As we planned our trip to Montenegro, it quickly became clear that securing a rental car was essential for fully experiencing the country’s stunning attractions. Without the option to rent a car in Montenegro, we would miss out on the chance to navigate Serpentine Road and enjoy sunset from the Horizont Bar, which provides a stunning view of Kotor Bay.
We could also easily access iconic destinations such as Perast and Sveti Stefan. With a rental vehicle, we could embark on spontaneous road trips, stopping to admire the stunning coastal views and picturesque villages that dot the landscape.
If you’re eager to explore Montenegro and want to ensure a smooth car rental experience, this article is a must-read. It offers a comprehensive overview of the key considerations and expert advice that can enhance your car rental experience in this beautiful Balkan country.
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Why Should You Rent a Car in Montenegro (Podgorica)?
🌒 You Are Flying at Night
After discovering some fantastic flight deals from Manchester Airport to Podgorica Airport, we quickly secured our tickets. However, we soon realized that our arrival time would be quite late in the evening.
Arriving in a new country at night can present various challenges, especially when it comes to navigating public transportation. In our case, reaching Apartments Nikvik near Budva would have posed considerable difficulties if we had relied solely on buses or taxis. Given the circumstances, we decided that pre-booking a rental car was the most sensible choice.
🛏️ It is Hard to Get to Your Accomodation Without Car
When I think about my travels in Montenegro, one of the first things that comes to mind is the convenience of having a rental car. In this country there are some great accommodations, such as Apartments Nikvik, which provide breathtaking views of Jaz Beach.
However, getting to these places can be quite a challenge without a vehicle. The steep roads leading to these apartments can be daunting, especially when the sun is blazing down, making the thought of hiking up and down feel like an exhausting task.
🏞️ The Beauty of Montenegro Lies in its Hidden Gems
While the popular attractions are certainly worth visiting, I find that the true beauty of Montenegro lies in its less-traveled paths. The convenience of having rented vehicle means you can easily access remote areas that are not serviced by public transportation. You can make spontaneous stops whenever something catches your eye.
How to Rent a Car in Montenegro?
When we decided to rent a car in Montenegro, we found that the most convenient and efficient way to go about it was to compare prices on Discovercars and rent a car online. We had previously used Discovercars website during our road trips in Northern Ireland and Iceland without any issues.
We could secure our vehicle before arriving in Montenegro, ensuring that we had reliable transportation ready for our adventures. I would definitely recommend using Discovercars for anyone looking to embark on a similar journey.
Rental Companies in Montenegro (Podgorica)
I started my search on Discovercars for rental companies at Podgorica Airport, where I founded a variety of options available. Some of the names that caught my attention included OptimoRent, GOLDCAR, OTOQ, wheego, MTL, autoUnion, EXER, Firefly, Surprice, and addCar. I had not previously rented from any of these companies (I typically prefer Hertz for my car rentals), so I had to establish some criteria to help me make a decision.
One of the key factors that influenced my choice was the business hours of the rental companies. I found that OTOQ stood out because they offered longer operating hours compared to the others. This was particularly important, as I was a bit anxious about the possibility of my flight being delayed.
In fact, my flight was delayed, which added to my stress, as I worried about whether I would be able to pick up my car after business hours. However, as soon as we landed, I spotted the OTOQ employee waiting for us with keys to our rental car.
🤷 Which Rental Company Should You Choose?
In the past, I always opted for rental companies that allowed me to grab my keys right at the terminal. It seemed like the most convenient option, especially when traveling to a new place. However, I found that many of these companies in Montenegro had limited business hours, which could be quite inconvenient.
This time, I decided to try the Meet & Greet service offered by OTOQ, and I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth the process was. With the car ready and waiting for us at the airport, we were able to hit the road and start exploring the beautiful sights of Montenegro without any further delays. Overall, I recommend renting a car online from OTOQ for anyone travelling to Montenegro.
👍 Our Review of OTOQ Meet & Greet Service
This service allows the rental company to deliver the vehicle directly to a designated location, which can be incredibly helpful for travelers arriving at the airport. Alternatively, a representative can escort you to your rental car.
Initially, I had some concerns regarding the possibility of not finding an OTOQ employee at the airport or meeting an unfamiliar person at night. At that moment, I was also uncertain about the safety of Montenegro as a travel destination.
