Montenegro may be a small country, but it offers big adventures. Renting a car is one of the best ways to discover Montenegro’s mix of rugged mountains, coastal towns, and hidden villages. Our guide will walk you through everything you need to know to rent a car in Montenegro and confidently book it online. By the end, you’ll be ready to hit the road.
When planning your trip to Montenegro, you should book your rental car. You have two options: book online before your trip, or rent a car after you arrive. While both can work, booking online offers benefits across price, selection, and convenience.
Booking online lets you compare rates across different rental companies in one place. You can see discounts, avoid surprise fees, and lock in a lower price early. At the airport or city counter, prices are usually higher because you’re booking last-minute. Some rental desks may even charge extra for walk-in bookings, especially in peak season.
Online platforms show many available cars, from small city cars to SUVs. You can choose exactly what suits your trip. At rental desks, your options are limited to what’s available that day. If you need an automatic transmission or extra luggage space, booking online is the only way to ensure you get it.
Online booking allows you to add child seats, GPS, cross-border permits, and more before your trip. These are often cheaper and guaranteed when booked online. At the desk, availability is not guaranteed, and prices for extras can be much higher.
Online booking saves time at pick-up. You can fill in all your driver details in advance, so the handover process is quick. Arriving without a reservation means longer lines, more paperwork, and possible delays, especially at busy locations like Podgorica or Tivat airports.
With online bookings, you get a written confirmation with all the details of your rental. This includes total cost, car type, insurance terms, and pick-up instructions. If anything goes wrong, you have documentation. Walk-in bookings are more informal and leave you with less protection if issues arise.
Before renting a car in Montenegro, ensure you meet the basic requirements and have the proper documents. The minimum driving age for renting is typically 21 years old, and you must have held your driver’s license for at least 1 year. Some rental companies even require 2 years of driving experience, so check the terms of the company you choose. Drivers under 25 years might be allowed to rent specific car categories, but could pay a young driver surcharge. In all cases, you’ll need a valid license from your home country.
If your license is printed in a non-Roman alphabet (for example, in Cyrillic, Arabic, or Chinese characters), it’s highly recommended to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is an official translation of your license. Many rental desks in Montenegro will ask for an IDP if your license isn’t easily readable or recognizable. However, that is usually accepted if you have a license from an EU country or the UK, USA, Canada, etc. For instance, Americans and most Europeans do not need an international license just to drive in Montenegro. Still, rules can vary by company.
A credit card in the main driver’s name is generally required to pick up the car. Rental companies will place a security deposit hold on your credit card when you pick up the vehicle. This deposit can be a few hundred euros. The amount depends on the company and insurance coverage. Make sure your credit card has enough available balance for this hold.
Some agencies may accept a debit card, but many prefer credit cards for the deposit, so check in advance or plan accordingly. The deposit is released after you return the car in good condition. Also, ensure that the credit card hasn’t expired and matches the name on your booking.
Booking a car online in Montenegro gives you more control and better prices. Here are smart online-only tips to make your rental easier and more secure:
Before booking, visit car rental comparison websites that show prices from many companies. This lets you see which provider offers the best rate for your dates and car type. You can also filter by automatic transmission, free cancellation, or unlimited mileage. These filters help you match the car to your trip without guessing.
Most online platforms let you add extras like GPS, child seats, or cross-border travel options. Add these when you book, so they’re ready when you arrive. Waiting until pick-up can be risky. Availability may be limited, or prices may be higher at the counter. Booking extras online also gives you clear price breakdowns, so there are no surprises later.
Before confirming your booking, read the terms carefully. Look for details on fuel policy, mileage limits, and grace periods for returns. Choosing “full-to-full” fuel policy is usually best. If the rental has a mileage cap, make sure it fits your plans. These terms are often shown during online booking, but are easy to miss if you rush.
After booking, you’ll get a confirmation email or PDF. Save it on your phone or print a copy. It should show your car type, transmission, insurance details, and pick-up location. If the rental office says something different, you can show your confirmation. This protects you from upcharges, wrong vehicle types, or missing extras at pick-up.
If you are flying into Podgorica or Tivat Airport, booking your rental car online with Final Rentals is one of the easiest and most secure ways to start your trip. Tivat is a key arrival point on Montenegro’s coast, especially in summer.
You will find listings tailored to your exact pick-up and drop-off times. For example, booking from August 13 to August 15 at 10:00 AM gives you access to a wide range of vehicles for that specific 48-hour period. You can select cars based on transmission type, number of seats, luggage space, and even vehicle category, such as small, medium, SUV, or special.
Final Rentals shows clear, detailed listings. You’ll find technical information like transmission (manual or automatic), number of doors, seating capacity (4, 5, or 7 seats), and luggage volume. For example, a Skoda Citigo offers a compact option with manual transmission, seating for 4 passengers, and fuel-efficient performance for city driving. On the other hand, travelers with families or larger groups might prefer an SUV like the Skoda Kodiaq, which offers automatic transmission, room for 7 passengers, and 5 bags, making it ideal for longer journeys or remote areas.
Each car listing includes important booking terms. You get unlimited mileage, so you can explore as much of Montenegro as you want without worrying about extra charges. Free cancellation allows you to change your mind or adjust dates without penalty. Other features include theft protection and low security deposits, which are mentioned for each vehicle. These benefits are already included in the total price, so you don’t get hit with surprise costs at pick-up.
Another useful feature is partial payment booking. Instead of paying the full rental cost upfront, you only need to pay a small deposit to reserve your car. For example, most economy cars like the Renault Clio or Hyundai i20 require just €10.40 or €10.56 to confirm. You pay the rest when you arrive in Tivat. This is a low-risk option that helps you keep your travel budget flexible. Even larger vehicles, such as a Volkswagen Touran or Ford Kuga, only require a €40 to €41 deposit, even though the full rental may cost around €550 for two days.
The price structure is also simple. You see the daily price, the total cost for your full rental period, and what you need to pay now to secure the booking. For example, you might find a Skoda Fabia with automatic transmission at €151.20 total for 2 days (€75.60 per day), with a €11.20 payment required to book. These prices make it easy to compare deals, especially during the busy August season, when car rental demand in Montenegro peaks and prices can rise fast.
Booking your rental online saves time, helps you avoid hidden fees, and gives you more choices for your trip. Book a car online with Final Rentals to get clear pricing and free cancellation, and confirm your booking with a low upfront payment.
