Planning a Trip to Montenegro

Fly into Tivat for the coast or Podgorica for the mountains, then rent a car to navigate the winding roads. Plan for at least 7 days to split your time between the Bay of Kotor and Durmitor National Park.

1. Choose your entry point. Fly into Tivat (TIV) if you want immediate access to the coast. Fly into Podgorica (TGD) if you are heading straight for the northern mountains. Dubrovnik (DBV) in Croatia is often cheaper and is only a 30-minute drive from the border.
2. Secure your transport. Public buses exist but are unreliable for tight schedules. Rent a small manual car; the roads in the north are narrow and winding, making large SUVs difficult to park and navigate.
3. Divide your time. Spend 3 days on the coast (Kotor, Perast, Budva) and 3 days in the mountains (Žabljak, Durmitor National Park, Tara River Canyon). Use the 7th day for travel or a stop in the interior.
4. Handle the border crossings. If you drive a rental car from Croatia, ensure you have the 'Green Card' insurance document from your rental agency. Crossings at peak times (mid-July/August) can take 2+ hours.

Do I need cash?

Yes. While coastal restaurants take cards, small mountain guesthouses and roadside stalls deal exclusively in Euros (cash).

Is the water safe to drink?

Tap water is generally safe throughout the country, but bottled water is standard in hotels.

Can I drive from Croatia?

Yes, but confirm with your rental agency that they allow taking the car across the border to Montenegro before you book.