Why book with us?
- Best price guaranteed
- Free cancellation
- No commissions
- 24h Service - 7/7d
Search for a car, compare rates and save
Albania is one of those countries where having a car at your disposal isn’t a luxury, but rather a necessity. Public transport connects the main cities well, but many of the most fascinating destinations — the hidden beaches of the Ionian Riviera, the mountain villages of the Albanian Alps, the Ottoman towns inland — are comfortably accessible only by car. Renting a car in Albania is also surprisingly affordable: daily rates for a city car start from around £16–19 in the low season and rise to £24–31 in the summer months, with prices even more competitive than those at major European destinations.
You can drive across the country from north to south in less than six hours, which means that even with a week to spare, you can visit vastly different destinations: from the vibrant capital Tirana to the “city of a thousand windows” Berat (UNESCO heritage), from the “stone city” of Gjirokastër (also UNESCO-listed) to the turquoise waters of Ksamil. The main roads, such as the Tirana–Durrës motorway or the SH8 hugging the Ionian coast, are modern and well-maintained, whilst some secondary roads leading to mountainous areas require a more robust vehicle.
The best season for a road trip is spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and traffic — especially along the coast — is far more manageable than in the summer months. In July and August the Albanian Riviera fills with both local and international holidaymakers, and journey times on the coastal roads can stretch considerably.
Below are the cheapest prices for car hire at in Tirana, to book click here.
The prices of car rental at the in Tirana varies depending on the time of year. This graph shows the average prices in the various months to help you find out which is the best period to rent a low cost car.
According to reviews by other travellers, the following are the best car rental companies in Tirana. To compare rates click here.
The most convenient pickup point is undoubtedly Tirana Nënë Tereza International Airport (TIA), which concentrates most of the car rental offer and allows you to set off immediately to explore the country without having to stop in the city. On the ground floor of the arrivals terminal you’ll find desks for the major international companies — Avis, Hertz, Sixt, Europcar — alongside numerous local agencies often 30–50% cheaper than the big brands. Booking in advance online is strongly recommended from June to September, when the best cars sell out quickly.
For those arriving by ferry, a valid alternative is renting in Durrës, the country’s main port, approximately 38 km from Tirana airport. Durrës is connected to Italy by regular ferry services and offers the possibility of boarding a rented car directly or picking one up in town after disembarking.
In the south of the country, Saranda is the second most active rental hub, particularly useful for those arriving from Corfu by ferry (45–90 minutes with Ionian Seaways or Finikas Lines) and intending to explore the Albanian Riviera, Ksamil and the Butrint archaeological site without having to drive all the way from Tirana first. International brands are virtually absent in Saranda, but several reliable local operators have offices on the seafront and on major online marketplaces.
Car hire prices in Albania vary depending on the season, vehicle category and contract duration. A city car (Fiat 500, Hyundai i10, Volkswagen Polo) starts at around £16–19 per day in the low season (October–May) and rises to £24–31 in high season (June–September). An SUV or crossover — recommended for mountain roads towards Theth, Valbona or Lake Koman — costs between £27 and £46 per day depending on the time of year.
When renting for 7 days or more the daily rate drops considerably, and it’s always worth asking explicitly for the weekly price. Local agencies often offer greater flexibility than big brands: they accept cash or debit card payment, sometimes without a security deposit, and allow customised drop-off. International companies guarantee more uniform service standards and more transparent insurance coverage.
To the base rental cost you must add fuel, which in Albania is around £1.37–1.45 per litre for petrol and £1.29–1.37 for diesel (mid-2025 figures). Service stations of the Kastrati, Castrol and Gulf brands are widespread along the main routes, but become scarce in the valleys of the north: it’s wise to always fill up before tackling the roads to Theth or Lake Koman.
To rent a car in Albania you must be at least 23 years old, have held a driving licence for at least three years and present a valid identity document or passport. Citizens of EU countries can drive in Albania with their EU driving licence without needing an international permit. In any case, carrying an international licence too is a useful precaution, especially if you’re also passing through Kosovo or Montenegro. Most companies require a credit card in the driver’s name for the security deposit, which generally ranges from £153 to £383.
