Car Rental in Tirana

Where to drive

• Explore the historic city of Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the 'City of a Thousand Windows', approximately a 2-hour drive (120 km) south of Tirana.
• Journey to the coastal gem of Durrës, home to a large Roman amphitheater and beautiful beaches, just a 40-minute drive (35 km) west of Tirana.
• Discover the picturesque Lake Ohrid on the Albanian-Macedonian border, about a 2.5-hour drive (140 km) east, offering stunning views and charming villages like Pogradec.
• Visit Krujë, a historic town with a castle and a vibrant old bazaar, approximately a 45-minute drive (35 km) north of Tirana, essential for understanding Albanian history.
• Take a scenic drive to Theth National Park in the Albanian Alps, a more challenging but rewarding 3-4 hour journey (around 170 km) for breathtaking mountain scenery and hiking opportunities.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Albania, you generally need a valid passport, a driver's license held for at least one year, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in English or does not use the Latin alphabet. The minimum age for car rental is typically 21, though some companies may require drivers to be 23 or older and may apply a young driver surcharge for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Tirana vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars can start from around 10-15 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs and premium models might range from 40 EUR to 80 EUR or more daily. Prices typically peak during the summer months (June-August) and holidays, sometimes doubling or tripling compared to the off-season.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Albania, traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on open roads, and 110 km/h on motorways. The legal alcohol limit for drivers is very low, approximately 0.01%. Headlights are required to be on at all times outside urban areas. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and child seats are required for children up to 12 years old or under 1.5 meters tall.

Parking

Parking in Tirana can be challenging, especially in the city center. There are various paid parking zones, often marked with blue or red lines, where you pay via street attendants or sometimes through mobile apps. Free parking is rare in central areas but can be found further from the core. Many hotels offer private parking. It's advisable to use guarded parking lots when available.

Fuel stations

Fuel (petrol and diesel) is readily available across Albania, with numerous stations in and around Tirana and along major routes. Prices are comparable to other European countries, typically paid in Albanian Lek (ALL) or sometimes Euro at larger stations. Most stations accept credit cards, but it's always wise to have some cash on hand, especially in more rural areas.

Which car to choose

For city driving in Tirana and day trips to nearby coastal towns or historical sites, an economy or compact car is usually sufficient and easier to navigate narrow streets. If you plan to venture into the mountainous regions like the Albanian Alps, an SUV or a car with higher ground clearance is highly recommended due to varying road conditions, which can include unpaved or rough sections. Manual transmission vehicles are more common, but automatics are available.

Frequently asked questions