How To Get Around Montenegro Without a Car (2026)

Is Montenegro on your bucket list, but the thought of driving those famous mountain roads with terrifyingly tight hairpin bends puts you off?

Honestly, same!

Before my trip, I kept seeing videos of Montenegro’s serpentine mountain roads winding dramatically above the Bay of Kotor and immediately knew:

There was absolutely NO WAY I wanted to drive them myself!

But I still desperately wanted to experience everything Montenegro is famous for, from medieval towns and dramatic national parks to beautiful beaches and boat trips…

So I decided to travel Montenegro completely without a car as a solo female traveller.

I based myself in beautiful Kotor Old Town for the week, used a mix of local buses, guided day tours, walking, airport transfers and the occasional taxi, and managed to experience everything from remote Durmitor National Park to popular Budva and Perast…

All without ever getting behind the wheel!

How? In this guide, I’ll share exactly how to get around Montenegro without a car, where to stay, the easiest transport options, and what genuinely worked for my own trip.

Is Montenegro Easy to Travel Without a Car?

Yes, especially if you base yourself along the coast!

Before visiting, I was SO worried Montenegro would be one of those destinations that looks amazing online but is secretly way too stressful to travel around without a car.

But in reality, I found it very manageable, even as a solo female traveller.

The coastal towns (Kotor, Perast and Budva) are all very well-connected by affordable local buses and taxi services.

And in the hearts of Kotor Old Town, Budva Old Town and Perast, you don’t need a car at all, thanks to pedestrianised streets!

But Montenegro is a LOT trickier without a car when you want to explore the inland national parks and mountain regions.

Luckily, though, I genuinely think Montenegro is the best country I’ve visited for day tours!

Local tour companies make it SO easy to experience the country’s most spectacular landscapes without needing to tackle the long, winding mountain drives yourself.

And as a solo traveller, I actually much preferred being able to sit back, enjoy the scenery and listen to local guides explain the history and culture along the way!

Where To Stay in Montenegro Without a Car

For exploring Montenegro without a car, I 100% believe Kotor is the best base.

Not only is Kotor Old Town absolutely stunning and worth visiting in its own right, but it’s also one of the easiest places in Montenegro to use as a public transport hub.

You can easily reach Perast, Budva and even Dubrovnik, Croatia by bus, and then most of Montenegro’s best guided day tours also depart directly from Kotor Old Town!

I chose to stay inside Kotor Old Town and wouldn’t change that decision for anything!

And as a solo female traveller, I loved how lively and safe the old town felt in the evenings, especially after returning from tours later at night.

I stayed in a locally-run apartment called Casa di Cattaro, located directly opposite St. Tryphon Cathedral. And every morning, I woke up to the sound of church bells!

It ended up being one of my favourite parts of the entire trip!

🏨 But if you want a full look at all of my accommodation recommendations for Montenegro, I have a full guide to where to stay in Kotor here.

The Best Ways To Get Around Montenegro Without a Car

One of the things that surprised me about Montenegro was how many different transport options there actually are for travellers without a car.

Especially given that Montenegro is such a tiny country!

Between local buses, guided tours, taxis, airport transfers, boats and walking, I never felt stuck or unable to reach somewhere I wanted to visit.

Don’t get me wrong, some methods are easier than others, but with the right combination, it’s absolutely possible to experience the best of Montnegro without driving:

Using Buses in Montenegro

What Montenegro Buses Are Like

Before my trip, I had NO idea what to expect from buses in Montenegro.

When you read about Montenegro online, there’s a huge focus on road trips and renting a car to explore the dramatic mountain scenery and winding coastal roads.

And as someone who doesn’t drive, I was so worried that getting around would be stressful, limiting (hello, FOMO!) or too complicated.

But luckily, Montenegro is surprisingly easy to travel around by bus!

The buses along the coast are affordable, scenic and connect most of the major tourist destinations, including Kotor, Perast, Budva and even Dubrovnik in neighbouring Croatia.

And because the towns themselves are so walkable once you arrive, you don’t need transport throughout the day.

But, of course, there are a few things I wish I knew before relying on buses in Montenegro:

First, buses are not always (or maybe even not often!) on time.

