Public transportation in Albania isn’t exactly something to boast about. While the intercity bus lines are very cheap, they don’t offer the highest standard. Traveling by car is faster and much more comfortable. Here, I’ve put together a small guide to driving in Albania.
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Traffic in Albania
Albanians aren’t exactly known for calm and defensive driving. If you’re planning to drive in Albania, expect to be honked at. Many drivers are in a hurry, but honking is also commonly used to signal overtaking or warn about being in a blind spot.
Although I had heard that Albanian drivers were particularly aggressive, my experience after 10 days on Albanian roads was slightly different. Most drivers follow speed limits and drive responsibly.
Road Conditions in Albania
The quality of the road network varies greatly. You’ll encounter everything from smooth highways with medians and guardrails to bumpy tractor paths full of large rocks and deep potholes. Many roads are narrow, especially in small towns and rural areas. Coastal roads, in addition to being narrow, are often winding and steep.
Traffic Rules in Albania
The traffic regulations in Albania don’t differ much from those in most other European countries. Cars drive on the right side of the road, and overtaking must be done on the left. Most road signs are easy to understand.
One notable difference from what I am used to, is the rules in roundabouts. In many roundabouts, you must yield to cars entering the roundabout rather than those already inside it. Look for yield signs to understand the rules for each roundabout.
Gas Stations
Refueling your car is simple—you’re not allowed to do it yourself! At all gas stations, attendants operate the pumps for you. You can request a specific number of liters or specify the amount you want to spend. Make sure to carry enough cash, as most gas stations don’t accept cards.
Police and Speed Checks
During our trip in June 2024, we noticed a significant police presence on the roads and numerous speed checks along popular routes—far more than in previous years. Whether this was an effort to clean up the country’s bad reputation regarding traffic or just a coincidence, we’re not sure. However, I made sure to stick to the speed limits and drive as carefully as possible, and I recommend you do the same!
Car Rental in Albania
Renting a car in Albania is generally straightforward. You’ll find most major international car rental companies as well as some local providers. It’s worth booking as early as possible. The closer you get to your travel date, the more expensive it gets—especially in the summer high season.
We rented our car through Europcar. They offered competitive prices, and the entire process of picking up and returning the car went smoothly. We were given a Fiat diesel car with a manual transmission, which was very comfortable to drive.
Things to Keep in Mind When Picking Up Your Rental Car
- Inspect the car for damages together with a representative from the rental company. Take photos to avoid any disputes.
- Ask about the type of fuel the car requires.
- Make sure to collect all the rental documents.
- Get the rental company’s WhatsApp number for easy communication.
- Take a photo of the fuel gauge; the car must be returned with the same fuel level.
Be aware that most rental companies have a minimum age requirement of 21, and if you’re under 25, you’ll likely have to pay an additional fee.
Feel free to book your rental car through the link below. DiscoverCars finds you the best prices of available rental cars.
Parking in Albania
In Albania, you can park almost anywhere for free as long as it’s not marked with a “no parking” sign or designated with blue or yellow lines on the pavement. Blue lines indicate paid parking, while yellow lines mean the area is reserved for specific vehicles, such as taxis.
In popular tourist cities like Vlore, Durres, and Saranda, finding parking during peak season can be challenging, especially in the city centers. In the capital, Tirana, finding parking can be difficult year-round. However, there are several large parking garages in the city center with reasonable prices, such as the one under Skanderbeg Square.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need an International Driving Permit in Albania?
Many sources online claim that an international driving permit is mandatory in Albania. However, during my car rental experience this year, I wasn’t asked for anything other than my Norwegian driving license. Still, it’s a good idea to carry an international driving permit in case you’re stopped by the police.
Is It Dangerous to Drive in Albania?
Driving in Albania is maybe somewhat riskier than in Norway, but statistically, it’s about as risky as driving in the U.S. As long as you stick to speed limits, follow traffic rules, and stay alert, you’ll be reasonably safe.
Pro Tip: Along the roads, you’ll likely notice memorials marking where people have died in traffic accidents. If that’s not a good enough incentive to drive carefully, I don’t know what is!
Do You Need a Car to Get Around Albania?
No, it’s entirely possible to get around by bus. In some places, driving is so difficult that walking is a better option—for example, in Berat and Gjirokaster, where the roads are extremely steep and narrow.
However, if you want to explore the small towns along the coast, having a car is a huge advantage. You’ll gain greater flexibility, allowing you to drive and stop whenever you please. Many of the smaller buses are cramped and lack air conditioning, so driving is also far more comfortable.
What Do You Need to Drive in Albania?
- A valid driver’s license (and an international driving permit, just in case)
- A valid passport
- The car’s registration documents
- Proof of insurance
- A first-aid kit (mandatory in Albania)
Read about the things you should know about Albania before you go.
Helpful Tips for Driving in Albania
- Wearing seatbelts is mandatory for all passengers, both in the front and back seats.
- Avoid driving at night, especially outside cities, as there is minimal road lighting. The poor road quality makes it hard to spot deep potholes, even during the day.
- Honking is common and serves as a warning rather than an act of aggression. Slow down and let others pass.
- Stick to speed limits. There is a heavy police presence on the roads, and rental cars or vehicles with foreign plates are said to be “prioritized” by the local police.
- If you’re involved in an accident, it’s crucial to call the police and obtain an official accident report. Without this, you’ll lose all insurance rights.
Did You Know? (Fun Facts About Driving in Albania)
- Until the fall of communism in 1991, ordinary people in Albania were not allowed to own or drive cars! Back then, there were only about 5,000–7,000 cars in the entire country. Now, there are over 750,000.
- Mercedes Benz is by far the most popular car brand in Albania.
- Albania has one of Europe’s strictest alcohol limits for drivers. The legal limit is 0.1%. If you plan to drive early the next day, be cautious with alcohol consumption.
Safe travels on the roads of Albania!
