Driving in Albania: Rules & Road Tips
Albania is one of the best road-trip countries in Europe: mountain passes, empty beaches, Ottoman towns and a new motorway network connecting them. Driving here is easy once you know what to expect. This guide covers the rules, the roads and the small things that make a trip smoother.
Documents you need
- Your driving licence. EU, UK and US licences are accepted. Licences from other countries need an International Driving Permit alongside the original.
- Passport or ID card.
- The rental agreement and insurance papers. We give you these at pickup — keep them in the car.
Police check documents often, so keep everything within reach.
The main rules
- Drive on the right, overtake on the left.
- Speed limits (unless signs say otherwise): 40 km/h in towns and cities, 80 km/h on secondary roads, 90 km/h on main roads between towns. On motorways the legal maximum is 130 km/h, but many sections are signed lower — always follow the signs.
- No drinking and driving. Fines start at any detectable level of alcohol. Above 0.5 g/l your licence is suspended and your car can be taken.
- Seatbelts are compulsory for everyone in the car. Children must travel in a suitable child seat — we provide ISOFIX seats for €5 a day.
- Phones: hands-free only. Holding your phone while driving is forbidden.
- Headlights: use them at night, in tunnels and in poor visibility.
Roads and conditions
- Motorways and main roads are in good condition — the Tirana–Durrës motorway and the routes south to Vlorë are fast and modern.
- Mountain and rural roads can be narrow, winding and sometimes damaged. Drive slowly, especially after rain.
- Watch for animals on rural roads, cyclists and pedestrians on the edge of the road, and cars overtaking in unexpected places. Albanian driving can feel assertive: stay calm, keep your distance and don’t react to other drivers.
- At night, rural roads are often unlit and roadworks may be unmarked. Plan long drives for daylight when you can.
- Tolls: the motorway north towards Kukës and Kosovo (Rruga e Kombit, A1) has one toll near the Kalimash tunnel — about €5 for a car, cash or card. A short section near Tirana Airport (Thumanë–Kashar) also has a small toll.
Driving and parking in Tirana
- Traffic in central Tirana is busy at rush hour — allow extra time to reach the airport.
- Street parking in the centre is paid: check the signs for the zone and how to pay. Never park in spaces reserved for residents or disabled drivers — cars there are clamped or towed.
- The easiest option is a paid car park or your hotel’s parking.
- Skanderbeg Square in the centre is pedestrian only.
Fuel
Fuel stations are everywhere on main roads, and at many of them an attendant fills the tank for you. Most stations in towns take cards, but carry some cash in rural areas. Our fuel policy is full to full: return the car as you got it.
Police checks
Police checkpoints are common, especially on main roads. If you are stopped:
- Stay calm and polite, and show your licence, passport and rental documents.
- Never pay a fine in cash to an officer. Fines are paid officially, at a bank or post office. If you are unsure, call us.
Breakdowns and accidents
- Breakdown: call or WhatsApp us 24/7 on +355 69 587 6002. Roadside assistance is included in every rental.
- Accident: even a small one — don’t move the car. Wait for the police to arrive, then call us. Leaving the scene can lead to a fine.
- Emergency numbers: 112 (general emergency), 129 (police), 127 (ambulance), 128 (fire).
Popular drives from Tirana Airport
Approximate times, without long stops.
- Tirana city centre: ~25 min
- Durrës (beach and port): ~40 min
- Shkodër (lake and castle): ~1 h 30
- Berat (UNESCO “city of a thousand windows”): ~2 h
- Vlorë (Riviera gateway): ~2 h
- Gjirokastër (UNESCO stone town): ~3 h 30
- Sarandë and Ksamil: ~4 h 30
FAQ
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
Not with an EU, UK or US licence. Other licences need one alongside the original.
Is it safe to drive in Albania?
Yes — thousands of visitors drive here every year. Main roads are good; drive defensively, avoid long rural drives at night and follow the speed limits.
Can I drink one glass of wine and drive?
No. Fines start at any detectable level of alcohol.
What happens if the police stop me?
Show your documents and stay polite. Fines are never paid in cash to the officer.
What if the car breaks down?
Call or WhatsApp us 24/7 — roadside assistance is included.
Contact
Phone & WhatsApp: +355 69 587 6002 · Email: toncerentalcars@gmail.com · Rruga Fuat Toptani, Tirana 1001