(And as someone used to punctuality in the UK, that was a bit of a culture shock for me!)

Especially in summer, traffic along the Bay of Kotor gets very busy, and delays are common. So I learned to treat bus timetables as more of a rough guideline than exact!

Secondly, cash is still king in Montenegro.

Some buses allow online booking (especially if they leave from Kotor Bus Station), but many local routes require cash payment on board, so always keep a few euros on you just in case.

And finally, the bus journeys themselves are honestly part of the experience.

I was not expecting this, but the drive between Kotor and Perast, in particular, is one of the prettiest local bus rides I’ve ever taken.

You’ll be treated to uninterrupted views across the bay almost the entire way!

Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re travelling during peak summer season, try to avoid travelling with suitcases on buses. You’ll be much more comfortable with a taxi if you have luggage.

The Most Popular Bus Routes in Montenegro

1. Kotor to Perast Bus

One of my favourite bus journeys was the local Blue Line bus from Kotor to Perast.

Perast is one of the easiest and prettiest day trips from Kotor, and the journey only takes around 30 minutes, with the route following the Bay of Kotor almost the entire way.

💛 Want a more detailed look at the highlights of Perast? Read my full guide to the best things to do in Perast.

The Blue Line Kotor to Perast bus stops right in front of St. Nicholas’ Church, right in the heart of Perast.

And in Kotor, the bus picks you up not far from Sea Gate, at a stop marked as “Bus Stop to Perast and Risan” on Google Maps.

One thing you must know, though, is that there is no official timetable for this route!

But I found the buses came pretty regularly throughout the day, and I was never waiting for too long for the next service to come along (although maybe I got lucky!)

Typically, they run every hour on weekdays and every two hours on weekends, with additional buses sometimes added during the peak summer season.

Just make sure you bring cash for the fare, which only costs a few euros.

Katie’s Top Tip: Sit on the left-hand side of the bus when travelling from Kotor to Perast for the best bay views during the journey.

2. Kotor to Budva Bus

If you want a mix of beaches, old town charm, and a slightly livelier, younger atmosphere, Budva is one of the easiest day trips from Kotor by bus.

💛 If you want a full list of the must-sees in this charming Adriatic old town, I have a full guide to the best things to do in Budva here!

Buses from Kotor to Budva depart regularly from Kotor Bus Station, usually every 30–45 minutes throughout the day.

And the journey takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

The route itself is also really scenic, especially as you approach Budva and start catching glimpses of the coastline and Adriatic Sea along the way!

Tickets are affordable (at time of writing, around €3.50 each way), and you can either buy them directly at the station, online in advance or sometimes onboard with cash.

During peak summer months, though, I would recommend booking ahead where possible because this is one of the busiest routes in Montenegro.

Once you arrive at Budva Bus Station, it’s around a 20-minute walk to Budva Old Town and Mogren Beach.

Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re visiting Budva during summer, try to arrive earlier in the morning. The beaches in particular get significantly busier by midday, as sandy beaches are actually a rarity in Montenegro!

3. Kotor to Dubrovnik Bus

If you’re combining Montenegro and Croatia in one trip (which I highly recommend, by the way!), chances are you’ll end up taking the bus between Kotor and Dubrovnik.

This is one of the most popular international bus routes in the Balkans, and despite crossing a border, I actually found it pretty straightforward.

The bus from Kotor to Dubrovnik leaves from Kotor Bus Station and takes approximately 2.5 hours, although border crossing times often make the journey longer in peak season.

When I crossed the border, the process was super simple: everyone got off the bus with their passports, went through passport control, and then reboarded afterwards.

Honestly, it felt a LOT less intimidating than I worried about beforehand!

Then, once you arrive in Dubrovnik, the bus drops you at Dubrovnik Bus Station, which is located around 2 miles from the old town.

From there, you can either take a taxi or hop on local bus 1, 1a or 1b to Pile Gate.

Katie’s Top Tip: You 100% need to book this route online in advance, particularly between May and September. It’s an extremely popular route, and buses do sell out, especially for morning departures.

Using Taxis in Montenegro

Are Taxis Reliable in Montenegro?

If you’re travelling around Montenegro without a car, taxis are essential (especially for airport transfers).

