Taxi in Montenegro (2026): Apps, Prices & How to Avoid Getting Ripped Off

There is no Uber, Bolt, or Lyft in Montenegro. Your two options are licensed taxi companies (reachable by phone, Viber, or WhatsApp) and a handful of local apps — TeslaGo, Yes Taxi, MonteGO, and Yango.

The system works fine once you know the rules. This guide gives you every number, every app, and every price you need — nothing more.

You’ll need a working phone connection to book via apps or messaging. If you haven’t sorted a SIM yet, read our Montenegro SIM card guide first.

TL;DR

  • No Uber in Montenegro (2026) — not Bolt, not Lyft either
  • Use licensed taxis (look for TX on the license plate) or apps like TeslaGo (Podgorica) / MonteGO (nationwide)
  • Book via Viber or WhatsApp — it’s the local standard
  • Expect €0.60–1.00/km in cities, €1.30+/km on the coast in summer
  • Podgorica Airport to city centre: ~€15 fixed. Tivat Airport to Kotor: ~€15
  • Never accept a ride from someone who approaches you inside the terminal
  • Police number if overcharged: 122
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Table of Contents

  1. Private Transfer Taxis
  2. How to Identify a Licensed Taxi
  3. Airport Arrival: Step-by-Step
  4. Taxi by City
  5. Taxi Companies
  6. Book via Apps or Websites
  7. Is There Uber in Montenegro?
  8. Helper Apps
  9. Taxi Rates (2026)
  10. Tips & Avoiding Scams
  11. FAQ
  12. Useful Links

Private Transfer Taxis

Private transfers are the most practical option for airport runs, intercity travel, and group trips. For private transfers I highly recommend GetTransfer.com because they operate worldwide and maintain high standards for all cars and drivers.

There are no trains between cities in Montenegro. Buses exist but are limited and stop at inconvenient points (Tivat Airport bus stop, for example, requires a 200m walk with luggage). For most routes, a taxi or rental car is the real choice.

Pre-booking is strongly recommended for airport pickups — especially in summer, when demand spikes and unlicensed drivers get aggressive. Book at least a day ahead via Viber, WhatsApp, or a booking website.

Looking for an alternative to taxis? Check our Montenegro car rental guide for self-drive options.

How to Identify a Licensed Taxi in Montenegro

Look for “TX” in the center of the license plate — this is the only reliable way to verify a legal taxi in Montenegro.

CityPlate FormatExample
PodgoricaPG-TX-###PG-TX-123
BudvaBD-TX-###BD-TX-456
TivatTV-TX-###TV-TX-789
KotorKO-TX-###KO-TX-321
Herceg NoviHN-TX-###HN-TX-654
BarBR-TX-###BR-TX-111

No TX on the plate = not a legal taxi. Do not get in.

Licensed taxis must also display a visible taxi ID card inside the vehicle with the driver’s name and photo. If you can’t see one, ask for it.

Taxi number plate in Montenegro

Airport Arrival: Step-by-Step

Tivat Airport (TIV)

  1. Do not accept rides from anyone inside the terminal. Unlicensed drivers approach tourists in arrivals — ignore them completely.
  2. Exit through the main arrivals door and walk to the official taxi rank directly outside (signposted).
  3. All vehicles at the rank should have TX plates — check before you get in.
  4. Agree the price before departure — Tivat to Kotor is ~€15, Tivat to Budva is ~€25–30.
  5. If you pre-booked, your driver will be waiting with a name sign outside the terminal exit.

Pro tip: If you ordered via MonteGO or called a company, wait on the pavement immediately outside the exit — don’t go back inside. Drivers can’t always park for long.

Podgorica Airport (TGD)

  1. Royal Taxi is the official airport operator — their stand is in the arrivals hall. Fixed prices are displayed.
  2. Exit and check the official taxi rank for TX-plated alternatives.
  3. Podgorica city centre is ~€15 fixed. Budva is ~€60.
  4. For intercity routes, pre-booking via Viber the day before is cheaper and more reliable than a rank taxi.
  5. Give your flight number when pre-booking — drivers track arrivals and adjust for delays.

