Montenegro
The Bay of Kotor and the mountain lakes of Durmitor.
Where do you go when you want to head off with the kids, the car and the tent? On this page we've gathered everything about Montenegro for you: what there is to see, where to camp and what you need to know on the way.
Compiled and checked by Arjan (Zuidlaren) · sources are given with the text · updated 20 October 2026 · About this site
Introduction
To Montenegro with the family
Montenegro is small but impressive: In a few hours you will drive from the fjord-like bay of Kotor to the mountain lakes of the Durmitor. A nice extension of a trip along the Croatian coast. Attention: Montenegro does not belong to the EU, so take passports and the green card of your car insurance and check in advance at the official sources, which applies.
Overview
In brief
- Travel time
- 8–10 days (our estimate)
- Best time to travel
- jun, Sep (our estimate · Full table)
- Distance from London
- ± 2,250 km to Podgorica (approx., via route planner · plus the Channel crossing by Eurotunnel or ferry)
- Driving days
- 4 driving days (our estimate)
- Tolls and vignettes
- No vignette; toll at the Sozina tunnel (€ 2.50) (Details and source)
- Paying
- euro
- EU member
- no
Distances were calculated once with OpenStreetMap (OSRM) from London to the capital; your actual route may be longer or shorter. For London, the Channel crossing (Eurotunnel or ferry) is not included. Driving days assume at most about 750 km per day with children (our estimate).
Practical
Good to know
Money and payments
Montenegro uses the euro even though it is not an EU member. Card payment goes in cities and on the coast; in the mountains and on small campsites, cash is handy (our experience).
More about costs and saving money
Photo: Avij · Public domain · all photo credits
Language and handy words
A few words work wonders, even with the campsite neighbour's kids:
- Dobar dan: good day
- Hvala: thank you
- Molim: please
- Doviđenja: goodbye
Documents and border
At the EU's external border your passport or ID card is checked, and often your vehicle registration and insurance papers too. In summer, expect waiting time at the border (our estimate) and make sure the car's papers are in your name or that you have the owner's authorisation. Ask your car insurer whether your green card (international insurance card) is valid for this country.
Source: nederlandwereldwijd.nl (travel advice)
More about what is compulsory in the car
Photo: Horizon206 · CC0 · all photo credits
Health and safety
This country is not an EU member, so the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid here. Ask your health insurer before you leave what your cover is, and take out travel insurance with medical cover. Read the current travel advice of the Dutch government just before you leave; it also lists entry rules and emergency numbers.
Source: nederlandwereldwijd.nl (travel advice)
Photo: Friedrich Haag · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Traffic rules that matter
In Montenegro, the per mille threshold is 0.3. You also drive during the day with low or daytime running lights. From 15 November to 1 April winter tyres are mandatory in winter weather, on some roads always. Mandatory in the car: warning triangle (two with caravan or trailer), warning vest, bandage box and spare lamps (not for xenon or LED). Children under 12 are not allowed to sit in front.
Source: ANWB
More about tolls and vignettes
Photo: Igor123121 · CC BY 4.0 · all photo credits
Best time to travel
June and September are ideal: warm enough by the sea and pleasant in the mountains. July and August are hot on the coast and full in Kotor (our assessment).
Always check the current rules (tolls, vignette, entry requirements) just before you leave.
🚗 Getting there & distance from Utrecht (NL)
- Destination
- Kotor
- Distance
- ± 1,940 km (one way)
- Driving time
- ± 21.8 h (one way)
- Route via
- NL → DE → AT → SI → HR → BA → ME
- Fuel (estimate)
- ± € 445 (return)
Estimate for the return trip: 6.5 l/100 km Euro 95 at each country's average price (EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, price date 19-10-2026). Fuel for Bosnia, Montenegro not included (not in the EU bulletin). - Vignettes
- Austria: 10-day vignette: € 12.80
- Slovenia: 7-day e-vinjeta: € 16.00 (2 x)
- Tolls
- Distance-based tolls in Croatia Bosnia Montenegro: not calculated, see the official toll operator.
Route: OSRM/OpenStreetMap, calculated 21-10-2026, without breaks or traffic. 2026 vignette prices from the official sellers, checked 21-10-2026. For an 8-day trip, 7-day vignettes count twice.
