Car Rental in Albania - All You Need To Know
August 23, 2025
If you’re thinking of renting a car in Albania, check out our essential tips to ensure a smooth and memorable journey through this fascinating country.
With its winding mountain roads, dramatic coastlines and charming villages, Albania is made for road trips. From the dazzling Albanian Riviera and the rugged peaks of the Accursed Mountains to tranquil lakes and UNESCO-listed towns, having your own wheels gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Public transport can be limited or infrequent, and organised tours don’t always capture the spontaneity of solo discovery – but with a rental car, you’re in control. Here’s our comprehensive guide to renting a car in Albania.
Legal Considerations
In Albania, you’ll need to be at least 21 and have held a valid driver’s licence for a minimum of 12 months, though some companies relax the age rule to 18–19 if you’re paying extra – usually around €3 to 5 per day for younger drivers. On the flip side, they generally accept drivers up to 75 years old, so age won’t cut your road trip short . As for licences: ones in Latin characters are fine, but if yours isn’t – or you’re from outside the EU – you’ll need an International Driving Permit alongside your original license and passport .
You’ll be driving on the right-hand side, and locals can be somewhat assertive behind the wheel, so defensive driving is your best friend. Stick to the posted speed limits: 40 km/h in town, 80–90 km/h on rural roads and 110–130 km/h on motorways. And heads-up – daytime headlights are mandatory, whether you're cruising coastal roads or buzzing through villages It’ll feel odd at first, but you’ll blend in quicker than you’d think – and avoid unwanted police attention.
If you’re driving in Albania, avoid even one drink, as the blood-alcohol limit is 0.01 g/l, effectively zero, and police checkpoints for breath tests are common, especially on weekends. Seatbelts are non-negotiable: everyone must buckle up, front and back. For families, children under 12 must sit in the rear with a proper child seat, and kids under 4 need a dedicated car seat.
Insurance
Most car rentals in Albania come with the basics: Third-Party Liability (TPL), Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), and Theft Protection. However, CDW often includes a chunky excess – usually between €600 and €1,200 – and doesn’t cover things like windscreens, tyres, mirrors, underbody or roof damage. So if you clip a wing mirror dodging a pothole in the mountains, be aware that you might end up footing the bill.
You can usually upgrade to Super CDW at the rental desk to reduce or eliminate that excess. It’s around €15–€40 per day, depending on the car and provider. Some agencies also offer roadside assistance packages covering things like flat tyres, lost keys, or running out of fuel – handy if you’re up a dirt road with no signal. Just watch out for high deposits on your credit card (often €300–€1,200), which they’ll hang onto unless you return the car unscathed.
If you’re thinking of popping into Montenegro or North Macedonia, you’ll need to buy a Green Card – a type of insurance certificate – either at the rental car counter or the border, usually for around €40. Some rental companies let you pre-arrange it, while others don’t allow border crossings at all, so it’s best to ask in advance. As for extra cover, many travellers use standalone car hire insurance or rely on credit card policies – just make sure they don’t exclude Albania, or things like theft or undercarriage damage.
Tips on Driving in Albania
In Albania, winter tyres are not legally required, but if you’re driving in mountainous or northern regions during the colder months, studded or winter tyres are strongly recommended. The weather can be unpredictable, and snow or ice may appear suddenly, especially in the Albanian Alps. Albania’s winter road maintenance can also be hit or miss, so take it slow and stay alert when conditions are tricky.
Driving with dipped headlights on at all times isn’t mandatory in Albania, but using your headlights at dawn, dusk, or in poor weather is a smart move to improve visibility. Daytime running lights aren’t common on all cars here, so don’t rely on them alone. Since some rural roads are poorly lit, flashing your lights to warn oncoming vehicles around tight bends or narrow passes is a common local practice and helps keep everyone safe.
Traffic can feel a bit chaotic compared to Western Europe, with a mix of cars, scooters, pedestrians and animals, all sharing the road. Drivers may honk and make sudden maneuvers, so keep your wits about you. Rural roads can be narrow, winding and poorly maintained, and wild animals or livestock wandering on the road are common, especially near villages and forests. Driving carefully, especially at dawn and dusk, is vital – and keep an eye out for potholes and uneven surfaces.
Where to Park
Parking in Tirana and other cities works via pay-by-app or SMS, not meters, so swap “coins” for “mobile minutes.” Official apps like Tirana Parking make it easy to start and extend sessions on the go But be ready to pay up, as illegal parking can quickly lead to fines or even towing. If using a foreign SIM, SMS often won’t work; it's worth grabbing a local SIM or asking your hotel for help. Otherwise, you might come back to a parking ticket under your wiper later.
There’s no need to worry about alternate-side parking when driving in Alabania, as the country doesn’t use those rules. That said, in harsher weather, some municipalities may relocate street cars for snow clearance, so keep an eye out for temporary signs. In general, though, parking is straightforward once you pay via the app.
Handicapped spots in cities are clearly marked with wheelchair symbols, and displayed permits must be shown. These spaces are typically free. Outside urban areas, parking is usually free, but in scenic spots and national parks (like Llogara or Butrint), small parking fees are common. Arrive early in summer to secure a good spot.
Local Rental Agencies
Albania hosts all the big international rental names like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar, mostly found at airports and city centres. But if you want a more local touch, there are several companies offering excellent fleets, flexible terms and competitive rates.
Among the most popular is MKrent, who are based in Tirana and have a convenient desk at Tirana International Airport and another near the U.S. Hospital. They pride themselves on offering an affordable, reliable and efficient service, with their fleet or cars including everything from compact run-arounds to larger SUVs. If you're looking for a rental experience with reasonable rates and quick support, MKrent could be worth a look.
Another local option is the family-run Shemu, a Tirana-based rental company who promise a hassle-free experience. Their rates start at around €20–€30 per day, with unlimited mileage and optional pick-up/drop-off across the country. Travelers love the company’s friendly staff, prompt communication, airport delivery and insider tips on where to go next . Their fleet ranges from compact cars to roomy SUVs and minivans, with roadside assistance and flexible cancellation adding peace of mind .
The Cost of Renting a Car in Albania
In Albania, renting a small car typically costs around €20–€45 per day, making it one of the more affordable destinations in Europe for car hire. For a mid-sized SUV, expect to pay about €50–€80 daily, though prices can rise during peak tourist season (July and August) or national holidays. Booking early and comparing offers across local and international rental companies is essential to snag the best deal. Don’t forget to factor in extras like insurance or GPS, which can add to the total cost but often make the trip less stressful.