Car rental in Albania

Car rental in Albania will help you see most of the country’s attractions: picturesque mountains that cover more than 70% of its territory, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, and canyons.

The transport infrastructure here is not very well developed, and public transport does not reach some remote places. By renting a car, you can visit many tourist sites in a short time and get the most enjoyment from your trip.

Why Rent a Car from Localrent

On our website, you will find the best offers from Albanian rental companies, compare several options, and choose the most favorable one. Benefits of car rental in Albania with us:

• Transparent prices with no hidden fees or commissions. You immediately see the exact price of the car rental, insurance, and additional services.
• Small advance payment when booking — only 15-20%. The main amount can be paid after inspecting the car.
• An official contract with the rental company, which provides guarantees to clients.
• Simple website interface. You can find the desired car using convenient filters: by deposit type, transmission, and others.
• Wide selection of cars of various classes for rent.

What You Need to Rent a Car in Albania

To rent a car in Albania, you only need three documents:

• Passport;
• Valid driver’s license;
• Bank card.

The minimum driver’s age and experience depend on the selected car. Driver requirements are indicated on the car's profile.

Traffic Rules and National Driving Features

Driving in Albanian cities is chaotic due to heavy traffic, narrow streets, and pedestrians constantly crossing the road. However, on highways, drivers generally obey traffic rules, enforced by the road police. The police are quite lenient with tourists if no serious violations are committed.

As in many other European countries, traffic is right-hand. Speed limits are:

• Within towns: no more than 40 km/h;
• On roads between towns: 90 km/h;
• On highways: speed limit is 130 km/h.

Seat belts are mandatory for front and rear seat passengers. Children under 3 years old can only be transported in special car seats. Children over 3 years old and under 1.5 meters in height are not allowed to sit in the front seat.

In low visibility conditions, headlights must be turned on.

Albanian driving style may initially alarm inexperienced tourists, as locals often violate traffic rules. However, if you are familiar with local driving features, you will be able to drive calmly:

• Albanians rarely use turn signals. Therefore, on roundabouts and intersections, watch where nearby cars are going.
• Some drivers ignore the right of way, so always look both ways at intersections.
• Local drivers may stop in the middle of the road to chat with other drivers or pedestrians. Just honk, and they will let you pass.
• Locals often overtake in prohibited places. If this happens, it’s best to yield to the violator.
• Not only drivers violate the rules — pedestrians often cross roads in the wrong places. So stay alert and don’t rush.
  

How to Book a Car in Albania

Booking a car on the Localrent website is easy. There are many filters on the site to help you find the right vehicle. You can choose a budget, mid-range, or luxury car.

The site features cars of various body types (minivan, convertible, crossover), different brands, and years of manufacture. There are gasoline, diesel, and electric cars. Anyone planning a holiday in Albania will find a suitable option with us.

You can book a car in just a few steps:

• Select the city where you will pick up and return the car, and specify the rental dates.
• Click on the photo of the selected car and review its features. Mark the additional services you need.
• Review the rental cost. There’s no need to calculate it yourself. The full and final price will be displayed immediately. If you agree with it, click “Book”.
• Specify the time and place for car pickup and return. Fill in the driver’s information.
• Pay for the booking. Only the advance payment is required immediately; the remaining amount is paid on-site when receiving the car.

After payment, a voucher with necessary information and contacts will be sent to your email.

At the specified time and place, a manager will meet you to hand over the rental car.

Road and prohibited routes in Albania

Most of the roads in the country are in good condition and are constantly upgraded and improved. The main motorways A1, A2, A3 are in excellent condition. The roads are toll-free, except for the toll road from Durres to Kosovo. In the mountains, the paved roads are slightly worse but also good. They are taken care of.

Apart from the fact that insurance is not applicable in such areas, driving on unpaved roads and roadless terrain is dangerous for both passengers and cars. There are many potholes, rocks, sharp climbs and descents, and rockslides from time to time. 

Parking in Albania

Parking is paid in Tirana, in major tourist cities, and at some popular attractions. 

The city parking rates are 100-200 Lek (~€1-2) per hour. Parking at beaches and attractions will cost you 100-200 Lek (~€1-2) per day.

And you can park for free in all other places.

Petrol stations

In Albania, the quality of fuel varies and depends on the particular petrol station. We recommend that you fill up only at large, modern petrol stations.

