The sun is shining, the beach is calling, and you’re ready to hit the open roads on a dream holiday in Montenegro. You’ve got your swimsuits packed, your shades are on, and now the only thing missing is some wheels.
Renting a car can take your Montenegro vacation from great to unforgettable. Cruising with the top down along the stunning Adriatic coastline, winding through ancient mountain villages, and discovering hidden gems––a rental car offers the freedom and flexibility to fully experience Montenegro’s beauty on your terms.
However, navigating Montenegro car rental options can be confusing. You want reliability without complication, access without excess–and of course, value for your hard-earned cash.
Top Tips for Renting a Car in Montenegro
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know for a smooth and stylish car rental experience in Montenegro this summer. We’ll cover:
- How to save money on your booking
- The best places to pickup and dropoff
- Tips to avoid unexpected fees
- What insurance coverage to consider
- The most popular rental cars for cruising Montenegro’s roads
- How to inspect your vehicle properly
- Additional local driving tips
So rev up your holiday engines and let’s hit the road! Here are the top tips for renting a car in Montenegro this summer.
Savings in the Fast Lane: Ways to Lower Your Rental Costs
First things first, arrange your rental wheels…Without some strategic planning, rental costs can quickly inflate your holiday budget. Use these five insider tricks to keep your booking reasonably priced:
Book Ahead – Way Ahead
Like airfare and hotels, planning pays off. Booking even 2-3 months in advance can secure serious savings versus last-minute reservations. According to Tara-Car, one of Montenegro’s top agencies for car rental in Podgorica, early bookers on average save 20-30% off standard summer rates.
Consider Shoulder Season
No doubt July and August are sizzling seasons across Montenegro, from the bustling Budva Riviera to the Bay of Kotor’s shimmering shores. But for lower rates, target late spring (May/June) or early autumn (September) for cruisy on Montenegro panoramic roads and thinner crowds. Savings range from 15-25% compared to peak summer pricing.
Dodge Unneeded Extras
When reserving online, flashy extras like additional insurance, GPS rentals, child seats etc. inflate the base rate. Verify what’s included and resist the upsell. Renting from reputable local agencies like Tara-Car instead of big multinationals also limits surprise fees down the road.
Rent Longer
Counterintuitively, longer rental periods of 5+ days can achieve better value than quick 3-4 day weekenders. Ask your rental agent to estimate rates for extended bookings––you may score over 20% off versus short stints.
Check Location Fees
Pricing varies by pickup/dropoff points. Booking downtown or direct from Podgorica Airport can net savings versus agency offices in coastal hotspots like Budva or Herceg Novi this summer. Comparison shop locations for the best deals.
With these five tips for early booking, shoulder season visits, minimal extras, longer rentals and location scouting––you’ll be cruising Montenegro in style without sky-high rental costs.
Pickup and Dropoff: Smart Strategies for Smooth Holiday
You scored a smoking summer deal…the next step is pickup and drop off. Streamline your rental experience with these savvy suggestions:
For airport collection, reserve 60-90 minutes post-landing to clear customs, locate ground transportation and complete rental paperwork. Podgorica and Tivat airports have rental desks onsite for fast service.
When possible, book direct pickup/dropoff from rental companies like Tara-Car versus pricier airport locations––the savings add up, especially on longer rentals.
One-way coastal trips are convenient, but confirm fees in advance––some agencies charge for cross-country returns. Circular routes or local dropping off may save cash.
Research rental agency hours and locations beforehand––some close during midday or have limited weekend operating times. Adjust to avoid late fees.
Running behind schedule? Proactively contact your rental office if delayed. Most allow reasonable grace periods, especially for flights
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Allow extra time too for pre-return inspections. Thoroughly check and photograph your vehicle with staff to avoid surprise damage claims.
With informed pickup and dropoff choices, plus realistic timing, your Montenegro road trip starts and ends on the smoothest possible note.
Insurance and Protection During Car Rental in Montenegro
From cruising the Bay of Kotor to meandering the Skadar Lake National Park or tackling legendary switchbacks linking ancient villages, Montenegro serves up incredibly diverse landscapes to explore. Protect that investment in rental wheels with savvy insurance choices:
For starters, confirm what standard coverage is included then consider extras like:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) – relieves liability for vehicle damage beyond regular wear/tear when not at fault in an accident. This is vital despite slightly higher rental rates.
- Theft Protection (TP) – covers loss/damage from break-ins, an uncommon but valuable safeguard for valuables left inside, especially overnight.
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) – protects both drivers and passengers from injury/death in an accident. Confirm if credit card coverage applies first before purchasing this optional policy.
- Tire/Windshield coverage – protects against road debris damage which is common on Montenegro’s winding, mountainous roads. Some agencies include this protection in premium insurance packages.
For ultimate peace of mind, experts recommend opting for “full insurance” or zero-excess policies to mitigate most out-of-pocket crash expenses. It’s a small price to pay for big protection on Montenegro’s backroads less travelled!