Albania’s main roads have made giant strides in recent years. The Tirana–Durrës motorway (SH8), the route to Vlorë and the SH8 Ionian coastal road are modern, well-maintained and safe. Difficulties arise on secondary roads — especially those to mountain villages in the north — where the road surface can be rough, signage is lacking and the width is insufficient for two vehicles. For destinations such as Theth, Valbona or roads leading down to some remote beaches on the Riviera, an SUV or a vehicle with good ground clearance is the wisest choice.
The local driving style can be surprising if you’re used to Western Europe: unexpected overtaking, failure to respect right of way and pedestrians crossing outside marked crossings are frequent, especially in urban centres. Tirana is the most chaotic city, with heavy traffic during rush hours (3pm–6pm on weekdays) and difficult parking. Conversely, in cities like Berat, Shkodër or Vlorë traffic is much more relaxed. The Albanian traffic police are strict with foreign vehicles: speed limits are 25–31 mph in towns and 56 mph outside built-up areas, and unpaid fines can block your passage on ferries back to Italy.
It is strictly forbidden to drive under the influence of alcohol (zero tolerance) and to use a mobile phone while driving. In case of an accident you are obliged to stop and provide assistance. Albanian criminal law provides particularly severe penalties for accidents involving injuries. Before you set off, document the car photographically with a video of all four sides, roof, interior, fuel level and mileage: this precaution, taken in front of the rental company, prevents disputes when returning the vehicle.
This is the most complete itinerary for those who want to get to know Albania in all its aspects, combining history, culture and seaside in a circular route that starts and ends in Tirana. You pick up the car at the airport and begin with one or two nights in the capital, exploring Skanderbeg Square, Bunkart 2 and the vibrant Blloku district. From Tirana you head up to Krujë (32 km, 45 minutes), Albania’s symbolic city of national resistance with its castle and Ottoman bazaar.
Heading south, the essential stop is Berat (122 km from Tirana, roughly 1 hour 40 minutes), the “city of a thousand windows” with its Ottoman quarters of Mangalem and Gorica mirrored in the Osum River. From Berat you continue to Gjirokastër (161 km, roughly 2 hours 30 minutes), a UNESCO-listed city built entirely in grey stone, where it’s worth climbing to the castle and wandering through the historic bazaar. Nearby is the Blue Eye Spring (Syri i Kaltër), a karstic spring of crystalline water that surprises with its intense blue colour.
From Gjirokastër you head down to the sea, reaching Saranda and its beaches, and explore the Butrint archaeological site (UNESCO heritage), surrounded by vegetation just a few kilometres from town. The Albanian Riviera between Saranda and Vlorë — with the bays of Ksamil, Himara, Dhërmi and Jale — offers some of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in the eastern Mediterranean, with turquoise waters and beaches still far less crowded than nearby Greek destinations. The return to Tirana passes through Vlorë and the scenic Llogara Pass (1,027 m), with spectacular views over the entire Ionian coast.
For those who love mountains and trekking, northern Albania offers scenery of rare beauty, still little known to mass tourism. The itinerary starts in Shkodër (105 km from Tirana, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes), the main city of the north, with the Rozafa castle overlooking the confluence of the Buna and Drin rivers and views across Lake Shkodër, the largest in the Balkans.
From Shkodër you climb towards Theth (roughly 80 km, but 2–2.5 hours due to the mountain road), an alpine village at 770 m altitude in the heart of the Theth National Park, surrounded by peaks exceeding 2,000 m. The road necessarily requires an SUV or a vehicle with good ground clearance, but rewards you with unforgettable views. Theth is the starting point for the famous trail leading to Valbona (roughly 4–6 hours on foot), from where you can return to Shkodër by ferry across Lake Koman, one of the Balkans’ most scenic nature routes.
Those not wishing to undertake trekking can still reach Valbona by car (from Shkodër roughly 3 hours via Bajram Curri, partly unpaved road) and enjoy the views of the peaks of the Albanian Alps, also known as the Accursed Mountains. It’s essential to fill up before leaving for these areas: service stations are rare and forecourts in mountain villages don’t always function regularly.
