Driving in Montenegro: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Montenegro, the small Balkan country on the Adriatic Sea, is known for its stunning natural environment, with mountains, astonishing beaches and well-preserved villages. There are many points of interest in Montenegro, such as the capital Podgorica, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kotor and the beautiful coastline.

With car rental from Abbycar, you can organize an unforgettable road trip. You may wonder how it is navigating Montenegrin roads. Let’s see here everything you need to know about road conditions and road safety in Montenegro.

The infrastructure and road conditions in Montenegro are variable. There are major highways that connect big cities and are generally in good condition. On the other side, there are mountainous and rural roads that are in poor condition as their maintenance is limited. Plus, they are not well-lit, so you should be careful when driving at night.

The driving regulations in Montengro follow the same rules as in all continent European countries:

• Drivers drive to the right side of the road.
• The use of seat belts is mandatory for all passengers, and children under 12 years old must use appropriate child seats.
• Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas and 80/100 km/h outside the cities.
• Driving after having drunk alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Driving in Montenegro requires attention and experience due to its mountainous and narrow roads. The best safety tips for navigating Montenegrin roads you should remember are:

• Use navigation app. If the cost to use your mobile phone for internet data may be high, you can ask for GPS from Abbycar
• Avoid driving during the night, especially in local roads.
• In rural areas, watch for livestock and pedestrian even across the street.
• Carry your driving license, as there are frequent police checkpoints.
• Be prepared for and don’t interact with aggressive drivers.
• Always wear seat belts and comply with speed limits and traffic signs.

The most common hazards regarding Montenegrin road safety are the weather conditions in winter, the aggressive driving, the poor road conditions and the winding roads in mountains. However, if you are cautious, drive slowly and choose a new, safe vehicle, you can enjoy the Montenegrin road trip and the stunning nature that surrounds you.

For personal experiences and testimonials about driving in Montenegro, check here.

Some useful travel tips we recommend you when travelling to Montenegro are:

• Currency: The official currency is the Euro. ATMs are widely available, but no all shops accept debit card, so it is wiser to have cash with you.
• Language: Montenegrin is the official language, but many people speak English, especially in tourist areas. In rural, non-touristic areas, most people don’t speak English.
• Local Cuisine: You can try traditional dishes, like Ćevapi (grilled meat), Njeguški pršut (prosciutto) and seafood along the coast. Local wines are also popular.
• Public Transport: Buses are the primary mode of public transport, with extensive networks inside as well as outside the cities. However, the itineraries are rare and in the high season overcrowded.
• Weather: The coastal region has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, while the mountainous areas have colder winters with heavy rain and snowfall.
• Emergency Number: 112 is the general emergency number.

Parking may be challenging in the historical center of Podgorica as well as in major touristic cities, such as Kotor. To avoid fines and time-consuming search for a parking slot, please remember the following parking tips:

• Look for designated parking areas and garages, especially in busy districts.
• Use parking apps for easy payment and to find available spots.
• Park in well-lit areas and don’t leave valuables in your car.
• In busy areas, avoid searching for parking nearby, as it is wiser to walk a bit and avoid overcrowded places.

In Montenegro, you can explore many beautiful attractions, such as:

• Kotor: The Medieval Town of Kotor is UNESCO World Heritage.
• Budva: The coastal town of Budva has a charming old town with Venetian walls and offers pristine sandy beaches.
• Durmitor National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage site has the second deepest canyon in the world (Tara River Canyon), where you can do outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing and rafting.
• Lake Skadar: The largest lake in the Balkans offers not only opportunities for birdwatching thanks to its rich biodiversity, but also cultural opportunities, as around the lake there are many historic monasteries.
• Ostrog Monastery: The Serbian Orthodox monastery is built into a cliff and is a well-preserved pilgrimage site with stunning view.
• Ulcinj: The seaside town with the impressive Islamic architecture offers imposing long sandy beaches, such as Velika Plaža.

With car hire in Montenegro, you can make the ultimate road trip and combine several attractions in only a few days, with flexibility and at your own pace. Some road trip itineraries you can consider are:

• Coastal exploration: You can drive on the Adriatic Sea to see in 3-5 days all the seaside unmissable spots, such as Kotor, Perast, Budva, Sveti Stefan and Ulcinj.
• Natural discovery: If you want to explore the stunning natural landscape of Montenergo, you can drive to Lovćen National Park, Durmitor National Park and Lake Skadar, which are close to Kotor that can be your basepoint.
• Full Montenegrin experience: To explore everything this small Balkan country can offer, you need around 7-10 days to visit Podgorica, Kotor, all seaside towns and beaches as well as the impressive national parks.

The key to organize a convenient road trip in Montenegro is to rent a suitable car from the large fleet of Abbycar. At low prices and with all-year-long deals, you can find the ideal car, such as a small SUV, which is affordable but also safe for all kind of Montenegrin roads.

It is highly recommended to choose a reliable rental company, such as Abbycar, that has excellent customer service and can help you with any issue or safety matter.

A wide-coverage insurance is the best way to travel stress-free, eliminate the deposit amount in your credit card and feel confident in case of emergency.

Our tip is to check thoroughly the car before pick-up and take photos to prove its pre-existing condition. We are here to help you deal with any car rental issue.

Explore Montenegro with Abbycar easily, safely and on a budget!