However, my worries were quickly alleviated when I arrived at the airport. An OTOQ representative was waiting right by the entrance, and although we didn’t see our name on a sign, the OTOQ logo was clearly visible, making it easy to identify them. The rental car was conveniently parked at the airport, which added to the overall positive experience.
As we exited the airport, we encountered a small fee of 1 euro at the exit gate, so I recommend having some coins handy for such situations. In Montenegro, cash is often preferred, and many places may not accept card payments.
⛽ Fuel Policy with OTOQ Car Rental – Rent a Car in Montenegro
Our preferred fuel policy is a Full to Full approach, which means that you pick up the vehicle with a full tank and are expected to return it in the same condition. However, since we only rented the car two weeks prior to our trip to Montenegro, our options were somewhat limited.
OTOQ Car Rental operates under a Same to Same fuel policy, which requires customers to refill the fuel they have consumed before returning the vehicle. To ensure we didn’t face any issues upon returning the car, we decided to fill the tank a little more than necessary.
When we arrived back at the Podgorica Airport to drop off the car, the OTOQ employee inquired if we had taken a photo of the fuel gauge when we first received the vehicle. I found myself scrolling through my phone’s photo album, which was filled with countless pictures from our adventures in Montenegro, making it a bit of a slow process to find the right one. Thankfully, the OTOQ employee was understanding and accepted our word without needing any visual proof.
This experience served as a valuable lesson for me about the importance of documenting the fuel level when picking up a rental car. Overall, my experience with OTOQ Car Rental was positive, and I appreciated their flexibility and trust.
🚗💨 Car Insurance with OTOQ – Rent a Car in Montenegro
OTOQ provided us with a unique opportunity to secure car insurance directly through their services. They assured us that if we chose to go with their insurance, there would be no upfront deposit required.
The online car rental process typically involves a deposit, making OTOQ’s offer very interesting. Upon deciding to purchase insurance from OTOQ, we were also surprised to find that they offered us an additional driver at no extra cost. Overall, our experience with OTOQ’s car rental was quite positive.
If you’re planning a trip to Monetengro, I suggest you consider booking your vehicle online through Discovercars. Once you arrive at the airport, you can conveniently obtain your insurance directly from OTOQ.
You can also purchase Full Coverage from Discovercars when booking your rented car. The Full Coverage option from Discovercars includes coverage for repair costs, towing services, and even taxi fares if you find yourself in an unfortunate accident.
✔️ Checking Your Rented Car – Rent a Car in Montenegro
Arriving in Montenegro after dark presented some challenges when it came to inspecting our rented vehicle. Unlike our usual experience with Hertz, the OTOQ rental company did not provide any documentation detailing existing damages on the car.
When I inquired about the absence of damage reports, the staff explained that they rely on photographs to document the car’s condition. Following their lead, we decided to take our own pictures as well. They were helpful in pointing out some minor damages that we had overlooked, which I appreciated.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, particularly when inspecting a rental car at night, I highly recommend using the flashlight feature on your phone. This will help illuminate any potential scratches or dents that might be hard to see in low light.
✈️ Returning Your Car to the Airport – Rent a Car in Montenegro
When it comes time to return your rental car at the airport, it’s important to follow the specific instructions provided by your car rental company. In this case, the OTOQ representative advised that we should reach out via WhatsApp or give them a call about ten minutes prior to our arrival at the airport.
Since Podgorica Airport is relatively small and OTOQ does not have a designated drop-off zone, we had the flexibility to park the car in any available spot within the airport’s parking area. On the day of our return, we overlooked the suggestion to contact OTOQ ten minutes before arriving. However, as we pulled into the airport, I noticed that they had already reached out to me via phone.
It seems they have a system in place to track the rented vehicles, which allowed them to anticipate our arrival. This proactive approach made the process smoother, as I was able to communicate with them directly upon reaching the airport.
During the call, they inquired about our parking location, and I informed them that we were parked somewhere in the middle of the car park. To my relief, an OTOQ employee quickly located us.
He conducted an inspection of the vehicle to ensure there were no damages, and after confirming everything was in order, we could proceed to the airport departures without any worries. This efficient service made our car return experience stress-free.
Requirements to Rent a Car in Montenegro (Podgorica)
🧔 How Old Do You Have to be to Rent a Car in Montenegro?
To rent a car in Montenegro, you must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid driving license that you have held for a minimum of one year. This age requirement is standard across many rental agencies, ensuring that drivers have enough experience behind the wheel.
