Car hire in Montenegro
Montenegro is easiest to see by car — public transport connects the larger towns, but not Durmitor, Lovćen, Lake Skadar and the places reached by a single narrow road. That is why a hire car is a more practical decision for most visitors than organised transport.
This page carries the hire listings published on Gepek, and below them the things that are written less often in the terms and conditions: what your licence has to be, how the deposit works, what crossing the border involves and why the price in August and in November differ several times over.
Vehicles for hire
There are currently no active hire listings. Save your search or take a look at the used-vehicle offer — if you are planning a longer stay, buying and later reselling sometimes works out cheaper than several months of hire.
What to know before you hire
Driving licence and age. A valid national licence from most countries is recognised for driving in Montenegro, and with licences that are not in the Latin alphabet an international driving permit is usually required as well. Almost every agency sets a minimum age and a minimum period of driving experience, and charges young drivers a surcharge — check that before you book, because there is no negotiating at the counter.
Deposit and insurance. The standard practice is to block an amount on a credit card as a deposit and to hand the vehicle over with basic insurance that carries an excess. Additional insurance reduces or removes that excess. Before taking the car, photograph it from every side, including the wheels, the windscreen and the interior, and check that every existing item of damage is written into the handover report.
Borders and the season. To leave the country in a hire car you need the agency's written consent and a green card; without them you will be turned back at the border. Prices are strongly seasonal — in July and August they are several times higher than out of season and the fewest cars are free, so summer hires are booked weeks in advance.
Frequently asked questions about car hire
- Which driving licence do I need to hire a car in Montenegro?
- A valid driving licence, alongside which an international driving permit is as a rule required for licences issued in a non-Latin script. Agencies additionally set a minimum age and a minimum period of driving experience, and charge young drivers a surcharge. Always check the exact conditions with the particular agency before you book.
- Can I cross the border in a hire car?
- Only with the agency's prior written consent and with a green card for the countries you are travelling through. Most agencies allow it for a surcharge, but some prohibit entry into certain countries. Arrange it when you book, not on the day of collection.
- How does the deposit work?
- The agency blocks a certain amount on your credit card for the duration of the hire and releases it after the vehicle is returned undamaged. The size of the deposit depends on the class of vehicle and on the insurance package you choose — the wider the cover, the smaller the deposit as a rule.
- When is hiring most expensive?
- In July and August, when demand is highest and the fewest cars are free. Out of season, prices are considerably lower and the choice is wider. If you are travelling at the peak of the season, book in advance — a late booking in August means both a higher price and a smaller choice.
- What should I do when collecting the vehicle?
- Walk around the vehicle with the agent and photograph every scratch, the wheels, the windscreen and the interior, with a visible date on the image. Check that all damage is written into the handover report, look at the fuel level and the rule for returning the tank, and check that the hi-vis vest, the warning triangle and the documents are in the car.