Traveling through Montenegro is a dream for many: narrow mountain roads, the endless blue of the Adriatic, and picturesque views in Sveti Stefan, Kotor, Budva… But once you arrive and ask for a rental car, you face an important question: automatic or manual transmission? This article is written for those who have never rented a car before and want to make a smart, relaxed, and informed decision.
Most rental cars in Montenegro come with a manual transmission, as they’re cheaper to maintain and more widely available. They’re usually 30–50% less expensive during the off-season, while in July–August high season, prices rise to €40–70 per day.
Automatics are more popular with tourists, especially in summer, but they’re also more expensive—€5–15 more per day, often harder to find, and usually booked well in advance. If you're planning a summer vacation, book 2–3 months ahead to increase your chances of getting an automatic at a reasonable price.
- On Montenegro’s winding mountain roads, an automatic allows for smooth driving without constant clutching.
- In urban traffic in Podgorica, Kotor, Budva… you avoid the hassle of gear changes—driving is more relaxed.
- One American tourist on TripAdvisor wrote:
“I am able to enjoy driving much more without… constant gear shifting.”
- Manual transmissions give quicker control over gear shifts on hills and offer a more connected driving feel.
- They consume less fuel and can be significantly more budget-friendly.
- If manual feels more natural to you (like riding a bicycle freely), you’ll likely enjoy the driving experience more.
Roads like Durmitor, Kolašin, and Lovćen involve steep climbs—manual transmission offers more control but demands skill. For a relaxed drive, automatic handles the terrain effortlessly.
Congestion near Kotor and Budva, and limited parking—automatic helps with frequent maneuvers. However, in smaller towns where parking is less organized, a compact manual car is easier to handle.
Potholes, narrow passages, and uneven surfaces require careful driving—choose the transmission you’re confident operating without losing focus.
- Manual: €30–50/day (off-season), €40–70/day (summer)
- Automatic: +€5–15 per day
Fuel costs around €1.30–1.38 per liter. Insurance is important—CDW and Super CDW are recommended to cover damage on rough roads and steep trails.
Deposits range from €500 to €3,000, depending on the company. Extras (GPS, additional driver, off-location delivery) typically cost €10–30. Always review all costs during booking.
You'll get the best offers and availability of automatic cars if you book 2–3 months before your trip.
On mountainous roads, narrow passages, and due to police controls—CDW / Super CDW is not a luxury but a smart precaution.
Take photos of the car when picking it up—useful evidence in case of any disputes.
In Montenegro, headlights are mandatory during the day, speed limits are 50–130 km/h. To cross borders, you’ll need rental agency consent + a green card (~€15 at the border).
Mountain roads are narrow with blind curves. It’s recommended to allow 20–30% more time than what Google Maps suggests—especially in peak season.
- Automatic: Ideal for:
- City trips – Podgorica, Kotor, Budva
- Comfortable and relaxed driving with less leg fatigue
- Fewer driving concerns and more time to enjoy the scenery
- Manual: Worth considering if:
- You want control and active participation in driving
- You want to save money
- You have experience with manual transmission
If this is your first rental – an automatic offers peace of mind and a simpler travel experience, especially on Montenegro’s narrow and demanding roads.
For city driving, automatic is recommended—it makes navigating traffic easier and reduces fatigue. No need to constantly use the clutch, which is especially helpful at stoplights and in traffic jams.
Automatics used to consume more, but modern automatic transmissions are much more efficient. In many cases, the difference is minimal—it mostly depends on the car model and driving style.
Yes—if you have a license for manual, you can drive an automatic. The reverse is not true—if you only have an automatic license, you cannot drive a manual. This rule applies in most European countries, including Serbia.
It’s best to reserve early and confirm with the rental company a day or two before pickup. If the automatic model isn’t available, they’ll usually offer a manual as a replacement. If an automatic is essential, you may want to switch rental companies or negotiate compensation.
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