Renting a Car in Albania? Here’s What You Need to Know

Renting a car in Albania is easily the best way to explore the country properly.

I’ve driven all over Albania, from the wild peaks of the Accursed Mountains to quiet coastal roads where I didn’t see another car for an hour.

There’s no chance I’d have reached half those places without my own set of wheels.

Public transport exists but it’s slow, irregular and doesn’t go everywhere. Outside the main cities it can be frustrating trying to piece together connections, especially if you want to reach smaller villages or national parks.

With a car, you’re free to stop wherever you like. For a roadside espresso, a viewpoint, or a random detour that looks too good to miss.

You can take the long, winding coastal drive along the Riviera, detour into the mountains, or chase sunsets wherever the road takes you.

Here I’ll share what I’ve learned from driving across the country, including practical tips on renting a car in Albania, what it costs, what to expect on the roads, and a few things I wish I’d known before my first trip.

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How to Rent a Car in Albania

Renting a car in Albania is straightforward once you know what to expect.

Most rental companies are used to working with travellers, and the process is similar to elsewhere in Europe. There are just a few quirks worth knowing about.

Documents and Requirements

You’ll need a few basics to rent a car in Albania.

Driving licence: If you’ve got a UK or EU licence, you’ll be fine. Travellers from the US and other countries can usually rent without issue too, but some companies ask for an International Driving Permit (IDP). It’s worth bringing one if your licence isn’t in English or you plan to cross borders. It costs next to nothing and can save hassle.

Passport or ID: You’ll need to show valid ID, usually a passport. Some agencies might accept a national ID card, but it’s best to carry your passport anyway.

Credit card for deposit: Most companies insist on a credit card for the security deposit. Debit cards aren’t always accepted, or they might involve extra checks. If you only have a debit card, message the company in advance to make sure.

Car Rental Age Requirements

Most rental companies in Albania let you hire a car from the age of 21.

If you’re under 25, expect a “young driver” fee on top of the usual rate. It’s not huge, but it can add up over a longer trip.

Some companies also limit vehicle types for younger drivers, so double-check the fine print before booking.

Cost of Renting a Car in Albania

Prices vary depending on the car, time of year, and where you pick it up.

In quieter months, you can find small cars from around €25 a day. In summer, prices climb quickly, especially in Tirana, Sarandë and along the coast.

Mid-range cars usually sit around €45–€60 per day, while anything bigger or automatic will cost more.

Insurance: Most rentals include basic cover, but the excess is often high – sometimes over €1,000. I’d strongly suggest paying extra for full insurance or using your own policy to reduce the excess.

It’s worth it, especially given how unpredictable some rural roads can be.

Extra costs: One-way drop-offs, extra drivers, GPS units or child seats often come with small daily charges. They’re not huge individually but can make a noticeable difference by the end of your trip.

Hidden Fees and Charges

Keep an eye out for sneaky extras that can bump up the cost of your rental.

One-way rentals, where you drop the car off in a different city, nearly always come with a fee.

Crossing borders adds another (plus extra insurance) so check this in advance if you’re planning a multi-country trip.

Things like adding a second driver, hiring a child seat or GPS, or paying with a debit card instead of a credit card can also add up.

Always read the quote carefully and confirm what’s included before booking.

If the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Best Car Rental Companies in Albania

Where to rent a car

The main rental hubs are Tirana, Sarandë, and Shkodër. Each makes a great starting point for exploring the rest of the country.

Tirana is best if you’re flying in, Sarandë is handy for the south coast and nearby beaches, while Shkodër is the gateway to the Albanian Alps.

Recommended rental companies

You’ll find both international brands and smaller local outfits. Avis, Hertz and Europcar all operate in Albania, but they tend to charge more.

I usually prefer booking through Localrent, which compares local agencies and often gives better prices than the big names.

You can filter by deposit amount or whether they accept debit cards, which is really handy.

Always read a few recent reviews before confirming. Vehicle quality and service can vary quite a bit between companies.

Renting a car at Tirana Airport

If you’re flying into Tirana, it’s easiest to pick up your car straight from the airport. Most of the big agencies have desks inside the terminal, and a few local companies meet you outside arrivals.

Booking ahead online usually gives you a better rate and guarantees availability, especially in summer.

Choosing the Right Vehicle

The best type of car depends on where you’re planning to go.

For city driving or coastal routes, a small car is ideal. Easier to park and cheaper on fuel. If you’re sticking to the main highways between Tirana, Berat and Sarandë, you don’t need anything fancy.

If you’re heading into the mountains, like Theth or Valbonë, a 4×4 is worth the extra cost. Some of those roads are unpaved, steep, or potholed enough to make you wish you’d spent the extra few euros.

Most cars in Albania are manual, and automatics can sell out fast in summer. If you need an automatic, reserve it early.

