Renting a Car in Albania: Honest Tips for Driving the Country

A car gives you the most freedom in Albania. Public transport connects the big towns well, but many of the best places, from hidden Riviera coves to mountain villages, are far easier to reach with your own wheels. Driving also comes with a learning curve. This guide explains when a rental car is worth it, how to rent one without surprises and what to expect on the road.

Do you need a car?

If you plan to stay in Tirana, Berat or Gjirokastër, you can manage without one. Buses and furgons (shared minibuses) link the main cities, and taxis are inexpensive for short trips. A car makes sense if you want to explore the Riviera at your own pace, combine several regions in one trip, reach the trailheads in the north, or travel as a group where splitting the cost makes it cheaper than several bus tickets. If you only want a few days on the coast, you can also rent for part of the trip rather than the whole stay.

How to rent without surprises

• Compare prices from several companies, including the international brands and well-reviewed local agencies, and book early for July and August.
• Read the insurance terms carefully. Check the excess (the amount you pay if the car is damaged) and whether tyres, windows and the underside are covered.
• Ask how the deposit is held. A card deposit is common, and the amount can be large, so make sure your card has enough available credit.
• Take photos and a short video of the car before leaving, including the wheels and the interior.
• Check the fuel policy and return the car with the same level of fuel if the rules say so.
• If you plan to cross into Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo or Greece, ask in advance. Many companies require permission and a cross-border fee, and some forbid it.

What the roads are really like

Albania has improved its road network a great deal in recent years. The motorway links and the main national roads are generally in good condition, and the scenic coastal road through the Llogara pass is smooth and spectacular. Rural and mountain roads vary: you may meet potholes, sharp bends, livestock, unmarked junctions and sections without guardrails. Local driving can feel assertive, with frequent overtaking and little signalling, so drive defensively, keep a safe distance and avoid unnecessary night driving outside the main towns.

Rules, speed and parking

Drive on the right. Speed limits are typically around 40 to 50 km/h in built-up areas, higher outside towns and up to about 110 km/h on motorways, but always follow the signs, because police do carry out checks and speed cameras exist. Seat belts are compulsory and you must carry your licence, passport and the rental papers. Parking in Tirana can be hard to find, so choose a hotel with parking or park in a paid lot, and in beach towns in summer arrive early or use paid car parks near the sea.

Fuel and breaks

Fuel stations are frequent on the main roads and take cash and cards. In remote areas, such as the mountains of the north or the stretch between small Riviera villages, fill up when you can, because the next station may be far away. Mobile coverage can be weak in gorges and mountain passes, so download offline maps before you set out.

Routes worth driving

• The Riviera road from Vlorë over the Llogara pass to Dhërmi, Himarë and Sarandë, with viewpoints along the way.
• Sarandë to Gjirokastër and the Blue Eye, an easy day through green valleys.
• Tirana to Berat and Gjirokastër for a loop through the old stone towns.
• Shkodër to the Albanian Alps for the approach to Theth and the Valbonë valley, only in good weather.

Allow more time than the map suggests: distances look short, but winding roads and traffic add up. If you prefer not to drive, private transfers and organised day trips are good alternatives. If you do rent, book in advance, compare insurance and enjoy the freedom. The views along the Albanian Riviera and in the mountains are among the best in the Balkans.