Parking in Albania

In Albania, parking can be free or paid.

In the low season, you will have no problem finding available parking places (except for weekends and public holidays). In the summer, tourists flood the country, the number of cars increases, and it becomes more difficult to find an available parking place.

Free parking

You can find a free parking spot for your car in any city. In smaller towns and cities, all parking is free. In larger cities and popular resorts, parking fees are only charged in the centre and near the top attractions. If you want to save money, you can leave your car further away and walk.

You can park your car for free:

• Under the “P” sign WITHOUT any additional information. Road markings will be white in such areas. 
• At a paid municipal car park at night. Please see the time restrictions on the road sign.
• Near some restaurants, cafes, shops, and shopping centres that offer free parking spots for customers.
• In yards, unequipped areas, and special bays, if it is not against the traffic rules in Albania.
  

Paid parking

Albania has 3 types of paid parking areas: 

• Surface parking areas with a boom barrier 
• Underground car parks
• On-street parking spaces.

Surface parking areas with a boom barrier and underground car parks can be found in all major cities. To use them, you need to get a ticket at the check-in and pay for it at the check-out. Depending on the location, you can pay to a parking attendant, cashier or special machine. Make sure to keep the ticket until the check-out. The average rate is 100-300 Lek/hour (~€1-3), and many car parks have daily rates.

Paid on-street parking spaces can be found in Tirana, Vlora, and other cities. They are marked with blue markings and/or a “P” road sign with information on paid hours, rates, and payment methods.

Street parking in Tirana

The centre of Tirana is divided into parking zones.

Parking rates:

• Zone A - 100 Lek/hour (~€1)
• Zone B - 40 Lek/hour (~€0.40)
• Zone C - 20 Lek/hour (~€0.20).

The fee is charged on weekdays between 7:30 and 20:00, and you can park for free outside of those hours.

You can pay for a parking space by SMS from your local SIM card. To pay for one hour, you need to send a text message to 50500 in the following format: license plate number without spaces, SPACE, parking zone designation A, B or C. Example: TR123AR A.

If successful, you will receive a confirmation SMS. You will get a notification 10 minutes before the end of your paid time. To extend the time, you need to send the text message again.

*This information is relevant as of the date of publication. Make sure to check the latest information on the sign.

Street parking in Vlora

The centre of Vlora is divided into 6 parking zones. The payment process varies from zone to zone.

Parking rates:

• 1 hour - 50 Lek (~€0.5)
• 2 hours - 100 Lek (~€1)
• 1 day - 600 Lek (~€6).

You can pay:

• To a parking attendant. The parking attendant must wear the TISPARK parking company uniform. You will get a receipt that you will need to place under the windscreen.
• With a parking ticket. You can buy it in a TISPARK ticket office. To validate the ticket, you must scratch out your parking start date and time and place it on the dashboard so that the inspector can clearly see all the details from outside of the car. A misused ticket is invalid.
• Via the mobile app or parking meter. These methods work best for those who are planning a long stay in the city. For more information, visit the TISPARK website.
  

Fines

The inspector can issue a penalty charge notice and leave it on the windscreen, clamp a wheel or even tow the car away. It all depends on the location and severity of the offence.

Fines for overstaying the time limit or incorrect parking range from 1000 to 20,000 ALL (~€10-188). The towing and impoundment are paid separately.

You can pay the fine yourself at any bank, Western Union office or post office. Or ask the rental company for help.

Car rental in Albania