Taxis in Montenegro: How to Avoid Overpaying and What You Need to Know
Taxis in Montenegro can be useful in certain situations — like getting from the airport with luggage or traveling to places not served by public transport. However, the taxi system isn’t always transparent: there’s a risk of overpaying and a potential language barrier. In this article, we’ll break down how taxis work, what alternatives are available, and how to choose the most reliable option.
Is Uber or Bolt Available in Montenegro?
No. At the moment, Uber, Bolt, and other major ride-hailing apps do not operate in Montenegro. All rides are handled either by official taxi companies or private drivers. Because of this, prices can vary widely — depending on the city, time of day, and how honest the driver is.
Average Taxi Prices
- Short city ride — from €3 to €5
- Budva to Kotor — from €20 to €30
- Tivat to Kotor / Budva — from €15 to €25
- Podgorica Airport to Budva — from €45 to €60
- Tivat Airport to Kotor Old Town — from €12 to €20
Prices vary, especially during peak season (July–August), when high demand can drive rates up.
How to Avoid Overpaying?
- Never get in without agreeing on the price — if there’s no meter, always ask for the fare in advance.
- Ask to turn on the meter — though not all cars have one, especially with private drivers.
- Avoid “standby” taxis at bus stations and airports — they often charge inflated tourist rates.
- Whenever possible, book online in advance (transfers) — it’s often cheaper and more transparent.
Where to Book a Ride in Advance?
✔️ Welcome Pickups
A platform for booking transfers with fixed prices and high service standards. You enter your route and arrival time in advance — the driver will meet you at the designated location, assist with luggage, and take you to your hotel. All drivers are verified, and support is available 24/7.
Pros:
- Transparent, fixed pricing
- Airport pickup with a name sign
- Great for intercity transfers
- Option to choose the car category
- No stress if your flight is delayed — the driver adjusts to your actual arrival time
✔️ Kiwitaxi
An online service for booking transfers in and beyond Montenegro. It works with licensed transportation providers and offers fixed rates. Suitable for both individual and group trips — you can choose from economy cars to minivans and premium vehicles.
Pros:
- Fixed price with no hidden fees
- Wide selection of vehicles for any budget
- Option to pre-select a child seat
- Airport pickup with a name sign
- Transfers available across Montenegro and neighboring countries
- 24/7 customer support
Alternatives
- Booking through your hotel or host — often cheaper and more reliable than hailing a taxi on the street.
- Business cards from local drivers — in tourist areas, it’s common to find drivers offering good prices for private trips (negotiation is usually possible).
- Calling local taxi services — a valid option if you speak Montenegrin and have a local number. Most dispatchers don’t speak English, and international calls may not be included in your mobile plan.
If you want to avoid overpaying and dealing with uncertainty, it’s better to choose fixed-price transfers. Instead of taking random taxi rides, book your trips in advance through trusted services like Welcome Pickups and Kiwitaxi — it’s more reliable, more transparent, and often more affordable.