Albania rewards drivers. The coastal road south of Vlorë and the climb toward Thethi are among the best drives in the Balkans, and a car is the only sensible way to reach most of them. A little preparation makes the trip easier.
Paperwork
Bring a valid driving licence held for at least one year, your passport or ID, and a credit or debit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit. Licences issued in the EU, the UK and the US are accepted as they are; an International Driving Permit is only needed for licences not written in the Latin alphabet.
Roads and driving style
Main routes between Tirana, Durrës and the coast are modern and well surfaced. Mountain roads are narrower, and it is normal to meet a slow vehicle around a blind bend, so keep your speed down and use the horn lightly before tight corners. Driving is on the right.
Fuel and tolls
Petrol and diesel are widely available and stations are usually attended. Fill up before heading into the mountains, where stations are further apart. There is one toll road, the Milot–Morinë motorway toward Kosovo.
Parking
Paid street parking in Tirana is marked in blue and paid at a machine or with an attendant. Most hotels outside the centre have their own parking. Never leave valuables visible in the car.
If something happens
Call us first. Every rental includes 24/7 roadside assistance, and we will arrange recovery or a replacement vehicle. For an accident involving another car, wait for the police report – insurance requires it.