Crossing International Borders in a Rental Car

You can drive a rental car from Albania into nearby countries such as Greece, Montenegro, or Kosovo, but you’ll need permission and extra insurance from the rental company.

Tell them your plans when you book so they can prepare the paperwork. Some companies charge a small cross-border fee, while others simply add the insurance cost.

It’s also worth noting that Kosovo isn’t part of the Green Card system, so you’ll usually have to buy temporary border insurance when entering. It’s easy enough to do, but factor in the extra cost.

Tips for Renting a Car in Albania

What to Check Before Driving Away

Before you set off, give the car a proper once-over. Look for dents, scratches, or chipped windscreens, and take photos or a quick video before leaving the lot.

Check that everything works. Lights, indicators, air conditioning, and tyres.

Make sure there’s a spare, a triangle, and a high-vis vest in the boot. It only takes five minutes, and it can save a lot of hassle later.

Refilling the Tank

Most rental companies in Albania use a full-to-full fuel policy. You’ll pick up the car with a full tank and should return it the same way.

It’s easy to forget this when you’re rushing to the airport, but it’s worth filling up nearby before dropping off. If the company has to do it for you, they’ll charge way more than the pump price.

Many petrol stations outside cities still prefer cash, so keep some small notes handy.

Parking in Albania

Parking is straightforward in smaller towns but can be tricky in Tirana. Spaces are limited in the centre, and illegally parked cars do get towed.

Where possible, use hotel parking or one of the paid car parks. It’s usually safer and less stressful than trying to squeeze into a tight street spot.

In coastal towns like Sarandë or Ksamil, parking fills up fast in summer. Aim to arrive early in the day if you can.

Driving in Albania: What You Need to Know

Road Conditions

Road quality in Albania varies a lot. The main highways are generally smooth and well maintained, but smaller rural roads can be rough, narrow or full of potholes.

Mountain routes such as the Llogara Pass are spectacular but demand concentration. Expect sharp bends, steep climbs and the occasional herd of goats.

Don’t rush it. Enjoy the drive and stop for photos when it’s safe to pull over.

Weather can also change quickly in the highlands, so check forecasts before long trips.

Road Safety and Local Driving Habits

Albanian drivers can be assertive (read: aggressive and unpredictable), especially around Tirana.

Expect sudden overtakes, frequent horn use, and the odd driver ignoring lane markings altogether.

To stay safe, drive defensively and keep plenty of space between you and other vehicles. Keep calm – it’s just how people drive here. Outside the cities, things are much more relaxed.

Traffic Rules and Speed Limits

You drive on the right in Albania, and headlights must be on at all times, even during the day.

Seatbelts are compulsory, and using a phone while driving is illegal unless you’ve got a hands-free setup.

Speed limits are usually 40 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 90–110 km/h on highways, depending on the section.

There are speed cameras on main routes, so don’t be tempted to test the limits, even if the locals seem to.

Roundabouts can feel chaotic at first, but just stay alert and confident. Let faster drivers go if they’re in a hurry – it’s not worth the stress.

Emergency Numbers

If something goes wrong, dial 112 for any emergency. Most rental companies also offer roadside assistance, so save their number before setting off.

If you break down, pull safely to the side, put on your hazard lights, and use the warning triangle and reflective vest you (hopefully) checked were in the boot earlier.

Using Navigation

Phone signal is generally good, but it’s worth downloading offline maps before you travel, especially if you’re heading into the mountains.

Google Maps works fine for most routes, though Maps.me can be more reliable in remote areas.

Don’t rely on road signs alone, as they’re sometimes missing or inconsistent. A few detours and closed roads still catch people out.

Renting a Car vs. Public Transport

Is Renting a Car Worth It?

If you want to explore Albania properly, yes – 100%.

Public transport works fine between the main cities, but it’s slow and unpredictable.

Outside the bigger towns, buses and furgons (shared minibuses) run on flexible schedules that can leave you waiting hours in the heat.

Having your own car gives you total freedom. You can detour to hidden beaches along the Riviera, stop at viewpoints, and reach mountain villages that public transport doesn’t touch.

It turns travelling around Albania from something you endure into something you enjoy .

Alternative Transport Options

Buses connect most major cities, but there aren’t always set timetables. Furgons leave when they’re full and can be hard to find outside stations.

Taxis are common in cities but expensive for long journeys, and organised tours tend to focus on the main tourist spots.

If you’re only visiting Tirana or Berat, you’ll manage without a car. Otherwise, self-drive makes life easier.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Renting a car in Albania completely changes the experience of travelling here. You’re not tied to timetables or limited to tourist routes. You can go wherever looks interesting on the map.

Some of my best moments in Albania came from random detours. Pulling over for strong coffee in a mountain village, watching the sun dip over the Riviera, or getting lost on a quiet country road and ending up somewhere better than planned.

If you enjoy the freedom of the open road, Albania’s the place for it.

Next, check out my guide to planning the perfect Albanian road trip.

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