Albania Car Rental Travel Guide
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Albania Car Rental
Travel Guide
Practical driving tips, rules and routes so you know what to expect before pick-up.
Albania is best explored by car. In one trip you can go from Adriatic beaches to mountain passes, lakes and historic towns on your own schedule.
AutoZone.al is an Albania-first comparison site. Search once, compare suppliers, and see key conditions before you choose.
Use this guide for road basics, local driving habits, parking, fuel and tolls, cross-border notes, and route ideas.
Info guide only. Always follow road signs and your supplier’s rental terms.
Quick travel and driving essentials
Drive on
Right-hand side
Currency
Albanian Lek (ALL)
Country code
+355
Languages
Albanian (official). English is common in cities and tourist areas. Greek and Italian are also spoken in some areas.
Speed limits
Maximum limits (unless signs show otherwise): 40 urban, 80 rural, 110 motorway.
Drink-driving
Strict laws. Alcohol limit is low. Don’t drive after drinking.
Minimum rental age
Usually 21+, with possible young-driver fees under 25 (supplier rules vary).
Average rental length
Varies by season
Fuel prices
Change frequently. Check local station prices
Emergency
112 (general). Ambulance 127, Fire 128, Police 129.
Explore Albania your way by car
Search once to compare offers across Albania, then choose the option that fits your route and budget.
How to enter Albania
Tirana International Airport (TIA)
Main air gateway and usually the widest choice of suppliers and cars.
Kukës Airport (KFZ)
Useful for the northeast and routes towards Kosovo.
Sarandë Port
Popular for arrivals by ferry (for southern coast trips).
Land borders
Common routes from Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece.
Tip: If you arrive by land or ferry, choose a pick-up point close to your arrival route to save time.
*Pick-up availability varies by season and supplier.
Top car rental locations in Albania
Popular pick-up points for starting your Albania road trip.
| Location | Type | Typical Cars | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tirana Airport (TIA) | International hub | Compact, SUV, Economy, Minvan, Luxary | Typically the widest choice of cars and suppliers. |
| Kukës Airport (KFZ) | Regional airport | Economy, SUV, Minvan, Luxary | Convenient for travellers from Kosovo. |
| Sarandë (Port) | Ferry/beach hub | Economy, Compact, Minvan, SUV, Luxary | Ideal if you arrive by ferry. |
| Vlorë | Coastal city | Economy, Luxary, Compact, SUV | Great base for the Albanian Riviera. |
| Shkodër | Northern city | Compact, Economy, SUV, Minvan, Luxary | Gateway to Theth and the Albanian Alps. |
Use AutoZone.al to compare current prices, deals and availability for these and other locations across Albania.
Most popular places
Tirana
Capital and main entry point, close to Durrës, with cafés, nightlife and the Mount Dajti cable car.
Berat
“City of a Thousand Windows” with white Ottoman houses, a riverside castle and nearby wineries.
Sarandë
Busy beach hub, near Ksamil and Butrint; also the port for ferries to Greece.
Vlorë
Historic coastal city at the start of the Riviera and the famous Llogara Pass drive.
Shkodër
Lively northern city on the lake, gateway to Theth, Valbonë and the Albanian Alps.
Driving times depend on season and road conditions.
Popular cross-border trips
- Albania → Kosovo: Tirana → Prishtina is the most direct route. Great for combining city breaks with mountain stops.
- Albania → North Macedonia: Routes via Lake Ohrid are popular for lakeside towns and scenic drives.
- Albania → Greece: Southern routes via Gjirokastër are common for Ioannina and onward travel.
- Albania → Montenegro: Northbound routes via Shkodër are typical for Ulcinj and the Bay of Kotor.
- Cross-border travel must be approved by your supplier and shown on your rental agreement.
*Important
Cross-border travel may require written permission and additional cover/fees. Always request approval before pickup.
Ferries: Often require supplier approval. Check your supplier rules and request approval in advance.
Driver requirements and rules
- Drivers Age: Minimum is usually 21+. Drivers under 25 and over 65 may pay a daily surcharge (depends on supplier and car type).
- Driving Licence: A valid licence in the main driver’s name is required. Some suppliers require a minimum holding period.
- IDP (International Driving Permit): Not compulsory for most visitors, but useful as an extra document. If your licence is not in the Latin alphabet, bring an IDP. Carry it with your original licence.
- ID / Passport: Bring a passport or national ID matching the booking details.
- Payment card: A credit card (sometimes debit) in the main driver’s name is typically required for the deposit. Accepted card types vary by supplier.
- Checks: Keep your licence, rental agreement, and insurance details with you during the trip.
Rental types and extras
- Compact / Economy: Easy to park and cost-effective. Best for cities and coastal towns.
- SUVs / 4x4s: Better ground clearance for rural roads and mountain routes.
- Vans / Minivans: More space for families and groups.
- Hybrid / Luxury: Limited stock. Book early if it matters for your trip.
Popular extras:
- Child seat (reserve early)
- Additional driver
- GPS / phone holder
- Roof racks (seasonal)
- Cross-border authorisation (where allowed)
Tip: If you need an SUV, van, automatic, or cross-border permission, book early in high season.
Insurance, deposit and cover
Basic cover
Most offers include standard cover such as CDW and theft protection, plus third-party liability. Always check what’s included in your specific offer.
Upgrades
Extra protection options may be available for an additional fee (varies by supplier).
Excess / deductible
Even with basic cover, you may still be responsible up to the excess amount. The amount depends on the car and supplier.
Deposit
Deposits are usually blocked on the main driver’s card and released after return. Release time depends on bank and can take several business days.
Cancellation
Cancellation rules depend on the offer. Check the policy before you confirm.
Supplier terms
For changes, documents, payments, and special cases, the supplier terms shown on the offer and voucher are the reference.
