Podgorica to Kotor by car: along the coast via Budva or down the Lovćen hairpins
About an hour and a half from the capital to Kotor. Two roads, two experiences — and how to make the most of both.
From Podgorica you can reach Kotor the easy way via Cetinje and Budva, or the way people come to Montenegro for — over Njeguši and down the Kotor serpentine, with the whole bay below you. The first saves your nerves; the second stays with you.
Via Budva — the easier road
Via Cetinje to Budva, then along the coast road through Grbalj to Kotor. About 85 km and an hour and a half, with a wide road and good visibility. The best choice for night driving, rain or your first day in the country.
Via Njeguši — the road with the view
From Cetinje turn towards Njeguši, then descend through some twenty tight bends right above Kotor. It's shorter in kilometres but slower; in places the road is single-lane and you'll need to let cars pass. Drive it in daylight, with patience.
How to combine both
Go along the coast in the morning and return over Njeguši while it's still light — or the other way round. Stop in Njeguši for prosciutto and cheese, and on the way down use a lower gear rather than constant braking.
A Peak car for this route
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 long is the drive from Podgorica to Kotor?
Via Budva about an hour and a half. Via Njeguši and the serpentine it's fewer kilometres but realistically similar or longer, because the descent is slow.
Is the Kotor serpentine dangerous?
Not if you drive slowly and in daylight. The road is narrow, so give way to oncoming cars on the bends. At night or in bad weather, choose the road via Budva.
Can I return the Peak car in Kotor or Tivat?
Yes, returns in another town or at Tivat Airport are agreed in advance, and any fee is shown before you confirm.