Rent-a-Car in Bar, Montenegro: A Tourist's Guide

Why Rent a Car in Bar

Bar, Montenegro's main port city, offers visitors a unique blend of modern facilities and historical attractions, including the ancient ruins of Old Bar (Stari Bar). While the city itself is navigable via limited public transportation, renting a car in Bar provides tourists with unparalleled freedom to explore Montenegro's diverse southern region. With your own vehicle, you can easily access the spectacular Adriatic coastline, visit nearby olive groves that include trees over 2,000 years old, and venture to Lake Skadar National Park—all at your own pace and convenience.

Rental Options and Locations

Several car rental companies operate in Bar, with a mix of international brands like Sixt and Europcar alongside local agencies that typically offer more competitive rates. Most rental offices are located near the port area, the train station, and along the main boulevard. For tourists arriving by ferry from Italy, many companies provide convenient pickup points near the harbor. During the peak summer season (June-September), demand significantly increases, so booking your vehicle several weeks in advance is highly recommended to ensure availability and secure better prices.

Requirements and Booking Process

To rent a car in Bar, you'll need a valid driver's license (held for at least one year), passport, and a credit card for the security deposit. The minimum age requirement typically ranges from 21-23 years, with younger drivers often facing additional fees. The booking process is straightforward—either reserve online before your trip or visit rental offices upon arrival. Always thoroughly inspect the vehicle for existing damage before accepting it, take photos for documentation, and make sure you understand the insurance coverage provided, as Montenegro's mountainous terrain and coastal roads can be challenging. Read more about rules if you want to rent-a-car in Montenegro.

Exploring from Bar

With your rental car, Bar becomes an excellent base for discovering Montenegro's southern treasures. The beautiful beach town of Sutomore is just a 10-minute drive north, while the renowned Ulcinj with its 13km Long Beach lies 30 minutes to the south. Inland excursions to Lake Skadar National Park (20 minutes) offer bird watching and boat trips in Montenegro's biodiversity hotspot. For more adventurous travelers, the mountain roads leading to Virpazar and beyond provide stunning vistas and access to authentic Montenegrin villages that remain largely untouched by mass tourism.

Driving Conditions and Tips

Montenegro follows right-hand driving rules with European standard road signs. The main coastal highway (E65/E80) running through Bar is well-maintained and offers relatively easy driving conditions. However, smaller roads leading to Old Bar and mountain villages can be narrow and winding, requiring careful navigation. Parking in downtown Bar is generally available with both free and paid options (€0.50-1 per hour), though spaces become limited during summer months. The historic area of Old Bar has dedicated parking lots as the site itself is pedestrianized.

Fuel and Practical Information

Gas stations are readily available throughout Bar and along major routes, accepting both cash and credit cards. Fuel prices in Montenegro are comparable to other European countries. When planning longer journeys, especially to mountainous areas, filling your tank beforehand is advisable as service stations become less frequent. Traffic police are active in the region, particularly during tourist season, enforcing speed limits (50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on open roads) and checking documentation, so always carry your rental agreement, driver's license, and passport during your travels.