Address tip: Many addresses on the Montenegrin coast have no street number. When messaging your pickup location, share a Google Maps pin rather than a street address.

Taxi by City

Podgorica

The capital has the most organised taxi infrastructure. TeslaGo is the go-to app — all-electric Tesla fleet, in-app card payment, real-time tracking. Red Taxi and Taxi Travel Montenegro are reliable phone/Viber options.

  • Standard rate: €0.60–0.80/km
  • Short city ride (5 km): €3.50–5
  • Airport to city centre: ~€15 fixed
  • Waiting time charges apply in traffic — the meter runs when the car is stationary.

Budva

Budva is the most tourist-heavy area and the most common place for overcharging. In summer (July–August), demand far exceeds supply.

  • Happy Taxi (19515) is the main local company.
  • Terrae Taxi is a Budva-based app — download it before you arrive as a backup.
  • MonteGO covers Budva and is reliable for app-based booking.
  • Summer coastal rate: €1.30+/km — always agree a fixed price before you move in peak season.
  • Budva to Kotor: ~€35. Budva to Tivat Airport: ~€25–30.

Kotor & Tivat

The Bay of Kotor is served by Red Taxi (Kotor branch), Djir Taxi, and MB Taxi Tivat. MonteGO is the most convenient app for this area.

  • Kotor to Tivat Airport: €25–30 (note: higher than the reverse direction due to local pricing norms).
  • Tivat Airport to Kotor: ~€15.
  • In summer, the Kotor tunnel can cause significant delays — meter taxis charge waiting time. Agree a fixed price for any coastal route in July–August.

Bar & Ulcinj

Less tourist infrastructure than the Bay of Kotor. MonteGO covers both cities. For Bar, ask your accommodation for the local taxi number — the standard 197xx format applies.

Herceg Novi

Maestro Taxi (19530) is the main operator. Close to the Croatian border — useful for cross-border transfers, though confirm pricing in advance as rates vary significantly.

Taxi Companies

All companies below are licensed and operate 24/7 unless noted. Save the numbers before you arrive — mobile data isn’t always available the moment you land.

Red Taxi

The most recommended taxi company in Montenegro among locals and expats. Operates in Podgorica, Kotor, and Tivat. Available 24/7, bookable via website, Viber, or WhatsApp.

Podgorica

  • Calls: 19714 / 19740 / +382 069 034 892 / +382 067 319 714
  • SMS: +382 069 0 19714 / +382 068 0 19714
  • Viber: +382 068 0 19714
  • Website: redtaxi.me

Kotor

  • Calls: 19719
  • SMS / Viber / WhatsApp: +382 67 248 588 / +382 67 019 719
  • Website: redtaxikotor.com

Tivat

  • Calls: 19729
  • SMS / Viber / WhatsApp: +382 67 254 800 / +382 67 019 729

Djir Taxi

A solid second choice in the Bay of Kotor area. Recommended by both locals and expats. Available 24/7.

  • Kotor: 19737 / SMS / Viber: +382 67 019 737
  • Tivat: 19777 / SMS / Viber: +382 67 019 777

MB Taxi Tivat

Tivat-based operator, reliable for airport pickups at Tivat Airport (TIV).

  • Calls: 19503
  • SMS: +382 32 540 126 / +382 68 800 910
  • Viber: +382 68 800 910

Taxi Travel in Montenegro

Founded in 2003. Fleet includes Volkswagen, Mercedes, and vans — good for longer intercity routes. Based in Podgorica.

  • Call / SMS / Viber / WhatsApp: +382 69 949 197

Royal Taxi

The official taxi operator at Podgorica Airport (TGD). Fixed prices available in advance — worth checking before you compare other options.

  • Calls: 19702
  • SMS: +382 67 019 702

Happy Taxi

Main taxi company serving the Budva area.

  • Calls: 19515
  • SMS / Viber: +382 68 590 222 / +382 69 019 515

Maestro Taxi

Operates in Herceg Novi, near the Croatian border.