Petrol stations are frequent on major highways and in large cities but you need to fill up with plenty of fuel before travelling to remote and mountainous areas.

Where to Go by Rental Car

Albania is a small country, but it has many beautiful places. Here are five locations worth visiting by car:

1. Ksamil Beaches. Surprisingly, Albania has its own version of the Maldives located in the resort village of Ksamil. It boasts white sands and fantastically beautiful turquoise water. Ksamil ranks among Europe’s top ten beaches and features many seafood restaurants.
2. Berat City. This is the oldest city in Albania, preserving many architectural monuments. Its historical center was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
3. Amphitheater in Durrës. The large port city of Durrës was founded in the 7th century BC and holds many archaeological landmarks. The amphitheater, for example, was used for gladiator fights for centuries.
4. Blue Eye Karst Spring. Named for the characteristic color of its water: dark blue in the center and light blue around the edges.
5. Theth National Park. It is as picturesque as the Swiss Alps. It can be visited only during the warm season, as roads are impassable in winter.

When choosing a rental car, consider your travel route.

For driving on Albania’s main roads, compact cars are ideal. A small car is suitable for beach trips and city driving. It consumes less fuel and has a lower rental price. Also, parking is easier with a small vehicle.

If you plan a long journey, driving more than 5 hours a day, it's better to rent a comfortable and expensive car. You’ll be less tired and enjoy your trip more.

For mountain trips, choose a powerful car with an engine size of at least 1.6 liters.

Where to Rent a Car in Albania

You can choose a pickup location when booking. Different rental companies offer different pickup points: some deliver the car to the city center or even the hotel, others suggest picking it up at their office or the airport.

You can explore popular pickup locations using the “Pickup” filter. Common car pickup locations in Albania include: Tirana, Gramsh, Durrës, and others.

Car Rental Tips

• Match the trunk size to your luggage. All your belongings should fit inside.
• Choose a car suitable for your route. For city tours and main sights, a compact or mid-size car is sufficient. For mountain roads, rent a more powerful vehicle with at least a 1.6-liter engine. For beach trips, a convertible guarantees the best experience.
• Pay attention to the car’s manufacturing year. Older cars are cheaper to rent. But if the car is over 20 years old, fuel consumption may be higher than expected. Also, older cars are less safe and harder to handle.
• Return the car with the same amount of fuel it had at pickup. If the fuel level is lower, you’ll have to pay the difference on-site at the rental company's rates.
• Inspect the car for damage upon pickup. Pay close attention to windshields and bumpers. Also check the interior, ensure there are no stains or burn marks on the seats. Even if you see no damage, take exterior and interior photos and record a short video.

Why Choose Budget-Friendly Car Rental Options

Renting a car in Albania offers exceptional value for money, especially when you compare car rental prices in Albania with other European destinations. Our rental car in Albania selection includes economy vehicles starting from just €28 per day, making it one of the most affordable ways to explore the country. When renting a car, you gain the freedom to visit remote archaeological sites and pristine beaches at your own pace.

The cheapest rental car options in our fleet don't compromise on quality or safety. We maintain a diverse range of vehicles, from compact cars perfect for city navigation to SUVs ideal for mountain adventures. Finding a cheaper rental option has never been easier with our transparent pricing system that eliminates hidden fees.

Flexible Rental Solutions

Our car rental service in Albania adapts to various travel needs and budgets. Whether you need to rent a car for a weekend getaway or extended exploration, we offer flexible terms without requiring a credit card deposit for many vehicles. The cheapest car in our economy category provides excellent fuel efficiency, perfect for longer journeys across Albania's diverse landscapes.

Car rental with us includes comprehensive insurance options and 24/7 customer support. Each rental car undergoes thorough inspection to ensure reliability. We understand that choosing the best car suited for your Albanian adventure is crucial, which is why our team provides personalized recommendations based on your itinerary.

When driving in Albania, remember that traffic moves on the right hand side of the road. The Albanian Riviera coastal route is particularly scenic, stretching along the beautiful Adriatic and Ionian seas. This Albanian Riviera journey showcases some of Europe's most pristine beaches and charming coastal villages. Navigation is straightforward since vehicles stay on the right side throughout the country.

Frequently Asked Questions