Top Rental Cars for Cruising Montenegro
You scored a smoking rental rate, booked easy pickup/dropoff and locked in protections for carefree cruising…now the exciting part is what to drive!
According to Tara-Car Rental data, travellers flocking to Montenegro mainly rent smaller-sized sedans, hatchbacks and economy models versus SUVs. Navigating narrow, cliff-hugging roads plus winding hillside villages demand maneuverability over size. Plus better fuel efficiency keeps budget-friendly road tripping well…on budget.
Here are Montenegro travellers’ top rental models this summer:
- Hyundai i20 – This nimble hatchback maneuvers Montenegro’s roadways with ease. Available as manual or automatic, it comfortably fits four-plus luggage for light packing. The efficient 1.2L gas engine affords good mileage at moderate pricing.
- Renault Clio – A perennial rental favourite across Europe, the French automaker’s sporty sedan offers a roomy cabin and smooth handling. The 1.5L diesel powerplant balances peppy performance with frugal fuel costs to push 500+ kilometres per tank.
- Hyundai i30 – Similar interior space as the i20 hatchback yet with a sleek wagon design, Hyundai’s compact wagon tackles twisting terrain effortlessly while swallowing extra vacation gear. The standard 1.6L 4-cylinder generates plenty of poking power when accelerating.
- Ford Fiesta – This iconic hatchback brings zesty performance and sporty suspension to Montenegro’s roads less travelled. Confident cornering plus comfortable legroom for four makes it a longstanding rental bestseller. Expect 40+ MPG from its responsive 1.25L inline engine.
- VW Golf 7 – VW’s beloved hatchback/wagon hybrid impresses with European refinement and nimble driving dynamics. Family-friendly yet performance-ready thanks to 2.0L turbo-diesel power, it’s an ace choice for extended trips. The spacious interior easily fits two adults and gear in the back.
Venturing further afield with extra passengers or equipment? Larger options like the Toyota Auris wagon, Renault Megane sedan and VW Tiguan SUV also rank among Tara-Car’s most requested summer rentals for holiday road warriors.
The bottom line for navigating Montenegro this season: book sensibly sized vehicles with four cylinders or less. The lighter footprint suits regional driving conditions while delivering efficiency for racking up gorgeous kilometres down the Adriatic coast or winding into the ancient Balkan interior. You’ll relish the connectivity to this captivating country by car.
Inspections and Driving Tips in Montenegro
You’ve locked in the ideal set of rental wheels at a reasonable rate…the final step is pre-inspection plus key regional driving tips:
- Inspect Before Driving Off
Complete a walk-around to identify existing damage not caught during the paperwork. Note scratches, scrapes etc. and photograph everything for evidence. Double check provided equipment like spare tires, first aid kits and warning triangles too. - Mind Midday City Traffic
Avoid peak tourist times between 10 am-4 pm when heading to Kotor, Budva or Ulcinj old towns. The single lanes and narrow streets back up quickly in summer. Visit early morning or evenings for light crowds and easier parking.
- Give Space on Mountain Roads
When tackling the nail-biting switchbacks linking village settlements, anticipate oncoming sightseeing buses and allow space for passing wide loads. Stick to the outer edge of roads and watch for falling debris too. - Brace for Summer Showers
The Adriatic climate means seasons tend to see sporadic rainfalls, especially thunderstorms rolling off mountains towards the sea. When showers strike, reduce speeds as roads turn slick rapidly. Avoid deeper puddles too which can splash engine components. - Fill Up Regularly Given Montenegro’s remoteness, petrol stations seem scarce beyond big towns. Don’t let tanks drop below halfway before refiling. Carry physical cash too as some pumps don’t accept cards. The one exception–pay electronically on toll roads to receive discounts.
By taking a methodical approach to inspections, driving cautiously for conditions, refuelling often and planning routes to avoid traffic, even first-timers can relax and enjoy the road less travelled this summer in Montenegro.
Hitting the Open Road This Summer in Montenegro
We’ve just scratched the surface of enjoying epic Montenegro road trips by rental car this season.
From breezy Adriatic coastal cruises to plunging headlong into the ancient Balkan interior blanketed in mountains and forests, having your own set of rental wheels delivers freedom and insight no group bus tour can match.
Hopefully, these car rental tips give confidence for easy hire allowing you to channel your inner Steve McQueen roaring through Montenegro’s sensational landscapes. Just remember to reserve early and long to keep costs down, then inspect carefully while driving defensively on arrival. Follow that winning strategy for a smooth, stylish and savings-friendly rental experience that steals the summer show.
Wherever your Montenegro itinerary leads, from UNESCO-recognized Kotor to iconic Sveti Stefan, seductive Budva Riviera beaches or the tranquil Lake Skadar National Park, having rental wheels adds priceless manoeuvrability.
Stop chasing perfect Instagram shots and instead live them––windows down, favourite tunes cranked up, cool coastal breeze in your hair. A car rental opens this possibility.
