Car Hire at Tivat Airport

🚗 Tivat Airport Car Rental – Best Options, Prices & Driving Tips for Montenegro

Welcome to Tivat, the glittering heart of Montenegro’s Adriatic coast 🌊🇲🇪. Whether you’re heading to Budva, Kotor, or the Bay of Herceg Novi, the best way to explore this stunning region is with a rental car from Tivat Airport (TIV).

This complete guide explains everything you need to know about car rentals at Tivat Airport — from prices and insurance to road rules, parking, and travel tips.

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🛬 Why Rent a Car at Tivat Airport?

Tivat Airport is Montenegro’s main international gateway for beach resorts. Most visitors who land here are heading straight to the Adriatic coast — where buses are limited and taxis can be pricey.

Advantages of renting at Tivat Airport:

• ✅ Pick up your car as soon as you land.
• ✅ Reach Budva in only 25 minutes 🚙.
• ✅ Perfect for visiting Kotor, Lovćen National Park, and Durmitor.
• ✅ Freedom to explore Montenegro’s mountains and beaches.

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🌍 Top Car Rental Companies at Tivat Airport

The airport hosts both international and local rental brands.

Company	Strengths	Weaknesses	Accepts Debit Card?
Sixt 🚀	Reliable, new cars	Higher prices	✅ Yes
Hertz 🌍	Premium service	Deposit up to €1500	✅ Yes
Avis/Budget 🔑	Good one-way options	Extra fee for border crossing	❌ No
Enterprise 🤝	Excellent support	Fewer vehicles in low season	✅ Yes
Green Motion 🌱	Low prices	Older fleet	✅ Yes
Tara Car 🇲🇪	Local company, affordable	Basic cars	✅ Yes

💡 Tip: Local agencies like Tara Car or Meridian Rent A Car often have no hidden fees and flexible pickup times, perfect for late-night arrivals.

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💰 Car Rental Prices at Tivat Airport

Rental prices in Montenegro are among the lowest in Europe.

Car Type	Low Season (€ per day)	High Season (€ per day)	Deposit (€)
Economy 🚗	€20–30	€40–60	700–1000
Compact 🚙	€25–40	€60–80	800–1200
SUV 🚘	€40–70	€90–120	1000–2000
Convertible 🌴	€60–100	€120–180	1500+

💡 Book online in advance — airport desks charge 25–40% more.

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🛡️ Insurance Rules in Montenegro

Basic insurance (CDW) is included in most rentals, but it often has a high deductible (€800–1500).
To drive stress-free, consider:

• SCDW / Full Protection: Removes deductible → €10–20/day.
• Theft Protection (TP): Included in most contracts.
• Glass & Tire Protection: Optional, ~€5/day.
• Cross-border Insurance: Required if visiting Croatia, Bosnia, or Albania (€30–50).

💡 Never cross a border without insurance coverage. It can void your rental agreement.

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🛣️ Driving from Tivat to Budva, Kotor & Beyond

🚗 Tivat → Budva

• Distance: 20 km / 25 min
• Route: E65 coastal road.
• Scenic highlights: Jaz Beach, Becici, Budva Old Town 🏖️

🚗 Tivat → Kotor

• Distance: 8 km / 15 min
• One of Europe’s most beautiful drives around the Bay of Kotor 🌅.

🚗 Tivat → Podgorica (Capital)

• Distance: 65 km / 1 hr 15 min.
• Winding roads → allow extra time.

🚗 Tivat → Dubrovnik (Croatia)

• Distance: 73 km / 2 hrs (includes border crossing).
• Requires Green Card Insurance.

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📋 Driving Rules in Montenegro

Rule	Limit / Requirement	Notes
Driving Side	Right	Like most of Europe
Speed Limit (City)	50 km/h	Watch for cameras
Speed Limit (Highway)	100–120 km/h	Depending on road
Alcohol Limit	0.03%	Strict enforcement 🚫
Headlights	Must be on 24/7	Even during day
Seat Belts	Mandatory	All passengers

💡 Police checks are common — always carry license, rental contract, and ID.

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🅿️ Parking in Budva & Kotor

Parking can be tricky in coastal towns during summer.

Location	Price	Notes
Budva Old Town	€2–4/hour	Paid parking zones
Budva Hotels	Free–€10/day	Confirm before booking
Kotor Old Town	€3–5/hour	Limited near city walls
Kotor Garage (Shopping Center Kamelija)	€20–25/day	Safe option

💡 Tip: Park outside old towns and walk — narrow medieval streets aren’t car-friendly.

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⛽ Fuel & Tolls

• ⛽ Fuel price: ~€1.60/litre (petrol).
• 🛣️ No highway tolls in Montenegro (except Sozina Tunnel, €2.50).
• 💶 Cash or card accepted at all gas stations.

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🗺️ Road Trips from Tivat

1. Kotor Bay Loop (Half-day)

• Tivat → Perast → Kotor → Tivat.
• Stunning sea views, old towns, and local seafood restaurants.

2. Lovćen National Park (Day Trip)

• Drive through Njeguši village 🏔️.
• Climb to Njegoš Mausoleum for panoramic views of the Adriatic.

3. Durmitor National Park (Full Day)

• 180 km north → winding mountain roads & Tara Canyon (Europe’s deepest).
• Recommended for SUVs.

4. Cross-Border: Dubrovnik or Mostar

• Beautiful drive, but don’t forget Green Card & passport.

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⚠️ Common Mistakes Tourists Make

• ❌ Renting without checking cross-border policy.
• ❌ Ignoring manual vs automatic transmission (automatics are rare).
• ❌ Underestimating mountain driving times.
• ❌ Forgetting to refuel before return.
• ❌ Parking illegally near Old Towns → fines €30–100.

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✅ Tips for a Smooth Rental Experience

• 📅 Book early (especially June–September).
• 🛡️ Take full insurance to avoid stress.
• 🚗 Choose compact cars for easier parking.
• 🧭 Use Google Maps or Waze — local roads can be confusing.
• ⛽ Return car full if “full-to-full” policy applies.
• 📞 Save the rental hotline before leaving the airport.

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🌟 Final Thoughts

Renting a car at Tivat Airport is the key to discovering the beauty of Montenegro — from the beaches of Budva to the peaks of Lovćen and the fjords of Kotor 🌄.

With scenic drives, affordable rentals, and flexible routes, it’s one of the best-value destinations in Europe for road trips.

Plan ahead, bring your documents, and get ready for a stress-free Adriatic adventure 🚗✨.