Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Albania (2026 Edition)

Albania Rental Car Costs: How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Albania? [Updated To 2026]

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

Renting a car in Albania is one of the smartest decisions you can make when traveling the country. but only if you do it right.
From the mountain roads of Theth to the pristine beaches of Ksamil, having the right car can completely change your trip.

This updated 2026 guide covers everything:
 Which rental companies are reliable (and which to avoid)
 How to avoid hidden insurance traps
 What type of car you actually need in each region
 Driving tips from Israelis who already traveled Albania
 Clear pricing so you know exactly what you should and shouldn’t pay

Let’s make sure you book the perfect car, save money, and avoid unpleasant surprises.

1. The MOST Reliable Car Rental Companies in Albania (and Those to Avoid)

Choosing the right company is the difference between a smooth vacation and a stressful one.

Most Reliable Local & International Companies

These companies consistently provide good service, fair pricing, and new vehicles:

DRIVUS

Well-maintained cars, friendly service, and competitive prices. A great balance between quality and budget.

STIR

A young, dynamic company with excellent service and cars ready for long trips. Perfect if you want a more “local” feel.

RADIUS

Known for high availability, quick pickup, and a straightforward rental process with no hassle. Ideal for flexible, easy travel.

ENTERPRISE

International standards, new fleets, and highly professional service. Prices are higher  but the reliability is worth it.

OTO

A solid option for affordable and reliable cars, with a team that understands the needs of tourists very well.

CAPITAL

Personal, attentive service, well-kept vehicles, and a quick, easy return process. Great for family trips.

FREE2MOVE

A modern, innovative rental model with new cars and usually good availability even during busy seasons.

SIXT

A leading international company with premium service, a professional fleet, and excellent availability, especially at Tirana Airport.

You also can have a look on “Our Trusted Partners” Section on homepage : https://carsalbania.com

Companies You Should Be Careful With

Not all companies in Albania operate to European standards.

Avoid companies that:
Offer “suspiciously low prices” (usually leads to hidden fees)
Don’t answer WhatsApp or email
Don’t provide a real rental contract
Demand cash-only payments
Have vehicles older than 10 years without proper maintenance

If a company has dozens of “angry” Google reviews. skip it.

Why Renting a Car in Albania Is the Best Way to Explore the Country

Public transportation in Albania is limited, slow, and doesn’t reach many of the attractions travelers want to visit.
With a rental car, you control your schedule, explore hidden gems, and easily move between cities.

For families, couples, photographers, and road-trip lovers. a car is essential. 

2. Insurance in Albania: How Not to Get Trapped by Hidden Fees

Insurance is where most tourists get tricked.
Here’s how to protect yourself.

Types of Insurance You MUST Understand

CDW – Collision Damage Waiver

Covers damage to the rental car. Usually comes with a deductible (€700–€1500).

SCDW / Super CDW – Reduced Deductible

Reduces your responsibility. Recommended if you want peace of mind.

TP – Theft Protection

Covers car theft. Albania is safe, but it’s typically included.

Wheels & Undercarriage Insurance

Important if traveling to:

• Theth

• Valbona

• Southern mountain roads

• Rural villages

These areas can have rougher terrain.

Insurance Traps to Avoid

Companies that force you to buy extra insurance at pickup
Fake “mandatory border insurance” even if you don’t cross borders
Claims for damage you didn’t cause
Charging for scratches without showing video/photos from before

How to Protect Yourself

Film the entire car at pickup
Photograph every scratch, tire, and windshield
Keep WhatsApp messages and the rental agreement
Never return the car after-hours without a video

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

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

3. What Type of Car Do You Actually Need? (Region-by-Region Guide)

Choosing the wrong type of car can ruin your trip.

Tirana, Durres, Berat, Shkoder Cities & Main Roads

Recommended:
• Economy
• Compact
• Small automatic

Roads are easy and comfortable.

Saranda, Ksamil, Riviera Coast

Recommended:
• Compact SUV
• Crossover (Hyundai Tucson, Duster, Qashqai)

Roads are generally good, but there are hills and sharp curves.

Valbona, Theth, Northern Albania

(No debate here.)
You MUST take:
4×4 Jeep (Dacia Duster, Toyota RAV4, Land Cruiser)
Strong tires
Full insurance

Theth road improved but still requires caution.

Families with luggage

Choose:
SUV
Station Wagon
Sedan with a large trunk

5. How Much Should You REALLY Pay for a Rental Car in Albania? (2026 Pricing)

Here’s the updated and realistic price list based on 2024–2025 bookings and 2026 projections.

Economy / Mini

€20–€35 per day
(Fiat 500, Toyota Aygo, VW Up)

Compact

€30–€50 per day
(Golf, i20, Clio, Yaris)

SUV / Crossover

€45–€80 per day
(Duster, Tucson, Qashqai)

4×4 Jeep

€70–€150 per day
(Land Cruiser, Pajero, RAV4)

Luxury

€120–€250 per day
(Mercedes, BMW, Lexus)

High Season (July–August)

Add +30%.

Insurance Add-ons

• SCDW: €8–€15/day

• Cross-border: €20–€45 (one-time)

• Extra driver: €10/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 January 2026: €1.7 – €2 per liter

Estimated Weekly Budget

• 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

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