Fuel, mileage and rental length
Fuel
“Full-to-full” is common. Confirm the fuel policy on your specific offer and keep receipts if requested.
Mileage
Many offers include unlimited mileage. Some have a daily or total limit. Check the offer conditions.
Duration
Daily rentals are usually charged in 24-hour blocks. Late returns can trigger extra charges.
Tolls and paid roads in Albania
Most routes are toll-free, but some tunnels/sections may charge. Follow road signage and confirm locally.
A1 (Kalimash Tunnel)
A toll may apply. Check current payment options before you travel.
A2 / A3 and other highways
Currently toll-free, but this may change as new road projects are completed.
Travel tip: Road rules and fees can change. Always follow posted signs and supplier guidance.
Driving tips
- Speed: Always follow posted limits. Typical limits are 40 km/h in towns, 80–90 km/h outside towns, and 110 km/h on motorways.
- Seatbelts: Wear seatbelts at all times.
- Lights: Use headlights at night and in poor visibility (rain, fog, tunnels). Follow posted signs.
- Winter & mountains: Main roads are generally good. Rural roads can be narrow or uneven.
- Road quality: Motorways and main roads are generally good; rural/back roads can be narrow or rough. Drive calmly, avoid risky overtakes and allow extra time.
- Parking & security: Use marked parking where possible and avoid leaving valuables in the car.
- Fuel: Prefer major-brand stations on main routes. Carry cash as some stations may not accept cards.
- Breakdowns: If you break down, use your supplier’s roadside number and avoid unofficial towing.
- Language: English is common in tourist areas. In rural areas, expect less English, a translation app helps.
Best drives and
places to visit
- Albanian Riviera (Vlorë–Sarandë via Llogara Pass): Dramatic sea and mountain views, cliff roads and hidden coves along SH8.
- Tirana and Mount Dajti: Mix of cafés, museums and nightlife with a cable car ride to panoramic views over the city.
- Gjirokastër and Berat: Two remarkable UNESCO towns with stone houses, castles and Ottoman-era streets.
- Northern Alps (Shkodër–Theth–Valbonë): Alpine valleys, rivers and trails – perfect for hikers and nature lovers.
- Sarandë, Ksamil and Butrint: Coastal views, sandy bays and one of the region’s most impressive archaeological parks.
Tip: Plan extra time for mountain roads and allow for seasonal conditions.
Sample 7-Day Itinerary (Inspiration Only)
Day 1:
Day 2:
Day 3:
Days 4–5:
Day 6:
Day 7:
Day 1–2: Tirana + Durrës / Krujë
Day 3–4: Riviera (Vlorë → Himarë → Sarandë)
Day 5–7: Gjirokastër + Berat (or Theth if mountain route)
Typical price levels by season
| Period | Typical price level | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Nov–Mar | Low | Best value. Widest availability and fewer sell-outs. |
| Apr–Jun | Medium | Warmer weather. Book early for automatics and SUVs. |
| July–Aug | High | Peak season. Book early, especially for family cars and 4x4s. |
| Sep–Oct | Medium | Great weather with better availability than peak months. |
*Prices depend on dates, supplier, and car type. Check live prices for your exact dates.
Tips:
- Book early for SUVs, vans, automatics and cross-border requests, especially for Jul–Aug.
- Be flexible with pick-up point and time (airport vs city) to find better prices.
- Check the deposit, fuel policy and cancellation terms before you confirm.
Parking & Fuel Basics
City parking:
Paid street and municipal parking is common in larger cities (blue lines/zones, typically day-time hours). Use ticket machines or local parking apps where available and keep your ticket visible if required.
Beach towns (summer):
Car parks near beaches can fill quickly. Aim to arrive before midday and always ask for a printed receipt or official ticket.
Hotels & apartments:
Use designated parking when possible. Ask your host or hotel for the safest and most convenient place to leave the car.
Fuel:
Unleaded petrol and diesel are widely available. Use reputable, well-signed stations on main highways for best service and availability. On quieter routes, plan fuel stops in advance and keep some cash as backup.
Tip: In busy summer towns, parking fills quickly. Arrive earlier and keep small cash available for local parking tickets where needed.
Emergencies & Contacts
- Emergency: 112 (police, ambulance, fire)
If it’s a breakdown
- Move to a safe place if you can and switch on hazard lights.
- Call the supplier’s roadside assistance number (shown on your voucher).
- If there are injuries or serious danger, call 112 immediately and follow the operator’s instructions.
Helpful to have with you
- Driving licence (+ IDP if required), passport/ID, payment card, voucher/confirmation
Helpful to keep in the car
- Rental agreement, insurance docs, supplier contact details, water, charger
Accessibility, fuel and feedback
Accessible vehicles
If you need accessibility features (hand controls, wheelchair access), check the offer details and confirm with the supplier before booking.
Fuel and EVs
Petrol and diesel are the standard. If you choose a hybrid or EV, plan charging stops in advance.
Feedback
Reviews help future travellers choose better. If you had a good or bad experience, share it.
Last updated: February 2026.. Information in this guide is based on details available at the time of writing. Local laws, road rules, prices and supplier policies may change, so always follow your rental voucher and current local advice.
Why Book with AutoZone.al?
- Compare multiple suppliers in one search (no bouncing between sites)
- Key conditions shown upfront (fees, deposit, mileage, fuel policy)
- Flexible cancellation on selected deals clearly marked on the offer)
- Pick-up points across Albania (airport, key cities, coastal locations)
- Clear support route: supplier support details are on your voucher, plus guidance via our Help Center and WhatsApp/email.
- Albania-first focus, broad supplier mix well-known brands and reliable local partners.
AutoZone.al helps you compare offers. You complete your booking with the supplier or booking partner shown on your quote.