Montenegro by car: five one-day loops
The country is small but varied — from the bay to the canyons in a couple of hours' drive. Five loops we recommend most to our guests.
Montenegro's best places don't sit on one road, so the easiest way to see them is in loops — leave in the morning, back at your accommodation by evening. These are the loops we most often suggest to guests at hand-over, from the easiest to the most demanding.
Around the Bay of Kotor
Kotor, Perast with the Our Lady of the Rocks islet, Risan, then back via the Kamenari–Lepetani ferry. Short drives, plenty of stops — ideal for day one.
Lovćen and Cetinje
From Kotor up the hairpins to Njeguši, climb to Njegoš's Mausoleum on Lovćen, then on to Cetinje. Returning via Budva closes the loop. Drive it in daylight and without rushing.
Lake Skadar
Virpazar, a boat trip through the water lilies, then the panoramic road to Rijeka Crnojevića. It's closest from Podgorica; from the coast go via Petrovac or through Sozina.
The north: Durmitor and Tara
The Đurđevića Tara bridge, Žabljak and the Black Lake. This is a long day — from the coast it's better to stay overnight. Fill the tank before you set off.
The south: Ulcinj and Ada Bojana
Ulcinj Old Town, Velika Plaža and the fish restaurants on the Bojana river. Old Bar is worth a stop on the way. An easy drive, perfect for the end of a holiday.
Let's hit the road
Hand-over at the airport or your address, unlimited mileage, and you pay only at pick-up.
Six things worth knowing before the first bend
The short briefing we give every guest when we hand over the keys — so you can drive around Montenegro relaxed, with no surprises on the road.
Coast road & tunnels
The coast is linked by the Adriatic highway — scenic, but narrow and full of bends, so allow more time than your map suggests. The only toll is the Sozina tunnel between Podgorica and Bar (about €2.50); the Smokovac–Mateševo motorway section is free.
Speed & lights
50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h outside them, up to 100 km/h on the motorway. Dipped headlights stay on all day, everyone in the car wears a seatbelt, and the alcohol limit is 0.03% — so the rule is simple: if you drive, you don't drink. Speed cameras are common at town entrances.
Parking on the coast
Budva, Kotor, Tivat and Bar use paid parking zones (roughly €0.50–1 an hour), paid by SMS or at a meter. Old towns are closed to cars — leave the car at the car park by the gate and walk in. In July and August, arrive early in the morning.
Heading north
Durmitor, Žabljak and the Tara canyon are unmissable, but the roads are mountain roads and filling stations are few. Fill the tank in Podgorica or Nikšić, and outside summer check the forecast — the weather changes quickly at altitude.
Fuel
A litre of petrol or diesel costs about €1.50–1.65 (2026). Along the coast road and in larger towns, stations stay open at night. You collect and return the car with the same fuel level, so top up before drop-off.
Borders & help
Driving into Croatia, Albania or Bosnia is only possible with our written consent and a Green Card — tell us when you book. Emergency numbers: 112 general, 122 police, 124 ambulance, 19807 roadside assistance. For anything about the car, call us directly.
Places on this route
FAQ
How many days do I need to see Montenegro by car?
Three to four days covers the coast and Lovćen. Add two more for the north (Durmitor, Tara), ideally with a night in Žabljak.
Which car should I choose for mountain roads?
A regular passenger car is fine for every loop here. For the north and the hairpins, a slightly stronger engine or an automatic makes the drive more comfortable.
Can I collect the car in one place and return it in another?
Yes — for example, pick up at Podgorica Airport and drop off in Tivat. We agree it in advance, and any fee is shown before you confirm.