Renting a Car in Albania – Learn From My Mistakes!
Thinking of renting a car in Albania?
That’s absolutely the way to go when you’re visiting the Balkans, especially in a big country like Albania. This is your complete guide on renting a car in Albania, but I’ll also go into some tips on avoiding some of the mistakes I made.
👉 PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: I’ve done a couple of road trips through Albania, and here are the worst and best experiences:
WORST: When I made the mistake of renting from a local car rental company called FinalRentals (Zezgo), they didn’t have cars for everyone. Waited in the hot sun for hours with 20 other people – an absolute scam! 🥲
BEST: I thankfully got the full car insurance, and it saved me when my car battery died at night in the middle of nowhere Albania! I called the rental number, and a guy came right out and jumped my car. 🙈
Car rental aside, I love the country, especially the southern coastline. Albanian people are incredibly kind, and you can still feel the spirit of the old-school village (and a bit of communism) in the culture.
My mom, having grown up in Romania, warned me that Albania could be dangerous and that the Albanian mafia was a real thing, but I experienced none of that. Quite the opposite; I really think it’s one of the few ‘undiscovered gems’ in Europe that needs to be on everyone’s bucket list.
Quick Tips: Renting a Car in Albania
🚗 Rent A Car: I recommend Discover Cars (best deals, no weird fees) – this is what I use.
💰 Rental Costs: Rental costs start at about €20 a day and go up to €50 a day in high summer season, and I DO recommend full rental car insurance.
➡️ MUST HAVE: Passport, Drivers License, International Drivers Permit
✅ Road Rules: Roads are pretty good, and they are better in the south of Albania. There are no tolls, and Albanians drive on the right side of the road.
🥸 Driving In Albania: Albanian drivers can be a bit erratic, flashing their lights if they want to pass you, but in general, I didn’t think it was anything more aggressive than what I’m used to in Austin.
✈️ Most people land in Tirana Airport and rent a car from there for a 7-10 day road trip.
Is it safe to rent a car in Albania?
Yes, it’s safe to rent a car in Albania, especially if you go through reputable companies like Avis or Sixt. I like and use Discover Cars because it gives you a rating of each company, and my best advice is to book with anyone who has a rating of 8 or above.
I’ve rented with OK Mobility and GreenMotion in Albania as well, and these are good options for budget rentals.
❌ DO NOT rent with FinalRentals (Zezgo). I’ve had a terrible experience with Final Rentals, where I had to wait 3 hours for my rental car to be available in the hot sun outside of the airport – me and 50 other travelers who got fooled by the local cheap rental company prices only to find out they overbooked themselves.
Is it safe to drive in Albania?
Driving in Albania is generally safe, but there are a few places where the adventure gets real.
Most roads and highways, especially those in the cities and in southern Albania, are in great condition. Most of the time, you’ll have one lane in each direction, so if you want to pass, you’ll have to do so boldly, ensuring that nothing is coming from the other direction.
Some roads, especially the ones in the mountains, are narrow and windy – especially those in the Llogara Pass leading down into the Albanian Riviera. Similarly, the roads leading to some of my favorite beaches around Saranda are no more than dirt roads.
Again, boldness is key because the rental cars will make the journey. Rentals are not brand-new vehicles anyway, and I’ve squeezed my rentals down some questionable unpaved roads filled with potholes in the pursuit of the best beaches.
Finally, I thought that most Albanians drove pretty decent, with the exception of a few crazy young people showing off what their 2003 Mercedes could do.
Is Renting A Car Worth It in Albania?
Renting a car in Albania is straight-up all about maximizing your time and experience – it’s the only way I’ve traveled the country.
There’s no need to mess around with the bus system, and there are no trains.
Beyond that, here are a few reasons why it’s worth renting:
⭐️ Freedom to Explore Off-the-Beaten-Path – Public transport doesn’t reach many of Albania’s mountain and beach gems, but with a car, the country is your oyster. Plus, I think the best way to ‘DO’ Albania is via a road trip.
⭐️ Flexible Itinerary – Albania has a lot to offer, from ancient ruins to beautiful coastlines. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to detour to nook restaurants you find, stay one more day in Ksamil because you loved it, or go to the best sunset spots!
⭐️ Budget Rental Cars – Compared to many European countries, car rentals in Albania are pretty cheap, like $15 a day. This makes it a cost-effective way to see more of the country, especially if traveling with a partner or kids.
⭐️ Access to The Remote – Albania’s coastline is dotted with super pretty beaches that are hard to reach without a car. Places like Gjipe Beach and Livadhi Beach are worth the drive, and the Llogara mountain pass is one of those things you need to drive yourself to really feel the thrill (super scenic, but also super windy high mountain road!)
⭐️ Small Towns & Local Food – Traveling by car allows you to stop in small towns and villages, where I think authentic Albanian culture. You’ll have the chance to interact with locals, sample regional cuisine, and discover unique traditions.
