Albania Rental Car Costs: How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Albania? [Updated August 2025]

Figure 1. Explore Albania with a rental car for a journey free of timetables and packed buses.

Sure, you can drive in Albania. However, the laws that deal with the forms of documentation you have to provide differ from one country to another.

License Requirements

• EU/UK Citizens: Can drive in Albania using just their EU driver’s license.
• Other Citizens: May require an International Driver’s Permit (IDP).

Rental Company Conditions

Some Albania’s car rental companies may not permit you to rent a car if you do not submit an IDP, even if you are from the EU or UK. Always confirm with the rental company.

Requirement Table

Requirement	Details
Minimum Age	19–21 yrs (varies by supplier); under-25 fee ~€5–€10/day
License	EU/UK: national license okay. Non-EU: bring an IDP.
Passport & Credit Card	Both should be in the same name as the booking. Debit cards are rarely accepted for deposits.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Albania?

Figure 3. Thanks to its picturesque streets, Albanian cities are best explored by car.

• How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Albania?

  The true cost depends on the car type and extra features:

  Average Daily Rental Rates

  • Economy Cars: €15-20/day (lower in off-peak season)
  • Luxury Cars: €80-110/day

  Location-Based Pricing

  • Tirana: Typically cheaper due to more availability.
  • Private Owners: €5-10/day but risky due to scams.

  Details on renting from private owners are covered later.

  Roads and Vehicle Selection

  Road Types

  • Highways (SH1, SH2, SH4): Smooth, speed limit 110 km/h
  • Coastal SH8: Narrow hairpins, scenic views
  • Mountain Tracks: Steep gravel, require 4×4 or SUV

  Seasonal Notes

  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Northern roads may require chains

  Understand These Added Costs

  • GPS Rental: €30-40
  • Child Seats: Extra fee applies
  • Cancellation Options: €10-12

  Insurance

  • Typically included in base rate
  • Extra protection: €10-20/day
  • Deposit: €100 to €500 (refundable)

  Young Driver Fees

  • Ages 21-24: Extra €10-20/day

Cross Border Regulation

Permitted Countries

• Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo

Costs by Duration

• Up to 1 week: €50
• Up to 2 weeks: €80
• 2 to 4 weeks: €100

Fuel Prices in Albania

• As of June 2025: €1.7 – €2 per liter

Estimated Weekly Budget

Traveler Type	Estimated Cost (Car Only)
Family of Four	€450 – €800
Couple	€350 – €600
Solo Traveler	€320 – €500

• 
  Fuel for 800 km (6L/100km) included
• Extras like GPS and seats included
• Excludes lodging and meals

Figure 4. A road trip in Albania might take you to place that you cannot travel with public transport.

Tips for Choosing the Right Rental Company

• Avoid the cheapest options
• Select suitable pick-up/drop-off locations
• Book early & watch for discounts
• Use comparison websites
• Ensure car fits luggage and seating needs

Renting With Private Individuals: Tips for Staying Safe

• Inspect vehicle before payment
• Check fluid levels and functionality
• Sign clear rental paperwork
• Document any existing damage

While cheaper, agencies offer better insurance, maintenance, and vehicle quality.

Driving Etiquette & Safety Laws

Key Regulations

Rule	Details
Seat Belts	Mandatory for all passengers
Phone Use	Hands-free only. Fines ~€50
Blood-Alcohol Limit	0.01% (near zero tolerance)
Headlights	Daytime required outside cities
Speed Cameras	Common on SH2 & SH4. Fines payable onsite or via post office

Expect erratic driving, livestock on roads, and aggressive overtaking. Drive defensively.

Car Returns: No-Dispute Framework

• Refuel as per agreement
• Avoid cleaning charges (€20) by cleaning before return
• Take photos (odometer, mirrors, interior)
• Get signed return slip and refund confirmation

City-Based Car Rentals

Tirana

• Largest selection of rental cars
• Airport & in-city options available

Driving in Tirana

• Busy traffic, especially during peak hours

Vlorë

• Popular with Greek tourists, more expensive rentals

Driving in Vlorë

• Beautiful but distracting scenery; drive cautiously

Shkodër

• Lower prices compared to Tirana & Vlorë

Driving in Shkodër

• Quieter roads but still cautious during peak times