Why hiring a car in Montenegro is the best way to explore the country

Montenegro

Montenegro has it all—majestic mountains, the stunning shores of the Adriatic Sea, and charming villages. With beautiful landscapes and a rich cultural heritage, it has become a trending destination for travellers looking for both relaxation and adventure. While public transport is an option, it doesn’t give you access to the most authentic places or the freedom to explore at your own pace like a hire car does. In this guide, we’ll show you why hiring a car in Montenegro is the best way to explore the country.

How to hire a car to visit Montenegro

Hiring a car in Montenegro is essential if you want to reach even the country’s most remote and picturesque spots. And if you're looking for a simple, hassle-free way to do it—without any hidden surprises—CarJet is your best choice.

What is CarJet? CarJet is a car hire comparison platform that searches real-time offers from all major providers, so you don’t have to. Just enter your pick-up and drop-off dates, along with your destination, and we’ll do the rest!

You set the pace: with CarJet, you can hire a car in Tivat or book one in Podgorica. It’s entirely up to you where your adventure begins!

Discover all the advantages of hiring a car in Montenegro

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to plan your trip around Montenegro conveniently, practically, and at your own pace with a car. Get ready to explore the country your way!

Explore without limits and with maximum flexibility

One of the greatest benefits of renting a car in Montenegro is the complete freedom to travel at your own pace. The country is full of incredible locations—many tucked away in remote areas that aren’t easily accessible by public transport. With your hire car, you can effortlessly reach the famous Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at its spectacular landscapes. In Kotor, don’t miss the beautifully preserved mediaeval old town, enclosed by impressive city walls. And if you’re up for the challenge, hike up to San Giovanni Fortress for an unforgettable panoramic view of the bay.

Feeling adventurous? Head north to discover the stunning Plav region and its magnificent glacial lake, nestled at the foot of the Prokletije Mountains near the Albanian border. These extraordinary landscapes are practically inaccessible without your own vehicle.

Discover traditional villages and lesser-known destinations

Montenegro is much more than just its well-known tourist hotspots like Kotor and Budva. Hiring a car allows you to visit authentic locations such as the picturesque villages of Bar and Perast, both offering a peaceful, charming atmosphere. You can also explore Biogradska Gora National Park, home to one of Europe’s oldest forests—another site that’s difficult to reach without a car.

Other hidden gems include Rijeka Crnojevica, with its stone houses lining the river and its historic bridge, and Virpazar, the gateway to Skadar Lake National Park. For a different perspective, you can even cross the lake to its Albanian shore.

Your car will also take you to Sveti Stefan, an islet joined to the mainland by a narrow isthmus, now one of Montenegro’s most iconic landmarks. Once a fortified fishing village, today it offers a captivating mix of history, charm, and breathtaking views over the Adriatic Sea.

Relax on the most beautiful beaches of Montenegro

Hiring a car in Montenegro also means gaining access to lesser-known beaches. While the Adriatic coast draws crowds to popular spots like Budva and Sveti Stefan, there are many quieter coves just a few kilometres away that are not served by public transport. With a car, you can explore hidden gems such as Drobni Pijesak, Jaz, Valdanos, or the secluded coves of the Luštica peninsula.

Even relatively well-known beaches like Mogren Beach, close to Budva, are far more enjoyable to reach by car—especially if you set off early to avoid the crowds. Further south, Lucice Beach near Petrovac is a peaceful bay surrounded by lush vegetation, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.

Experience a unique cultural journey at your own pace

Montenegro is also renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage, making it a must for history lovers. A key destination is Cetinje, the country’s former royal capital, where you can visit the National Museum of Montenegro and the Cetinje Monastery, one of the oldest and most sacred sites in the country. While you’re there, don’t miss the nearby >Lipa Cave, one of the largest and most impressive caves in Europe.

Another must-see is Herceg Novi, a city steeped in Venetian and Ottoman influences, where you can explore the historic Herceg Novi Fortress, perched on a hill overlooking the sea. Montenegro is also dotted with >Orthodox churches and medieval monasteriesrong>, including the >Ostrog Monastery, built into a cliffside and widely considered one of the country’s top tourist attractions.

Hire a car with CarJet and enjoy an unforgettable trip to Montenegro

Make your trip to Montenegro truly unforgettable—whether you’re travelling with family, friends, solo or as a couple. With CarJet, you can compare real-time offers from top car hire companies, ensuring you find exactly what you need.

Whether you’re after a spacious car for a family adventure, an SUV for exploring rugged terrain, a compact model for solo travel, or a stylish car for a romantic break, CarJet has the perfect option for every kind of traveller.

Additionally, hiring a car gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary, discovering Montenegro at your own pace. Explore the stunning Adriatic coastline, quaint inland villages, and majestic national parks—without being restricted by timetables or fixed routes. Your journey will be as unique as you!