Why Hire a Car in Kolašin?
Kolašin is Montenegro’s premier mountain destination, sitting at nearly 1,000 metres above sea level in the north of the country. Surrounded by the peaks of the Sinjajevina and Bjelić mountains, this small town is a gateway to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Balkans. In winter, it’s a ski resort; in summer, it’s a base for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the wild north of Montenegro.
A rental car in Kolašin gives you the freedom to explore beyond the town — from the peaks of Bjelasica Mountain to the canyons of the Tara River, from the traditional katuns (mountain shepherd huts) to the glacial lakes hidden in the highlands. Public transport is limited in this region, making a car essential for anyone wanting to experience the full beauty of northern Montenegro.
The town itself has a relaxed, authentic atmosphere. It’s not a polished resort but a working Montenegrin town that welcomes visitors. This gives it a genuine charm that’s increasingly rare in more developed destinations. With your own transport, you can stay in Kolašin and venture out each day to different parts of the mountains, returning in the evening to good restaurants and comfortable accommodation.
Getting to Kolašin
Kolašin is accessible by road and rail:
From Podgorica Airport: About 80 km, or a 1.5-hour drive via the M2 road through the canyon of the Morača River. The drive is spectacular but includes narrow sections and tunnels.
From the coast: The drive from Budva or Kotor takes about 2 hours via Podgorica. The route passes through dramatic scenery as you climb from sea level to nearly 1,000 metres.
From Belgrade: The train from Belgrade passes through Kolašin on its way to Bar, making it one of the most scenic rail journeys in Europe. The drive from Serbia takes about 5-6 hours.
What to See and Do
Kolašin and its surroundings offer year-round activities:
Bjelasica Mountain: The ski centre operates from December to March, with runs suitable for beginners and intermediates. In summer, the chairlifts give access to hiking trails with views over the surrounding peaks. The mountain is part of Biogradska Gora National Park.
Biogradska Gora National Park: One of Europe’s last rainforests, this park contains the Biogradsko Lake, a glacial lake surrounded by ancient forest. The walking trails around the lake are easy, making it accessible for families. Drive time from Kolašin: about 30 minutes.
Tara River Canyon: The deepest canyon in Europe (deeper than the Grand Canyon in places) is about an hour’s drive from Kolašin. The Đurđevića Tara Bridge offers spectacular views, and rafting trips are available. See more information on our Montenegro car rental locations page.
Saints Basil and Luke Monastery: This Serbian Orthodox monastery in the centre of Kolašin contains the relics of Saint Basil of Ostrog. It’s an important pilgrimage site.
Katuns: In summer, you can visit traditional shepherd settlements high in the mountains. Some offer cheese tasting and a glimpse into the pastoral way of life that has changed little over centuries.
Car Rental in Kolašin
Availability: As a smaller mountain town, Kolašin has limited rental options compared to Podgorica or coastal cities:
Local agencies: Several local companies operate in Kolašin, typically offering compact and mid-size vehicles. Selection is smaller than in larger cities, so book in advance, especially for winter ski season (December-February).
Pickup from Podgorica: Many visitors pick up their car at Podgorica Airport and drive to Kolašin. This gives access to a wider range of vehicles and better prices. The drive takes about 1.5 hours.
Vehicle recommendations:
- Winter (December-March): An SUV with winter tyres is essential. Roads to the ski centre and mountain passes can be snowy. Snow chains may be required.
- Summer (June-September): A standard car is sufficient for most roads. An SUV gives more flexibility for unpaved mountain tracks.
Driving Around Kolašin
Road conditions: The main roads to Kolašin from Podgorica and towards Serbia are paved and generally in good condition. Mountain roads can be winding and narrow. The route through the Morača Canyon is spectacular but requires attention.
Winter driving: Snow is common from November to April. Winter tyres are mandatory. Roads to the ski centre are cleared regularly, but mountain passes may be closed. Check conditions before driving at high altitude.
Traffic: Kolašin is small, so traffic within the town is minimal. Parking is generally easy, with free spaces available near the centre and hotels.
Fuel: There’s at least one petrol station in Kolašin. Fill up before heading into remote mountain areas. Prices in Montenegro are lower than in neighbouring Croatia or Western Europe.
Day Trip Ideas from Kolašin
Biogradska Gora and Lake Biograd: A 30-minute drive brings you to this stunning national park. Walk around the lake, hike through the ancient forest, and have lunch at the restaurant by the water. Return to Kolašin in the afternoon.
Tara Canyon and Đurđevića Tara Bridge: About an hour’s drive. The bridge offers dramatic views, and you can arrange rafting trips on the Tara River. The drive itself passes through beautiful mountain scenery.
Žabljak and Durmitor: About 2 hours drive north, this is the highest town in the Balkans and gateway to Durmitor National Park. A full day trip, but worth it for the spectacular mountain scenery.
Ostrog Monastery: About 1.5 hours southwest, this monastery built into a vertical cliff is one of Montenegro’s most famous sites. It’s a pilgrimage destination for Orthodox Christians and impressive even for non-religious visitors.
Podgorica and Lake Skadar: About 1.5 hours south, the capital city offers urban attractions, and Lake Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans, known for birdlife and boat trips.
Practical Information
Documentation:
- Valid driving licence (EU licences accepted; others should bring an International Driving Permit)
- Passport (required for all renters)
- Credit card in the main driver’s name for deposit
- Minimum age: typically 21, with some companies requiring 25 for larger vehicles
Cross-border travel: If you plan to drive to Serbia, Bosnia, or Albania, inform the rental company. You’ll need a green card insurance extension. Some rental agreements prohibit cross-border travel, so check when booking.
Winter equipment: From November to March, winter tyres are mandatory. Snow chains are recommended for mountain roads. Some rental companies provide these; confirm when booking.
Currency: Montenegro uses the Euro, even though it’s not in the EU. ATMs are available in Kolašin, but carry cash for mountain areas.
Accommodation in Kolašin
Kolašin offers a range of accommodation, from modern hotels to traditional guesthouses:
Hotels: Several hotels cater to skiers in winter and hikers in summer. Many offer ski-to-door access in winter.
Guesthouses: Family-run accommodations provide authentic Montenegrin hospitality and home-cooked meals.
Mountain huts: Some katuns in the high mountains offer basic accommodation. These are accessible only by car in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need an SUV for Kolašin?
A: In winter, yes — or at least a car with winter tyres. In summer, a regular car is fine for paved roads. If you plan to explore unpaved mountain tracks, an SUV is better.
Q: How far is Kolašin from the coast?
A: About 2 hours by car from Budva or Kotor. The drive involves climbing from sea level to nearly 1,000 metres through spectacular scenery.
Q: Can I drive from Kolašin to Serbia?
A: Yes, the road north connects to Serbia. The drive takes about 3-4 hours to the border. Ensure your rental agreement permits cross-border travel.
Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: Winter (December-March) for skiing. Summer (June-September) for hiking and mountain activities. Spring and autumn offer fewer crowds and mild weather, but some mountain facilities may be closed.
Conclusion
Car hire in Kolašin opens up the mountain heart of Montenegro. From skiing on Bjelasica to hiking in Biogradska Gora, from the dramatic Tara Canyon to traditional shepherd settlements high in the mountains, having your own vehicle transforms Kolašin from a destination into a base for exploration.
The dramatic scenery of northern Montenegro is best experienced at your own pace — stopping for photos, taking side roads, discovering hidden valleys. A rental car gives you this freedom, whether you’re here for winter sports or summer adventures.
Ready to explore Montenegro’s mountains? Book your car hire in Kolašin today.