Renting a car and driving in Albania: all you need to know

We visited Albania as part of our longer road trip in the Balkans. It is possible to rent a car in nearby countries and take it to Albania, but there are some restrictions and costs involved. If you have this possibility, visiting Albania by car is really the best option.

We heard a lot about beauty of Albania and I had a few stops on my list. Albania, a hidden gem in the Balkans, offers an eclectic mix of stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and vibrant cities. On top of that, anyone who loves the beach, will find something for their taste.

To truly experience the beauty and diversity of this country, renting a car and hitting the open road is an excellent choice. This guide will provide you with all the necessary information about renting a car and driving in Albania in 2024.

Why rent a car in Albania?

Renting a car in Albania gives you the freedom to explore the country at your own pace. Public transportation can be limiting, and many of the most beautiful destinations, like the Albanian Riviera or the mountains of the north, are best accessed by car.

Albania is becoming more and more popular and I believe in a few years it will be as crowded as Croatia. The beaches in Albania are stunning, from stone voasts, party beaches to long, sandy ones and hidden gems. With such a long coasts there is something for everyone. On top if that, Albania is amazing for hiking and history livers with its well preserved Ottoman villages. Often, it is only possible to get to these places by car.

Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
World Nomads and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
Jack’s Flight Club is a service that can save you hundreds of dollars on flights, it works especially well in Europe.
Trivago where you can search and save on hotels.
Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money. You can even save 50%
Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.

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Renting a Car in Albania: what you need to know

Requirements of renting a car in Albania

Drivng licence: An international driving permit (IDP) is recommended, although some rental companies may accept a domestic license from your home country.
Age: The minimum age to rent a car in Albania is typically 21, but some companies may require drivers to be at least 25. Additionally, drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
Credit Card: A valid credit card is usually required for the rental deposit.

Several international and local car rental companies operate in Albania. Major international brands like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar have offices in Tirana and other major cities. It’s advisable to book your car in advance, especially during peak tourist season. I usually use DiscoverCars to book a car when I travel as they have a good offer of not only international companies but also local providers. So far, I’ve had a great experience with them all over the world.

Insurance

Car rental insurance is crucial. I learned it hard way. Basic insurance is usually included, but it’s wise to consider additional coverage for theft, collision damage, and personal accident. In Albania we bought full coverage and, thanks to that, we did not pay for scratches. Keep on reading, I’ll tell you how ridiculous it could have been and what my biggest tip is.

Top tip: I’d suggest that you are super careful when inspecting the car upon pick up. Luckily, I was detailed when videorecording the full car upon rental as I learned my lesson (you can read about my awful experience of renting a car in Sicily).

While the car renting in Albania was quite easy and pretty straightworward, we got some difficulties when returning the car.

But let me explain from the beginning. We booked the car via DiscoverCars in advance and got full coverage, as we usually do (but it dependson a country and after extensive research). Actually, they had some great offers. The car we received was full of little bumps and scratches and the rental car employee recorded all (or most) of them on the sheet. There were so many scratches that it was quite hard to mark every single one on the small drawing on a piece of paper. You know what it looks like.

When we returned the car, another employee was with us and said that there was a scratch that was not marked (literally there were dozens). We argued that we have full coverage, so we shouldn’t pay anything but he insisted that it only works if we phone them immediately after the scratch happens and because we did not do that, the insurance is invalid. As you can imagine, in real life you would not notice if an additional scratch of 2 centimeters happens to an already heavyli scratched car. Luckily, I recorded a video of the full car (do not forget the roof and interior) and the scratch he was referring to, was already there, but because of the multitude of scratches, the employee just could not mark every single one.

To conclude, always take lots of pictures or videos of the rental car and read the policy very carefully.

Cost of renting a car in Albania

The cost of renting a car in Albania can vary based on the type of vehicle, duration of the rental, and the season. On average, expect to pay between €20-€50 per day for a standard car. Prices can be higher for luxury vehicles or during the summer months.

What type of car should you rent in Albania

It is not necessary to hire a 4×4 car in Albania if you plan on sightseeing most popular places. It even possible to get to Teth with a standard car now as a new, paved road has been built.

