Car Hire in Albania: What to Know Before You Drive

Drive on the right

Albania drives on the right-hand side of the road. Visitors who normally drive on the left should take particular care during the first part of the journey.

• After turning: consciously return to the right-hand side of the new road.
• Overtaking: normally overtake on the left.
• At junctions: follow traffic lights, signs and road markings carefully.
• Unsigned junctions: be prepared for priority rules involving traffic approaching from the right and proceed cautiously.
• Roundabouts: slow down early, follow the signs and lane markings and watch carefully for vehicles changing lanes.
• Leaving fuel stations or car parks: take an extra moment to make sure you rejoin on the correct side.

Speed limits in Albania

Speed limits are displayed in kilometres per hour. The national maximum limits for cars depend on the type of road.

• Built-up areas: up to 40 km/h.
• Secondary interurban and local roads: up to 80 km/h.
• Main interurban roads: up to 90 km/h.
• Motorways: up to 110 km/h.

These are maximum limits. A lower posted limit always takes precedence, and you should reduce speed further where road, traffic or weather conditions require it.

Mountain roads

Albania's mountains are one of the main reasons to hire a car, but mountain driving requires more preparation than a motorway trip.

• Narrow sections: expect tight bends, limited sight lines and roads where passing another vehicle requires patience.
• Steep gradients: use an appropriate gear on long climbs and descents rather than relying heavily on the brakes.
• Weather: mountain conditions can change quickly, particularly outside the main summer season.
• Snow and ice: winter conditions can affect higher routes. Check conditions before departure and confirm whether your rental vehicle has suitable winter equipment.
• Fuel and charging: avoid starting remote journeys with a nearly empty tank or low battery.
• Unpaved roads: do not assume that a normal rental car may be taken onto unsurfaced or difficult tracks. Check the rental terms first.

Driving the Albanian coast

The coast is well suited to a road trip, but some of the most scenic routes are slower and more demanding than the distance suggests.

• Albanian Riviera: expect bends, gradients and slower traffic on coastal and mountain sections.
• Summer traffic: allow extra time around busy resort areas and popular beaches.
• Parking: check signs and use designated parking rather than leaving the car where it may obstruct narrow roads.
• Viewpoints: stop only where there is a safe parking area rather than stopping on bends or narrow road shoulders.
• After dark: consider completing more demanding coastal or mountain sections during daylight where possible.

Driving in Tirana

Tirana can feel very different from driving on Albania's quieter rural roads. Traffic can be dense and lane discipline may be less predictable than some visitors expect.

• Allow extra time: congestion can make short urban journeys take considerably longer.
• Motorcycles and scooters: check mirrors carefully before changing lane or turning.
• Pedestrians: stay alert around crossings, junctions and busy shopping areas.
• Lane changes: avoid sudden movements and leave space around other traffic.
• Rush periods: consider whether you actually need the car for journeys within central Tirana.

Parking in Tirana

Tirana operates paid on-street parking divided into different zones. Charges and payment arrangements depend on the location.

• Check the zone: look for signs showing whether the space is part of a paid parking area.
• Payment: Tirana provides mobile and app-based payment options for municipal street parking.
• Private parking: a hotel or commercial car park may be simpler than searching for street parking in the busiest areas.
• Do not rely on other parked cars: the presence of other vehicles does not necessarily mean that parking is permitted.
• Keep evidence: retain any parking ticket or digital confirmation until you leave the space.

Driving licence and rental documents

Licence requirements depend on the country that issued your driving licence and the conditions imposed by the rental provider.

• Bring your original valid driving licence rather than relying on a photograph or digital copy.
• Carry the identification and payment card required by your rental booking.
• Keep your rental agreement or voucher accessible during the journey.
• UK government guidance says holders of UK licences may find a 1968 International Driving Permit useful in Albania.
• Always check the rental provider's own licence requirements before travelling, particularly if your licence uses a non-Latin alphabet.

Crossing Albania's borders in a hire car

Albania is well placed for trips involving Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia or Greece, but rental-company permission is important.

• Tell the rental provider in advance which countries you plan to visit.
• Check whether the particular vehicle may leave Albania.
• Confirm whether additional insurance or documentation is required.
• Check for cross-border fees before booking rather than only when you reach the border.
• Make sure your roadside-assistance cover remains valid in every country on your route.

If you are involved in an accident

An accident with a rental vehicle should be reported in accordance with both local requirements and the rental provider's procedure.

• Stop in a safe position where possible and switch on the hazard lights.
• Check whether anyone needs medical assistance.
• Contact the police where required and follow their instructions.
• Even after a minor collision, official travel guidance advises remaining at the scene until the police arrive.
• Contact the rental provider as soon as possible.
• Take photographs and exchange relevant details where it is safe to do so.
• Do not admit liability or arrange repairs without following the procedure in your rental agreement.

If the hire car breaks down

• Move the vehicle away from moving traffic if this can be done safely.
• Switch on the hazard warning lights.
• Keep passengers away from live traffic where possible.
• Contact the roadside-assistance number supplied by the rental provider.
• Do not arrange your own repair or recovery unless instructed by the rental provider.
• For an emergency, the police number is 112. Ambulance is 127 and fire is 128.