws: Familiarise yourself with Montenegrin driving laws and plan routes ahead for a stress-free trip.
Why I hired a Car for Driving in Montenegro:
Montenegro has stunning beaches, national parks to unbelievable medieval old towns and exciting hiking trails. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation by the pool, or a journey through historical buildings, this country has it all. With only five days to explore, I wanted to fit in as much as possible while still having a couple of days to unwind by the pool.
When considering transportation options, the cost of taxis quickly added up. For example, a 30km trip would cost around 40 to 45 euros one way. In contrast, I rented a compact automatic Hyundai i20, which only cost me 50 euros per day (in Spring), which was a much better deal - my hotel arranged the vehicle for me. This little car handled the country's steep terrains with ease.
Having a car just gave me a lot more flexibility. I wasn't tied to a strict schedule and could travel at my own pace without relying on public transport or taxis. This freedom allowed me to make the most of my limited time, exploring most of the best that Montenegro has to offer.
In summary, renting a car in Montenegro was a practical and convenient choice that enhanced my travel experience significantly. I would recommend booking a car in advance to ensure you can get one, I travelled in April which is the off-season so getting a rental car was quite easy.
Automatic Hyundai i20 That I Rented for 55 Euros Per Day
My Experiences of Driving in Montenegro:
I enjoy driving so I found that getting around Montenegro to be a relatively stress-free experience, although it's important to note that the quality of the road network can vary considerably, depending on the remoteness of the destination. The roads still demand your full attention.
One aspect to get accustomed to is the heights. One particular drive which was the quite exhilarating journey from Lovćen National Park to Kotor Old Town via the Kotor Serpentine. This particular road is known for its narrow, winding nature and numerous hairpin turns. From a driver’s perspective, it demanded full attention and confident handling of the car. The road snakes down the mountain with sharp bends and steep drop-offs, making it a thrilling yet challenging drive. If you enjoy driving and are a confident driver, you will likely love this road. Here is a video of me on the Kotor Serpentine.
Some Montenegrin drivers like to overtake at higher speeds - stay calm and let them pass. Apart from this, Montenegro is generally easy to get around. I would recommend planning ahead and checking your routes online before setting out. Parking is usually easy to find in most places, which adds to the convenience of having a car. Overall, my experience of driving in Montenegro was positive, and I appreciated the freedom and flexibility it provided.
However, as with driving in any foreign country, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the driving rules in Montenegro to ensure you stay safe on the roads.
Conclusion: Do you Need a Car in Montenegro?
Whether you need a car in Montenegro largely depends on your plans. If you intend to stay in one area and relax on the beaches, taxis and public transport can suffice. However, if your goal is to explore more of the country and you are a confident driver, I would recommend hiring a car. As mentioned in some remote mountain locations the roads can seem a little daunting, although this is normally more in the mind then reality.
Renting a car makes the most sense from a cost, flexibility, and comfort point of view. It allows you to see a wider range of attractions, travel at your own pace, and venture into less accessible areas. Ultimately, having a car can significantly enhance your experience in Montenegro, enabling you to make the most of your visit.
I encourage readers to check out my article Best Things to do in Kotor, Montenegro, which includes a video of the drive on the Kotor Serpentine (a road from Lovchen National Park to Kotor).
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Yes, for the most part the roads are very suitable. Be prepared for narrow, winding roads, especially in mountainous regions and more remote regions.
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Driving is relatively stress-free but requires attention due to varied road conditions. Confidence in handling narrow and steep roads is beneficial.
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Familiarise yourself with local driving laws, plan your routes in advance, and be aware of the terrain and road conditions.
In regards to insurance, full coverage is recommended.
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It depends on when you travel, if it is peak season then I would recommend arranging this in advance to avoid any issues with availability.
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It depends on your travel plans. If you aim to explore multiple regions (that are more remote) and seek flexibility, renting a car is recommended. However, for staying in one or two areas, public transport and taxis may suffice.
If you want to visit attractions not accessible by bus, you’ll need to pay for tours. In such cases, renting a car, even for a day, is often more economical.
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Please check out this website which provides a URL of taxi tariffs.
References and Further Reading:
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This RAC guide for driving in Montenegro provides essential information for motorists, including required documents (valid UK driving licence, motor insurance certificate, V5 registration), and mandatory items (warning triangle, headlamp converters). It details driving laws such as using dipped headlights during the day and seat belt requirements. Speed limits are 50km/h in built-up areas and up to 100km/h on expressways. The guide also covers tips for renting a car and emergency contact information. For a comprehensive overview, visit RAC Driving in Montenegro.
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This guide from Road is Calling provides extensive information for tourists driving in Montenegro, highlighting that driving is generally easy and safe. Key points include the condition of roads (good but narrow in some areas), the necessity of familiarising with local traffic habits, and tips for renting a car. It also covers essential driving laws, parking availability, and specific routes for scenic drives. The guide stresses the importance of careful driving in mountainous regions and offers practical advice for both city and countryside travel.
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This article talks about the advantages of renting a car in Montenegro, highlighting its flexibility and cost-efficiency for exploring areas not accessible by public transport. It advises caution due to narrow, winding roads and aggressive local driving habits, recommends full insurance coverage, and stresses the importance of advance booking during peak seasons. Additionally, it mentions the need for a valid driver’s license, passport, and credit card, as well as being aware of local driving laws and toll roads, with parking challenges in cities.
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This article discusses the benefits of renting a car in Montenegro, emphasising the freedom it provides to explore at your own pace, especially in rural and mountainous regions with narrow roads. It warns about local driving habits, such as overtaking on blind corners, and recommends getting full insurance. It highlights the need for a valid driver’s license, passport, and credit card for rentals, and suggests booking in advance, particularly during peak tourist seasons, while avoiding certain rental companies with poor reviews.
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This article discusses the benefits of renting a car in Montenegro, highlighting the flexibility and freedom it provides to explore the country. It mentions that while public transportation and taxis can cover many areas, having a car allows access to remote locations and can be more cost-effective for longer trips. The article advises being cautious of road conditions, especially in mountainous regions, and suggests booking in advance during peak seasons. It also recommends familiarizing yourself with local driving laws and parking options.
