Navigating a new country can be stressful, and while taxi drivers in Montenegro are generally professional, the "wild" (unlicensed) taxi scene can still be a challenge for tourists. To ensure you get a fair price and a safe ride, here is everything you need to know about using taxis in Montenegro today.

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.

Recognizing Legal Taxis in Montenegro

Legitimate taxis in Podgorica are clearly marked with rooftop signs and often company branding. In Montenegro, licensed taxis are easy to spot if you know what to look for. Every legal taxi must display a taximeter and a "TAXI" roof sign, and it will have special license plates with the local city code followed by "TX" – this is a nationwide rule to identify registered cabs. For example, a taxi registered in Budva will have a plate like BD TX 123, where "BD" indicates Budva and "TX" signifies a taxi vehicle. In Podgorica you'll see PG TX on the plate, in Kotor KO TX, Tivat TV TX, Herceg Novi HN TX, etc. Always check for this "TX" marking – it's a practical way to confirm you're getting into a licensed taxi, not a rogue unregistered car.

Legitimate taxis also carry official decals or information on the vehicle. You'll often find the taxi's registration number and sometimes the company name or phone number on the side doors or window. In Podgorica, for instance, taxis affiliated with major companies are commonly white or yellow with a black-and-white checker stripe, displaying the company logo. (Independent licensed drivers might use other car colors, but all will have the TX plates and a rooftop Taxi sign.) If you want to be extra sure, you can even ask the driver to show their taxi license ID card, which in Montenegro is typically a yellow ID that legit drivers carry. Avoid any car that does not have a meter or a TX license plate, even if the driver offers you a ride – unlicensed taxis are not only illegal but often charge exorbitant prices.

Local tip: In some towns there are additional clues to spot a legal cab. For example, Budva requires all official taxis to be white in color by local ordinance. No matter the city, a combination of the TX-plated license tag, a visible meter, and a proper taxi sign is your assurance of a real taxi. When you see "TX" on the plate and a running meter inside, you can ride with more confidence that the fare will be fair and regulated. 

Important Rules & Tips for Travelers

To avoid "wild" (unlicensed) taxis and ensure a fair price, keep these rules in mind:

• Identify Legal Taxis: All licensed taxis must have a "TX" at the end of their license plate (e.g., PG TX 001). They must also have a company roof sign and a visible ID number.
• The Taximeter is Mandatory: By law, the driver must start the meter immediately. If the meter is not on, you are not legally required to pay for the ride.
• Cash is King: Most taxis in Montenegro only accept cash. While a few companies (like Tesla Taxi or E-Taxi) have credit card terminals, it is best to have Euros ready.
• Airport Advice: Avoid the drivers standing inside the arrivals hall at Podgorica or Tivat airports. They often charge double. Instead, pre-book your ride via Viber/WhatsApp or use the designated taxi stands outside.

Modern Ways to Book

While global giants like Uber and Bolt do not operate in Montenegro, local services have caught up:

• Viber & WhatsApp: This is the most popular way to order. Almost every reputable company (like Red Taxi, Tesla Taxi, or Lider) has a dedicated Viber number. It is free to use via Wi-Fi and allows you to keep a written record of your booking.
• Mobile Apps: For a seamless experience in Podgorica and the coast, download the Tesla Taxi or Naš Taxi apps. They work similarly to Uber, allowing you to track the driver and see estimated costs.
• Phone Calls: You can still dial short numbers (e.g., 19711, 19700), but be aware that English proficiency among dispatchers varies.

Tesla Taxi Podgorica

Estimated Prices and Taxi Fares

One of the biggest questions tourists have is "How much will the taxi cost?" The good news is that Montenegro's taxis are generally affordable by European standards, and most use a metered fare system with standard rates. However, prices can vary by city and season, so here's what to expect:

