Local Transport
Rental Car — The Best Choice
A rental car is the most comfortable way to explore Montenegro — the country is small enough to reach everything on day trips, but public transport does not cover all the sights. Prices: from 25–50€/day (small car), SUV from 50–80€/day. Providers: Europcar, Sixt, Budget, local providers (often cheaper). Book early in summer!
Driving in Montenegro:
- Road conditions: The main roads (coastal road, highway Podgorica–Bar) are good. Mountain roads can be narrow, winding, and without guardrails. The road Kotor–Cetinje over the Lovćen (25 hairpin bends!) is breathtaking, but not for the faint-hearted.
- Driving style: Montenegrins drive dynamically. Overtaking on curves, tailgating, and creative parking are normal. Drive defensively, especially on coastal roads. The horn is often used as a warning signal and greeting.
- Parking: In Kotor, Budva, and Herceg Novi, a big problem in summer. Public parking: 0.50–2€/hour. Arrive early or park on the outskirts and walk.
- Toll: The Sozina Tunnel (Podgorica–Bar) costs 2.50€ and saves 30 minutes of driving time over the pass.
- Speed limits: In towns 40–50 km/h, country roads 80 km/h, highway 100 km/h. Radar checks are frequent.
Buses
The bus network reliably and affordably connects all major locations. The main connections:
| Route | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Kotor → Budva | 40 Min. | 3–5€ |
| Budva → Sveti Stefan | 15 Min. | 2€ |
| Podgorica → Kotor | 1.5–2h | 8–12€ |
| Podgorica → Budva | 1.5h | 7–10€ |
| Podgorica → Žabljak | 3.5h | 10–14€ |
| Kotor → Herceg Novi | 1h | 4–6€ |
| Podgorica → Ulcinj | 2h | 7–10€ |
Buses are relatively punctual, air-conditioned, and comfortable. Tickets at the bus station or from the driver. No online booking system for domestic buses — just go and buy.
Ferry across the Bay of Kotor
The Kamenari–Lepetane ferry significantly shortens the route around the Bay of Kotor (instead of a 45-minute drive around the entire bay: 5-minute ferry). Runs every 10–15 minutes, around the clock. Price: 4.50€ per car including passengers. Pedestrians: 1€. In summer, there may be waiting times (15–30 min.).
Taxi & Transfers
Taxis are relatively cheap in Montenegro (base fee: 1–2€, per km: 0.80–1.50€), but always insist on the taximeter or negotiate the price beforehand. Apps like Taxi Montenegro and CAR:GO work in Podgorica and on the coast. For airport transfers, pre-booked transfers are often cheaper than on-site taxis.
