Car rental · Albania
Car rental in Tirana
Albania is the cheapest country on this site to rent a car and the most rewarding to drive — the Riviera road between Vlorë and Sarandë alone justifies the flight. Tirana's airport is 25 minutes from the city and has every desk you need.
Compare prices across every desk
International brands and local companies side by side — deposits and cover included.
Which car, and what it costs
| Class | Per day | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | €18–35 | City and the coast in summer |
| Compact | €25–45 | The Riviera with luggage |
| SUV / 4x4 | €40–80 | Theth, Valbona and the northern Alps — genuinely needed |
| Automatic | +€5–12 | Limited; manual is the default here |
The rules in Albania — the part the aggregators skip
| Drives on the | RIGHT |
|---|---|
| Speed limits (town / open road / expressway / motorway) | 40 / 80 / 90 / 110 km/h |
| Tolls | One: the Rruga e Kombit motorway to the Kosovo border (about €5). |
| Vignette | None. |
| Winter rules | No fixed date; winter tyres are strongly advised in the north from December to March. The mountain roads to Theth close with snow. |
| Taking the car across borders | Most rentals allow Montenegro, North Macedonia and Kosovo with a fee; Greece is often refused or expensive. Ask in writing. |
| Local quirks | Roundabouts and right-of-way are negotiated rather than obeyed. Fuel is dearer than in neighbouring countries. Police checkpoints are routine and polite — carry the rental papers and an International Driving Permit. |
| Currency | Albanian lek (ALL) |
Airport or city desk
Airport and city prices are nearly identical in Albania because the international desks are thin on the ground. Collect at the airport — Tirana's traffic is not how you want to start the trip.
Local companies or international brands
Local Albanian companies dominate and are generally good value; the international names are pricier for the same cars. Check the fuel policy: full-to-full is standard, but some local desks still run a pre-paid tank scheme that overcharges.
Five things visitors get wrong
- Right of way is theoretical. At roundabouts, assume the car already in the circle will not stop for you — because it will not.
- The SH8 coast road over the Llogara Pass is the best drive in the Balkans and has almost no fuel stations between Vlorë and Himarë. Fill up first.
- Confirm in writing whether you may cross into Montenegro or Kosovo; most companies allow it for €30–60, and it opens the Bay of Kotor as a two-hour side trip.
- Police stops are routine. Keep the rental agreement, your passport and an International Driving Permit within reach.
- Theth and Valbona need a proper 4x4 and a dry day; the road to Theth is asphalted now, but the last stretch is still a mountain track.
Common questions
How much does it cost to rent a car in Tirana?
from €18 a day out of season, €35–60 a day in July and August. Automatics and SUVs carry a premium; book two to four weeks ahead in summer.
How big is the deposit?
Typically €200–800, sometimes cash accepted, blocked on a credit card and released a week or two after the return. Debit cards are refused by most desks.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
Bring one. It costs little, takes minutes to obtain at home, and both the police and the insurer may ask for it alongside your licence.
Can I take the rental car out of Albania?
Most rentals allow Montenegro, North Macedonia and Kosovo with a fee; Greece is often refused or expensive. Ask in writing.
Is the minimum age a problem?
Minimum age is 21. Under-25 drivers usually pay a daily young-driver surcharge and may be barred from the larger classes.
Airport or city pick-up?
Airport and city prices are nearly identical in Albania because the international desks are thin on the ground. Collect at the airport — Tirana's traffic is not how you want to start the trip.