  • Calls: 19530
  • SMS / Viber: +382 67 019 530 / +382 68 019 530

Book via Apps or Websites

Go Montenegro

Airport and hotel transfers, with vehicles for groups of 5+. Prices shown before you book — no surprises.

TeslaGo App

Best for Podgorica. All-electric Tesla fleet (Model S), available 24/7. The closest thing to an Uber-style experience in Montenegro — real-time driver tracking, in-app card payments, advance booking.

Note: TeslaGo operates in Podgorica only. Coverage outside the capital is limited.

Yes Taxi Montenegro

Uber-style app with real-time driver tracking and upfront price calculation. Available across Montenegro.

MonteGO

Best for the coast. Nationwide coverage: Podgorica, Kotor, Budva, Tivat, Herceg Novi, Bar, Ulcinj, and Kolašin. Licensed drivers only, real-time tracking, transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Note: MonteGO rates are typically slightly higher than calling a company directly.

Terrae Taxi

Best for Budva. A local Budva-based app that operates independently of the main national platforms. Useful backup when MonteGO has limited availability in peak summer.

  • Download: Search “Terrae Taxi” on App Store / Google Play

Yango (formerly Yandex Go)

Operates in Podgorica and select coastal areas. Useful for upfront fare estimates before you commit to a ride.

  • Download: Search “Yango” on App Store or Google Play

Is There Uber in Montenegro?

No. Uber, Bolt, Lyft, Grab, and Cabify do not operate in Montenegro in 2026.

The local alternatives that come closest:

AppBest ForCard Payment
TeslaGoPodgorica, premium ridesYes (in-app)
MonteGONationwide, coastYes
Yes TaxiNationwideVaries
YangoPodgorica + coastal areasYes

For messaging-based booking, Viber and WhatsApp are the local equivalent of an app dispatch — most licensed companies respond within minutes.

Helper Apps

Viber

Most taxi companies in Montenegro use Viber as their primary contact channel. It’s free over WiFi or mobile data.

Example message you can copy-paste:

“Hello, I need a taxi from [your location] to [destination]. My name is [name].”

The dispatcher will confirm a driver number and estimated wait time.

WhatsApp

Accepted by most companies as an alternative to Viber. Same approach — send your pickup location and destination in writing.

Google Translate

Montenegro is not an English-speaking country. Download the Serbian or Croatian language pack offline (no Montenegrin option exists in the app). Useful for communicating with drivers who don’t speak English.

Google Maps

Share your live location with the driver to avoid confusion. Also useful for verifying your route in real time — a basic precaution on any unfamiliar road.

Taxi Rates (2026)

Common Route Prices

RouteApproximate Price
Tivat Airport (TIV) to Kotor~€15
Kotor to Tivat Airport (TIV)€25–30
Podgorica Airport (TGD) to City Centre~€15 (fixed)
Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Budva~€60
Podgorica to Kotor€60–80
Kotor to Budva~€35
Short city ride (5 km)€3.50–6

Rate Overview

Rate TypePrice
Standard rate (daytime)€0.60–1.00/km
Summer coastal rate (May–Oct, Budva/Kotor area)€1.30+/km
Minimum fare (peak areas)€5
Base fare (Podgorica meter)~€0.80

Key things to know:

  • Meters charge waiting time when the car is stationary or moving under 10 km/h. In summer, Kotor tunnel traffic can double a fare.
  • Night rates are higher than daytime rates — confirm before you get in.
  • Most street taxis prefer cash (euros). Card payment is available via TeslaGo (in-app) or by requesting a card-enabled vehicle from Red Taxi and similar companies. Always confirm the card terminal works before the ride starts.
  • Tipping is not mandatory. Rounding up to the nearest euro is the standard practice.

Tips & Avoiding Scams

If the Driver Refuses the Meter — Your Rights

By law, licensed taxis in Montenegro must use a meter or agree a fixed price before the ride starts. If a driver refuses to turn on the meter and won’t agree a fixed price upfront — get out and find another taxi.

