When I decided to visit Albania, I had no idea what to expect. From the lively streets of Tirana to the coastal villages, I knew I’d want to see as much of the country as possible. But there was one thing I was sure of: I needed a car. Sure, buses and taxis are options, but nothing beats the freedom of having your own wheels. After all, I wasn’t in Albania to sit in traffic, I wanted to explore! If you’re thinking about renting a car in Albania, here’s a breakdown of my experience and the costs involved.
Spoiler alert: Renting a car in Albania is as affordable as it is fun. Let’s dive in!
Why Renting a Car in Albania is Simply Better
Albania is an underrated treasure. From Tirana’s bustling streets to the quiet villages tucked away in the mountains, there’s so much to explore. Public transport works fine in cities, but if you want to see the best bits of Albania, you’ll need a car. Trust me, nothing beats the joy of driving through the Albanian countryside, blasting your favorite tunes, and stopping for photos along the way.
Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore whenever and wherever you want. You can skip the bus schedules and taxi fares and just hit the road. Want to check out some quirky roadside cafes or pull over to enjoy a stunning view? Go ahead—your car’s waiting for you. It’s literally freedom on four wheels.
So, How Much Does Rent a Car in Tirana Cost?
Let’s talk numbers. Renting a car in Tirana is surprisingly affordable. Car rental prices generally range from $25 to $30 per day for a basic economy car. Not bad, right? But since I was staying for two weeks, I managed to score a sweet discount. Instead of paying the usual daily rate, I ended up paying just $20 per day. Jackpot!
This was an absolute steal considering how much I used the car to explore. Plus, the car was reliable, clean, and in great shape—no complaints there. For me, it was the perfect balance of cost and comfort.
Photo taken in Berat, Albania.
What’s the Catch? Extra Costs to Look Out For
You’re probably wondering if there’s any hidden cost, right? There are a couple of things to keep in mind when renting a car, but they’re not deal-breakers.
Insurance
When you rent a car, you’ll be offered basic insurance. But here’s the thing—I’m a little paranoid when it comes to insurance (I blame a few too many action movies). So, I opted for the extended coverage.
It added about $10 per day, but given that I was driving in a new country, it was worth it for the peace of mind. I didn’t want to be stuck with a hefty repair bill because of a parking mishap. I’ll be honest, I didn’t even mind paying the extra because it meant I could drive worry-free.
Fuel Costs
Albania is lucky enough to have relatively affordable fuel prices. I paid around $1.20 per liter, which is much cheaper than in many other European countries. Of course, fuel adds up, especially if you’re doing a lot of sightseeing, but it wasn’t a huge burden. I found that my car was pretty fuel-efficient, so even with a lot of driving, I didn’t need to stop for gas every five minutes. Plus, it gave me one less thing to stress about.
Extra Fees
A few other things may add a little to the price, like extra drivers, GPS, or child car seats. Luckily, I didn’t need any of these. I used my phone’s GPS (thank you, Google Maps) and didn’t have any additional drivers. But if you need any extra services, make sure to check the price before picking up your car. The rental agency won’t hide anything, but it’s good to know the full price upfront.
The Rental Experience
I went with a local agency in Tirana, Shehu Rental Cars, and the staff were super friendly. They walked me through everything—from how to use the car’s features to what to do if I ran into any issues. The car itself was exactly what I needed: a small hatchback that was easy to park in Tirana’s sometimes cramped streets but still had enough space for my luggage and a couple of day trips.
No one wants to get stuck in a rental car with a broken air conditioner on a hot summer day. Luckily, the car had good AC, so I was cool and comfortable the whole time. Plus, it didn’t hurt that the car had great gas mileage. No surprise fill-ups every couple of hours, just chill driving.
The Best Part of Renting a Car in Albania
If you love exploring at your own pace, Albania is the perfect place for it. With a rental car, I was able to check out some amazing spots that would’ve been tricky to visit otherwise. I drove to the UNESCO-listed town of Gjirokastër, wandered through the ancient ruins of Butrint, and even took a scenic detour along the Albanian Riviera.
All in all, the car gave me the freedom to create my own itinerary and visit places that I might have missed if I’d stuck to public transport.
Some of Albania’s best attractions are off the beaten path, and you won’t get to see them without a car. Whether you’re venturing up mountain roads or cruising along the coast, renting a car lets you do it all without feeling rushed. Plus, you can stop for a snack or a photo whenever you like. There’s no need to wait for a bus or a taxi to catch up.
Was It Worth It? Heck Yes!
In the end, renting a car in Albania was totally worth it. It was affordable, comfortable, and gave me the freedom to see the country at my own pace. With the cheap prices, it’s an excellent deal when you compare it to the cost of taxis or tours. And honestly, I wouldn’t have enjoyed my trip nearly as much without the convenience of having a car.
If you’re planning to visit Albania, I highly recommend renting a car. It’s easy, affordable, and lets you explore all the beautiful spots this country has to offer.
Checklist for Renting a Car in Albania:
- Look for discounts if you’re renting for a longer period (it never hurts to ask).
- Make sure you’re comfortable with the insurance coverage options before you drive off.
- Keep an eye on fuel prices, but don’t stress about it too much—gas is affordable.
- Skip the extras you don’t need (like GPS if your phone can handle it).
