Public Transport in Montenegro: Is It Convenient to Travel Without a Car?
Traveling around Montenegro without a rental car is definitely possible — especially if you’re staying on the coast or moving between major cities. However, this way of getting around has its own quirks that are worth knowing in advance.
When You Don’t Really Need a Car
If you’re planning:
- to stay in one city (like Budva, Kotor, or Herceg Novi),
- trips between popular seaside resorts,
- or a coastal journey without going inland,
then buses, minibuses, and transfers will cover almost all your needs. Along the coast, the minibus network is fairly dense, and intercity buses run regularly.
👉 Check out our article: How to Use Buses in Montenegro: Routes, Tickets, and Timetables
Pros:
- Cheap and simple (tickets from €3 to €10)
- No need to worry about parking (which can be tricky in towns)
- No stress with mountain roads and winding coastal drives
When You Do Need a Car
If you want to:
- explore national parks, mountain villages, or small hidden beaches,
- visit multiple towns across the country,
- be flexible with your schedule (leave early, stay longer),
- stop for photos or explore interesting spots along the way,
then public transport may feel limiting. For example, reaching Lake Skadar, Durmitor, or Lovćen without a car can be quite challenging.
You should also keep in mind:
- Infrequent schedules on less popular routes
- Delays and traffic jams during peak season
- Limited service in the evenings and almost none at night
- Few local routes (for example, public transport in Kotor or Tivat is barely developed)
Alternatives: Taxis and Transfers
If renting a car isn’t an option and buses don’t fit your schedule, you can consider:
- Private transfers (from airports or between cities)
- Taxis (especially convenient for short trips — usually €5 to €20)
- Minibuses and shared vans (sometimes operate between villages and resorts, but schedules are hard to find)
👉 You can book transfers via Welcome Pickups or KiwiTaxi
Traveling around Montenegro without a car is possible — especially along the coast and between cities. But if you want to head inland, explore hidden spots, and move on your own schedule, renting a car will give you more freedom.
It all depends on your route, travel pace, and the level of comfort you’re used to.