Bar sits on Montenegro’s southern coast — a working port with ferry connections to Italy, Ottoman ruins in the hills, and Lake Skadar spreading inland. It’s less touristy than Budva or Kotor, which makes it a practical base: affordable accommodation, ferry access, and proximity to both the coast and the lake. A rental car in Bar gives you the full Montenegrin experience — beaches, historic towns, and the mountain roads that connect them.
Comparing car hire in Bar shows local companies and international brands with offices near the port and city centre. Book ahead in summer when demand peaks.
Why Rent a Car in Bar
Bar is connected by rail to Belgrade and by ferry to Bari (Italy). The Adriatic highway runs through town, linking to Budva, Kotor, and the Bay of Kotor north, and Ulcinj south. Lake Skadar is 30 km inland — a vast freshwater lake shared with Albania, home to pelicans, monasteries, and villages. Old Bar (Stari Bar) is an Ottoman ghost town 5 km inland. A car lets you reach these scattered attractions without relying on infrequent buses. It also gives you the option to drive around the Bay of Kotor — one of Europe’s most scenic coastal roads.
Where to Pick Up
Bar’s port and city centre have rental offices. If arriving by ferry from Italy, collect your car at the port. If arriving by train or bus, offices are walkable from the station. Some companies offer delivery to hotels.
Top Destinations from Bar
Bar Old Town (Stari Bar) (5 km, 10 minutes)
Before leaving, explore the ruins. Old Bar was abandoned after an earthquake in 1979, leaving Ottoman streets, fortress walls, and minarets in various states of decay. The site is atmospheric — climb the walls for views over the plain to the sea. Nearby, the current town has restaurants, cafes, and a beach.
Ulcinj (25 km, 30 minutes south)
Montenegro’s southernmost coastal town, Ulcinj has the longest sandy beach on the Adriatic (Velika Plaza, 12 km). The old town is a fortress above the sea, with Ottoman architecture and a pirate history. Ada Bojana is a clothing-optional beach and kitesurfing spot at the river delta. Ulcinj feels more Albanian than Montenegrin — Albanian is widely spoken, and the cuisine reflects it. A day trip or overnight.
Lake Skadar (Virpazar, 25 km, 30 minutes inland)
Europe’s largest lake, shared with Albania. Virpazar is the main entry point — boat trips explore the lake, passing monasteries on islands and birdwatching zones (pelicans, herons, Dalmatian grebes). The drive from Bar climbs through hills before descending to the lake. Restaurants serve lake fish. Combine with a drive around the lake’s Montenegrin shore, or continue toward Cetinje.
Budva & the Coast (35 km, 45 minutes north)
Montenegro’s tourism capital. Budva’s Old Town is a fortified citadel on a peninsula, surrounded by beaches and nightlife. Mogren Beach is within walking distance of the old town. The town is crowded in summer, but the beaches stretch along the coast. Bar to Budva via the Adriatic Highway provides coastal views.
Kotor & Bay of Kotor (60 km, 1-1.5 hours north)
UNESCO-listed town at the end of a winding bay. The Old Town is medieval, with walls climbing the hill behind. Kotor is a day trip from Bar, or an overnight. The drive around the bay is scenic — take the old road, not the tunnel, for views of Perast and the church islands.
Cetinje & Lovćen National Park (70 km, 1.5 hours inland)
Montenegro’s old royal capital, Cetinje sits at the base of Mount Lovćen. The monastery, royal palace, and embassy buildings reflect 19th-century history. Drive up to Lovćen National Park for mountain views across Montenegro. The mausoleum of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš sits at the summit (461 steps to the top). This is the mountain interior — a completely different landscape from the coast.
Driving in Montenegro: What to Know
Montenegro drives on the right. Roads range from excellent (new highways) to challenging (coastal hairpins). The Adriatic Highway is scenic but narrow in places. Mountain roads require care.
Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on open roads, outside towns varies. Police enforce limits.
Road quality: Main routes are paved and maintained. Secondary roads can be rough. The road to Lovćen includes hairpin bends — take your time.
Parking: Town centres have paid parking. Old towns (Kotor, Budva) are pedestrianised — park outside and walk in.
Crossing to Albania: The border at Sukobin (south of Ulcinj) leads to northern Albania. Most rental agreements allow cross-border travel with additional insurance. Check with your provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive from Bar to Dubrovnik?
Yes, but note that Dubrovnik is in Croatia (EU). Most rental agreements permit Croatia; check your insurance. The border can have queues in summer. Drive via Budva, Kotor, Herceg Novi, then the border crossing.
How far is Lake Skadar from Bar?
About 25 km, or 30 minutes to Virpazar. The drive climbs from the coast to the lake. Boats leave from Virpazar for lake tours.
Is the coastal road from Bar to Budva difficult?
Scenic and narrow in places, but manageable. Take your time on bends. Trucks and buses share the road — pull over in designated spots to let faster traffic pass.
Can I take a car on the ferry to Italy?
Yes. Bar has ferry connections to Bari (Italy). Book vehicle space in advance in summer. Verify your rental agreement permits international travel, and check insurance requirements.