Tivat car hire

Located on the beautiful shores of the Bay of Kotor, Tivat is a gorgeous seaside town with an upmarket feel. Here you can enjoy al fresco lunches, sunbathe on Belane Beach or head out on a boat trip.

Hire a car from Tivat and you can see even more of Montenegro, from the Venetian beauty of Perast to the buzzing beaches of Budva.

• Min. age required to hire a car: 21
• Which side of the road: Right
• Credit card requirements: A credit card in the driver’s name with sufficient funds
• Any additional requirements: Check with your car hire company in advance if you plan on crossing any borders

If you’re flying into Tivat Airport (TIV) and want to start your adventure as soon as you land, picking up a hire car here is quick and convenient. You’ll find major car hire providers inside the main terminal, just a short walk from the arrivals area.

Car hire operators at Tivat Airport include:

• Avis: +38 232 673 448
• Enterprise: +38 267 222 051
• Sixt: +38 232 683 199
• Green Motion: +38 267 657 222
• Hertz: +38 268 882 200

Tivat Airport’s car rental desks are typically open between 8am and 8pm, but many providers also offer out-of-hours pick-ups and drop-offs.

Once you’ve collected your car, it’s around a ten-minute drive to central Tivat along the Adriatic Highway and around twenty minutes to Kotor via the Vrmac Tunnel. You’re also well-positioned for scenic drives south towards the beaches of Budva or inland to Lovcen National Park.

Most car hire companies in Tivat are based around Porto Montenegro. While they’re easy to find, some firms will also deliver your rental directly to you. There’s a mix of international and local brands to choose from, including:

• Dax Rent a Car: +38 266 113 311
• Montenegrocar Rent a Car: +38 268 543 313
• Sixt: +38 232 540 033
• Kombo Car: +38 269 672 777
• Sit N Go: +38 269 313 233
• Simeun: +38 268 840 480

Booking a hire car in Tivat in advance is your best bet for getting a pocket-friendly deal, especially if you’re travelling during peak season when crowds and high season prices make same-day car hire more expensive.

Driving around Tivat is generally straightforward, although streets near the marina are narrow and can be busy during peak season. Main roads outside the centre are in good condition and traffic is usually light throughout the year.

As with most European countries, you’ll drive on the right-hand side of the road in Montenegro. Additionally, dipped headlights must be switched on at all times, even during the day.

Be aware that parking in Tivat can be tricky. Free street spaces are limited and most central areas use marked paid bays. Check signage carefully, as your car could be towed for parking outside designated zones. Public car parks near the marina and waterfront are your best bet.

Speed limits are 50km/h (31 mph) in towns, 80km/h (50 mph) on rural roads and up to 100km/h (62 mph) on highways. Only two roads in Montenegro are tolled — the Sozina Tunnel and a section of the A1 motorway near Podgorica.

If you're venturing into the countryside, bear in mind that rural and mountain roads can be narrow, steep or poorly surfaced. A big hire car, like an SUV, may be a better choice.