➡️ I use Discover Cars to compare prices in Albania and only rent from vendors with a rating of 8 or above! ⬅️
How To Rent A Car In Albania
I know renting a car is not rocket science, but I have a few observations I want to share with and some advice.
Firstly, rental cars in Albania tend to be older models, they are a bit used up, and from off-brand companies. I once had a big SUV that looked like a Buick but was a Chinese brand called Geely. Worked ok, just a few broken buttons. HA!
Secondly, automatic cars in Albania are more desired by tourists and are less available. So I recommend renting in advance, like when you buy your flight. When I rented, the price point was similar, with automatics being slightly higher.
Lastly, for the love of God, get the full insurance. The main highways and roads in cities like Tirana and Saranda are good, but that’s not where the fun is. The best spots in Albania are in the Teth Mountains and beaches that can only be reached by rural dirt roads, like Pulëbardha Beach.
BASICS OF RENTING A CAR IN ALBANIA
➡️ Book your car in advance – especially if you want an automatic transmission.
➡️ Get full insurance cover – the roads are rougher, sometimes just dirt strips along the coastline. It’s also the adult thing to do.
➡️ Pay with a credit card that includes car insurance – I use my Capital One Venture, but Chase works too!
➡️ Record the condition of the car – with both video and pictures.
➡️ I use Discover Cars to rent a car in Albania. ⬅️
Can I rent a car in Albania with US license?
Yes, you can rent a car in Albania with a US license, but you’ll also need your passport and an International Driver’s License (IDP).
The IDP is essentially a translation of your US license and an example of bureaucracy in its highest form. It’s recognized in 150+ countries, so it’s a good thing to have if you’re traveling, especially in Europe, and if you get pulled over.
🎫 GETTING AN INTERNATIONAL LICENSE: Here are more details on how to get an International Drivers Permit in the US. It’s $20 and lasts 1 year.
Beyond the required documents, there are the usual age limits. The most notable one is you have to pay extra if you’re renting and are under 25 years old.
How much does a rental car in Albania cost?
A rental car in Albania is cheaper than in most European countries, but just like anything else, prices will spike a bit in the high travel season.
I used Discover Cars to check prices and book my rentals. On my first trip, I rented a 4×4 random Chinese SUV, but on my more recent trip, I opted for the smallest automatic sedan, and that was sufficient, even for the dirt roads and mountain passes.
I paid $525 for a 10-day rental in July during peak season, so about $52 a day with full insurance. I paid $231 for a 14-day rental in May during the low season, which comes out to about $16 a day.
Shall I rent a car in Tirana Airport or Saranda?
I’ve rented a car at both Tirana Airport and the port of Saranda on two different trips to Albania. Depending on how you structure your itinerary, both are good options.
Most international flights will land at Tirana Airport, in the capital city of Tirana. There are tons of rental car companies right as you exit the airport, so it’s easy to navigate and get your car right away.
I prefer the south of Albania, so I booked a flight to the nearby Greek island of Corfu and took the 1.5-hour ferry to the Port of Saranda. From there, I rented a car and went on my merry way.
What kind of car should I rent in Albania?
I would recommend renting a small sedan in Albania. I had an SUV one of the trips, and it was harder to squeeze down the dirt roads to the beaches. Also a pain in the ass to park a bigger car in Saranda, Tirana, or any of the cities in Albania.
While it’s nice to have a 4×4, you don’t need it – not for the mountains or the unpaved roads to the sea. If you saw what local Albanians drove, it’s only older models and small sedans. If they can do it, so can us travelers.
Can I cross the border with a rental car in Albania?
Yes, you can cross the border with a rental car in Albania. You will have to tell your car hire company when you pick up the car, and there will likely be a fee for cross-border crossings.
When I crossed into Montenegro with my Albanian rental, there was a line at the border crossing. They ask for your car rental documents, your passport, and a small fee – something like €20. The experience was pretty seamless.
What Are The BEST Companies For Rental Cars In Albania?
The best car companies for rental cars in Albania are Avis, Herz, and Sixt, which are the more reputable bigger companies. I have also used OK Mobility all over Europe, including Albania, and had great experiences with them.
➡️ When you look at Discover Cars, make sure you rent with a company that has a rating of 8 or above. ⬅️
What Are The WORST Companies For Rental Cars In Albania?
I had the worst experience with Final Rentals (Zezgo). They ended up overbooking their cars, and I had to wait 3 hours in the blistering sun at the airport to get a car. There was a huge line of other travelers in the same boat, some of which didn’t get a car (or a refund I think). All in all, they suck!
Best Places To Rent A Car In Albania
The best places to land and rent a car in Albania will be the capital city of Tirana and the port city of Saranda in the south.
✈️ Rent a car in Tirana Airport
Most international flights will land in the capital city of Tirana, which is in the middle of the country and a great place to start a road trip.
All the rental car company kiosks are right outside when you exit the airport, which makes things easy.
The toughest part about renting a car in Tirana is the traffic around the city. There’s constant congestion, construction, and rough road conditions.
