Taxi in Montenegro is still far behind the level of service we are used to in Europe or the US. Ride-hailing services like Uber, Bolt, Grabtaxi do not operate in the country. Everything here works the old-fashioned way. In this guide, I will tell you where to find transfers and taxis in Montenegro, how much they cost, what potential risks tourists might face, and how to avoid them.
Table of contents:
- General Information on Transfers and Taxi in Montenegro
- Airport and Intercity Transfers
- Taxi Services in Montenegro: Prices, Rates, and Booking Options
- Travel Tips
It will be difficult for you to plan your dream trip to Montenegro without these websites
General Information on Transfers and Taxi in Montenegro
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, Montenegro does not have any online ride-hailing services that we are accustomed to. Here, you have to make a call, send an SMS, or message via an app—often in advance. During peak season, expect long wait times. The taxi industry in Montenegro lags behind global trends by about ten years. Who knows, maybe things will change in a few years, but for now, this is the reality.
Good to know:
Locals and tourists often use the terms “taxi” and “transfer” interchangeably. In reality, they are essentially the same thing, with the only difference being the distance. Transfers are typically between cities or from the airport to a destination, whereas taxis operate within city limits.
- For example, if you need a car to travel from Budva to Kotor or to be picked up at the airport, it is considered a transfer.
- If you need a ride to a nearby restaurant in the evening, that is a taxi service.
Important:
There are three ways to book a taxi in Montenegro: via the service’s website, by phone, or by sending a message on Viber. Almost everyone in Montenegro uses Viber, and it is installed on nearly every local’s phone.
- For more details on mobile internet and SIM cards in Montenegro, including operators, rates, and where to buy a SIM card, refer to the relevant section. If you plan to use taxis frequently, having a local SIM card is essential.
Taxis in Montenegro are a licensed business, but there are also many unlicensed drivers operating vehicles that blend into regular traffic. Official taxis are often cheaper, but unofficial drivers are more abundant, easier to find, and do not require pre-booking. You will frequently find them in tourist-heavy areas.
Additionally, Montenegro does not have a single, unified taxi service with a central phone number. Each city and region has multiple small taxi operators. However, there are two international aggregators that have consolidated several services, as well as two more services available in major cities. Links and contact details are provided below.
Airport and Intercity Transfers
Montenegro has two international airports: Tivat and Podgorica. Both are relatively close to the coast, with distances of less than 50 km.
Good to know:
If you need a transfer from the airport to your hotel or want to travel between cities, use international services. They offer pre-arranged pickups with a nameplate and require booking at least a day in advance. This is far more convenient than searching for a taxi and negotiating fares on the spot.
- Kiwi.com – an international aggregator that works with local taxi services. It specializes in airport transfers and intercity rides.
It is important to note that this is not a regular taxi service but a transfer provider. Check the latest airport transfer rates from Tivat and Podgorica using the links above.
Where else can you book a transfer in Montenegro? GetYourGuide offers numerous options.
Taxi Services in Montenegro: Prices, Rates, and Booking Options
This section covers taxi services operating within cities, average prices, and where to book.
The most popular and relatively large taxi providers in Montenegro include:
- EcoTaxi – 24/7 service. Contact: +382 690 19567 (Viber). Also known as TaxiBudva. Book at: taxibudva.com
- Terrae-Taxi – Well-known local service. Contact: +382 67 178 888 (Viber & WhatsApp).
- Taxi-Travel – The largest local taxi company, operating across Montenegro. Contact: +382 699-49-197. Book at: taxi-travel.me
Typical Taxi Prices in Montenegro:
- Standard fares: €1-2 for boarding and €1 per kilometer.
- A 10 km ride typically costs around €11-12.
- Prices are higher in peak season (July-August) and lower in winter.
As a general rule, expect to pay around €1 per km for a rough estimate.
Travel Tips
Here are a few essential tips to save you time and money. Do not ignore them:
- Taxi drivers must display a visible price list inside the vehicle.
- If hailing a taxi on the street, always agree on the fare upfront—especially with unofficial drivers.
- Overcharging is common, with cases where a €40 ride ends up costing €100.
- Montenegro is a safe country. While prices may be inflated for tourists, there is no risk of crime or danger.
- Always negotiate if hailing a taxi on the street. However, if booking through a website or phone, prices are fixed and non-negotiable.
Interesting to know:
Montenegrin taxi drivers prefer not to take more than three passengers. Taxi services usually ask how many people will be traveling. If you have more than two passengers, an extra charge may apply. Also, always mention if you are traveling with children so the appropriate car with a child seat can be arranged.
Conclusion
The transfer and taxi in Montenegro resembles what we had 10-20 years ago—many small operators, high competition, and little government regulation. There are no international ride-hailing companies, but taxis remain a safe and accessible option for tourists. Just follow the tips provided above, and your experience should be smooth and hassle-free.
Resources to help you plan your dream trip to Montenegro
- WayAway: Cheap flights and best deals.
- Car rental in Montenegro:
- LocalRent – works with local rental companies. Leader in car rental in Montenegro.
- DiscoverCars – a large international platform.
- Budget-friendly vacation packages to Montenegro: CheapOair.
- Hotels and apartments all over the country:
- Trip.com – the most popular accommodation booking platform
- TripAdvisor compares the prices among dozens of other booking services and offer the best price
- Tours, excursions and activities (including extreme ones):
- GetYourGuide – more than 800 tours
- Viator – 1000+ excursions and activities throughout the country
- Comprehensive travel insurance: EKTA
- Internet and Calls:
- Airalo eSIM in Montenegro
- Drimsim – universal sim card for frequent traveler
- Taxi and airport transfers: Intui.Travel