Driving and Renting a Car in Albania: Tips and Experiences for Your Road Trip

Planning to explore Albania by car? We say: go for it! Driving in Albania is the best way to discover the country at your own pace. It gives you the freedom to visit stunning mountain passes, charming villages, and hidden gems along the way. Whether you want to rent a car in Albania or just look for practical driving tips, we’ve got you covered. With around 1400 kilometers of driving experience, we’re sharing everything you need to know about driving and car rental in Albania, from navigation to road conditions and more.

Driving in Albania: Is It Safe and What Should You Know?

After reading some horror stories, we asked ourselves: is it really safe to drive and rent a car in Albania? The answer is simple: yes, absolutely! During our 1400-kilometer road trip through Albania we never felt unsafe for a moment. Sure, traffic rules are sometimes interpreted loosely and some drivers have their own style. But you’ll find that in plenty of other Southern and Eastern European countries too.

The main thing is to stay alert. Don’t be surprised if you encounter a cow, horse, or donkey on the road, or if a car is suddenly parked in the middle of the street. It may sound strange, but those moments make driving in Albania unique and memorable. It definitely adds to the charm of this special country.

Road Conditions in Albania: What to Expect on Your Road Trip

The quality of roads in Albania varies, but most main roads are fine. Many routes have been improved recently, like the road to Theth. Where you once needed a 4×4, you can now easily drive with a regular car. On the other hand, there are still routes like the road to Lake Koman that are less well maintained. Still, with a bit of caution they’re manageable. For truly remote spots, like Gjipe Beach, you sometimes need a 4×4. Luckily, you can often park elsewhere and continue on foot or take a boat.

In towns and villages, narrow streets and steep hills can be a challenge. In Gjirokastër, for example, our hotel was located at the top of the town, only reachable by steep and narrow streets. The last stretch was so tight that meeting oncoming traffic meant reversing uphill or downhill. Not ideal, but definitely memorable (and great for stories once you’re back home).

Along the Albanian Riviera, traffic can be busier in summer, but we found it manageable. With some patience you’ll get where you need to go.

Driving Style in Albania: Our Experiences and Tips

Traffic in Albania works a little differently than you may be used to. Rules aren’t always followed strictly and it’s normal to see cars parked in the middle of the street while the driver runs into a shop. Double or even triple parking is common, as well as car doors opening without warning. Indicators are not always used in the way we expect either.

Still, you get used to it quickly. The key is to stay alert and anticipate unexpected situations. Try to stay relaxed and you’ll naturally go with the flow. In the end, it’s all manageable and part of the Albanian charm.

Gas Stations in Albania: Be Prepared for Long Drives

Gas stations are generally well spread out, so you won’t usually have issues. On routes to remote areas, like Theth, it’s smart to fill up in advance. We refueled in Shkodër before heading to Theth, just in case. Like in the Alps or Dolomites, there can be long stretches without gas stations.

Most stations have attendants who pump gas for you. A tip is appreciated but not required. It’s also smart to carry some cash, since not all stations accept cards.

Navigation in Albania: The Best Apps and Tips for the Road

Getting around in Albania was easy. We used Google Maps and it worked well almost everywhere. One smart tip: download your maps in advance. If you have Vodafone, you can use mobile data for free in Albania. No Vodafone? Consider an Airalo eSim for local data: we had a great experience with it. Many travelers also recommend Maps.me, especially for less common routes.

Always check your route before you go to avoid ending up on a rough 4×4 road. For example, it’s better not to drive from Berat to Gjirokastër through the Osum Canyon, but to take the paved main road instead.

Renting a Car in Albania: Our Tips

Renting a car in Albania is the best way to explore the country at your own pace. Whether you’re cruising along the coast, heading into the mountains, or exploring villages, a car gives you freedom. Here are our tips for car rental in Albania.

When Should You Pick Up Your Rental Car?

You can pick up your car directly at Tirana Airport, but we chose to do it after our stay in Tirana. Why? Because you don’t need a car in the capital. The traffic is hectic and parking is limited.

Our plan worked perfectly: we explored Tirana on foot and then picked up our rental car at the airport before starting the rest of our road trip. We highly recommend this if your trip begins in Tirana.

Where to Rent a Car in Albania

We recommend booking your car in advance through DiscoverCars.com. It’s a relatively new platform, but we were pleasantly surprised by their low prices and good service compared to competitors. Thanks to the sharp rates, we’ll definitely book with them again in the future. Why DiscoverCars?

• Good Insurance:
  Their full coverage insurance is affordable and worth it. It takes away the stress if something happens to the car.
• Reliable Partners:
  DiscoverCars works with trusted rental companies like Europcar, Avis, Alamo, and Sixt. We rented with Europcar and had a great experience. They didn’t even charge extra when we returned the car a few hours late.
• Flexible Cancellation:
  Traveling in high season? Book early, especially if you want a bigger car for a family trip. DiscoverCars offers flexible cancellation policies: you can change your dates or even cancel for free up until shortly before departure. That gives you the freedom to grab a better deal later without extra costs.

Other Options: Rentalcars and Sunny Cars

Besides DiscoverCars, there are two other platforms worth checking out:

Rentalcars.com:
One of the biggest comparison sites worldwide. Quickly check prices from dozens of rental companies in one place.

Sunny Cars:
Known for their all-inclusive formula. Prices are often higher, but all insurances are included. Perfect if you don’t want to worry about the fine print.

👉 Our tip: start with DiscoverCars, but always compare with Rentalcars and Sunny Cars to make sure you get the best deal.

Car Rental and Driving in Albania: Practical Tips for a Smooth Road Trip

Albania is perfect to explore with a rental car, but here are a few things to know before hitting the road:

• Type of Car: For most roads a regular car is fine. Only choose a 4×4 if you plan to drive remote, unpaved routes.
• Fuel Policy: Make sure to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
• Check for Damage: Before leaving, inspect the car and take photos of any scratches or dents. This can save you hassle when returning it.

With these tips, driving and renting a car in Albania will be stress-free, so you can fully enjoy your road trip.

How to Plan Your Road Trip in Albania

Accommodation in Albania
👉 Check out the nicest hotels and guesthouses on Booking.com

Car rental in Albania
👉 Compare prices at DiscoverCars, Rentalcars or Sunny Cars

Looking for hiking trails or tours?
👉 Check out the offer on GetYourGuide for hikes, transfers and day trips

More inspiration for your trip?
👉 Read our article: Our 3-week tour of Albania with kids

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