Albania is one of Europe’s most talked-about travel destinations due to its stunning beaches and mountains, historical cities, and affordable prices. While public transport exists and tours are available, they’re often limited in reach and flexibility. Renting a car in Albania lets you discover hidden gems, stop in charming villages, and take scenic routes.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before hitting the road, including license rules, driving tips, and insurance.
Tourism in Albania is booming. From the turquoise bays along the Albanian Riviera to the alpine peaks in the north, a car lets you experience it all. Public transportation is available. However, buses won’t reach remote beaches or mountain villages.
If you plan to stick only to Tirana or one resort town, you might manage without a car. But with a rental car, you can pull over for breathtaking coastal views. You can also detour into national parks whenever you like.
Want to catch the sunrise on an empty beach or visit multiple cities in one day? Having your own wheels makes it possible.
Driving in Albania is manageable if you're prepared and familiar with the country's traffic laws and local driving customs. To ensure a safe and smooth experience, here are some key road rules and tips to keep in mind:
Road quality in Albania can vary significantly. Major highways and inter-city routes are typically in good condition, providing a smooth drive. However, rural roads tend to be narrower and often riddled with potholes, so it's important to drive with caution in these areas.
In mountain regions, you may encounter winding gravel roads, which can be challenging to navigate.
At night, driving can be especially tricky, as many roads lack adequate lighting. This makes it harder to spot potential hazards, so it's wise to reduce your speed and stay vigilant to maintain control of your vehicle.
Local drivers in Albania can be aggressive and unpredictable, especially in city traffic, where abrupt lane changes and unconventional overtaking are common. It’s essential to stay alert and drive defensively, particularly in busy areas or during peak traffic times.
When driving, remember that Albanian law advises using your horn only in emergencies or when passing on rural roads. At intersections and roundabouts, you should yield to traffic coming from the right unless posted signs indicate otherwise.
Cars already in a roundabout generally have priority, but always be cautious of vehicles entering the circle, as they may not always follow the rules.
To make your trip easier, it’s helpful to know the local driving rules and road conditions. Here are things to know before renting a car in Albania:
Albania offers both international rental brands and local car hire agencies. International rental brands often provide newer fleets and English-speaking staff. Local companies might offer lower prices or more flexible terms, but check their reviews and policies.
When booking your Albania car rental, consider what’s important to you – price, vehicle selection, insurance coverage, and customer service.
It’s usually easiest to pick up your car at the airport when you arrive. If you begin your journey later, rentals are available in city centers like Tirana, Durrës, or Saranda.
Always inspect the car with the agent and note any existing scratches or dents on the contract. Ensure the headlights, signals, and wipers work, especially if driving at night or in the rain.
Look for companies that offer transparent insurance policies and unlimited mileage. Read recent customer reviews to get an insight into a company’s reliability. Pay attention to comments about hidden fees or poor service.
Understanding your rental car insurance options in Albania can help you avoid stress and unexpected charges later. Most rentals include a basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection (TP). These cover the vehicle but still leave you responsible for a deductible (also called an excess).
The deductible amount can vary from a few hundred to over a thousand euros depending on the type of vehicle. To reduce this risk, many travelers choose to upgrade to full coverage insurance (Super CDW). While this comes at an extra daily cost, it’s the best option if you plan to drive on rough or rural roads where tire and scratch damage is more likely.
When you pick up your rental car, the company will place a security deposit hold on your credit card. Depending on the car class and insurance selected, this amount can range from €300 to over €1000. Some rental companies lower the deposit requirement if you purchase full insurance directly from them. Make sure your credit card has a sufficient limit to cover this hold.
To steer clear of surprise charges, it’s essential to understand all rental terms:
Many travelers wonder how much to rent a car in Albania. The answer depends on the vehicle type and transmission. Manual cars are far more common and are typically the cheaper option. If you're comfortable driving a stick shift, you'll find many vehicles available.
Automatic cars are available but often come at a higher price. They tend to get booked quickly as many international travelers prefer the convenience and ease of automatics. So it’s a good idea to reserve one in advance. If you're not used to manual driving, it's worth choosing automatic, especially when navigating winding mountain roads or unfamiliar terrain.
Knowing about gas stations and fuel costs in Albania can help budget planning and smooth navigation. Here are a few things to know before driving:
You’ll find gas stations or petrol pumps in all major cities and along the main highways. They are easy to spot and usually reliable. In more remote or rural areas, stations are less frequent. So, refuel when your tank drops below half, especially if heading into the mountains or less crowded routes.
Most gas stations in Albania are full-service, meaning an attendant will pump the fuel for you. Self-service pumps are not common. To fill up, tell the attendant “full tank” or specify how many Lek worth of fuel you’d like.
