montenegro-toll-roads-sozina-tunnel
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Montenegro Toll Roads 2025: Complete Guide
System: Distance-based tolls on A1 highway and Sozina tunnel
Operator: Monteput (motorway), CRBC (A1 highway)
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Coverage: A1 highway (41 km) and Sozina tunnel (4.2 km)
Technology: Toll gates, electronic transponders available
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Montenegro? 2025 Update
For most roads: No. Montenegro has extensive toll-free road networks including most highways, bridges, and tunnels.
Two toll locations only:
- A1 Highway (Bar-Boljare): 41 km section from Smokovac to Mateševo (opened July 2022)
- Sozina Tunnel: 4.2 km tunnel connecting Podgorica to coastal region
Alternative routes available: Both toll roads have free alternative routes, though they take longer and may be more challenging to drive.
Montenegro Toll Costs: Current Rates
A1 Highway Tolls (Smokovac-Mateševo, 41 km)
| Vehicle Category | Description | Toll Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category I | Motorcycles | €1.50 | Two-wheeled vehicles |
| Category II | Passenger cars | €3.50 | Cars, vans up to 3.5t |
| Category III-V | Trucks, buses | €17.00 | Commercial vehicles over 3.5t |
Sozina Tunnel Tolls (4.2 km)
| Vehicle Category | Height/Weight | Toll Cost | Alternative Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category I | Motorcycles | €1.50 | M2 via Virpazar-Petrovac |
| Category II | Cars (up to 1.9m height) | €2.50 | M2 via Virpazar-Petrovac |
| Category III | Cars (over 1.9m height) | €3.50 | M2 via Virpazar-Petrovac |
| Category IV-V | Trucks over 3.5t | €5.00 | M2 via Virpazar-Petrovac |
Additional Ferry Costs
| Route | Distance | Duration | Car Cost | Motorcycle Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamenari-Lepetane Ferry | 0.9 km | 10 minutes | €3.00 | €1.50 |
How to Pay Montenegro Tolls
Payment Methods
- Cash: Euros accepted at all toll stations
- Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard accepted
- Electronic Transponder: ENP units available (€20 unit + €20 minimum top-up)
- TAG System: Microwave antenna-based electronic payment
Electronic Payment Benefits
- Faster passage: Dedicated lanes for electronic payment
- Frequent user discounts: 10% discount available
- Regional compatibility: Works with Toll4All network (Serbia, North Macedonia)
Recent Changes (2025)
- A1 Highway operational: First full motorway section opened July 2022, now fully operational
- Stable toll rates: No rate increases implemented in 2025
- Enhanced infrastructure: 16 twin-tube tunnels, 20 bridges on A1 section
- Speed limits: 100 km/h maintained on A1 highway
Infrastructure Details
A1 Highway Features
- Total length: 41 km (first section of planned 165 km Bar-Boljare motorway)
- Construction cost: Approximately €1 billion
- Engineering: 16 twin-tube tunnels, 20 bridges, 4 interchanges
- Interchanges: Smokovac, Pelev Brijeg, Veruša, Mateševo
- Purpose: Connects northern Montenegro with Podgorica, avoiding dangerous mountain roads
Sozina Tunnel Features
- Length: 4,189 meters (longest tunnel in Montenegro)
- Opened: July 2005
- Cost: €74 million (EU Investment Bank financing)
- Purpose: Bypasses Paštrovska Gora mountain range
- Traffic: Over 676,000 vehicles annually
Planning Your Montenegro Journey
Cost Considerations
- Budget travelers: Use free alternative routes (longer but scenic)
- Time-conscious: Pay tolls for significant time savings
- A1 highway benefit: Saves 30+ minutes compared to old mountain road
- Sozina tunnel benefit: Saves 22 km and avoids winter tire requirements
Route Planning Tips
- Winter driving: Sozina tunnel avoids mandatory winter tires on mountain passes
- Scenic alternatives: M2 coastal route offers spectacular Lake Skadar views
- Traffic patterns: Heaviest traffic during summer tourism season
- Border crossings: Consider neighboring countries' toll systems for regional trips
Montenegro vs. Neighboring Countries
| Country | System Type | Coverage | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montenegro | Limited tolls | A1 highway + Sozina tunnel only | €3.50 + €2.50 | Most roads toll-free |
| Serbia | Distance-based | All highways | €3-15 per journey | Extensive toll network |
| Croatia | Distance-based | All motorways | €7 per 100 km | Moving to e-vignette 2026 |
| Bosnia Herzegovina | Limited tolls | A1 Sarajevo-Zenica section | €3-15 | Most roads toll-free |
| Albania | Distance-based | Selected highway sections | €2-5 per section | A1 highway tolled |
Future Highway Development
Planned Extensions
- Mateševo-Andrijevica: 23.5 km section (€552.5 million estimated cost)
- Bar-Smokovac: 49 km southern section to complete coast connection
- Mateševo-Boljare: Northern section to Serbian border
- EU Investment: €100 million grant approved for next phase
Regional Connectivity
- Belgrade-Bar Corridor: Part of Pan-European transport network
- Adriatic Connection: Links Montenegro's main port with inland regions
- Economic Impact: Expected to boost trade and tourism significantly
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Montenegro tolls completely?
Yes, both toll roads have free alternatives. The M2 route bypasses Sozina tunnel with scenic Lake Skadar views, and the old E65/E80 road connects northern Montenegro without using A1.
Is the A1 highway worth the toll cost?
For most travelers, yes. The €3.50 toll saves 30+ minutes and avoids dangerous winter mountain driving conditions on the old route through Morača canyon.
Do I need cash for Montenegro tolls?
No, all toll stations accept credit cards. Electronic transponders are also available for frequent users with 10% discounts.
Are there tolls between Montenegro and neighboring countries?
Montenegro itself has minimal tolls, but neighboring Serbia and Croatia have extensive toll networks. Plan accordingly for regional trips.
What's the speed limit on toll roads?
A1 highway: 100 km/h (highest in Montenegro). Sozina tunnel: 80 km/h. Dipped headlights mandatory in tunnels.
Can rental cars use Montenegro toll roads?
Yes, but check with rental companies about cross-border travel policies. Some charge extra fees for travel to Montenegro due to insurance requirements.
Alternative Routes
Avoiding A1 Highway
- Route: Use existing E65 and E80 through Morača canyon
- Distance: Similar overall distance but more winding
- Considerations: Dangerous in winter, requires winter tires November-March
- Scenery: Spectacular mountain and canyon views
Avoiding Sozina Tunnel
- Route: M2 from Virpazar to Petrovac via coastal road
- Extra distance: About 22 km longer
- Benefits: Free passage, beautiful Lake Skadar and coastal scenery
- Considerations: Longer travel time, winding mountain roads
Emergency Information
Emergency Contacts
- General Emergency: 112
- Police: 122
- Fire Service: 123
- Medical Emergency: 124
- Road Assistance: Available through major automotive clubs
Traffic Information
- Road conditions: Monitor weather especially in winter
- Construction updates: Check Monteput website for current works
- Border waiting times: Plan extra time during peak tourist season