Before visiting Montenegro for the first time, I was definitely nervous about using taxis alone as a solo female traveller, though.

But now, having done it, I found taxis in Montenegro affordable, straightforward to book, and surprisingly reliable in my experience.

That said, it is SO important to use trusted companies rather than jumping into random taxis off the street:

The Best Taxi Companies in Montenegro

Red Taxi

The most recommended taxi company in Montenegro (by locals and tourists) is Red Taxi.

They operate 24/7 and cover the main tourist areas around Podgorica, Kotor and Tivat. And you can book via their website, WhatsApp or by phone, which is convenient if you don’t have a local SIM card yet.

Dijr Taxi

Another taxi company that came highly recommended to me during my trip was Dijr Taxi.

They mainly service Kotor and Tivat, and like Red Taxi, operate 24/7.

Guided Tours in Montenegro

Are Guided Tours Worth It in Montenegro?

In my opinion? Absolutely yes!

I genuinely don’t think I would have (or even could have) fallen in love with Montenegro as much as I did without them!

Because while Montenegro’s coastal towns are easy to visit independently by bus, Montenegro’s true magic is found inland, in the mountains, national parks and tiny villages.

And they are SO much harder to reach without your own car.

As someone who doesn’t drive, I was super worried that I’d miss out on this spectacular, honestly underrated side of Montenegro completely.

But guided tours were the perfect solution for me!

Not only did they make these places accessible, but they also removed SO much stress from the experience.

(Driving mountain roads, working out complicated transport connections or figuring out parking sounds like my idea of holiday hell!)

But with tours, I could just enjoy the scenery and experience the beautiful sights.

My Honest Experience Using Tours in Montenegro

I used guided tours for all three of my major day trips in Montenegro, and I genuinely had amazing experiences on every single one!

The guides were all kind and very knowledgeable, I always felt safe in the hands of the local drivers (even on the most white-knuckle roads!), and the tours were incredibly well organised considering how much ground they covered in a day.

Plus, I also think tours are perfect for solo travellers in Montenegro.

They made difficult-to-reach places accessible for me and also gave me some low-key socialising time with fellow travellers, which was so nice!

And the tours also made me feel safer visiting more remote parts of the country alone.

A lot of Montenegro’s most spectacular scenery is deep in the mountains, and having an experienced local driver navigate those roads honestly made the whole experience much more enjoyable for me!

Katie’s Top Tip: Don’t overpack on tour days. Most Montenegro day tours are LONG (often 10–13 hours), so comfortable shoes, snacks, water, layers, and a lightweight day bag are important.

Best Day Tours From Kotor

If you’re basing yourself in Kotor without a car, these are the three day tours I loved and highly recommend:

Lovćen and Lake Skadar National Park Tour

I highly recommend you book your Lovćen National Park tour here in advance to avoid disappointment. It is very popular and does sell out.

This tour combines some of Montenegro’s most famous sights into one scenic day trip!

Starting from Kotor, it either takes you up the famous serpentine road with its 16 hairpin bends, or via the Kotor Cable Car, depending on weather conditions.

On the day I visited, the cable car was closed due to wind, so I experienced the serpentine road instead (which was terrifying, but also spectacular!)

Another highlight was the climb to Njegoš Mausoleum, where 461 steps lead you to one of the most incredible viewpoints in Montenegro.

And the tour also includes stops at the famous Pavlova Strana viewpoint, a relaxed boat ride in Lake Skadar National Park, and a walking tour in the historic town of Cetinje.

What I loved most was how varied this day felt. One minute you’re high in the mountains overlooking Kotor Bay, and then you’re sailing through water lilies on Lake Skadar!

💛 If you want a full breakdown of every stop, what to pack and whether the tour is really worth it, I’ve also written a detailed guide to the Lovćen & Lake Skadar day trip from Kotor.

Durmitor National Park Tour

I highly recommend you book your Durmitor National Park tour here in advance to avoid disappointment. It is very popular and does sell out.

Durmitor National Park was the day that surprised me most during my trip.

The landscapes are completely different to the coast, with dramatic mountains, pine forests, glacial lakes and deep canyons.

The tour includes stops at Tara River Canyon, the famous Black Lake and the spectacular Ostrog Monastery, built high into the mountainside.

