From Tivat Airport to Kotor by car
The shortest and most scenic drive along the Bay of Kotor — 9 km, about 20 minutes from Tivat Airport to Kotor Old Town.
Tivat Airport is the closest air gateway to Kotor. As soon as you pick up your car, the Old Town is about twenty minutes away along the coastal road that hugs the Bay of Kotor — one of the most photogenic drives on the Mediterranean.
Route and turns
From the airport you join the Adriatic highway (E65/E80) and turn right toward Kotor. The road passes Kavač and descends into Škaljari, right beside the Old Town walls. There are no toll gates or tunnels on this stretch — a straightforward drive for your first day in the country.
How long it takes and when to go
Off-season you cover the 9 km in 15–20 minutes. In July and August, when the bay is busy, allow 35–45 minutes for traffic around Škaljari and the town entrance. If you land in the evening, the road is empty and quickest.
Parking in Kotor
The Old Town is pedestrian-only — park along the walls (Zone 1, around €1/h in summer) or at the larger car parks toward Škaljari, which are cheaper. At peak season arrive before 10am or after 6pm to find a spot near the entrance.
Treba ti auto za ovu rutu?
Iznajmi direktno kod nas — jasna cijena, bez posrednika, dostava na aerodrom i do smještaja. Radimo 00–24.
Driving & car rental in Montenegro — a practical guide
Everything a visitor should know before picking up a car: fuel, parking, tolls, traffic rules, fines, border crossing and emergency numbers.
Fuel
Petrol and diesel cost about €1.50–1.65 per litre (2026). Filling stations are common along the coast and main road, many open 24/7. LPG (auto-gas) is available in larger towns. Tip: fill up before heading north (Durmitor, Žabljak), where stations are sparser.
Parking
In coastal towns (Budva, Kotor, Tivat, Bar) parking is zoned — around €0.50–1 per hour, paid at a machine or by SMS. Old town cores are pedestrian zones; use the public car parks at the entrance. In summer, plan parking ahead as centres get packed.
Tolls & tunnels
Montenegro has no classic motorway tolls except the Sozina tunnel (between Podgorica and Sutomore/Bar) — about €2.50 for a car. The new Smokovac–Mateševo motorway section is currently free. All other roads are toll-free.
Traffic rules
Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on open roads, up to 100 km/h on the motorway. Dipped headlights are mandatory even during the day. Seatbelts are required for everyone. Blood alcohol limit is 0.03% — effectively, drive sober. Phone hands-free only.
Fines & police
Police radar is common on the coastal main road and at town entrances. Fines are usually paid on the spot and range from about €40 to several hundred euros for serious offences. Drive defensively — the coastal road is winding.
Borders & emergency numbers
To cross into Croatia, Albania or Bosnia you need the company's permission and a Green Card (insurance) — arrange it when booking. Emergency numbers: 112 (general), 122 (police), 124 (ambulance), 19807 (road assistance — AMSCG).
Povezane destinacije
FAQ
How far is Tivat Airport from Kotor?▼
About 9 km on the coastal road — 15–20 minutes off-season and up to 40 minutes at the height of the summer traffic.
Do I need a car for Kotor or is there transport?▼
There are taxis and occasional buses, but with a car you're free to continue to Perast, Lovćen or Budva with no waiting. We can deliver the car to Tivat Airport and meet you at arrivals.
Are there tolls on the Tivat–Kotor road?▼
No. The whole stretch is toll-free. The only nearby toll is the Sozina tunnel (Podgorica–Bar), which is not on this route.