Fuel

Most rental cars in Albania use diesel, which is more economical than petrol. Fuel prices are generally lower than in Western Europe and fuel stations are widely available in cities and along major highways, but it’s wise to fill up before heading into remote areas.

Driving in Albania: key Information

Road conditions across Albania . Albania has made significant improvements to its road infrastructure, but conditions can still vary.
Highways and major roads: Generally in good condition, especially the major routes connecting Tirana, Durres, and other key cities.
Rural roads: Can be narrow, winding, and sometimes poorly maintained. Be cautious of potholes and uneven surfaces.
Mountain roads: Scenic but challenging, with steep climbs, sharp bends and goats on the road. Drive carefully and be prepared for sudden changes in weather or animals wandering around, including cows and goats.

Additionally to that, there are a few obstacles that can make driving challneging. There are many very steep and narrow, cobbled roads in historical towns such as Berat and Gjirokaster or winding mountain roads without safety barriers.

However, note that just because a road is in good condition, it doesn’t mean it’s easy and fast driving. So far (and I have been to almost every country in Europe and did many road trips), Albania was the most annoying (close second to Sicily). The traffic is very heavy and slow in some places, especially leading to Tirana. For example, it took us nearly 6 hours to get to the capital from Teth (174km). And it was not only due to small, curvy roads near Teth, but rather crazy traffic along the way.

Traffic laws. Check the traffic laws for yourself anyway, but this is what I hace gathered.
Speed limits: Generally, 40-60 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on highways. Always adhere to posted signs.
Seat belts: Mandatory for all passengers.
Drunk driving: Strictly enforced with a legal blood alcohol limit of 0.01%.
Mobile phones: Use of handheld devices while driving is prohibited unless you have a hands-free system.
Parking. Parking in cities like Tirana can be challenging. Paid parking lots are available, and street parking is often metered. In smaller towns and rural areas, parking is usually easier to find.
Navigation. GPS navigation is highly recommended. Google Maps and other navigation apps work well in Albania, but it’s also wise to have a physical map as a backup (well, we didn’t and we managed with our phones and internet data).

That being said, make sure you have plenty of internet to use. Buying a sim card at the airport is sometimes a hassle, but there are eSim cards now available that make travelling so much easier. You may check out this one or this one. Compare and choose the one you prefer.

Road signs are usually in both Albanian and English, particularly on major routes.

Top destinations to visit by car

Here are a few major spots to include in the plan, however, based on my experience, I’d suggest that it could take two weeks to fully enjoy it. And don’t forget that driving can be slow.

The Albanian Riviera

Stretching along the Ionian Sea, the Albanian Riviera is renowned for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming coastal towns. Must-visit spots include:

Vlore. It was my favourite beach spot in Albania with pretty sandy beaches, nice walks and some good restaurants. It’s not a typical party place, maybe that’s why I liked it.

Saranda. A bustling resort town with a vibrant nightlife.
Himara. Known for its stunning beaches and relaxed atmosphere.
Ksamil. Famous for its idyllic beaches and proximity to the ancient ruins of Butrint.
The Accursed Mountains. For those who love adventure, the Accursed Mountains in northern Albania offer breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities. Key destinations include:
Theth National Park. A paradise for hikers with stunning mountain views, waterfalls, and traditional stone houses.
Valbona Valley. Known for its picturesque landscapes and outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. This is a great place for longer, multiday hikes.

Historical and cultural sites in Albania

Tirana. The capital city offers a mix of modern and historical attractions, including Skanderbeg Square, Bunk’Art, and the National History Museum.
Berat. Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture.
Gjirokastër. Another UNESCO site, famous for its stone houses and the imposing Gjirokastër Castle.

Do you love road trips and are you looking for some ideas on road trips in Europe and renting a car? Then you might like these:

Albania is becoming such a popular European destinations, especially for summer holidays (have you see the breathtaking beaches yet?). Renting a car and driving in Albania in 2024 is a fantastic way to explore this beautiful and diverse country. With improved road conditions, a variety of car rental options, there are many amazing destinations to discover. Albania is a road tripper’s dream. Just remember to plan ahead, drive safely, and enjoy the journey. Whether you’re exploring the stunning coastlines of the Albanian Riviera, the rugged beauty of the mountains, or the rich cultural heritage of its cities, Albania

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