• Base Fare (Start Price): This is the initial fee when you enter the taxi. In most Montenegrin towns it ranges from about €0.50 up to €1.50. In Podgorica, for example, the typical start is around €1 or slightly less. On the coast, some companies start at €1.00 or even €1.20. Essentially, a euro or so gets the meter going.
• Price per Kilometer: After the base fare, you pay per distance traveled. Typical rates are around €0.60 to €1.00 per km in the daytime. For instance, Podgorica taxis often charge ~€0.70–€0.90 per km, so a 5 km ride (just over 3 miles) might be about €5-6. In smaller northern towns it might be on the lower end (even €0.50/km in some cases), whereas in busy coastal resorts like Budva or Kotor the standard can be closer to €1.00+ per km. Keep in mind that in tourist season (summer) some coastal taxis apply higher tariffs – it's not regulated, so prices can jump. Budva taxi companies, for example, often raise the per-km rate to around €1.30 or more in July-August. One Budva taxi service notes that across operators the price per km can vary anywhere from €0.50 up to €5.00 – the high end reflecting rogue drivers who gouge tourists. Don't worry: if you use reputable taxis with meters, you won't encounter anything near €5/km, but it shows why choosing a licensed cab matters!
• Waiting Time: If your taxi gets stuck in traffic or you ask the driver to wait for you (for example, while you run into a shop), there may be a charge for idle time. Commonly it's about €10 per hour of waiting (roughly €0.15–€0.20 per minute). Some companies have slightly higher waiting fees up to €15/hour. This usually won't affect short hops around town, but it could add a bit if you're doing a long trip with stops.
• Night Tariffs: Many Montenegrin taxis charge the same rate day and night nowadays, but some areas do impose a modest night surcharge. Typically, after 22:00 or 00:00, fares can be about 20% higher than daytime. For example, if the day rate is €1/km, the night rate might be €1.20/km. Always a good idea to ask or check the posted price list if you're taking a taxi very late. In our experience, Podgorica taxis largely keep a flat rate 24/7 (some might add +€1 at night), whereas on the coast you might see that bump after 10 PM. The taxi's meter is usually programmed to switch rates automatically by time of day.
• Minimum Fare: Some companies have a minimum charge (e.g. €2 or €3) even if your ride is very short. It ensures the driver makes a basic amount. In practice, most rides will exceed the minimum anyway. If you took a 2-minute ride down the street, you might still see the meter start at €1 but then jump to the minimum €2 or so. This isn't usually advertised, but don't be surprised if the meter starts at €1 but you owe €2 total because of a minimum fare policy.
• Baggage and Extras: No baggage fees for normal luggage – one or two suitcases won't incur extra charges with reputable taxis. A few companies might charge a small fixed fee (a euro or two) if you have a ton of luggage or especially large items, but this is rare. Tolls or parking (if your route passes a toll road or you ask the driver to park and wait) will be added to the fare if applicable – for example, the tunnel toll on the road between Bar and Podgorica, or parking fees at certain tourist sites. Again, this is standard practice and should be shown on the receipt.

Now, to put this in perspective, here are some real-world example fares (approximate):

• Podgorica city center to Airport (TGD): Around €15 fixed rate. In fact, Podgorica Airport taxis have an official fixed price of €15 to downtown, so insist on that. If using a city taxi from town to the airport, it may end up a similar amount on the meter given the ~11 km distance.

• If you are traveling long distances, it is cheaper to ask for a fixed price.

  • Podgorica Airport ↔ City Center: €15.00
  • Podgorica Airport ↔ Budva: €45.00 – €59.00
  • Podgorica Airport ↔ Kotor: €60.00 – €70.00
  • Tivat Airport ↔ Budva: €25.00 – €35.00
  • Tivat Airport ↔ Kotor: €15.00 – €25.00

​
Taxi Directory Montenegro (All Cities – Updated 2026)

📍 PODGORICA Taxi Services (Capital)

Typical taxi pricing:

• 🚖 Start fare: ~€1.50
• 🚖 Per km: ~€0.80–€1.00
  Prices tend to be lower than on the coast due to competition among many companies.

⭐ Major & Well-Known Taxi Companies

🔹 Red Taxi Podgorica

• ☎️ 19714 / 19740
• 📱 +382 67 319 714
• 📧 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• 🌐 https://redtaxi.me
• 🚖 One of the largest taxi associations in Podgorica with many vehicles and 24/7 service.

🔹 City Taxi Podgorica

• ☎️ 19711
• 📱 +382 69 019 711
• 🌐 https://www.citytaxi.com
• 🚖 Well-established taxi service, also offers airport transfers and online reservations.

🔹 Halo Taxi Podgorica (Alo Taxi)

• ☎️ 19700
• 📱 +382 69 019 700
• 🚖 Popular local taxi association — often one of the first stops for short city rides.

🔹 Royal Taxi Podgorica

• ☎️ 19702
• 📱 +382 67 000 835
• 🌐 royaltaxi.me
• 🚖 Licensed taxi with regular service and airport transfers.

🔹 Zeta Taxi Podgorica

• 📱 +382 67 995 757
• 🌐 https://zetataxi.me
• 🚖 Professional service with airport pick-ups, multi-destination trips including longer routes.
• 💳 Offers credit/debit card payment in addition to cash.

🔹 eTaxi Podgorica (E Taxi)

• 📱 197890 / +382 67 197 890 / +382 68 197 890 / +382 69 197 890
• 🌐 etaxipodgorica.me
• 🚖 Modern taxi service, often available through dispatcher calls or app requests.

🔹 Tesla Taxi Podgorica

• 📱 +382 69 057 073
• 🌐 teslaclub.me
• 🚖 Electric/modern fleet service that can be called by phone or local taxi apps.

🔹 Naš Taxi Podgorica (Our Taxi App)

• 📱 9709 / +382 67 019 709
• 🌐 Naš Taxi App (mobile taxi booking app)
• 🚖 App-based taxi ordering makes rides easier without memorizing numbers. 