On the road by car
Tolls and vignettes
| What | Price passenger car | Where to arrange it | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tunnel Sozina | € 2.50 (ordinary car) | Toll gate at the tunnel | AMSCG (Montenegrin automobile club) price checked Oct 2026 |
| Smokovac–Mateševo motorway | current price: see source | Toll gate | AMSCG price checked Oct 2026 |
Destinations
Most beautiful places in Montenegro
Bay of Kotor
A deep bay with steep mountains all around, with the old town of Kotor and Perast. With the ferry Kamenari-Lepetane you cross the bay.
Tara Canyon
Deep river gorge with the famous Đurđevića-Tara bridge; popular for rafting (ask for the minimum age).
Coast near Budva and Ulcinj
Beaches on the Adriatic Sea; sandy beaches around Ulcinj.
Where are you going?
Regions explained
Bay of Kotor
A deep bay between steep mountains, with the walled old town of Kotor and villages like Perast. World Heritage. Nice, but in summer full of cruise ships (our experience).
Source: UNESCO: Kotor
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
Durmitor and the Tara Canyon
To the north is the Durmitor National Park, with the Black Lake (Crno jezero) near Žabljak and the deep Tara Gorge. Cool in summer and ideal for hiking and rafting.
Source: UNESCO: Durmitor
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
Lake Skadar
The largest lake in the Balkans, on the border with Albania, a national park full of birds. You can take a boat trip between water lilies.
Source: nparkovi.me
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
Coast from Budva to Ulcinj
Beaches and Old Towns. Around Budva it is full; Towards Ulcinj in the south you will find sandy beach and shallow water.
Source: montenegro.travel
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
On the road
Suggested route by car
A round of 8 to 10 days connecting mountains and coast; Mountain roads are narrow and winding, so expect lower speeds (our estimate). Check the travel times in your route planner.
- Days 1-3: Bay of Kotor: Perast and the old town, early in the day.
- Days 4-6: Žabljak and Durmitor: Black Lake and the Tara Bridge.
- Day 7: Lake Skadar with a boat trip.
- Days 8-10: south coast near Ulcinj for swimming.
Where to stay
Camping
Where do you camp?
Campsites near Žabljak
Around Žabljak are small campsites, often with a family, as a base for the Durmitor. At night it can be fresh, even in summer (our experience).
Source: montenegro.travel
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping gear
Campsites on the bay and the coast
On the bay of Kotor and the coast are small campsites, usually simple. Come early in the main season.
Source: montenegro.travel
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping gear
Rules in Durmitor
In the national park you camp only at designated places.
Source: nparkovi.me
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping gear
Gear for this region → (tent, gas, mosquitoes, sleeping bag)
Outings
With kids
Black Lake
A round around the lake near Žabljak is an easy walk through the forest; In summer you can keep your feet in the water.
Source: nparkovi.me
Boat to Our Lady of the Rocks
From Perast you take a small boat to a little island with a church in the bay.
Source: montenegro.travel
Rafting on the Tara
There are quieter rafting tours that are possible with children; Ask the provider for minimum age and life jackets.
Source: montenegro.travel
Outings
Fun activities with kids
Water parks, karting, trampolines, bowling, zoos and outings for a rainy day: concrete addresses, chosen with children of about 7 and 9 in mind. We only mention places with their own website, which we checked on 14 October 2026. Opening times and prices change: always check the website.
Our favourites
Aquapark Budva
The largest water park in Montenegro with many children's slides and sea views. Note: The website showed an error in our audit.
🎟️ Tickets & info → official website
Photo: KarenWunderkind · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Karting Centar Podgorica
Outdoor cart track on the main road to Cetinje, since 2026 with its own children's karts (LR6 with EasyDrive steering). Good short stop on the way from the coast to the interior. After rain, drive only when the train is dry.
🎟️ Tickets & prices → official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Henryk Borawski · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Aquarium Boka
The only public aquarium in Montenegro, from the Institute of Marine Biology, with 18 basins on the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Kotor Bay and tropical seas. Small and manageable: good to combine with a day in Kotor.
Website: aquariumboka.ucg.ac.me
🎟️ Book tickets → official website
Photo: Desemeus · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Lipa Cave
A cave with a little train to the entrance and guided tours.
🎟️ Tickets/tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Ad · affiliate link
Photo: Mitia Morovov-Sheiner · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Kotor cable car
A cable car from Kotor to the Lovćen mountains with views over the bay.
