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Rent a car at Tivat Airport with VIP Cars
Touching down at Tivat Airport puts Montenegro's coast within easy reach, and a car rental allows you to experience the place and its hidden gems whenever and however you want. To make finding the right car easier, VIP Cars lets you compare deals from leading Tivat Airport car rental companies and choose a vehicle that suits your travel plans and budget.
Tivat Airport offers easy access to many of Montenegro's top attractions. Kotor is just 15 to 20 minutes away, Porto Montenegro is less than 10 minutes from the airport, and Budva can be reached in around 30 minutes. You can enjoy the stunning coastline, historic towns, and scenic mountain roads as you wish.
We highly recommend booking your vehicle in advance as the airport sees its highest passenger traffic between May and September. Early booking also helps you get affordable deals with a wider choice of vehicles.
Where to find car rental desks at Tivat Airport (TIV)?
Tivat Airport has a small single-terminal layout, making it quick and easy to collect your rental car. Most car rental desks are located inside the main arrivals hall, just a short walk after you pass through customs. Several leading providers like Enterprise, Alamo, National, Hertz, Avis, and Europcar, operate directly from the terminal.
Directions to car rental desk at TIV Airport:
- Collect your luggage and exit into the arrivals hall.
- Follow the signs to the car rental desks and locate your supplier.
- Complete the rental paperwork, inspect the vehicle, and collect your keys.
- Your rental car will be parked in your supplier’s designated parking area just outside the terminal.
Note: If your supplier operates from an off-airport location, a representative will usually meet you in the arrivals area or arrange a shuttle transfer to the rental office. Check your Rental Confirmation Voucher for your supplier’s exact pickup instructions.
How to return a rental car at Tivat Airport?
The process of returning your vehicle at Tivat Airport is generally quick and simple. Follow these steps:
- Follow the signs for rental car returns as you approach Tivat Airport. Depending on your supplier, you may need to use a designated parking area near the terminal. For example, if your supplier is Enterprise, you will have to return vehicle to the main parking lot in front of the airport building.
- Park your vehicle in the return section, remove all personal belongings, and ensure the fuel level is the same as mentioned in your rental agreement.
- Hand the keys to the rental desk or as instructed by the supplier.
- Walk back to the terminal, which is only a short distance from the parking area.
After-hours returns
Several rental providers at Tivat Airport such as Avis and Sixt offer after-hours returns. Park the vehicle in the designated return area and leave the keys in a secure drop box. Availability varies by supplier, so always confirm this before your travel date.
Returning to an off-airport supplier
If your booking is with an off-site supplier, return the vehicle to their designated office. Many providers offer complimentary shuttle transfers back to the airport terminal after the vehicle has been inspected.
Flexible Tivat Airport car rental deal types
Top suppliers associated with VIP Cars offer rental options to suit every travel plan. Understanding the different rental durations can help you choose the most suitable option.
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Short-term rentals (a day to a week)
Most travelers arriving at Tivat stay between 3 and 7 days, using the town as a base to explore Montenegro's Bay of Kotor region. With a rental car, you can comfortably visit Kotor, Perast, Budva, and Lovćen National Park without depending on public transport. If you only need a car for a few hours, keep in mind that most rentals at Tivat Airport are charged in 24-hour periods, so booking for a full day is the standard time. A full-day or short-term rental gives you enough time to experience several of Montenegro's highlights in one trip.
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Long-term rentals (several weeks to a month)
If you are planning to stay in Montenegro for two weeks or longer, a long-term rental can turn out to be more economical than booking multiple short rentals, as the daily rental rate often decreases with longer booking durations. It’s a popular choice for remote workers, yacht crew members staying around Porto Montenegro, and visitors exploring different parts of the country at a relaxed pace. Having your own car also makes it easier to visit destinations farther from Tivat such as Durmitor National Park, Lake Skadar, or Ostrog Monastery.
