Montenegro rewards curious, independent travelers — winding coastal roads, mountain passes, and hidden bays are all far easier to explore with your own set of keys. If you are under 25, a little preparation before you book will save you time, money, and surprises at the rental desk.
Minimum Age to Rent a Car in Montenegro
Most rental companies in Montenegro set a minimum age of 21. Drivers aged 18–20 may find options limited or unavailable, so it is worth confirming directly with the operator before you travel. The upper bracket of the "young driver" category — typically 21 to 24 — is widely accepted, but almost always comes with an additional daily surcharge.
Age requirements can vary by vehicle class. Economy hatchbacks are usually available to 21-year-olds; larger or more powerful cars such as SUVs or premium models often carry a higher minimum, sometimes 23 or 25. Check the specific model when you browse the full fleet.
Young-Driver Surcharge: What to Expect
Rental companies apply a young-driver fee as a daily add-on to the base rate. The surcharge compensates for the statistically higher risk profile of drivers under 25 and funds the additional insurance exposure the company carries.
The exact amount varies by company and vehicle class, so always request a fully itemised quote. The fee is typically applied per rental day and can meaningfully affect the total cost on a longer trip. A few things worth knowing:
- The surcharge applies for the entire rental period, not just the days you are under 25.
- It is usually non-negotiable — it comes from the insurance agreement, not the operator's pricing discretion.
- Comparing two or three quotes across operators is the most reliable way to understand the market rate.
For a longer trip — say, a 7-day road trip itinerary — the cumulative surcharge is worth factoring into your overall budget early.
Documents You Will Need
The document requirements for young drivers are the same as for any renter, with one important timing note:
Driving Licence
You need a valid driving licence that has been held for at least one year (some operators require two years — confirm at the time of booking). An EU licence is accepted directly. If your licence was issued outside the EU — for example, a UK, US, Australian, or Gulf-state licence — you will also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in your home country before you travel. See our detailed guide on driving licence requirements in Montenegro for a full country-by-country breakdown.
Passport or National ID
A valid passport is required in all cases. EU citizens may use their national ID card, but carrying a passport as a backup is always sensible.
Payment Card
The rental deposit is held on a credit card in the renter's name — a debit card is rarely accepted for the deposit block. The hold amount depends on the vehicle and insurance package. For a full explanation of how deposits and insurance work, read our guide on car rental insurance and deposits.
Choosing the Right Car as a Young Driver
Narrow, steep roads are a recurring feature of Montenegrin driving — from the serpentine climb to Lovćen and the Njegoš Mausoleum to the tight lanes of Kotor's old town approaches. A smaller, more manoeuvrable car is often a better choice than a large vehicle, especially if this is your first time driving in the country.
Economy and Compact Cars
An economy car handles the vast majority of Montenegro's routes comfortably — coastal drives, the road from Tivat to Kotor (about 20 minutes), and the run from Podgorica to Budva through the Sozina tunnel (roughly 45 minutes). A compact car adds a little more luggage space and road presence while remaining easy to park in Herceg Novi, Perast, or Virpazar.
SUVs
If your itinerary includes mountain roads — Durmitor, the road to Žabljak, or the Tara Canyon area — an SUV provides genuinely useful ground clearance and stability. Bear in mind the higher minimum age that sometimes applies and the larger fuel costs on mountain routes.
Practical Tips for Young Drivers in Montenegro
Understand the Road Environment
Montenegro's roads range from smooth modern highways to narrow mountain tracks. Read the driving in Montenegro overview before you set off — it covers speed limits, signage conventions, and what to expect on rural routes.
Know the Rules on Fines and Traffic Laws
Fines for traffic violations in Montenegro can be significant, and the rules apply equally to all drivers regardless of age. Familiarise yourself with Montenegro's traffic rules and fines before you drive. Key points: seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, mobile phone use at the wheel is prohibited, and headlights must be on at all times, even in daylight.
Cross-Border Travel
If you plan to drive into Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, or Serbia, you need explicit written permission from the rental company. Not all operators allow cross-border trips, and some restrict them to specific countries. Sort this out at the time of booking, not at the border. Our guide on cross-border car rental from Montenegro covers what to ask and what to carry.
Pick-Up Location
Montrent offers pick-up at Tivat Airport (TIV) and Podgorica Airport (TGD), as well as other locations around the country. Collecting your car at the airport on arrival is often the most efficient choice — you avoid transfer costs and can head straight to your first destination.
Check the Insurance Carefully
Young drivers are sometimes offered a higher excess (the amount you pay in the event of damage) on the base policy. Upgrading to a reduced-excess or zero-excess package is worth considering, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the roads. Always read what is and is not covered before you sign.
Getting the Most from Your Montenegro Road Trip
With the practicalities sorted, Montenegro opens up in a way few destinations can match. The Bay of Kotor takes about 90 minutes to drive end to end at a relaxed pace. Skadar Lake and the village of Virpazar are roughly 40 km from Podgorica. Durmitor and the Đurđevića Tara bridge are about 2.5 to 3 hours from the coast, depending on your starting point. None of these require a specialist vehicle or unusual skill — just an appropriately booked car and a confident approach to mountain roads.
Montrent is here to make the booking straightforward, the vehicle right for your trip, and the paperwork clear — regardless of your age. Browse our available cars and reserve yours today.