Bar sits on Montenegro's southern coast, a working port city where ferries cross to Italy and the Adriatic feels a little less polished and a lot more lived-in. It's the natural gateway to the deep south — Ulcinj's long sandy beaches, the olive groves above the old town, the quieter stretches that most visitors never reach. If you want a base for exploring beyond the usual Budva–Kotor circuit, picking up a car in Bar puts the whole southern coast within easy reach.
How pickup works in Bar
We bring the car to you. There's no rental counter to find, no queue to stand in, and nothing to pay online in advance — you settle up at pickup. Just tell us where you'd like to meet in Bar, whether that's near the ferry terminal, your hotel, or the train station, and we'll be there with the keys.
A few things that make it simple:
- No online prepayment — you pay at pickup
- Free cancellation if your plans change
- Full-to-full fuel, so no fuel surcharges to worry about
- A quick walk-around together before you drive off
Take a look at our fleet to choose the car that fits your trip, from compact city runabouts to roomier options for longer drives.
Drive times from Bar
Bar is well placed for the southern half of the country. Approximate driving times (always traffic- and season-dependent):
- Stari Bar (the atmospheric old town): about 10 minutes
- Ulcinj and the deep south: about 30 minutes
- Budva: about 50 minutes
- Podgorica: about 45 minutes
In high summer the coastal road fills up, especially in the late afternoon, so it's worth padding your estimates a little. The road toward Budva and onward to Kotor is scenic but winding in places, so allow time to enjoy it rather than rush.
Getting around and parking
Bar itself is compact and easy to navigate by car, and parking is generally more relaxed here than in the tourist-heavy northern bays. Around the port and town centre you'll find a mix of street parking and small lots; in peak season, arriving earlier in the day makes finding a spot easier.
Once you head out of town, Montenegro's roads reward a little patience — narrow lanes, the occasional tunnel, and mountain switchbacks if you go inland. If it's your first time driving here, our guide to driving in Montenegro covers the practical details worth knowing before you set off.
A local tip
Don't skip Stari Bar, just about 10 minutes uphill from the modern town. The ruined fortress-town is far quieter than the coastal headline attractions, and the drive up through the olive groves is lovely in the soft light of late afternoon.
If you're flying in rather than arriving by ferry, we can also meet you at the airports — see Tivat Airport or Podgorica Airport, the latter being the closer of the two to Bar. Wherever you land, the car and the deep south will be waiting.