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Last-minute rentals (within 48 hours from pickup)
Last-minute car hire at Tivat Airport is possible throughout the year, but your choice of vehicles can become limited during the peak tourist season from June to September. Economy cars, automatic models, and family SUVs are usually the first to be booked, especially on Fridays, and weekends. If you are booking within 24 to 48 hours of arrival, you may need to be flexible with the vehicle category or rental price. We recommend you book as soon as possible for a wider vehicle selection and affordable rates.
One-way car rental from Tivat Airport
A one-way rental allows you to collect your vehicle at Tivat Airport and return it at another location, making it an excellent option for travelers exploring multiple regions of Montenegro. Popular one-way routes include:
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Tivat to Podgorica
Distance: ~90 km Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours -
Tivat to Budva
Distance: ~22 km Travel time: 30 to 40 minutes -
Tivat to Bar
Distance: ~65 km Travel time: 1 to 1.5 hours -
Tivat to Žabljak
Distance: ~170 km Travel time: 3.5 to 4 hours
Cross-border travel from Tivat Airport
Because Montenegro shares borders with Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania, many travelers choose to extend their trip beyond the country. However, cross-border travel is not included with every rental; therefore, it is best confirm with your rental supplier in advance whether-
- Cross-border travel is permitted.
- Your preferred country is allowed.
- A Green Card or additional insurance is required.
- Any cross-border fees apply.
- Certain vehicle categories are restricted from international travel.
Some of the most popular cross-border road trips from Tivat Airport include:
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Dubrovnik, Croatia
Distance: ~70 km Travel time: 2 to 2.5 hours -
Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Distance: ~170 km Travel time: 3 to 3.5 hours -
Tirana, Albania
Distance: ~185 km Travel time: 3.5 to 4.5 hours -
Belgrade, Serbia
Distance: ~470 km Travel time: 7 to 8 hours
Tivat Airport: Overview and facilities
| IATA Code: | TIV |
|---|---|
| Address: | Grbalj, Tivat Municipality, Montenegro |
Located just 4 km from Tivat town centre, Tivat Airport (TIV) is one of Montenegro's two international airports and a major gateway to the country's Adriatic coast. It serves popular destinations such as Kotor, Budva, Herceg Novi, and Porto Montenegro, making it a preferred arrival point for leisure travelers exploring the Bay of Kotor and beyond. The airport handles both scheduled and seasonal international flights, with passenger traffic peaking during the summer months.
Passenger facilities at Tivat Airport include:
- Free Wi-Fi
- ATMs
- Currency exchange services
- Cafes and snack bars
- Duty-free shopping
- Car rental services
- Taxi stand and parking
- VIP Lounge
- Information desk
- Baby changing facilities
VIP Cars’ tips for renting a car at Tivat Airport
- Choose a compact car for the Bay of Kotor If your itinerary includes Kotor, Perast, or the scenic Bay of Kotor, an economy or compact car is often the smartest choice. Many roads are narrow with tight bends and parking spaces in historic towns can be limited. A smaller vehicle makes navigating coastal routes and finding parking much easier.
- Plan your pickup wisely If you are visiting between late May and early September, roads around Kotor and Budva become noticeably busier, especially between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Picking your vehicle early in the day or planning sightseeing outside peak traffic hours can save significant time.
- Follow Montenegro's driving rules Driving in Montenegro is straightforward, but there are a few important rules to remember. Dipped headlights must remain on at all times, seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and using a handheld phone while driving is prohibited.
- Know the parking system before you arrive Popular destinations such as Kotor and Budva use paid parking zones, and street parking often requires payment via parking meters or SMS. If you are using a foreign SIM card, SMS payments may not work, so carrying a payment card or using designated parking lots can save time.
- Watch your speed on coastal roads Unless signposted otherwise, speed limits are 50km/h in urban areas and 80km/h on open roads. Along the Adriatic Highway and around the Bay of Kotor, limits often drop on winding sections, and traffic police regularly monitor these routes. Driving within the posted limits not only helps you avoid fines but also makes navigating Montenegro's scenic coastal roads much safer.
