Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Albania (2025 Edition)
Albania Rental Car Costs: How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Albania? [Updated July 2025]
Figure 1. Explore Albania with a rental car for a journey free of timetables and packed buses.
Albania is a hidden European gem known for its stunning beaches and rich history. Thanks to its affordability and beauty, the country has been a popular spot for travelers all around the world. And, of course, nothing is as satisfying as exploring this picturesque country’s paradisiacal landscape on a road trip, free of timetables and packed buses. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable journey, Albania rental car options might be the way to go. This way, you can skip public transport and its limitations and enjoy the country to its fullest. Let’s discover all about renting a car in Albania for your dream road trip!
Can I Drive in Albania?
Figure 2. A street from Gjirokasrër in Albania.
Yes, you can legally drive in Albania. Still, laws and regulations regarding documents or paperwork you need to submit depend on your country of origin. For example, if you are a citizen of the EU or the UK, you can drive in Albania without any additional document other than your EU driver’s license.
However, citizens of other countries might need to carry an International Driver’s License (IDP), which is an officially approved translation of an individual’s license.
Of course, some Albania car rental services might not allow you to rent without submitting an IDP, even if you are a citizen of the EU or the UK. That’s why you should check the required documents in advance or contact the company to see whether you must submit an IDP.
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.
The real cost to rent a car in Albania depends on the vehicle you rent and the extras. Typically, cheap car rentals in Albania, which are often small and economy vehicles, cost around €15-20 per day. You can even find cheaper cars off-season. For luxury cars, the sky is the limit, while the best car rental companies in Albania rent their luxury vehicles at around €80 and €110 per day.
Prices are also location dependent. The cost of renting a car in Tirana is usually more affordable than other locations due to Tirana being the capital and offering more options. Still, some local car rental services might be more affordable for budget travelers.
An alternative to the big car rental services is renting your car directly from the owner. This method might help you get a car at as little as €5 to €10 per day. However, renting from the owner is less secure than working with formal companies, as people with ill intentions may post fake listings to scam you.
In a subsequent section, you can find more information about how to stay safe when renting from the owner.
Road Conditions & Vehicle Choice
Highways (SH1, SH2, SH4)—smooth, 110 km/h limit.
Scenic coastal SH8—narrow hairpins, epic views over the Llogara Pass.
Mountain tracks to Theth, Valbonë, Gjipe Beach—steep gravel; book a 4×4 or high-clearance SUV.
Winter (Dec–Feb)—snow in the north; check if your rental includes chains.
You Must Know These Extra Costs
In addition to the standard rental cost, you may also need to pay extra for additional services. If you want to add a GPS to the car for easier navigation, you might be asked to pay an additional €30-40, depending on the rental company. An additional infant or toddler seat also costs around €30-40. Some rental companies might also have additional costs of around €10-12 for last-minute cancellation options.
Albania rental car insurance cost is usually included in the daily price. However, you can purchase additional coverage for around €10-20 per day, which might be higher for luxury cars. Besides, you need to pay a fixed rental car deposit in Albania, varying from €100 to €500 and more. You will get this money back once you return the car.
If you are a young driver between the ages of 21 and 24, some companies might ask for an additional fee of €10-20 per day.
Figure 4. A road trip in Albania might take you to place that you cannot travel with public transport.
Cross Border Policy
If you are planning a truly adventurous getaway exploring not only Albania but also its neighboring countries, you need to be aware of some rules. Although each rental company has its own policies and regulations, they are usually rather similar to each other.
Firstly, most rental companies in Albania only allow you to travel to the bordering countries of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo. Traveling beyond these countries or taking a ferry is often prohibited.
The additional charge for driving abroad also varies from one company to another. Fixed fees are around €50 to €100. Some companies might also base this additional charge on the rental period, such as:
- €50 for the rental period of 1 to 7 days,
- €80 for the rental period of 7 to 14 days,
- €100 for the rental period of 14 to 28 days.
How Much Does Fuel Cost in Albania?
As of June 2025, gasoline costs about €1.7-2 on average.
So, how much would it cost for a one-week road trip?
Let’s see how much a one-week road trip in Albania would cost for a family of four, a couple, and a solo traveler:
- A family of four would pay about €450 to €800,
- A couple would pay about €350 to €600,
- A solo traveler would pay about €320 to €500.
These costs include fuel for 800 kilometers (6L per 100 kilometers), GPS, and child seats for the family. They exclude cross-border fees, accommodation, food, and any additional expenses.
