Montenegro Taxi Guide

Taxi drivers in Montenegro do not have the best reputation. Let’s find out if that is a one-sided view or if there is weight behind this stereotype.

First of all, the activity of taxi operators in Montenegro is strictly regulated. Taxi companies can obtain a permit only if they fulfill all prescribed requirements. These companies operate in a competitive market and are rarely responsible for unethical behavior.

The problem children in the Montenegrin taxi landscape are without a doubt the unofficial taxi drivers that operate without any license and often without ethics and morals. Since they are not allowed to park at the airports directly, you will often find them standing further away. It’s hard to tell the difference at first sight between who is legit and who is not.

Arriving by Airplane in Montenegro

How to recognize a legit taxi driver?

Montenegro taxis are only allowed to operate in the municipality where their companies are registered. Look out for a license plate starting with either ‘PG’ -should you arrive at the airport in Podgorica -or ‘TV’ arriving at the Tivat airport.

The ‘TV’ or ‘PG’ is then followed by ‘TX’, the universal letters that only a taxi company can use on their license plates. The plates will look something like this:

PG – TX – 111

or

TV – TX – 222

Look also at the taxi vehicle. Such a car should be branded and have a taxi number printed on the car from multiple sides. Not all taxis are white however, there is no strict color scheme.

Even if it is your first-time visit to Montenegro, you should not get overwhelmed. The airports are tiny and there is only one designated area with parked taxis. Note however that these taxi prices are higher than if you had scheduled a taxi ride upfront with a local taxi service.

Info: Whether you sit on the back row or front passenger seat, you need to always buckle up in Montenegro even if some drivers will tell you otherwise.

Scheduling a ride upfront

Montenegro taxi and transfer companies are flexible when it comes to organizing your airport pickup. Airport transfers are usually booked at fixed prices in advance so that you know exactly what to expect in terms of costs.

You can contact a taxi in Montenegro most efficiently via instant messenger – Viber and What’s App are the most popular. You can also call and some companies have a booking platform on their website.

You will then give them your flight number and any flight details you have at hand. Also, inform them about a flight delay immediately. 

If you are traveling with big groups or prefer more comfort and luxury, it would be better to arrange the ride with a specialized airport transfer company. They usually can provide everything from the newest models of sedans to 8-seater minivans, and larger buses. 

Is Uber available in Montenegro?

Uber and other popular ride-sharing apps are not available in Montenegro. The only thing that comes close to it is the ‘Tesla Taxi App’ which you can use to book rides. The only downside is that their fleet is small and they are based in Podgorica so if you need local rides along the coast, you would need to either call or text.

Is Taxi expensive in Montenegro

Taxi rates vary in Montenegro and depend on location and season. In Podgorica and other cities and towns in Montenegro’s Interior, fares are between 0,50 and 0,80€ per kilometer.

Along the coast, it is more expensive. Taxi fares can be higher from May to October with some taxi companies at about 1,30€ per kilometer and 1,00€ per km during all other months. Some companies charge less and some more than that but these are the averages.

How to book a Taxi in Montenegro

Booking a taxi is easy in Montenegro. If you need a taxi immediately, it is best to call. Not all taxi drivers have a command over the English language but all taxi dispatchers (the ones who will take on your call) do. Should you still feel insecure, you can ask at the reception of your hotel or in a shop nearby.

You can also order a taxi via short message. The ‘Viber‘ instant messenger is very popular along with ‘What’s App‘.

Should you be in Podgorica, you can also order it via the Tesla GoApp.

Depending on your location, street names and house numbers might not be properly marked, try to find another anchor point such as a restaurant or Hotel nearby that can be used for navigating. When in doubt, ask a local to help you out. You can also make a screenshot of your Google Maps location and send it to the driver so that he can find you more easily.

Taxi Budva

Looking for a reliable taxi company in Budva? 

Sany Taxi 19728

Sany Taxi is an honest taxi operator that has been in business since 2007 and currently has a fleet of about 20 cars, including a new 8-seater Mercedes van. They follow a straightforward pricing philosophy – a kilometer costs 1€.

What is great about Sany Taxi is their fast-response customer service via What’s App. If you order a cab via instant messanger, you will have the estimated price indicated in advance.

source: Sany Taxi

Call Center:                    19728

What’s App/Viber:          +382 67 019 728

Vip Taxi Budva 19666

Vip Taxi Budva is probably the most upscale company with the best service. It is predominantly a transfer service operating Mercedes luxury sedans, vans, and minibuses but also offering regular taxi services.

The taxi fares start at 1,00€ per kilometer. Night rides from 22:00 – 06:00 are 1,50€/km. At these fares, they will give you a ride in a Citroen, the Mercedes is more expensive – prices are on request.

All in all, this is the best transfer service in Budva and the only one with a new Mercedes S class. If you are looking to travel in a stately fashion, give them a try.

source: Vip Taxi

Quick communication in WhatsApp, clean car with air-conditioning.

Call Center:                    19666

What’s App/Viber:          +382 67 019 666

Alternatives

Should the above-mentioned companies be busy you can try either ‘Terrae Taxi’ (+382 67 24 88 99) or ‘Happy Taxi’ (+382 69 019 515) which are all right most of the time but there have been complaints about overcharging.

Taxi Kotor

What are your taxi options in Kotor?

Red Taxi Kotor 19719

Red Taxi is the most reliable and honest company operating in Kotor – at least according to our experience. They seem to be everything right: the cars are comfortable and always clean, the drivers speak English, and their availability is great.

And the most important thing is that they are honest – they don’t ramp up prices because your are a tourist. Prices are the same for everyone.

Call Center:                    19719

What’s App/Viber:           +382 67 019 719

Info: In case Red Taxi is occupied, give ‘Djir Taxi’ a try.

Boka Travel Transfers

Should you need an airport or intercity transfer from Kotor, ‘Boka Travel’ is probably the best company to do the job. They have been operating for about 15 years and have a modern fleet of Mercedes vans and minibuses to bring you safely to your destination.

They also specialize in excursions to the interior regions of Montenegro and neighboring countries. They are reliable and have a good price for what they provide.

source: Boka Travel

What’s App/Viber:          +382 69 788 722

Taxi Tivat

What is a good taxi company in Tivat?

Red Taxi Tivat 19729

The best taxi company in Tivat is also ‘Red Taxi’. They are reliable and honest and not too expensive. Expect to pay about 1€ per kilometer.

They are also great for budget airport transports. Please see the table below for their rates.