Drivers License & Permit
To drive in Albania, you need:
- A valid driver’s license from your home country
- An International Driving Permit (IDP)
You can get an IDP online or through your local automobile association. It’s valid for one year.
Renting a Car
Major car rental companies operate in Albania, with options to rent at airports or in larger cities like Tirana, Saranda, Durrës, Vlore, Shkodër, and others.
Airport rentals may be more expensive, but they offer convenience and familiar brands.
Local rental companies in inner cities may have lower prices but may have older fleets or less transparent maintenance practices.
To rent a car in Albania, you’ll need:
- A valid driver’s license
- An International Driving Permit (IDP)
- A credit card for deposit and payment
Driving Conditions
Roads in cities are well-maintained but can deteriorate in rural areas where you can expect potholes, narrow lanes, and a lack of signage.
Traffic Laws
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Wear your seatbelt
- Yield to pedestrians
- Don’t use your phone while driving
Speed Limits:
- Cities: 40 km/h
- Open Roads: 80-90 km/h
- Highways: 110 km/h
Gas Stations
Common in cities and along major highways. Most accept cash and credit cards. Learn about the Albanian Lek.
Parking
Parking can be challenging in cities and near the beaches in July and August.
Look for paid car parks or street parking and observe signs if you’re unsure of parking fees.
Alcohol Limit
The strict 0.01% blood alcohol limit is one of the most stringent limits in Europe, and it effectively means that drivers should not consume any alcohol before getting behind the wheel.
Alternatives to Driving
Regional Buses are a reliable way to travel between cities if you’re uncomfortable driving and on a budget.
Taxis are also widely available in urban areas.
Emergency Services
Dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services.
Scenic Drives
If you brave Albania’s roads, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most epic drives in Europe.
Here are a few scenic routes:
- SH8 from Vlorë to Saranda – stunning coastal views
- SH78 to Berat – rolling hills and quaint villages
- Tirana to Theth – cruise through the rugged Albanian Alps
- SH75 from Korçë to Përmet – dramatic gorges and lush forests
Driving Tips
Drive defensively and be prepared for local drivers who push the limits.
Learn some basic Albanian phrases for navigating gas stations.
Download an offline map app or rent a GPS unit from your car agency.
Google Maps works well but can lead you astray in rural areas.
If you plan to explore rural areas, get a physical street map ahead of your trip.
You’ll need a SIM Card that works in Albania to use your mobile phone.
Hit the Road
Driving in Albania can be challenging but rewarding.
Consider a transfer or taxi if you’re uncomfortable driving.
If you plan to visit for an extended time or visit multiple destinations, renting a car can be much more affordable.
Driving FAQs
Yes, an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a valid license from your home country are required for tourists driving in Albania unless you have a UK license.
Driving in Albania can be challenging due to unfamiliar traffic norms and assertive local drivers, but it is safe.
You can drive in Albania with a valid foreign license, but you must also obtain an IDP, except for UK license holders. EU and US license holders should check specific requirements for their country.
The legal driving age in Albania is 18.
The short answer is yes, it’s safe. However, driving can be challenging due to aggressive local drivers. Drive defensively.
In Albania, driving is on the right-hand side of the road.
Speed limits are typically 40 km/h in urban areas, 80-90 km/h on rural roads and 110 km/h on highways.
Yes, comprehensive insurance coverage is crucial when renting a car in Albania.
Yes, fuel stations are widely available throughout Albania.
While possible, many gas stations prefer cash payments in local currency, Lek, or Euros. It’s advisable to have local currency for parking fees.
Driving outside urban areas at night can be challanging due to limited visibility, especially in rural areas.
US license holders can get an IPD online or apply through your local American Automobile Association (AAA).
Yes, wearing a seatbelt is mandatory for drivers and passengers in Albania.
Albanian roundabouts can be chaotic, with priority often given to assertive drivers or larger vehicles—approach cautiously.
Yes, an IDP is required to rent a car in Albania, along with your original license.
Roads and highways are safe and well-signposted, especially in major cities and tourist areas. However, be cautious of aggressive driving, road hazards, and poor conditions in rural areas.
Albania has a strict blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.05% for driving. Penalties for drunk driving can include fines, license suspension, and jail time.
