Parking Your Hire Car in Montenegro
Montenegro's coastal towns were built centuries before cars existed. Streets are narrow, old towns are pedestrianised, and in July–August every car park fills by mid-morning. But if you know where to look, parking is manageable — and often free.
This guide covers the five towns you're most likely to visit from Tivat Airport, with specific lot locations, prices, and the tricks locals use to avoid paying peak rates.
Kotor
The old town is completely car-free. There are three parking options:
- Main car park (outside the Sea Gate) — €2–€3/hr in summer, fills by 10am. Arrive before 9am or after 5pm.
- Dobrota waterfront — free street parking along the road north of the old town. 10-minute walk to the Sea Gate. This is where locals park.
- Parking lot behind the bus station — €1.50/hr, slightly further walk but rarely full.
Tip
If you're visiting Kotor and Perast in the same day, park in Dobrota (free) and do both on foot/by boat — the Our Lady of the Rocks boat departs from the Perast waterfront, a 15-min drive north.
Budva
Budva has more parking than Kotor, but summer demand is fierce:
- Slovenska Beach car park — large paid lot (€3–€5/hr), closest to the old town. Gets full by 11am in July.
- TQ Plaza underground — covered parking in the shopping centre. €2/hr, shade keeps the car cool.
- Rozino residential streets — free street parking 10–15 min walk from the old town. Follow the locals uphill.
Tip
Avoid driving into Budva old town area between 10am–6pm in summer — traffic barely moves. Park on the outskirts and walk.
Perast
Perast is tiny — one main road along the waterfront:
- Roadside parking on the main road — free, but very limited spots. Arrive before 9am in summer.
- Small car park at the south end of the village — free, holds about 20 cars.
Tip
If Perast is full, park in Risan (5 min north, always has space) and drive back, or park in Dobrota and combine with a Kotor visit.
Herceg Novi
More relaxed than Kotor or Budva — parking is easier here:
- Škver waterfront car park — paid, €1–€2/hr, right by the old town entrance.
- Topla residential area — free street parking, 5-minute walk downhill to the old town.
- Igalo beachfront — free parking along the promenade, 15-min walk to old town or quick bus ride.
Tip
If you're taking the Verige ferry from Kamenari, Herceg Novi is 15 minutes further west. Park at Škver and explore on foot — the old town is compact.
Tivat
Tivat is the easiest of the lot — it's a modern town with good infrastructure:
- Porto Montenegro — underground parking available for visitors. €2/hr. Clean, covered, and the marina is right there.
- Tivat town centre — free street parking on most residential streets. Walk to the waterfront in 5 minutes.
- TIV Airport short-stay — €1–€2/hr. Useful if you're picking someone up.
Tip
Porto Montenegro has the best coffee and waterfront dining in Tivat — park underground and spend the morning.
General Parking Tips
- Pay-and-display machines take coins and sometimes cards. Carry change.
- Parking inspectors are active in Kotor and Budva in summer — don't risk a ticket (€20–€40).
- Never park on yellow kerbs or in front of dumpsters — you'll get towed.
- Mountain roads (Lovcen, Durmitor) have informal dirt pull-offs at viewpoints — these are free and safe.
- If a local waves you into a 'parking spot' and asks for money, they're freelance — you don't have to pay, but a euro or two keeps things friendly.