➡️ Book with Discover Cars, – it’s what I use to rent cars in Albania. ⬅️
⛴️ Rent a car in Saranda Port
I’ve been to Albania a couple of times in the past 2 years, and I preferred landing on the small Greek Island of Corfu, taking the 1.5-hour ferry across to the Port of Saranda, and starting my road trip there.
✔️ Step 1: Fly into Corfu Airport – this is technically in Greece.
✔️ Step 2: Take an Uber or a 30-minute bus for €2 to Corfu Port. The bus stop is right outside when you exit the airport, and they speak English. You get off at the last stop.
✔️ Step 3: Pass through “immigration” at the Corfu Port Authority. You must show your passport and proof of ferry ticket to Albania. Book Ferry Tickets Early: From Corfu to Saranda
✔️ Step 4: Get on the right ferry. There are 2 options – Ionian Seaways & Finikas High Speed. The ferry takes about 1.5 hours from port to port.
✔️ Step 5: Mind the time zone changes. THERE IS A 1-hour TIME CHANGE between Corfu, Greece, and Saranda, Albania.
✔️ Step 6: Arrive at Saranda Port and go through one more customs queue. They will need your passport.
✔️ Step 7: Head to the car rental kiosk right in the port itself. I had someone waiting for me from OKMobility right as I got off the boat.
➡️ Check rates at Discover Cars, – it’s what I use to rent cars in Albania. ⬅️
Driving in Albania
I thought driving in Albania was pretty decent. The only thing I found a bit more nerve-wracking was the dirt roads leading to some of the best beaches on the Riviera, but my rental car was able to survive everything I put it through.
✅ Roads in Albania are OK
The highways and most of the streets in Tirana, Saranda, Ksamil, and the other cities are good and getting better.
In the Teth Mountains and along the Albanian Riviera, there are unpaved dirt roads you sometimes have to navigate to get to the beaches. While a bit more scary, my non4x4 small rental sedan made it across all these dirt roads.
✅ People use their Car Horns A Lot
Just like in Italy, when driving in Albania, I noticed people using their horns a lot. Mostly when they want to pass you, say hello and thank you, or move a herd of random cows blocking the road.
✅ Download offline maps
I paid to have service in Albania, but in some of the more remote areas in the mountains and outside the main cities, there was no service.
Download your maps offline or do what I do – DO NOT try to change your navigation when you see zero bars on your phone.
✅ A Few Crazy Drivers
Most drivers are fine in Albania, but there are the weirdos (mostly in old Mercedes).
✅ Have your IDP & License With You
You will need a copy of your passport, your driver’s license, and your International Drivers Permit. I have not been pulled over in Albania, but I saw a few people getting pulled aside by police in Saranda.
✅ Watch Your Speed
The speed limit in Albania is generally 40 km/h (25mph) in the cities and 80 km/h (50mph) outside cities. The speed limit on the highways varies between 90 km/h (56 mph) and 110 km/h (68 mph).
I feel like my rental car never could make it past 110 km/h, but such is Balkan life.
✅ Parking in Albania
Most of the parking is on the street, without pay – just find a spot and squeeze in. There are some paid parking spots or reserved parking situations from your lodging that will be good to use, but otherwise, it’s a free-for-all.
How To Get Around Albania Without A Car
For the love of baby Jesus, rent a car in Albania. If, for whatever reason, you want to do this the hard way, here’s what you need to know.
❌ NO Uber
There is no Uber in Albania, but there are plenty of taxis. I recommend you have cash on you to pay in LEK, and this is a great option if there are a few people in your party, especially with luggage.
Here is a reputable company that shows upfront prices for taxi rides from Tirana airport all around the country- it’s called TIA TAXI.
🚌 Bus
Busses are pretty cheap in Albania but unreliable. I don’t recommend it. I met some backpackers in Saranda who said they took the 4-hour bus from Tirana to the coast, and the bus driver smoked the entire way. Just… no.
🚗 Taxi
There are tons of taxis in the cities of Albania. I recommend you have cash on you to pay in LEK. This is a great option if there are a few people in your party, especially with luggage.
Here is a reputable company that shows upfront prices for taxi rides from Tirana airport all around the country- it’s called TIA TAXI.
Conclusion: Renting A Car In Albania is the BEST!
In conclusion, I think the best way to travel in Albania is to rent a car and road trip through this amazing Balkan country.
When renting a car in Albania, make sure to pay attention to these specific tips.
➡️ Book your car in advance – especially if you want an automatic transmission and decent prices. I use Discover Cars to book my cars.
➡️ Get full insurance cover – the roads are rougher, sometimes just dirt strips along the coastline. It’s also the adult thing to do.
➡️ Pay with a credit card that includes car insurance – I use my Capital One Venture, but Chase works too!
➡️ Record the condition of the car – with both video and pictures.
The driving conditions are good, with a few rural dirt roads in the mountains and off-the-beaten-path beaches along the Albanian Riviera.
So what are you waiting for? Book a flight and come on over – the Balkans are waiting!
