Car Rental in Berat, Albania

Where to drive

• Explore the Osumi Canyon and Bogovë Waterfall: Drive about 1.5 hours (60 km) south of Berat to witness the dramatic Osumi Canyon, perfect for rafting or hiking, and cool off at the beautiful Bogovë Waterfall.
• Visit Apollonia Archaeological Park: Head west for approximately 1 hour (70 km) to the ancient Illyrian city of Apollonia, a significant archaeological site with well-preserved ruins and a serene monastery.
• Journey to Gjirokastër: Embark on a scenic 2.5-hour drive (130 km) south to the 'Stone City' of Gjirokastër, another UNESCO site, offering a different architectural style and rich history.
• Day trip to Vlorë and the Albanian Riviera: Drive west for about 1.5 hours (90 km) to the coastal city of Vlorë, then continue south along the stunning initial stretches of the Albanian Riviera.
• Discover Elbasan Castle and Shkumbin River: A drive of about 1 hour (60 km) northeast takes you to Elbasan, where you can explore its impressive Ottoman-era castle and the scenic Shkumbin River valley.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Albania, you generally need a valid driving license from your home country, a passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended, especially if your license is not in English or does not use the Latin alphabet. The minimum age for rental is typically 21, with at least one year of driving experience; drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Berat vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars can start from around 20-25 EUR per day in the low season. Mid-range vehicles typically cost 30-50 EUR, while SUVs and premium models can range from 60 EUR upwards. Prices can easily double or triple during the peak summer months, making early booking advisable.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Albania, you drive on the right side of the road. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on open roads, and 110 km/h on highways, though these are often approximate and conditions can dictate lower safe speeds. The legal blood alcohol limit is very low (0.01%), so it's best not to drink and drive at all. Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and child seats are required for children under 36 kg or 150 cm tall.

Parking

In Berat, parking can be found in designated paid lots or along certain streets. In the historic Mangalem and Gorica quarters, parking is very limited and often restricted, so it's best to park outside these areas and walk. Public parking lots usually have attendants who collect a small fee, often a few hundred Lek for a few hours or a full day. Free parking can be found further away from the city center, but always check signs carefully.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available throughout Albania, including around Berat and on major routes. Both gasoline (benzinë) and diesel (naftë) are common. LPG (gaz) is also available at many stations. Fuel prices are comparable to other European countries, typically paid in Albanian Lek (ALL) with cash, though major credit cards are increasingly accepted at larger stations. Prices are clearly displayed per liter.

Which car to choose

For exploring Berat's cobblestone streets and the generally good main roads, an economy or compact car with manual transmission is usually sufficient and easier to navigate narrow spaces. If you plan to venture into more rural or mountainous areas, especially to reach hiking trails or remote villages, a vehicle with higher ground clearance, such as a compact SUV, would be a more comfortable and practical choice. Automatic transmissions are less common but available.

Frequently asked questions