But the Black Lake was my personal highlight!

I worried beforehand that it would feel overcrowded or overhyped visiting on a tour with lots of other people, but it still felt peaceful and was genuinely breathtaking!

💛 If you want a full breakdown of every stop, what to pack and whether the tour is really worth it, I’ve also written a detailed guide to the Durmitor National Park day trip from Kotor.

Bay of Kotor Boat Tour

I highly recommend you book your Bay of Kotor tour here in advance to avoid disappointment. It is very popular and does sell out.

Out of every experience I had in Montenegro, this full-day boat tour was my favourite!

I genuinely, 100% think the Bay of Kotor is best experienced from the water.

Seeing the mountains rise dramatically around the bay while sailing between tiny stone villages makes you appreciate just how beautiful Montenegro’s coastline is!

The tour includes stops at Our Lady of the Rocks island church, glitzy Porto Montenegro, the Blue Cave and several swimming stops in the bay.

But I most loved the balance between sightseeing and relaxation!

There’s enough commentary and stops that it feels like you’re seeing Montenegro, but there’s also loads of time to sit on the boat, sunbathe and enjoy the scenery passing by!

💛 I’ve also written a full review of the Bay of Kotor boat tour if you want a more detailed breakdown of the stops, timings and what the experience was like.

Walking in Montenegro

Montenegro is SO walkable once you actually arrive in each destination.

Montenegro’s most popular coastal towns (Kotor, Perast and Budva) are compact, pedestrian-friendly, and very easy to explore on foot.

And in places like Kotor Old Town, cars aren’t even allowed inside the walls.

Plus, most of the main tourist attractions are also close together, so you rarely need transport once you arrive somewhere.

In Perast, for example, you can walk from one end of the town to the other along the waterfront in under 20 minutes!

And even Montenegro’s natural attractions were surprisingly accessible without a car because I visited many of them on guided tours.

The guides know exactly where to stop for the best viewpoints and easiest walking!

The only walk I found a bit more intense was the climb to the Njegoš Mausoleum viewpoint in Lovćen National Park, which sits at the top of 461 covered steps.

But the climb is gradual, there are places to pause if needed, and the panoramic views over Montenegro at the top are well worth the climb!

How To Get TO Montenegro Without a Car

There are three main ways to get to Montenegro without a car:

• Flying into Tivat (my recommendation)
• Flying into Podgorica (best outside peak season)
• Flying into Dubrovnik, Croatia and travelling across the border

The best option will depend on the time of year you’re visiting, flight prices from your country, and whether you plan to combine Montenegro with Croatia.

Flying Into Tivat Airport, Montenegro (Best Option)

Tivat Airport is by far the easiest and most convenient option, as it is the closest to Kotor Old Town (only 10-15 minutes’ drive away).

During the summer, Tivat is well connected to major European airports.

However, it’s important to know that Tivat Airport is highly seasonal, with the majority of flights operating between May and September.

If you’re visiting Montenegro outside of these months, flying into Podgorica or travelling via Dubrovnik is a better option.

How To Get From Tivat Airport to Kotor Old Town

Without a car, the easiest way to get from Tivat to Kotor is by taxi or pre-booked transfer.

For my trip, I used bookTaxi Montenegro because I liked the reassurance of paying online in advance and having someone waiting for me in arrivals.

The driver met me directly outside baggage reclaim, helped with my luggage, and dropped me off outside Sea Gate (the main entrance to Kotor Old Town).

Other trusted taxi companies in Montenegro are Red Taxi and Dijr Taxi.

Flying Into Podgorica Airport, Montenegro

The second most popular option is flying into Podgorica, Montenegro’s main airport.

Podgorica has more regular flights throughout the year and is the better option during winter or shoulder season, when flights to Tivat are less frequent.

The main thing to consider is location.

Whereas Tivat is just outside Kotor, Podgorica is inland and takes 2 to 2 hours 45 minutes to reach Kotor by bus, depending on traffic and connections.

But the buses between Podgorica and Kotor are frequent, usually at least once an hour.

