Rent a Car Bar

Why Rent a Car in Bar?

Bar is Montenegro's main seaport and a gateway to the southern coast. The city sits between the Adriatic Sea and the mountains, 60 km south of Podgorica Airport. Most visitors arrive by ferry from Italy (Bari) or fly into Podgorica or Tivat and drive down. A rental car gives you freedom to explore the coast, visit Old Bar (Stari Bar) in the hills, and reach beaches that public transport does not serve.

Phoenix Car Montenegro delivers cars to Bar city centre, the port area, and hotels along the coast. You can also collect at Podgorica office or airport and drive to Bar in under an hour. The E80/E65 highway connects Bar to Podgorica, Budva, and the Albanian border at Sukobin. Rental cars in this category start from 25 EUR per day for economy models, with weekly and long-term discounts available.

Bar is less crowded than Budva or Kotor, making it a practical base for travellers who want beach access without resort prices. The city has supermarkets, fuel stations, and parking. With a car you can reach Ulcinj (30 km south), Skadar Lake National Park (40 km north), and mountain villages in the Rumija range. The coastal road to Sutomore and Petrovac takes 10–15 minutes.

Bar at a Glance

Car Classes Available in Bar

Phoenix Car Montenegro offers the following categories for delivery in Bar. Prices shown in the widget above reflect current availability.

• Economy — Fiat Panda, Renault Twingo, Hyundai i10. Ideal for city driving and short coastal trips. Low fuel consumption.
• Compact — Volkswagen Polo, Peugeot 208, Toyota Yaris. More boot space than economy, comfortable for two adults and luggage.
• Sedan — Škoda Octavia, Renault Megane. Four-door models with larger boot, suitable for families or longer trips.
• SUV / Crossover — Dacia Duster, Nissan Qashqai. Higher ground clearance for mountain roads and unpaved village access.
• 7-seater / MPV — Dacia Lodgy, Renault Kangoo. Three rows of seats, practical for groups or families with children.
• Premium — Audi A4, BMW 3 Series. Automatic transmission, leather interior, advanced safety features.

All cars come with air conditioning, power steering, and ABS. Manual transmission is standard; automatic available in compact and above. Child seats can be requested at booking (€3 per day).

Top Drives from Bar

Bar's location on the southern coast makes it a convenient starting point for day trips and multi-day routes. Here are six drives worth planning:

1. Bar to Ulcinj (30 km, 25 min)

Follow the coastal road south through Šušanj and Valdanos Bay. Ulcinj is Montenegro's southernmost town, known for its sandy beaches (Velika Plaža, Ada Bojana) and Albanian cultural influence. The drive is flat and scenic, with views of the sea and olive groves.

2. Bar to Old Bar / Stari Bar (5 km, 10 min)

Drive inland to the medieval fortress town of Stari Bar, abandoned after an 1878 explosion. The ruins sit on a hillside with views over the valley. Narrow streets, stone houses, and the aqueduct remain. Entry fee €2. The road is paved but steep in sections.

3. Bar to Skadar Lake via Virpazar (40 km, 45 min)

Head north on E80 toward Podgorica, exit at Virpazar. Skadar Lake National Park offers boat tours, birdwatching, and traditional fishing villages. The road climbs through Sozina tunnel (€2.50 toll) then descends to the lake. Return via the same route or continue to Podgorica.

4. Bar to Budva (40 km, 40 min)

Drive north along the coast through Sutomore, Petrovac, and Sveti Stefan. The road hugs the shoreline with frequent viewpoints. Budva Old Town, beaches, and nightlife are the main attractions. Parking in Budva is paid (€1–2 per hour in high season).

5. Bar to Kotor via Coastal Road (80 km, 1h 20min)

Continue past Budva to Tivat and around the Bay of Kotor. The route passes through tunnels and offers views of Perast, Risan, and Kotor fjord. Kotor Old Town is a UNESCO site. Allow extra time for summer traffic and narrow village streets.

6. Bar to Albanian Border / Shkodër (70 km, 1h 15min)

Drive south to Ulcinj, then inland to Sukobin border crossing. Shkodër, Albania is 20 km beyond the border. Cross-border travel to Albania is permitted with Phoenix Car (€20 surcharge, notify at booking). Valid passport required. Road quality varies on the Albanian side.

Rules, Documents & Insurance

Driver Requirements

Minimum age 21 years. Driving licence must be held for at least one year. International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended for non-EU licences but not mandatory. Drivers under 23 may be subject to a young driver surcharge (check widget for details).

Documents at Pickup

• Valid passport or national ID card
• Driving licence (original, not photocopy)
• Booking voucher (printed or on mobile)
• Credit card in driver's name for deposit hold

Insurance & Deposit

All rentals include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection (TP) with an excess. The excess varies by car class (typically €500–€1200). Full coverage (zero excess) is available as an optional upgrade at booking. A deposit is held on a credit card at pickup and released after the car is returned undamaged. Cash deposit accepted if credit card not available (higher amount).

Mileage & Fuel

Unlimited mileage within Montenegro. Fuel policy is full-to-full: you receive the car with a full tank and return it full. Fuel stations in Bar include Jugopetrol, Lukoil, and Knez Petrol. Diesel is cheaper than petrol. Keep fuel receipts in case of dispute.

Cross-Border Travel

Travel to Albania is permitted with prior notification and a €20 surcharge. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo require special approval. Serbia and Croatia are not permitted. Always declare cross-border plans at booking to ensure correct insurance coverage.

Roadside Assistance

Phoenix Car provides 24-hour roadside assistance. A single phone number is printed on the rental agreement and key tag. In case of breakdown, accident, or flat tyre, call immediately. Do not attempt repairs yourself or engage third-party services without approval.

Parking & Driving in Bar

Bar city centre has metered parking zones (white and blue lines). White zones are paid 08:00–20:00 (€0.50 per hour). Blue zones are for residents but tourists can use them short-term. Payment via SMS or parking meters. Free parking is available on residential streets outside the centre and near the port.

Hotels along the coast (Šušanj, Čanj) usually provide free parking for guests. If staying in a private apartment, confirm parking availability with the host. Street parking is tight in July and August.

The E80/E65 highway from Podgorica to Bar is a two-lane road with occasional overtaking zones. Drive carefully through Sozina tunnel (4.2 km long, single tube, two-way traffic). Speed cameras are active near Virpazar and Sutomorе. Police checkpoints are common in summer.

Old Bar (Stari Bar) has a small car park at the entrance to the fortress. The road up is narrow with hairpin bends. Drive slowly and watch for pedestrians.