Both regular unleaded petrol and diesel are widely available. Some stations also offer LPG autogas, but only certain vehicles are compatible. To avoid engine damage, confirm with your rental provider whether your car uses petrol or diesel.
Payment is typically made in cash (Albanian Lek), especially at smaller or rural stations. Larger stations near cities or highways may accept credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to carry local currency just in case. With no toll roads in Albania, fuel is your main travel cost.
Most road signs are in Albanian, but many also include English translations, particularly on highways and tourist areas. Common signs you’ll see include:
The easiest way to navigate is by using GPS apps. Mobile data coverage is generally strong along major routes and in cities. However, coverage can become spotty in remote mountain regions, so it’s highly recommended to download offline maps of Albania before your trip.
While road numbering exists (e.g., SH2 connects Tirana to Durrës), it’s not always consistent or clear. It’s best not to rely solely on road numbers. Instead, follow signs pointing to towns or cities along your route to avoid confusion.
Traffic signs and road markings generally follow European standards. However, local driving habits can be unpredictable. This is especially true at unregulated intersections, where right-of-way rules may not always be observed.
If you need to stop and check your map, never stop in the middle of the road. Find a safe shoulder or parking area to pull over.
Parking in Albanian cities, especially Tirana, can be tricky especially if you're driving through busy downtown areas.
In central Tirana, on-street parking is organized into zones and clearly marked with blue lines or signage. These areas require payment through parking meters, kiosks, or mobile apps. Fees are reasonable, but it’s important to pay and display your ticket on the dashboard.
Parking enforcement is active, and improperly parked cars can be towed, especially in the city center.
Parking works similarly in popular tourist destinations like Durrës, Sarandë, and Vlorë. Along coastal areas, parking near beaches may involve a fixed daily fee, especially during peak season.
Many hotels and guesthouses offer free parking, so take advantage of that when available. On the street, never block sidewalks or driveways. While it’s common to see locals parking half on the sidewalk in crowded areas, it’s not advised for visitors as fines still apply.
Traffic congestion is common in major cities like Tirana, particularly during rush hours (8 to 9 AM and 5 to 7 PM). Albanian drivers often squeeze into small spaces, and roads can sometimes feel chaotic. Use navigation apps to avoid traffic and discover faster backstreets.
Watch out for pedestrians crossing unexpectedly and mopeds weaving through traffic. Albanian drivers often use short honks to communicate. A quick beep might mean, “I’m passing” or “Don’t move over.”
If you're looking for safer, more reliable parking in Tirana, opt for paid parking lots or garages. These are usually guarded and charge by the hour or day, making them a good option for overnight parking.
In smaller towns like Berat or Gjirokastër, parking in the old town can be tight. It's often easier to park outside the historic center and walk in.
Always obey no-parking signs (a red circle with an “X”), and if you receive a parking ticket, it will likely be placed under your windshield wiper. These fines can usually be paid at a local post office or municipal office, but your rental company may handle it for you and add an admin fee later.
With a rental car, you can reach hidden spots like mountain pools and villages that tours often miss. Albania is a compact country, but driving times can be longer than distances suggest due to winding roads. Here are a few popular and rewarding road trip routes:
This southbound route takes you from the capital down to the Ionian coast. It’s roughly 270 km and about a 5-hour drive (plan for longer if you stop to sightsee). You’ll pass through coastal towns like Vlorë, then climb over the spectacular Llogara Pass. This mountain road offers views of the sea. Sarandë is a perfect base to visit Ksamil’s beaches and the ancient ruins of Butrint.
Heading north into the Alps, this journey is all about mountains. Start from the historic city of Shkodër near the Montenegro border. From there, you’ll drive about 80 km into the Accursed Mountains to reach Theth. It can take more than hours due to narrow alpine roads.
A sturdy vehicle is recommended. Once in Theth, you’re in a valley of breathtaking beauty. Hiking trails, waterfalls, and the famous Blue Eye natural pool are nearby to explore. Only attempt this drive in good weather (late spring through early fall). In winter, snow can make the route impassable.
Consider the 97 km drive from Tirana to the UNESCO-listed town of Berat, which takes about 2 hours. Berat is known as the “City of a Thousand Windows” for its Ottoman-era houses climbing the hillsides. Park outside the old town and wander through its stone streets to the hilltop castle.
As you plan your travel, remember to compare rental prices, coverage options, and vehicle types to get the best value for your journey. Finalrentals offers a reliable and user-friendly platform to easily book car rentals in Albania and beyond.
Whether you’re looking for a compact car for city driving or a sturdy SUV for navigating the coast and mountain roads, Finalrentals is your go-to solution for your next Albania road trip.