Halo taxi Podgorica 

📍 BUDVA Taxi Services

Prices: Start ~€2.00 | Per KM ~€1.50–€2.00 (higher in summer).

Budva has the largest number of taxis on the coast.

VIP Taxi Budva

• ☎️ 19666
• 📱 +382 67 019 666
• 🌐 viptaxi.me

Terrae Taxi Budva

• ☎️ 19717
• 📱 +382 67 178 888
• 🌐 terrae.taxi

Extra Taxi Budva

• ☎️ 19696
• 📱 +382 68 019 696

Palma Taxi Budva

• ☎️ 19777
• 📱 +382 68 019 577

Sany Taxi Budva

• ☎️ 19728
• 📱 +382 67 019 728
• 🌐 sanytaxi.me

Eco Taxi Budva

• 📱 +382 69 019 567

Terrae Taxi Budva 

📍 Kotor Taxi Services​

 Red Taxi Kotor/Tivat 3.8•Taxi service

• ☎️ 19719 (Kotor) / 19729 (Tivat)
• 📱 WhatsApp: +382 67 019 719
• 🌐 Website: redtaxikotor.com
• 🚖 Premium taxi & airport transfers across Kotor & Tivat Bay
  Includes airport pick-ups, excursions, and metered rides.

 Đir Taxi (Kotor)

• 📱 Phone / WhatsApp: +382 67 911 XXX (local mobile – common WhatsApp contact; please confirm exact number before booking)
• 🕒 24/7 taxi service based in Kotor & Boka Bay. Established 2007, family-run with experienced drivers.

Taxi Travel Kotor

• 📱 Phone / WhatsApp: +382 69 949 197
• 🌐 Website: taxi-travel.me
• 🚖 Airport transfers, long-distance rides, fixed pricing and private tours in Montenegro.

📍 Tivat Taxi Services​

MB Taxi Tivat 4.8•Taxi service

📞 Phone / WhatsApp / Viber: +382 68 800 910 / 19503
📍 Tivat, Montenegro
🌐 Website: https://mbtaxitivat.me/
🕒 24/7 local and long-distance taxi service with good reputation and experience.

Halo Taxi 4.5•Taxi service

Mb taxi Tivat 

🚕 Herceg Novi Taxi Services 

Maestro Taxi Herceg Novi

• 📞 Short number: 19530
• 📱 Mobiles / Viber / WhatsApp: +382 67 019 530, +382 68 019 530, +382 69 019 530
• 🌐 Website: maestrotaxi.me
• 🚖 24/7 taxi service with airport transfers, local rides, tours, and a dedicated app. 

Taxi More

• 📞 Short number: 19730
• 📱 Phone/Viber/WhatsApp: +382 67 019 730 / +382 68 019 730 / +382 69 019 730
• 📍 Based around Jadranski put 36, Herceg Novi
• 🚖 Local taxi with Viber booking available (start + €/km tariff).

Taxi Herceg Novi‑Transfer Airport Service

• 📞 Phone: +382 67 245 526
• 🚖 Local taxi service including airport / scheduled transfers.

As Taxi

• 📞 Phone: +382 69 042 474
• 🚖 Independent taxi stand offering city rides and local pickups.

​

 TAXI Services – BAR (Montenegro)

Bar is a larger coastal town with several official taxi associations you can call for local rides, airport transfers, or longer trips.

🚕 Main Taxi Companies in Bar

Star Taxi Bar

• ☎️ Short number: 19744
• 📱 Phone: +382 68 510 303
• 🚖 Licensed taxi association operating in Bar (Old Town & city center).

Euro Taxi Bar

• ☎️ Short number: 19701
• 🚖 City taxi with meter service across Bar.

Luk Trade Taxi

• ☎️ Short number: 19744 (shared taxi association code)
• 📱 Often available via local dispatch.

📍 TAXI Services – ULCINJ (Montenegro)

Ulcinj is a coastal town close to Bar with its own local taxis.

🚕 Main Taxi Services in Ulcinj

Taxi Ulcinj – DIKO

• 📱 Phone / WhatsApp: +382 69 743 069
• 🚖 Local taxi with good reviews on Tripadvisor — operates local rides, airport pickups, bus station pickups and drop-offs.

​📱 Best Taxi Apps in Montenegro

Recommended apps:

• MonteGO Taxi app
• Naš Taxi app
• Terrae Taxi app
• Tesla Taxi app

Apps allow booking without calling taxi.

⭐ MOST RELIABLE TAXI COMPANIES IN MONTENEGRO

Recommended overall:

• Red Taxi (Podgorica, Kotor, Tivat)
• VIP Taxi Budva
• Terrae Taxi Budva
• MB Taxi Tivat
• Maestro Taxi Herceg Novi
• Tesla Taxi Podgorica

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