Tivat Airport → Kotor: 9 km and your first look at the Bay
The route at a glance, what to set up in the first 20 minutes and how to fit Kotor and Perast into the same day.
From the Tivat Airport exit to Kotor's walls it's just nine kilometres, which makes this the easiest first drive in Montenegro. This is a DOT route card: the numbers, one tip for the start and an idea for the rest of the day.
The route at a glance
About 9 km, 15–20 minutes off-season, no tolls. Follow the Kotor signs to the town entrance at Škaljari. In July and August expect a queue before town and add 15–20 minutes.
The first 20 minutes
Before you set off, switch on dipped headlights (required in daylight too), set up navigation and mirrors. On roundabouts, cars already circulating have priority — local drivers expect it.
After Kotor: Perast
Once you've seen the old town, carry on along the shore for another 15 minutes to Perast. Park at the village entrance; boats to Our Lady of the Rocks leave from the waterfront.
Need a car for this route?
DOT brings the car to the airport or your address, 24/7 — you pay only at pick-up.
Montenegro in numbers — for drivers
Six numbers DOT repeats to guests most often at hand-over. Remember them and your trip will run without fines or surprises.
Built-up areas, open roads and the motorway. Dipped headlights are required in daylight too, and speed cameras usually sit at town entrances.
The limit is so low that the only safe rule is: if you drive, you don't drink. Fines for going over are steep.
The only toll, on the Podgorica — Bar route. The Smokovac — Mateševo motorway section is currently free.
Paid zones in Budva, Kotor, Tivat and Bar, paid by SMS or at a meter. Old towns are pedestrian zones.
Rough 2026 price. Stations are plentiful on the coast; towards Žabljak and Durmitor, fill up in good time.
Police 122, ambulance 124, roadside help 19807. For anything about the car, contact DOT directly, 24/7.
Related destinations
FAQ
Is the drive from Tivat Airport to Kotor difficult?▼
No. The road is short and well signposted, with no mountain sections — a good choice for a first drive after landing.
Is there parking at hotels in Kotor Old Town?▼
You can't drive in the old town. Leave the car in a public car park by the walls or at accommodation outside the centre and walk in.
Can I collect a DOT car in Tivat and return it in Podgorica?▼
Yes. A return in another town is arranged when you book, and you see the terms before sending the request.