If you’re already in the vehicle and the driver demands an inflated price on arrival:

  1. Take a photo of the taxi ID card and license plate.
  2. Pay only what was agreed (or a reasonable metered equivalent).
  3. Report to the tourist police: 122.

This is rare with licensed TX-plated companies, but it does happen in peak season at busy tourist spots in Budva and at both airports.

Tips

  1. Only use taxis with “TX” on the license plate. No TX = not licensed. Check the plate format for your city in the table above.
  2. Never accept a ride from someone who approaches you inside the terminal. Licensed operators are prohibited from soliciting passengers in arrivals halls. Walk to the official taxi rank outside.
  3. Pre-book for airport pickups. Message via Viber or WhatsApp the day before. Give your flight number so the driver can track delays.
  4. Insist the meter runs from the start — or agree a fixed price before you move. If a driver refuses both, get out (see your rights above).
  5. In summer, always agree a fixed price before departure. Coastal traffic, especially around the Kotor tunnel, can turn a €20 metered ride into a €40 one.
  6. Track your route on Google Maps. Most drivers are honest, but it’s a basic precaution worth taking.
  7. Carry small bills. Many drivers don’t carry change for €50 notes. €5 and €10 notes make life easier.
  8. Mention your name when booking by message. Another passenger might otherwise take your pre-booked car.
  9. Solo travelers: share the driver’s plate number and your destination with someone before you get in.
  10. Report overcharging or harassment to the police: 122. Take a photo of the driver’s taxi ID number and license plate first.

FAQ

Which city is the hardest to get a taxi in Montenegro?

Budva in July and August. Demand massively outstrips supply during peak summer. Pre-book the night before for any morning airport run, and have MonteGO, Happy Taxi, and Terrae Taxi all installed as backups. Don’t rely on flagging one down on the street.

Is there Uber in Montenegro?

No. Uber, Bolt, and Lyft do not operate in Montenegro in 2026. The best alternatives are TeslaGo (Podgorica), MonteGO (nationwide), Yes Taxi, and Yango. For messaging-based booking, use Viber or WhatsApp with any licensed company.

What is the best taxi app in Montenegro?

It depends on where you are. TeslaGo is the top choice in Podgorica — all-electric fleet, in-app card payment, real-time tracking. MonteGO is the best option for the coast (Kotor, Budva, Tivat, Herceg Novi). Yango is a useful backup in Podgorica and some coastal areas.

How much does a taxi cost in Montenegro?

Standard rate is €0.60–1.00/km in cities. On the coast in summer (May–October), expect €1.30+/km. A short 5 km city ride costs roughly €3.50–6. Podgorica Airport to the city centre is around €15 fixed.

How do I get from Tivat Airport to Kotor by taxi?

The ride takes about 15 minutes in light traffic (allow 30+ minutes in summer). Cost is approximately €15 from the airport to Kotor. The return (Kotor to Tivat Airport) typically costs €25–30. Pre-book via Red Taxi (19719 / Viber) or MonteGO app.

How do I book a taxi in Montenegro without speaking Montenegrin?

Send a Viber or WhatsApp message in English to any of the companies listed above. Most dispatch operators handle basic English. You can also use the MonteGO or TeslaGo apps, which are fully in English. Have your destination ready as a Google Maps pin to share if needed.

Are taxis safe in Montenegro?

Yes, licensed taxis (TX plates) are generally safe and reliable. The main risk is unlicensed drivers at airports and tourist hotspots who overcharge. Stick to TX-plated vehicles, pre-book where possible, and use the apps listed in this guide.

What is the taxi rate per km in Montenegro?

Standard daytime rate: €0.60–1.00/km. Summer coastal rate (Budva, Kotor area, May–October): €1.30+/km. Night rates are higher. For intercity routes, a fixed price agreed in advance is usually better value than the meter.

Can I pay by card in Montenegro taxis?

Most street taxis prefer cash (euros) in 2026. Card payment is reliably available via the TeslaGo app (in-app payment) and MonteGO. When calling a company like Red Taxi, you can request a card-enabled vehicle — but always verify the terminal works before the ride starts.

Useful Links

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