Exploring Albania by car is one of the very few ways that you can do it. Public transportation is poor, not well organised. There are buses but is hard to go to city centers or remote locations on bus. Trains do not operate at all in Albania. The only reliable way of getting around is by car.
From the mountain roads of the Albanian Alps to the beaches of the Riviera, a car offers the flexibility and freedom to make the most of your trip. However, renting a car in Albania comes with its own set of considerations, but generally is very safe and convenient. Here is all you need to know in order to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in our country.
- Book Early, Especially During Peak Season
Since Albania has lately become very popular tourist destination, car rental demand has a significant increase during the peak months (June to September). To avoid last-minute stress and secure the best rates, book your car in advance. Early bookings also give you a wider range of vehicle choices, including SUVs to explore mountains as well as compact economy cars for cities.
- Choose the Right Vehicle According to Your Planned Trip
The type of car you will need depends on your itinerary.
- Inside cities or from one city to another: A compact economy car is perfect for navigating through Tirana or other urban areas where parking might be limited. Consider that speed limit in most interurban roads is 90km/h so you don’t need a huge car to travel around. Only very few new roads are meeting standards of max speed of 130km/h, Fier-Vlore
- Mountainous regions: Consider renting a 4×4 only when you know you will be going off-road. Generally the roads in rural areas are quite new and there is no need for SUVs or 4×4 unless you are traveling to the Albanian Alps can be rough and unpaved.
- Long-distance drives: A comfortable sedan is ideal if you plan to explore the Riviera or visit historical sites like Butrint or Gjirokastër (by the way Butrint is a must). You need to know that in Albania you can find many fuel stations along the road, wherever you may be. So no stress about tank autonomy. In general Albania is a small country and you can easily reach its edges within few hours driving.
- Check your Insurance Coverage
The rental package will include basic insurance, such as Third-Party Liability Insurance (TPL), which is mandatory. During your car booking process you can consider purchasing additional collision damage waiver (CDW), theft protection or Full Protection, for peace of mind. Be aware that Full Protection is not common in Albania and you need to be sure what you have covered if you are looking for such of insurance package.
- Inspect the Car Before Leaving the Rental Place
Before you hit the road, quickly inspect the car for any pre-existing damage, such as, scratches, or chipped windows. This is routine process of supplier as well but you can keep an eye on it just in case there might be any issue. Take photos or videos of the car from all angles and share them with the rental company if needed. This ensures you won’t be held responsible for damages you didn’t cause when you return the car, although generally you will not face such of problems with suppliers.
- Understand Albania’s Road Conditions
While Albania’s main roads, such as the highways connecting Tirana, Durres, Fier-Vlora, Durres-Kukes, are well-maintained, some rural and mountain roads can be challenging. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Unpaved roads: Some rural roads are gravel or dirt, requiring slower speeds and careful navigation.
- Mountain passes: The famous Llogara Pass and other alpine routes have stunning views but require confident driving on narrow and winding roads.
- Traffic signs: While improving, road signals in rural areas may be limited, so consider using GPS or downloading offline maps. Google Map can be fine to go everywhere.
Caution! You need to know that in Albania you have to consider other drivers, road users, that do not respect traffic signs and rules. So you need to be twice as careful especially in intersections and roundabouts.
- Bring an International Driving Permit (IDP)
While Albania recognizes valid EU driving licenses, non-EU travelers may need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Check the requirements for your home country or talk to supplier when you are submitting for reservation.
- Familiarize Yourself with Traffic Rules
While Albania’s roads are becoming safer, you should still familiarize yourself with local driving customs:
- Drive on the right side of the road.
- Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
- Speed limits: 40 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on open roads, and 120 km/h on highways.
- Toll roads: Currently, Albania has only a few toll roads, so always carry cash in case it’s required.
- Keep Local Contact Number for Help
It’s a good idea to have the contact number of your car rental provider and local emergency services which are 129 for police and 112 for emergency. Most Albanian rental companies offer 24/7 assistance, but you should confirm this during the booking process.
- General Driving Rules
- Drive on the right side of the road.
- Seat belts are mandatory for passengers sitting in front.
- Speed limit is 40 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on open roads, 90 km/h in interurban roads such as Tirana-Durres, and 120 km/h on highways.
- Toll roads: Currently, Albania has only a few toll roads, one operating at Durres-Kukes and another waiting to operate Tirana-Thumana. Although you can pay with Credit Card, generally is advised to carry some cash with you.
* As we stated before you need to be careful to other drivers while driving because most of them do not consider at all braking traffic rules and signs.