For those with limited time or travelling with children, this short and straightforward itinerary combines the capital with the most accessible beaches and several sites of great historical interest. From Tirana you reach Durrës (38 km, roughly 40 minutes on the motorway), Albania’s main coastal city, which preserves a remarkable Roman amphitheatre from the 2nd century AD and an extensive sandy waterfront well equipped with facilities.
Not far from Durrës lies Kavajë and the coast heading north, whilst to the south the coastal road connects Golem and the beaches of Divjakë, within the Divjakë–Karavasta National Park, where Europe’s largest colony of Dalmatian pelicans nests. The essential cultural stop on this itinerary is Krujë (32 km from Tirana, 45 minutes), where the national castle and the Skanderbeg museum tell the story of Albanian resistance against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. From Krujë’s Ottoman bazaar you return to Tirana in time for dinner in the restaurants of the Blloku district.
No, holders of a valid UK driving licence can drive in Albania thanks to a bilateral agreement. However, if you’re planning to travel through Kosovo or Montenegro during your trip, an international driving permit is recommended as a precaution.
The minimum age required by most companies is 23 years old, with a valid driving licence held for at least three years. Some local agencies may apply different conditions: always check at the time of booking.
International rental companies almost always require a credit card in the driver’s name for the security deposit (€200–500). Many local agencies accept payment in cash or by debit card, and some operate without a deposit requirement.
The base price typically includes third-party liability cover and collision damage waiver with an excess. In the event of damage, the excess retained from the deposit can be substantial (€1,000–1,500). It’s strongly recommended to add Super Kasko cover with zero excess, available for a daily supplement of €5–15, so you can travel with peace of mind.
A city car is sufficient for Tirana, Durrës, Berat, Vlorë, Sarandë and the main coastal roads. An SUV or a vehicle with good ground clearance is instead recommended for roads heading to Theth, Valbona, Lake Koman and some remote Riviera beaches.
It depends on the contract. Many agencies authorise travel to Kosovo and Montenegro for a one-off supplement of €10–30 for insurance extension. For other countries (such as Greece or North Macedonia), you’ll need to check on a case-by-case basis. If you’re planning a ferry journey from Sarandë to Corfu, verify in advance whether the operator allows hire vehicles on board.
During peak season (June–September), it’s strongly recommended to book at least 2–4 weeks in advance, especially for SUVs. In low season it’s often possible to find availability at short notice, with more competitive rates.
Yes, the Tirana–Durrës motorway (SH8) is toll-based, with very modest tolls (just a few cents of euro). Other main roads are generally free. Always keep some cash in lek with you, as not all toll booths accept card payments.
Fuel costs approximately €1.80–1.90 per litre. Most service stations on main roads accept electronic payment, but in rural and mountainous areas it’s wise to always carry cash in lek or euro. Fill up before heading to Theth, Valbona or Lake Koman.
It’s inadvisable to drive at night on secondary roads and in mountainous areas, where signage is poor, road edges are unlit and the presence of stray animals increases the risk. On motorways and main routes between major cities, night-time driving is generally safe.
When you collect the car, always ask for the agency’s emergency number and roadside assistance instructions. In case of an accident, it’s a legal requirement to stop and provide assistance. To contact the Albanian traffic police, the number is 129. Before returning the car, take photographs of any pre-existing damage not recorded on the handover report.
Here are some quick answers to the most common doubts about car rental in Tirana.
To reserve a car in Tirana a credit card or debit card is sufficient. However, when you go to collect the car, you will need:
The car rental companies in Tirana allow to rent a car to all those who are between 21 and 70 years old. However, there is an additional cost for under 25 and for those over 70.
A car rental in Tirana always includes:
Any extras or additional insurance coverage are separate.
Find the best rates by comparing all car rental companies in one search.
Hotel 
Budget accommodations 
Apartments 
Family Hotel 
Luxury Hotel 
Resorts