Europe > 🇲🇪 Montenegro
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Montenegro can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Montenegro; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Montenegro?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Montenegro?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.🏙️ Main Cities in Montenegro
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Podgorica | TGD | |
| Tivat | TIV |
Should You Rent a Car in Montenegro?
Montenegro may be small, but it’s packed with jaw-dropping scenery: dramatic mountains, deep gorges, clear lakes, and a glittering Adriatic coastline. Distances are short, yet public transport doesn’t always reach the most beautiful spots. So the question becomes: should you rent a car in Montenegro?
🚗 Driving vs. Public Transport
Public transport in Montenegro works reasonably well along the coast. Buses connect Herceg Novi, Kotor, Budva, Bar, and Ulcinj regularly and affordably. However, inland routes can be slow, with limited timetables and long waits for connections. If you want to explore Durmitor National Park, the Tara Canyon, or the Ostrog Monastery, renting a car offers far more flexibility.
Driving, however, requires confidence. Mountain roads are narrow and winding, and local drivers can be assertive. That said, traffic is generally light outside summer, and the views from behind the wheel are extraordinary.
🚆 Rail and Other Options
Montenegro’s small railway network links Bar on the coast to Podgorica and continues north through Kolašin to Bijelo Polje, before entering Serbia. The Bar–Belgrade line is one of the most scenic rail journeys in Europe, passing through mountains, tunnels, and viaducts. Trains are slow but atmospheric, ideal for travellers who enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
However, away from that single main line, rail travel won’t help you reach most tourist areas. To reach Montenegro’s lakes, mountain villages, or national parks, you’ll need a car, a tour, or a lot of patience with bus schedules.
🛣️ Car Rental in Montenegro
Car rental is straightforward. You can rent at Podgorica Airport, Tivat Airport, or in major resorts like Budva or Kotor. Prices are usually lower than in Western Europe, and cars are in good condition. Many travellers fly into Dubrovnik (Croatia) and rent a car there, crossing the border into Montenegro — though you’ll need to confirm cross-border permission with the rental company.
If you’re planning to drive up into the mountains or around Durmitor, a small SUV or 4×4 is a wise choice. Coastal roads, by contrast, are smooth and easy to handle with a compact car.
🌄 Exploring Montenegro by Road
A road trip is the best way to experience Montenegro’s diversity. The route from Kotor to Žabljak via Cetinje and Nikšić crosses landscapes that look like separate countries — from Mediterranean bays to alpine peaks. The Lovćen National Park switchbacks offer stunning panoramic views, while the Tara Canyon Bridge is an unmissable stop for photographers and thrill-seekers alike.
🧭 Summary
✅ Yes, if you want freedom. A rental car lets you explore both coast and mountains without relying on slow or infrequent buses.
🚫 No, if you’re staying along the coast. Buses and taxis make short hops easy and affordable between seaside towns.
In short, should you rent a car in Montenegro?
Yes — especially if you want to see beyond the postcard-perfect coast. Montenegro is compact, scenic, and incredibly rewarding to explore at your own pace.