🎟️ Tickets/tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Ad · affiliate link
Photo: User:Ggia · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Durmitor National Park
Mountains with the Black Sea, managed by the National Parks of Montenegro.
🎟️ Tickets/tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Ad · affiliate link
Photo: Jerzy Opioła · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Winter
Winter sports in Montenegro
In inland Montenegro you can ski near Kolašin and in the Durmitor mountains near Žabljak.
Ski areas (checked on the official websites, October 2026)
- Kolašin 1450: Ski area above the town of Kolašin. Website: kolasin1450.com
Ski pass: Day pass adult €15, child €12 (2025/26 season). Source: Kolašin 1450: ski pass - Durmitor (Žabljak): Smaller ski areas in Durmitor National Park. Website: montenegro.travel
When we checked on 20 October 2026, most 2026/27 prices had not yet been published; see the ski area's website for current rates. We only quote amounts that appear in an official price list.
Renting skis: at home or on the spot?
At the ski areas above you can rent skis, snowboards and boots from rental shops by the lifts or in the village; you can often book online in advance. We do not quote rental prices, because we found no official price lists for them.
Renting on the spot saves carrying and car space, and you can swap boots that pinch. Renting at home or bringing your own gear makes sense if you combine several ski areas, already know which boots fit, or the area is small with little choice.
Winter packing list
Pack layers (thermal underwear, fleece, waterproof jacket and trousers), ski socks, gloves, a hat, goggles and sunscreen. A helmet is strongly recommended for children.
Insurance
Check whether your travel insurance covers winter sports; it is often a separate add-on. Also check mountain rescue and transport after an accident (for example by helicopter). Some ski passes include mountain insurance, as in Bansko.
Winter tyres and snow chains
- Winter tyres are mandatory in winter conditions, from 15 November to 1 April. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Montenegro
- Minimum tread depth: 4 mm. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Montenegro
More rules per country: winter tyres and mountain passes.
🏨 Stay in Kolašin on Booking.com*🎟️ Winter tours nearby on GetYourGuide*🚗 Rental car (ask for winter tyres) via DiscoverCars*
* Affiliate link: if you book through one, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Rules
Rules, fines and quiet places
Wild camping, fines, camper stops, quiet places, smoking, alcohol and nature rules in this country, only with a verifiable source.
Show all rules (17)
Wild camping and fines
- In the national parks you camp at designated places for a fee. Durmitor example according to the parks' price list: a tent pitch €3 per day, an equipped camping area €20 per day, entrance €5 per person per day, a fire place €5 per day. Prices may change. Source: nparkovi.me
Nature rules: drones, fishing, picking and dogs
- Durmitor: fishing on Black Lake is only possible with a daily permit of €20. Source: nparkovi.me
Alcohol
- Drivers: 0.3 per mille. A passenger under the influence may not be carried in the front seat. Source: anwb.nl
Emergency numbers and breakdown
- Emergency number: 112. Police 122, ambulance 124, fire brigade 123. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Montenegro
- Green card: recognised, but not mandatory. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Montenegro
Health, drinking water and ticks
- The EHIC is not valid here: the European Commission lists only EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the UK. Take out travel insurance with medical cover. Source: European Commission: European Health Insurance Card
- Tap water is lightly chlorinated and safe, but it can cause stomach and bowel complaints; bottled water avoids that. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Montenegro
Money and mobile
- Currency: euro. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Montenegro
- Debit and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere; there are enough cash machines. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Montenegro
- You can pay contactless with a watch or phone. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Montenegro
- Roaming charges may still apply here: on 4 June 2026 the Council of the EU authorised talks on extending 'Roam like at home' to the Western Balkans. Check your provider's rate. Source: Council of the EU: 'Roam like at home' and the Western Balkans
Fuel and LPG
- For LPG you need the dish (schotel) adapter, a filling nipple for your tank inlet. Source: Prins Autogassystemen: refuelling LPG
Winter tyres and mountain passes
- Winter tyres are mandatory in winter conditions, from 15 November to 1 April. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Montenegro
- Minimum tread depth: 4 mm. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Montenegro
Children in the car
- Children under 12 may not ride in the front seat. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Montenegro
- Children under 5 must be in a suitable child car seat in the back. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Montenegro
- A child under 3 may ride rear-facing in the front if the airbag is switched off. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Montenegro
Rules and fines may change and confuse by municipality. Each line contains the source; see if you're in park management before you go. This isn't legal confuse.