How to Pick the Right Rental Company
One of the essentials of renting a car in Albania in 2025 is going with the right company. There is a myriad of options addressing different customer types today. So, don’t forget to check what numerous services offer and choose the one that meets all your expectations.
Here are some tips you must know when renting a car in Albania:
- Don’t pick the cheapest car; check the company’s rental conditions since they might include hidden costs that inflate the overall price you will pay,
- Carefully select the pick-up and drop-off locations,
- Book in advance and always check for discounts (especially seasonal deals),
- Compare prices to find the best offer,
- Understand what you need and pick a car that fulfills them based on passenger capacity, luggage space, and other factors.
How to Stay Safe When Renting from the Owner
Some people prefer to rent a car from a third party. Although it isn’t the most reliable way, when done correctly, it allows you to get a good car at a very affordable rate.
Here are some steps to stay safe when renting a vehicle from a third party:
- Do not pay before seeing the car,
- Inspect the car thoroughly and ensure that everything works as intended,
- Check the fluids and make sure that they are at appropriate levels,
- Do not forget to read everything when you are signing papers,
- Stay in contact with the owner and record any issues you did not cause.
Although some people prefer to hire directly from locals, chiefly because it is much more affordable than renting from an enterprise, I always recommend going with a rental company. These establishments often have better deals, considering the benefit you will receive from their well-maintained cars, and their insurance coverage is much better. Considering that Albania is known for its highly active traffic and tricky roads, good car insurance is always the best way to go. Not to mention that most international car rental companies offer loyalty programs, allowing repeat customers to get more affordable offers.
Driving Etiquette & Safety Laws
Expect creative overtakes and the occasional herd of goats. Drive defensively, keep right, and use the horn sparingly.
Want to know more about Traffic Rules in Albania? Check out the full article to traffic rules and laws updated to 2025: Complete Guide to Traffic Rules, Fines and safe road trips
Returning the Car: A Zero-Dispute Checklist
Refuel as agreed (full-to-full or same-to-same).
Cleanliness: Shake out sand—some firms charge €20 “detailing” fees.
Photo proof: Mirror your pickup pics + odometer.
Receipt & deposit release confirmation: Get a signed return slip before leaving the lot.
Renting a Car by City
Figure 5. Shkodër is known as the Albanian Riviera, a popular destination for those seeking a cosy summer holiday.
Car Renting in Tirana
Tirana, the capital of Albania, has the biggest variety of rental car options in the country. Most travelers prefer to rent their car at the airport, where you can find the branches of many rental services. However, you can also book your car in advance with one of the many rental companies in the city.
What is driving in Tirana like?
Being the most populous city in Albania, driving in Tirana is like driving in any other capital in the world. Heavy traffic during rush hour might make it a bit challenging to drive at certain hours.
Car Renting in Vlorë
Vlorë is a holiday region known for its golden beaches and spectacular scenery. Since it’s a popular destination for holiday-goers from Greece, Vlorë has higher prices for both car rentals and general expenses.
What is driving in Vlorë like?
While Albania is notorious for its daring drivers, Vlorë’s roads have some of the most beautiful sceneries in the entire world. Keep your distance from the cars around you, and do not let the stunning panorama distract you.
Car Renting in Shkodër
Shkodër is the historic capital of Albania, a picturesque county known for its breathtaking landmarks. Like Vlorë, renting a car in Shkodër is also generally more expensive than in Tirana.
What is driving in Shkodër like?
Shkodër is smaller than Tirana and Vlorë, with fewer drivers and calmer roads. However, you should still drive carefully, especially during rush hour.
FAQ
Is driving in Albania cheap?
Compared to neighboring countries, especially the EU member states, driving in Albania is cheap. A week-long road trip in Albania might cost a family of four around €450, gasoline included.
Should I rent a car or use public transport in Albania?
Although it completely depends on your needs and preferences, renting a car is usually the best option, as it allows you to go anywhere you want without relying on timetables.
Is accommodation expensive in Albania?
Accommodation in Albania is generally affordable, with cheap hotels ranging between €25 and €70 per day.
How much does food cost in Albania?
A basic meal in Albania costs about €5 to €8 per person, while a mid-range one can be around €15-20.
Do I need a visa to travel to Albania?
It depends on your nationality and passport. You can check the visa regime for foreign citizens on the official website of the relevant ministry.