It’s important to note that while the minimum age is set at 21, different rental companies may impose their own restrictions regarding the maximum age for renting a vehicle, which typically ranges from 68 to 75 years. However, some companies, like OTOQ, may allow rentals for drivers up to 85 years old, although this often comes with additional fees for senior drivers over 75.
💳 Documents Needed to Rent a Car in Montenegro
If your driving license is printed in a non-Roman alphabet, such as Arabic, Japanese, or Cyrillic, you will need to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside it. For those holding a driving license from the European Union countries or the United Kingdom, you can rent a car without needing an IDP, as these licenses are widely accepted in Montenegro.
In addition to International Driving Permit (if it is needed), you will also need to present a valid credit card, which serves as a security deposit and proof of your ability to cover any potential damages. Make sure that the credit card is in the name of the main driver, as this is a common stipulation among rental companies.
Driving in Montenegro
🛣️ How to Navigate Roads in Montenegro?
Upon our arrival in Montenegro, we quickly discovered that it is not part of the European Union, which meant our UK mobile data was unavailable. Although I had taken the precaution of downloading offline maps, it took Google a full day to activate them. To avoid similar issues, I highly recommend purchasing a local SIM card or eSIM, as it will provide you with reliable access to navigation tools and other essential services while exploring the country.
On our first day, we faced the challenge of reaching Apartments Nikvik without any internet access on our phones. Fortunately, the rental car we had came equipped with a built-in satellite navigation system. This feature proved invaluable, as it allowed us to input the location of Apartments Nikvik directly, guiding us through the winding roads of Montenegro.
Montenegro is a relatively small country, and navigating its roads is not overly complicated. The scenic routes and charming landscapes made our drive enjoyable, and we found that with a little patience and the right tools, getting around was quite manageable.
💸 Paying Tolls in Montenegro
When traveling through Montenegro, you’ll find that toll prices are quite reasonable, making it an affordable option for road trips. One notable route is the Sozina tunnel, which we took while journeying from the picturesque Sveti Stefan Beach to Podgorica Airport.
As for the payment methods, motorists have the flexibility to pay tolls either in cash or with bank cards, which adds to the convenience of traveling in this beautiful country. It’s important to note that the toll fees vary based on the category of the vehicle you are driving.
⛽ Petrol Stations in Montenegro
During our stay in Montenegro, we visited LUKOIL Jaz petrol station, which was conveniently situated close to our lodging at Apartments Nikvik. This station is ideally positioned alongside a bustling road that leads directly to the picturesque town of Kotor.
However, one notable aspect of the experience was the local driving habits at the petrol station. Many drivers seemed to disregard the directional arrows, creating a somewhat chaotic atmosphere. For someone fueling a rental car for the first time in Montenegro, it certainly added an element of stress.
Fortunately, if any issues arose while we were at the station, there was always staff available to assist. The employees were friendly and eager to lend a hand, which made the experience much more pleasant. Another advantage of LUKOIL Jaz was its acceptance of card payments, which made the transaction process smooth.
🌍 Crossing Borders
When it comes to exploring beyond Montenegro, many rental car companies offer the option to cross into neighboring countries. To find out if your chosen rental service permits this, you can visit Discovercars, where you’ll find detailed information regarding cross-border travel. If it is indeed allowed, you will be presented with a comprehensive list of countries you can visit, such as Croatia or Albania, enabling you to plan your itinerary with ease.
It’s important to note that while the freedom to travel across borders is enticing, it does come with additional costs. Specifically, a cross-border fee will be added to your rental price, which is something to consider when budgeting for your trip. Additionally, you will need to obtain written permission from the rental supplier to ensure that you are authorized to take the vehicle into another country.
⛴️ Taking a Car Rental on a Ferry
When it comes to renting a car for your travels, it’s important to note that many companies have restrictions regarding ferry travel. In my research, I discovered that SIXT is one of the few companies that allows this option, which I found through Discovercars. However, just like when crossing international borders, there is typically an extra fee associated with taking a rental car on a ferry, which will be added to the overall cost of your rental.
A popular ferry route you might consider is the one that connects Lepetane and Kamenari, which provides a faster way to reach Herceg Novi from Budva. This route can save you time, especially during peak travel seasons when the coastal roads can become congested.