All countries compared: rules, fines and quiet places → · Smoking and alcohol by country → · Practically by country →
Local cuisine
Food to taste
A few dishes you can try with the whole family:
Show all dishes (4)
Njeguški pršut
Dried ham from the village of Njeguši, often served with cheese and bread as a starter.
Kačamak
A hearty cornmeal porridge with cheese and kajmak (creamy dairy), from the mountains.
Fish from Lake Skadar
Around the lake you eat carp or other freshwater fish, often grilled.
Burek
Puff pastry with cheese or meat, the quick Balkan breakfast.
Look further
Discover more
Campsites by name, day trips, events and things you had better avoid, each with a source.
Show all tips (4)
Featured campsites
At ACSI Eurocampings are Camp Virpazar (on Lake Skutari), Camping Maslina (Buljarica) and Camp Oliva (Utjeha) on the coast. The places are usually small and simpler than in Western Europe; Wild camping is not allowed.
Source: ACSI Eurocampings: Montenegro
Bay of Kotor
The old town of Kotor with its Venetian walls lies deep in a fjord-like bay and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Go early or late in the day: When cruise ships are there, it is very crowded during the day (our experience).
Source: UNESCO: Kotor
National parks
Durmitor, Lake Skutari, Biogradska Gora, Lovćen and Prokletije are supervised by the National Park Administration. There you will find rules, entrance and activities such as boat tours on Lake Skutari.
Source: nparkovi.me
Avoid: driving in the dark
ACSI strongly advises against driving in the dark: Many roads are unlit and mountain roads narrow and winding. Plan your stages so that you are at the campsite before sunset.
Source: ACSI Eurocampings: Montenegro
Camping & on the road
Rules worth knowing
Toll, no vignette
Montenegro does not have a vignette. You pay a toll in the Sozina tunnel (Bar–Podgorica street, €2.50 for a normal car) and on the Smokovac–Mateševo motorway. Source: AMSCG (Montenegrin automobile club) and monteput.me
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping for beginners
Camping in Durmitor
In the Durmitor National Park you are only allowed to camp on the designated tent sites of the park, for a fee. Fire only at designated fireplaces. Source: nparkovi.me (National Parks of Montenegro)
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping for beginners
Sources
Where does this information come from?
- AMSCG (Montenegrin automobile club) and monteput.me
- nparkovi.me (National Parks of Montenegro)
- UNESCO: Kotor
- UNESCO: Durmitor
- nparkovi.me
- montenegro.travel
- ANWB (traffic rules)
- ACSI Eurocampings: Montenegro
Checked on 14 October 2026. "Our estimate" is personal advice, not official information.
Affiliate disclaimer: Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you book or buy through one, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Our experiences and tips remain independent.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a vignette in Montenegro?
No, no vignette; there is a toll at the Sozina tunnel (€ 2.50). Prices, where to buy it and the official source are in the ‘Tolls and vignettes’ block on this page. To tolls and vignettes
Can you wild camp in Montenegro?
No, it is not allowed; choose a campsite. (source: ACSI Eurocampings)
What is the best time to travel to Montenegro?
June and September are ideal: warm enough by the sea and pleasant in the mountains. July and August are hot on the coast and full in Kotor (our assessment).
How far is Montenegro from London?
From London to Podgorica it is about 2,250 km (calculated with OpenStreetMap; check your route planner). The Channel crossing is not included: with the Eurotunnel (LeShuttle) it takes 35 minutes according to the operator; a Dover–Calais ferry is the alternative. With children, expect about 4 driving days (our estimate).
What must you carry in the car in Montenegro?
Mandatory in the car: warning triangle (two with caravan or trailer), high-visibility vest, bandage box and spare lamps (not for xenon or LED). Source: ANWB. All traffic rules are on our page Traffic rules & equipment. To traffic rules · ANWB
Which travel documents do I need for Montenegro?
At the EU's external border your passport or ID card is checked, and often your vehicle registration and insurance papers too. In summer, expect waiting time at the border (our estimate) and make sure the car's papers are in your name or that you have the owner's authorisation. Ask your car insurer whether your green card (international insurance card) is valid for this country. Read the current travel advice just before you leave.