Travelling From Dubrovnik to Montenegro

There are two main ways to travel from Dubrovnik to Kotor without a car:

• By bus
• By private transfer

Dubrovnik to Kotor By Bus

The bus from Dubrovnik to Kotor takes around 2.5 hours, although the border crossing can add extra time.

Buses depart daily from Dubrovnik Bus Station and arrive at Kotor Bus Station, which is only around a 10-minute walk from the old town.

Dubrovnik Bus Station is located 2 miles from the old town, though, so you’ll need to get there by local bus (1, 1A or 1B) or taxi to Pile Gate.

Dubrovnik to Kotor By Private Transfer

If you feel nervous about navigating the border crossing alone, booking a private transfer is another very popular option.

This is more expensive than the bus, but much more relaxed, especially if you’re arriving late at night, carrying lots of luggage, or travelling as a group.

Drivers are very familiar with the border process and will guide you through what to do.

Is Montenegro Easy for Solo Female Travellers Without a Car?

I think Montenegro is one of the easiest Balkan countries to visit without a car as a solo female traveller, especially if you base yourself in Kotor.

The coastal towns are busy, walkable and touristy, which means there are plenty of other travellers around, even outside peak summer – so I never felt isolated.

And I also found that not having a car actually reduced a lot of stress.

I didn’t need to worry about driving narrow mountain roads, finding parking in the crowded old towns, or attempting the famous (terrifying!) Serpentine Road myself.

Instead, I could sit back and enjoy the scenery without constantly concentrating on the road.

Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Montenegro Without a Car

1. Montenegro is much more mountainous than it looks online

Before visiting, I mainly saw photos of the bay, beaches and old towns on Instagram. So what I didn’t appreciate was just how mountainous Montenegro actually is.

Distances between places can look short on a map, but winding coastal roads and mountain routes make journeys take longer than expected.

For example, travelling between Kotor and Budva only takes around 45 minutes by bus, but travelling inland to Durmitor National Park will be a full-day adventure.

Once I adjusted my expectations and embraced slower travel, I had an amazing trip!

2. Kotor is the best base if you don’t drive

Kotor makes travelling around Montenegro infinitely easier because it’s so well connected by buses, tours and taxis.

Plus, most day trips also depart directly from Kotor, which means you can explore huge parts of the country without constantly changing accommodation.

I was initially tempted to split my time between Kotor and Budva, but honestly, staying in one place for the full week made the trip way more relaxing!

I have a full guide to where to stay in Kotor here.

3. Guided tours are genuinely worth it here

I’m normally someone who prefers independent travel where possible.

But Montenegro is one of the few countries where guided tours genuinely improved my experience rather than taking away from it.

Many of the country’s best experiences are just too difficult to reach without a car.

So using tours meant I could experience places I wouldn’t have managed independently, while also learning about Montenegro’s history and culture from local guides!

4. Cash is still SO important

Although card payments are common in tourist areas, I still needed cash fairly often for local buses, bakeries and some smaller restaurants.

I’d definitely recommend always carrying a small amount of euros with you.

5. The shoulder seasons are perfect

I visited Montenegro in September, and personally, I think it was the perfect time to go!

The weather was still warm enough for boat trips and swimming, but the crowds were way more manageable compared to peak summer.

Plus, tours were still in full operation compared to off-peak, when many don’t run at all.

So, Is Montenegro Worth Visiting Without a Car?

Yes! And honestly, I think travelling in Montenegro without a car made me love the country even more.

Instead of stressing about mountain roads, parking and driving, I got to properly enjoy slow mornings in Kotor Old Town, scenic bus rides along the coastline, boat trips across the bay, and conversations with local guides during day tours to the mountains.

Montenegro may look small on a map, but it packs in an incredible amount: medieval towns, dramatic mountains, national parks and beautiful beaches.

And I promise, you genuinely do not need your own car to experience it.

With a well-planned itinerary, a good base in Kotor, and a mix of buses, taxis and guided tours, Montenegro is completely doable for solo travellers without a car!

Planning a trip to Montenegro? You might want to check out these posts next:

• Ultimate 7 Days in Montenegro Itinerary Without a Car (2026)
• Where To Stay in Kotor, Montenegro (For Solo Travellers)
• The BEST Time to Visit Montenegro Without the Crowds (2026)

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