Montenegro Taxis and Car Rental

Taxis in Montenegro are readily available, but one of the more expensive ways to get around due to drivers’ habits of overcharging. Registered, metered taxis are found on the streets and at the airports, train and bus stations, but are known for quoting foreigners twice the local price and more than double what a bus would cost. Cabs are relatively safe and although unregistered cabs offer cheaper fares, there’s more of a chance for scams and poorly maintained, less comfortable vehicles. Taxi Stanica Budva (+382-20-456-777) and Regina Taxis (+382-68-505-050) are two reputable companies.

Traveling around tiny Montenegro by rental car is undoubtably the best option in regards to comfort and convenience, although the road system is far below what you’re used to at home. Almost all roads are two-lane, with occasional passing lanes provided, but the mountainous topography produces blind corners, narrow, winding stretches and many other fun challenges. Minor roads, especially in the mountains, are in poor condition, with potholes the norm, and local drivers specialize in passing at risky moments. Reliable local and international companies are on hand to rent you a vehicle and gas stations are easily found, with most accepting card payments. Driving at night is not recommended.

Montenegro Water Taxis

A recent development along the Montenegrin Riviera coastline is the introduction of water taxis and small ferries running between the major resort destinations and coastal towns, giving superb views of tiny bays, beaches and picturesque, rugged coastlines along the way. Favorites include Kotor to Perast, Tivat or Dobrota with more routes in the planning stages. You can also arrive in Montenegro by ferry, with regular trips from Bari in southern Italy or Ancona during the summer months.

Montenegro Trains and Buses

The Montenegrin rail network is limited, running from Bjelo Polje in the northeast through Mojkovac and Podgorica to Virpazar on Lake Skadar, ending at the coastal port city of Bar in the southwest. Train travel is useful if you’re heading to the mountains and is an extremely cheap option, but can be unreliable and uncomfortable. Its highlights are the amazing scenic views, making journeys by train some of the most spectacular anywhere in Europe.

The bus network in Montenegro is operated by a string of private companies and is organized, clean, cheap, and reliable. Buses are rarely full, and most have air-conditioning making it the best option for public transportation. The network fans out from the capital and the coastal areas have their own routes, joining all major tourist towns and resorts. In the mountainous and rural regions, buses are less frequent, although coverage is equally good and drivers are happy to pick up or drop off passengers anywhere along the roadside. Bus rides are marginally more expensive than trains, but the difference in regards to comfort and service is immeasurable.