👍 Our Review of Driving in Montenegro
Driving in Montenegro presents a unique experience that differs significantly from what one might encounter in countries like the UK, where courtesy on the road is more common. In Montenegro, drivers tend to be less accommodating, often prioritizing their own journeys over allowing others to merge or park. However, the driving environment is not as frenetic as it is in neighboring Albania, and the main roads are generally well-maintained, making for a more pleasant driving experience overall.
One aspect that can be puzzling is the tendency of Montenegrin drivers to seem perpetually rushed. It’s not uncommon to find drivers unwilling to reverse their vehicles to give you some room, even when there is ample space to do so.
While some roads in Montenegro are narrow and steep, they offer breathtaking views that make the journey worthwhile. If we were to visit Montenegro again, we would certainly consider renting a car once more. After spending a few days navigating the roads, one can adapt to the local driving style, and it becomes clear that driving is one of the best ways to explore the diverse landscapes and charming towns of this beautiful country.
Parking in Montenegro
Parking in Lesser Known Locations in Montenegro
The availability of parking in Montenegro can vary significantly depending on the specific destinations you choose to explore. During our visit, we found it quite convenient to locate free parking at both Jaz Beach and Ploce Beach, which were conveniently situated near our accommodation at Apartments Nikvik. These beaches offered ample space for vehicles, allowing us to enjoy our time without the stress of searching for a spot.
Parking in Famous Tourists Spots in Montenegro
However, if your itinerary includes popular tourist spots like Kotor, it’s wise to arrive early in the day. When we reached Kotor, we encountered a situation where most parking lots were already filled to capacity. As a result, we opted to park near the Jewish Cemetery, which was about a 15-minute stroll from the charming Old Town of Kotor.
Our experience in Perast further highlighted the challenges of finding parking in busy areas. Later in the day, we discovered that securing a free parking space was nearly impossible, prompting us to postpone our visit until the following day. Even with an early arrival the next morning, parking remained limited, but we were fortunate enough to find a spot. Once we parked, we decided to leave the car and enjoy a leisurely walk to Perast, appreciating the scenic views along the way.
Parking Near Croatian Border
As we made our way toward the Croatian border, heading to the picturesque town of Herceg Novi, we encountered a frustrating situation regarding parking. Every parking area we came across required payment via mobile apps, which posed a significant challenge since we didn’t have mobile data on our phones.
This limitation prevented us from fully enjoying the charm and beauty of Herceg Novi. If you’re considering a trip to this lovely town, it’s essential to ensure that you can pay for parking through your phone, as it seems to be the standard method in the area.
Parking in Montenegro – Summary
On our final day, we arrived early at Sveti Stefan Beach, and to our relief, we found ample parking available without any hassle. The process of paying for parking was straightforward, which made our visit much more enjoyable. However, reflecting on our previous experiences, we chose not to venture to another location that same day. We had learned that parking lots in Montenegro can fill up rapidly, and we didn’t want to risk the stress of searching for a spot again.
What Type of Car Should You Book in Montenegro?
For our journey in Montenegro, we opted for a Skoda Kamiq. This compact SUV provided plenty of comfort, allowing us to navigate both the bustling city streets of Kotor and the scenic Serpentine Road with ease.
The Skoda Kamiq is designed with the driver in mind, featuring a spacious interior that accommodates both passengers and luggage comfortably. We could also connect our phones with built-in sat nav to navigate roads in Montenegro. Overall, renting a car in Montenegro was a fantastic decision that contributed to a memorable adventure in this country.
How to Book Affordable Car in Montenegro?
The summer months mark the peak tourist season in Montenegro, making it a bustling time for travelers. If you’re aiming to snag a great deal on a rental car, consider adjusting your travel plans to the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn. These periods not only offer milder weather but also a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to explore the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of Montenegro without the crowds.
To ensure you secure the vehicle of your choice during the high-demand summer months, it’s wise to make your reservation at least a few months ahead of your trip. The availability of rental cars significantly diminishes during this peak season, and waiting until the last minute could leave you with limited options.
Additionally, it’s important to note that rental prices tend to rise as your booking date approaches. By reserving your car well in advance, you can take advantage of lower rates and potentially save a considerable amount of money. Keep in mind that if your travel plans include crossing borders or using ferry services, these factors can also contribute to higher rental costs, so it’s best to factor those into your budget as you plan your trip.
Check If You Have Mileage Limit
When considering a car rental in Montenegro, it’s essential to verify whether there are any restrictions on mileage. Despite Montenegro’s relatively compact size, understanding the terms of your rental agreement can save you from unexpected fees or limitations.
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