By the Airport Rent a Car team
Taking a Montenegro Rental Car to Albania or Croatia
Day trips to Shkodër or Dubrovnik, flying into Tirana or Dubrovnik and driving to Montenegro: how cross-border travel with a rental car works, which crossings to use and what to bring.
Yes, you can drive our rental cars to Albania, Croatia and other neighbouring countries if you arrange it in advance. Select the cross-border option when booking or contact us; a fee may apply for some countries. At the border you show your passport or ID card and the car’s documents.
When you need cross-border travel
Guests usually need it in one of three situations:
- A day trip from Montenegro: Shkodër in Albania, Dubrovnik in Croatia or Trebinje in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Flying into Tirana or Dubrovnik and spending the holiday in Montenegro. We deliver the car free to both airports, and you drive across the border on the first day.
- A Balkan road trip through several countries.
How to arrange it
Cross-border travel is allowed only with prior arrangement. Choose the cross-border option in the booking or message us before your trip and tell us which countries you plan to visit. A fee may apply for some countries, and it is shown as a separate line before you confirm, like every other extra.
Driving across a border without arranging it first breaks the rental terms, and you could be turned back at the border, so always tell us in advance.
Main border crossings
| Border | Crossing | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Montenegro – Albania | Božaj – Hani i Hotit | Podgorica ↔ Shkodër and Tirana |
| Montenegro – Albania | Sukobin – Murriqan | Ulcinj ↔ Shkodër |
| Montenegro – Croatia | Debeli Brijeg – Karasovići | Herceg Novi ↔ Dubrovnik and Dubrovnik Airport |
| Montenegro – Bosnia and Herzegovina | Vraćenovići – Deleuša | Nikšić ↔ Trebinje |
In July and August, queues at the crossings can be long, especially at weekends and on the Croatian border. Cross early in the morning and keep water in the car.
What to bring
- Passport or national ID card for every passenger (EU citizens can travel with an ID card; others need a passport and, depending on nationality, a visa).
- Your driving licence.
- The car’s registration and insurance documents, which stay in the car.
- Your rental contract, showing that cross-border travel was arranged.
Croatia is in the EU and the Schengen area. Travellers from outside the EU are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) at their first crossing, which can take extra time.
Flying into Tirana or Dubrovnik
Flights to Tirana or Dubrovnik are sometimes cheaper or more frequent than to Podgorica. We deliver the car free to both airports, meet you in front of arrivals with a sign with your name, and you drive to Montenegro with the cross-border arrangement already in place.
From Tirana Airport to Podgorica is roughly 160 km via the Božaj – Hani i Hotit crossing. From Dubrovnik Airport, Herceg Novi is about 28 km away via Debeli Brijeg. Daily rates at Tirana and Dubrovnik are higher in season than at Podgorica; you see them in the booking before you confirm.
Popular day trips across the border
- Shkodër, Albania: the Rozafa fortress and the old town by the lake, about 1 h 30 min from Podgorica.
- Dubrovnik, Croatia: the walled old town, about 1 h from Herceg Novi without border queues.
- Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina: a quiet old town and wine region, reached from Nikšić or Herceg Novi.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take a rental car from Montenegro to Albania?
Yes, with prior arrangement. Select the cross-border option when booking or contact us; a fee may apply. Use the Božaj – Hani i Hotit crossing from Podgorica or Sukobin – Murriqan from Ulcinj.
Can I drive a Montenegrin rental car to Dubrovnik?
Yes, if cross-border travel is arranged in advance. The main crossing is Debeli Brijeg – Karasovići near Herceg Novi; expect queues in summer.
Can I pick up the car at Tirana or Dubrovnik airport and drive to Montenegro?
Yes. We deliver free to Tirana and Dubrovnik airports and meet you in front of arrivals. The cross-border arrangement is part of the booking.
Sources: EU Entry/Exit System (EES) · Easy Balkan Transfers: Driving in the Balkans