How to Rent a Car in Tivat Airport In 2024

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Located on the picturesque Montenegrin coast, Tivat is a charming seaside town surrounded by ancient villages, quiet beaches, and dramatic peaks. With an international airport serving the region, Tivat makes for a convenient base to explore the beauty of Montenegro. 

Renting a car opens up opportunities to discover hidden gems at your own pace. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about renting a car at Tivat Airport.

How to rent a car in Tivat Airport?

Tivat is situated in southwest Montenegro on the Bay of Kotor. Its mild Mediterranean climate, historic architecture, and access to the Adriatic coastline draw tourists from around the world. The quaint town offers cultural attractions like museums, galleries, and churches. 

Nearby seaside villages like Pržno, Radovići, and Kakrc provide easy access to beaches. Don’t let Tivat’s small size fool you though – it serves as the gateway to Montenegro’s vast natural landscapes. Renting a car makes it possible to venture beyond, with sights like Lovćen National Park, the old city of Kotor, and the legendary Sveti Stefan island within reach.

With limited public transport options, having your own set of wheels is the best way to explore freely. Booking a rental car in advance ensures you have transport ready upon arrival at Tivat Airport. This allows you to hit the ground running on your Montenegrin adventure.

Tivat Airport

Tivat Airport is the largest international airport in the coastal area of Montenegro.

Positioned near the city center, it offers excellent connections to Tivat and neighboring towns. The airport serves over 1 million passengers annually, welcoming flights from major European hubs like London, Paris, Moscow, and Belgrade.

The terminal building houses rental car agencies, shops, cafes, and other passenger services. Outside, an extensive parking lot provides easy access to pick-up and drop-off of rental cars. Besides rental cars, the airport offers bus transfers, taxis, and private transfers to reach Tivat and other destinations. However, these options lack the flexibility of having your own set of wheels for spontaneous detours and stops.

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Benefits of Renting a Car

Renting a car is often the best way to explore a new destination, and Tivat is no exception. Here are the biggest advantages of getting a rental car for your Montenegro trip:

Convenience and Flexibility

With a rental car, your vacation becomes fully customizable. Drive to and from Tivat Airport on your schedule. Stop to admire views along the way. Spend more time at sites you enjoy and easily change plans on a whim. This flexibility and freedom are invaluable for discovering hidden gems most visitors miss.

Exploring Wider Montenegro

While compact, Tivat serves as the gateway to Montenegro’s best attractions. A rental car allows you to venture to picturesque areas like the Bay of Kotor, Budva Riviera, and Skadar Lake within an hour or two. You can also reach Montenegrin National Park to immerse yourself in dramatic peaks, forests, and lakes.

Cost Savings

While not the cheapest option, car rentals can help you save money compared to alternatives. Taxis and private transfers add up quickly, especially on longer day trips. With a rental car, you only pay a fixed daily rate and fuel costs. Having the freedom to eat at less touristy restaurants can also save money.

Steps to Renting a Car

Renting a smooth-running car involves some preparation before your trip and diligence during the pickup process. Follow these steps for a successful car rental experience at Tivat Airport.

Before You Travel

  • Research rental agencies: Major companies like Hertz, Avis, Sixt, and Europcar operate at Tivat Airport. Compare rates and policies across agencies for the best deal. Local companies can offer lower prices as well.
  • Understand driving regulations: Know Montenegro’s rules of the road, required documents, safety equipment, speed limits, and drunk driving laws. An International Driving Permit (IDP) translates your license.
  • Get necessary documents in order: Ensure your driver’s license is valid. Have a credit card for the rental deposit. Consider adding an International Driving Permit or IDP as well.

Upon Arrival at Tivat Airport

  • Find rental counters: Rental agencies cluster together on the arrivals floor of the terminal. Kiosks have brochures and can direct you.
  • Complete paperwork: Provide your driver’s license, passport, and payment card. Double-check the rental terms.
  • Pick your vehicle: Choose a car suited to your group size and travel plans. Opt for manual transmission over automatic for more options.
  • Inspect for damage: Note any prior scrapes or dents on the vehicle condition report before driving off.

Understanding Insurance Options

Collision damage and liability insurance are important considerations when renting a car in Montenegro. Here’s a quick insurance primer for tourists:

  • Basic coverage – This covers the rental car itself, but not the injury or damage you cause. It comes standard but leaves you at risk for large bills if an accident is your fault.
  • Comprehensive insurance – This is recommended, as it protects from most liabilities. A common option is a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), reducing your financial responsibilities in case of damage or theft.
  • Supplemental liability – This add-on covers personal injuries or property damage inflicted on others if an accident is your fault. Some credit cards include basic protection if you use them to pay.
  • Handling accidents – Report any rental car accident or damage immediately to the agency and authorities. Failing to follow proper procedures can make you liable for losses incurred.

Tips for renting a car:

Driving Tips in Montenegro

Though driving etiquette in Montenegro largely follows other European countries, keep these tips in mind for a smooth journey:

  • Drive on the right-hand side of the road. Be alert navigating Montenegro’s narrow, windy roads.
  • Speed limits range from 40-80 km/h in urban areas and up to 130 km/h on motorways. Sections may have lower limits posted.
  • Have local cash (Euros) and coins on hand for tolls and parking meters. Tivat Airport has ATMs to withdraw money.
  • Watch for pedestrians even on highways. Montenegro has over 1 million tourists yearly.
  • Arrange comprehensive insurance for peace of mind driving Montenegro’s mountainous terrain. Steep, sinuous roads require expertise.
  • Don’t drink and drive. Montenegro has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence. Rules are strictly enforced.

Returning the Car at Tivat Airport

Returning your rental car at Tivat Airport is straightforward by following these steps:

  • Return to the same rental office during open hours. Late returns usually incur added fees.
  • Inspect the car thoroughly and note any new damage. Report issues to counter-staff immediately.
  • Refuel the tank if you didn’t purchase a full tank from the rental company. Local petrol stations accept credit cards.
  • Keep a copy of the rental agreement and take photos, in case discrepancies arise later about the car’s condition upon return.
  • Confirm all charges, refundable deposits, and procedures for receiving your deposit back.

Other Transportation Alternatives

For travelers not keen on driving themselves, Tivat does offer other transport options:

Buses – Frequent buses connect Tivat with nearby coastal towns like Budva, Kotor, Herceg Novi, and Sutomore. The bus station is a 10-minute walk from the airport. Schedules can be limited though, especially reaching farther locales.

Taxis – Metered taxis are available outside the airport terminal. Agree on a fare beforehand when possible, as tourist price-gouging can happen. The ride to Tivat should cost around €5-10. Fixed rates apply to some destinations like Kotor and Budva.

Private Transfers – Hiring a private transfer from the airport ensures door-to-door service at a higher cost. Your itinerary can also be customized. Luxury vehicles and drivers cater to the high-end market.

Final Thoughts on renting a car at Tivat Airport

With beautiful coastlines, ancient villages, and mountains waiting to be discovered, Tivat is the perfect starting point for exploring Montenegro’s natural beauty. Renting a car opens your options wider, offering flexibility and savings over other modes of transport from Tivat Airport. Just be sure to research rental policies, understand insurance, and follow local driving regulations for smooth travel. The freedom of the open road awaits in Montenegro.

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