Driving in Albania: What We Tell Every Customer

Every week someone asks us if driving in Albania is difficult. Honestly, it is easier than people expect. The main roads are in good shape, distances are short and the views are worth it. There are a few local habits worth knowing though, so here is what we tell our customers at pick-up.

The basics

We drive on the right. Seat belts are required for everyone, front and back, and small children need a child seat (you can add one to your booking). Phone only hands-free. And please don’t drink and drive at all: the legal limit is very low and the police check often.

Speed limits and police

As a rough guide it is 40 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on normal roads outside towns and up to 110 km/h on the motorway. Signs change a lot, so follow them rather than the guide. Speed cameras and police with radar are common on the main roads, especially around Tirana and on the way to the coast.

Police checkpoints are normal here and usually take a minute. Keep your licence, passport and the car papers we give you somewhere easy to reach. If you get a fine, ask for the written ticket.

Driving in Tirana

Tirana traffic is busy at rush hour and roundabouts are a bit of a free-for-all. Drive calmly, expect people to change lanes without much warning and you will be fine. The bigger issue is parking. Park only where it is clearly allowed, because towing in the centre is common. A paid car park or a hotel with parking saves a lot of stress.

Mountain and coast roads

Roads like the Llogara Pass on the coast or the road up to Theth are beautiful, but they are narrow and full of bends. Give yourself more time than Google Maps says. Watch for goats, cows and people walking on country roads, and if you can, do the mountain parts in daylight.

On long downhill stretches use a lower gear instead of riding the brakes.

Fuel, cash and tolls

There are plenty of petrol stations on the main roads and most take cards. In the mountains and small villages it helps to have some cash in lek. Our cars come with a full tank, so fill it up again before you return it.

Most roads are free. The main toll for cars is on the A1 motorway (Rruga e Kombit) towards Kukës and Kosovo.

Maps and phone signal

Google Maps and Waze both work well. Download the offline map before you go into the mountains, where the signal can disappear for a while.

If something happens

In an emergency call the police on 129, an ambulance on 127 or the fire service on 128. For an accident, damage or a breakdown call us straight away on +355 69 561 4450. For any accident you need a police report for the insurance, so don’t move on before you have one, and don’t agree to pay anyone before talking to us.

Want to see the cars? Have a look at our fleet. Free cancellation, and you pay at pick-up.