Car Rental in Kotor - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Kotor offers excellent flexibility for exploring Montenegro's stunning coastline and mountainous interior, particularly for day trips to nearby attractions and scenic drives along the Bay of Kotor. Vehicles drive on the right side of the road. A car is most valuable for visiting destinations outside the old town, such as Perast, Lovćen National Park, or venturing further to Budva and beyond, where public transport options may be limited or infrequent. However, renting a car is generally not recommended for exploring Kotor's Old Town itself, as the historic center is pedestrian-only and parking can be challenging during peak tourist season. The narrow, winding coastal roads require careful navigation, and mountain routes feature steep grades with hairpin turns that may be demanding for drivers unfamiliar with such conditions. Street parking in the town is limited and often requires payment. For tourists planning to stay primarily within Kotor's Old Town and take organized tours, a rental car may be unnecessary. But for those seeking independence to explore the broader region at their own pace, particularly the countryside and coastal areas, renting a car provides significant advantages despite the challenging driving conditions.

International Driving Permit

Information not available for specific IDP requirements in Kotor. Check with your rental agency and local authorities before travel.

Minimum Age

Minimum age requirements vary by rental company in Kotor. Typically ranges from 21-25 years old - verify with your chosen rental agency.

Valid Driver's License

A valid driver's license from your home country is required. Acceptance rules for foreign licenses should be confirmed with rental agencies.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is typically included with rentals. Additional coverage options are generally available - check current offerings with rental providers.

Credit Card

A credit card in the driver's name is generally required for security deposits. Deposit amounts vary by vehicle type and rental company.

Additional Documentation

Passport and potentially other identification may be required. Verify specific documentation requirements with your rental agency before arrival.

Rent from Tivat Airport (15km away) for convenience upon arrival, or from Kotor Old Town agencies if already in the city - international chains offer standardized service while local agencies may provide competitive rates for longer rentals.

Before driving off, thoroughly document existing damage with photos/video, verify spare tire and tools are present, and confirm the fuel policy (full-to-full is standard) - the narrow, winding coastal roads require careful vehicle inspection.

Download offline maps for the Bay of Kotor region as GPS signal can be unreliable in mountain tunnels and coastal areas - the scenic coastal road has sharp turns and limited signage in some sections.

Parking in Kotor Old Town is extremely limited; use designated paid parking areas outside the city walls - fuel stations are available along the main coastal road, but less frequent in mountain areas, so plan accordingly.

Allow extra time for return during peak summer season as rental locations can be busy - confirm the exact return location and after-hours procedures if your departure is early morning or late evening.

The narrow, winding coastal roads around Kotor Bay feature sharp hairpin turns with limited guardrails and steep drop-offs - drive cautiously and be prepared for oncoming traffic in your lane on blind curves.

During summer months, the main coastal road experiences heavy congestion from cruise ship arrivals and tourist traffic, particularly between 9 AM-6 PM - plan extra travel time or avoid peak hours.

Parking in Kotor's Old Town is extremely limited and many streets are pedestrian-only - use designated parking areas outside the city walls to avoid fines, as enforcement is strict.

Mountain roads above Kotor can become hazardous in winter months due to ice and fog, and some routes may close temporarily - check current road conditions before attempting drives to higher elevations like Lovćen National Park.