Driving in Albania As a Tourist
Are you wondering if you can drive in Albania with your license from your home country?
This guide covers everything you need to know as a tourist driving in Albania, including license requirements, road rules, safety tips, and car rental information.
Driving License Requirements
Tourists can legally drive in Albania with:
- A valid license from your home country
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) to accompany your license
So, for example, if you have an Indian license, you can drive in Albania by getting an IDP before your trip. The same applies to US or other national driver licenses.
To drive in Albania, you must have a valid driver’s license from your home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP), which is valid for one year.
An Albanian driver’s license is necessary if you intend to drive in Albania for more than a year.
International Driving Permit
An International Driving Permit (IDP), not to be confused with an International Driving License, translates your home country driver’s license into several languages, including English.
The IDP, along with a valid license from your home country, allows motorists to drive in foreign countries that recognize the IDP legally.
When driving abroad, you must carry both your national license and IDP.
The IDP does not replace your national license but helps local authorities interpret it.
Don’t let your Albanian adventure be ruined by driving without proper documentation.
If you plan to drive in Albania, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Why Risk It? Get Your IDP Now👇
- Legally drive in Albania with your valid home country license
- Avoid fines, penalties, and legal trouble
- Breeze through car rentals and insurance paperwork
- Enjoy peace of mind exploring Albania’s stunning destinations
Remember, an IDP is only valid when accompanied by your physical driver’s license.
You must be at least 18 to apply for an IDP, which is valid for one year, and cannot be renewed.
If you plan to drive in Albania for over a year, you must apply for an Albanian driver’s license.
Get Your Albania IDP in 3 Steps
Step 1: Click the “Get Your IDP Now” button below
Step 2: Fill out the quick and easy online application
Step 3: Receive your IDP via email, ready to print and use
What You Need to Apply
✔️ Valid driver’s license from your home country
✔️ Passport-sized photo
✔️ Digital copy of your driver’s license
✔️ Credit/debit card for payment
IDP Requirements for Albania
✔️ 18+ years old
✔️ Valid driver’s license from your home country
✔️ IDP must be carried with your physical license
Note: UK license holders do not need an IDP to drive in Albania, but an IDP is highly recommended for ease of travel. All other nationalities need an IDP to drive legally in Albania.
Alcohol Limit and Driving Safety
Albania enforces a strict 0.05% blood alcohol limit for driving.
All passengers must wear seat belts, and defensive driving is recommended due to variable road conditions.
Renting a Car in Albania
Renting a car in Albania’s major cities like Tirana is fairly straightforward.
International companies and local agencies offer car rental, with advance booking recommended.
Required documents include your license, International Driving Permit, passport/ID, and credit card.
Some rental companies accept cash for small manual cars. The minimum rental age is 21 years.
👉 Compare car rental prices from $11.66 per day.
Winter and Mountain Road Safety
Roads through Albania’s mountains can be extremely hazardous in winter with snow and ice. Chains may be required, or avoid driving in mountain areas completely during winter months.
Insurance and Safety
Comprehensive insurance coverage, including a collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection, is crucial.
Discuss coverage details with your rental agency and consider additional insurance if necessary.
Because of heavy traffic, caution is advised while driving in Albania, particularly in urban areas. Defensive driving is recommended.
Road Conditions
Road conditions in Albania vary. While major roads are improving, they can be in poor condition.
Night driving outside urban areas is risky and should be avoided.
During winter, roads through the mountains in Northern Albania may have dangerous snow and ice conditions.
Public Transport
Buses operate between most major cities but can be unreliable and aged.
Privately owned vans (called furgons) serve as an alternative system of bus routes.
However, these may not meet safety and maintenance standards.
Albania does not offer commercial domestic flights, and the rail links are shabby.
I highly recommend renting a car or hiring a transfer unless you are traveling on a tight budget.
Fuel Stations and Parking
Fuel stations are widely available in Albania, offering unleaded petrol (Euro 95) and diesel.
While credit card payments at gas stations are theoretically possible, many prefer cash payments in local currency or euros.
Therefore, it’s advisable always to carry some local currency when traveling in Albania.
In urban areas, there are designated parking areas, both paid and free.
Pay attention to parking signs to avoid fines or towing.
Emergency Services
The emergency number in Albania is 112 for police, medical emergencies, or fire services.
Compliance with local traffic laws, safe driving, and awareness of surroundings is crucial while driving in Albania.
Driving in Albania FAQs
Driving in Albania can present certain challenges because of a variety of factors. The road conditions can vary significantly, with major roads well-maintained, while rural or mountainous areas might have narrower or less well-maintained roads.
This can make driving difficult, especially for those unfamiliar with such conditions.
Traffic norms in Albania may differ from what drivers are accustomed to in their home countries. For instance, roundabouts can be chaotic, and assertive driving is common.
Therefore, drivers need to familiarize themselves with local traffic rules and regulations and exercise caution, particularly in urban areas where traffic can be heavy.
This can make driving difficult, especially for those unfamiliar with such conditions.
Traffic norms in Albania may differ from what drivers are accustomed to in their home countries. For instance, roundabouts can be chaotic, and assertive driving is common.
Therefore, drivers need to familiarize themselves with local traffic rules and regulations and exercise caution, particularly in urban areas where traffic can be heavy.
Yes, but you must also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). Get yours here.
Yes, tourists can drive in Albania with a valid driver’s license and an International Driving Permit.
In Albania, driving is on the right-hand side of the road.
The general speed limits in Albania are 40 km/h (25 mph) in urban areas, 80 km/h (50 mph) on rural roads, and 110 km/h (68 mph) on highways.
Yes, insurance coverage is crucial when renting a car. Ensure you have insurance, including collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection.
Yes, fuel stations are widely available throughout Albania.
While possible, many gas stations in Albania prefer cash payments in either local currency or Euro. Parking payment methods can vary, but it’s generally advisable to have local currency available for parking fees.
Driving outside urban areas can be risky at night because of poor road conditions and limited visibility, especially in rural areas.
To get an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a U.S. license holder, you can apply through the American Automobile Association (AAA).
Yes, wearing a seatbelt is mandatory in Albania, both for drivers and passengers.
Albanian roundabouts can be chaotic, with priority often given to the most assertive drivers or the biggest cars. It’s important to approach roundabouts with caution.
To rent a car in Albania, you need an international driving permit (IDP). You must also carry your original license with you.
An IDP is an official translation of your US license. It can be helpful when renting a car or dealing with authorities if you get a ticket.
An IDP is an official translation of your US license. It can be helpful when renting a car or dealing with authorities if you get a ticket.
The main roads in Albania are safe and well-signposted. The major cities and tourist areas have roads built in the last 15 years at the level of any other European country.
If you travel at night, watch out for unmarked roadworks, potholes, and unlit vehicles. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are often more practical on rural and minor roads.
Albanian driving can often be aggressive and erratic. Deaths from road traffic accidents are amongst the highest in Europe.
If you travel at night, watch out for unmarked roadworks, potholes, and unlit vehicles. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are often more practical on rural and minor roads.
Albanian driving can often be aggressive and erratic. Deaths from road traffic accidents are amongst the highest in Europe.
Albania has a zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving. The legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) while driving in Albania is 0.01%. If caught driving with a BAC above 0.01%, you could spend the night in jail, pay fines, and have your license suspended.
