Podgorica is the capital of Montenegro and the country's main transport hub. For visitors renting a car, it serves as an ideal base for day trips across the country. Within two hours by car from Podgorica, you can reach the Adriatic coast, glacial mountain lakes, Orthodox monasteries, and UNESCO-listed medieval towns. Here are the best day trips from Podgorica, all easily done in a single day with a rental car.
Cetinje is Montenegro's old royal capital, located on a plateau at 670 metres above sea level on the slopes of the Lovćen massif, approximately 35 kilometres from Podgorica. The drive from Podgorica takes around 35 minutes on the main road via the E762, or longer via the old serpentine road from Budva, which is slower but far more dramatic.
Cetinje is home to the National Museum of Montenegro, a complex of several historic buildings including the former residence of King Nikola and the Biljarda, built by Prince-Bishop Petar II Petrović Njegoš in 1838. The Cetinje Monastery, one of the most sacred Orthodox sites in the country, houses the relics of Saint Peter of Cetinje. Entry to most museum buildings costs €3-5 per person. Free parking is available near the main square.
The town is small enough to explore entirely on foot. Plan for 3-4 hours. The best time to visit is mid-morning on a weekday, before tour groups arrive from the coast.
Lake Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans, shared between Montenegro and Albania, and one of Europe's most important bird sanctuaries with over 270 recorded species. The main Montenegrin gateway to the lake is the village of Virpazar, located approximately 45 kilometres from Podgorica along the E65 highway. The drive takes around 45 minutes.
The road from Podgorica to Skadar lake is one of the most scenic drives in Montenegro. The lake appears suddenly on the left as you descend from the hills, and the view across the water to the Albanian mountains is genuinely striking.
The national park entrance fee is €4 per person. Several waterfront restaurants in Virpazar serve fresh lake fish, particularly carp and eel. The ruins of Besac Fortress above the village are worth the short climb for the views.
Spring and autumn offer the best birdwatching conditions and fewer crowds. In summer, start early to make the most of cooler morning hours.
Ostrog Monastery is a Orthodox monastery built directly into a white cliff face above the Zeta valley in the 17th century by Saint Basil of Ostrog. It is the most visited site in Montenegro and one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the Orthodox world. The drive from Podgorica takes approximately one hour.
The monastery is divided into two levels. The lower monastery, built in the 18th century, is the starting point for most visitors. A road and a steep footpath lead to the upper monastery, carved into the cliff at around 900 metres above sea level. The upper church is small, carved directly into the rock face, and unlike anywhere else in the region.
The road to the upper monastery is narrow and steep. Drive carefully and expect traffic during summer months. Arriving before 9am significantly reduces waiting times. Modest dress is required, shoulders and knees must be covered. A small cafe near the lower monastery serves coffee and snacks. The drive back to Podgorica takes around one hour.
Budva is a coastal town on the Adriatic Sea, approximately 65 kilometres from Podgorica, and Montenegro's most popular beach destination. There are two main routes from Podgorica. The fastest takes around one hour, following the main road towards Cetinje and turning off at the roundabout towards Budva before reaching the town. The second option is through the Sozina tunnel towards Bar, then north along the coastal road to Budva, which takes slightly longer but is a good alternative if you plan to stop along the southern coast.
Budva's old town is a small walled peninsula with medieval churches, narrow stone lanes, and seafront restaurants dating back to the 5th century BC. It takes around one hour to explore on foot. The beaches at Bečići, 2 kilometres south of the old town, are among the longest on the Montenegrin coast. Sveti Stefan, a historic island village now operating as a luxury resort, is visible from the coastal road approximately 6 kilometres south of Budva.
Parking in Budva fills quickly during July and August. Arriving before 9am or using park-and-walk areas on the outskirts of town is strongly recommended.
Kotor is a medieval walled town on the Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, located approximately 90 kilometres from Podgorica. The fastest route takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes, following the main road towards Cetinje, turning at the roundabout towards Budva, and continuing along the coastal road around the bay to Kotor. For the most scenic option, take the old road through Njeguši, a small village on the Lovćen plateau known for its prosciutto and cheese. This route is slower but the views over the bay are extraordinary.
The old town of Kotor is entirely pedestrianised and enclosed by walls dating to the 9th century. The climb to San Giovanni Fortress above the town takes around 45 minutes and costs €8. The views over the bay from the top are among the finest in the region.
The village of Perast, 12 kilometres north of Kotor along the bay road, is one of the most beautiful in Montenegro. Boat trips to the island church of Our Lady of the Rocks depart from Perast's waterfront and take around 15 minutes each way.
Allow a full day for Kotor and the surrounding bay.
Durmitor is a national park in northern Montenegro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, centred around the town of Žabljak at 1,456 metres above sea level. The drive from Podgorica takes approximately two hours north via Nikšić. The Tara River Canyon, at 1,300 metres the deepest canyon in Europe, runs along the park's eastern boundary.
The Black Lake, a glacial lake at the foot of the Durmitor massif, is a 20-minute walk from Žabljak and one of the most visited natural sites in Montenegro. In summer the surrounding peaks offer hiking routes for all levels. In winter Žabljak is Montenegro's main ski resort.
This trip works best as an overnight stay rather than a day trip, but can be done as a long day if you leave Podgorica before 8am.
Planning Your Day Trip from Podgorica
All of these destinations are best reached by car. Public transport from Podgorica exists but is infrequent and does not serve many of the key sites. Check our full fleet to find the right vehicle for your trip and book in advance, especially during summer when availability fills quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best day trip from Podgorica by car?
The best day trip depends on your interests. For history and culture, Cetinje is the closest and most rewarding. For nature, Lake Skadar offers some of the best scenery in the country. For beaches, Budva is an hour away through the Sozina tunnel. For mountains, Durmitor National Park is a two-hour drive north.
Kotor is approximately 90 kilometres from Podgorica. The fastest route takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes via the Cetinje roundabout and the coastal road. For the most scenic drive, take the old road through Njeguši on the Lovćen plateau.
Budva is approximately 65 kilometres from Podgorica. The fastest route follows the main road towards Cetinje and turns off at the roundabout towards Budva, taking around one hour. Alternatively, you can go through the Sozina tunnel towards Bar and then north along the coast.
A car is strongly recommended. The monastery is located on a narrow mountain road above the Zeta valley and public transport connections are very limited. The drive from Podgorica takes approximately one hour.
Yes, but it requires an early start. The drive takes around two hours each way. Leaving before 8am gives you enough time to visit the Black Lake and the canyon viewpoints before returning. An overnight stay in Žabljak is a better option if your schedule allows.
Yes. Most of Montenegro's best sites are not easily accessible by public transport. A rental car gives you the flexibility to reach national parks, coastal towns, monasteries, and mountain destinations at your own pace. MTL Rent a Car offers pickup directly in Podgorica with no airport surcharge.