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Book a rental car in Albania
Albania is one of the most pleasant destinations in the Balkans for a self-drive holiday. While buses and minibuses connect major cities, many of the country’s most beautiful attractions are easier to reach with your own vehicle. Renting a car gives you the freedom to stop at scenic viewpoints and visit places that public transport often misses.
A rental car is especially useful if you plan to discover the Albanian Riviera. Popular coastal destinations such as Ksamil, Himare, Dhermi and Borsh are spread along the Ionian coastline and having a car allows you to enjoy multiple beaches and villages in a single trip.
Beyond the coast, a car rental makes it easy to travel between Albania’s major cultural and historical destinations. You can drive from Tirana to the UNESCO-listed cities of Berat and Gjirokaster, explore the ancient ruins of Butrint near Sarande or visit Lake Ohrid in Pogradec.
With a wide range of vehicles available, from budget-friendly compact cars for city sightseeing to spacious SUVs for mountain routes, we help you find the right vehicle at a reasonable price for your Albanian adventure.
Where to pick up a car rental in Albania
We offer several convenient car rental pickup locations in Albania, allowing you to start your journey from the spot that best suits your plans.
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Airport locations
Airports are the most popular car rental pickup points in Albania. The largest selection of vehicles is usually available at Tirana International Airport (TIA), located about 17 km northwest of the city center.
You can also find rental cars at seasonal and regional airports like Vlora Airport (VLO).
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Port locations
If you are arriving by ferry from Italy or neighboring countries, collecting a rental car at a port can be a practical option. Popular pickup locations include Saranda Port, Durres Port and Vlora Port, providing easy access to coastal and inland destinations.
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Downtown locations
Our partner suppliers have rental offices in major downtowns across Albania. You can choose a downtown location if you wish to spend a few days in the city before driving. Sarande Downtown, Shkodra Downtown, Durres Downtown, Vlora Downtown and Gjirokaster Downtown are among the most common city-center pickup locations.
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Hotel delivery
Some of our rental suppliers in Albania offer select hotel delivery services, particularly in tourist hubs such as the capital city, Sarande and the Albanian Riviera (you can check the available hotel options on our search page). This option allows you to have your vehicle delivered directly to your accommodation, saving time and eliminating the need to visit a rental office.
One-way rental car in Albania
We help travelers to book a one-way car rental to explore Albania. It is a practical option if you don’t want to return to your starting point.
Most rental suppliers like GoldCar, Green Motion, Enterprise, Rent Point and Lets Drive allow vehicle collection in one city and return in another, particularly between Tirana, Durres, Vlore, Sarande, Shkoder and Gjirokaster.
Renting a car one side in Albania is also useful if you are arriving at TIA International Airport and departing from a different region after exploring the Albanian Riviera, UNESCO-listed cities or the Albanian Alps.
Since Albania stretches over 340 km from north to south, a one-way rental can save several hours of backtracking.
Popular one-way car rental routes in Albania:
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Tirana to Sarande
Distance: ~280 km Time: 4.5 to 5.5 hours -
Tirana to Vlore
Distance: ~150 km Time: 2.5 to 3 hours -
Sarande to Durres
Distance: ~275 km Time: 4.5 to 5 hours -
Shkoder to Vlore
Distance: ~250 km Time: 4 to 4.5 hours -
Tirana to Gjirokaster
Distance: ~230 km Time: 3.5 to 4 hours -
Tirana to Ksamil
Distance: ~282 km Time: 4 to 4.5 hours
Cross-border car rentals from Albania
Cross-border car rental is a popular choice if you want to combine Albania with neighbouring Balkan countries in a single trip. Some of our partner suppliers permit travel to countries such as Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Greece.
Note: Before crossing a border, confirm which countries are permitted with your supplier, as restrictions can vary by vehicle category. You have to take prior approval from your respective provider. Additional insurance coverage (Green Card insurance) may be required.
Popular cross-border routes from Albania:
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Car rental from Tiranat (Albania) to Prishtina (Kosovo)
Places to see on the way: Shengjin, Lake Komani Ferry, Tetovo
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Car rental from Durres (Albania) to Skopje (Macedonia)
Places to see on the way: Shengjin and Pelister
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Car rental from Durres (Albania) to Athens (Greece)
Places to see on the way: Loannina, Arta, Moni Pantokratoros, Patras, Galaxidi, Mycenae
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Car rental from Tirana (Albania) to Kotor (Montenegro)
Places to see on the way: Castle of Kruja, Rozafa Castle, Sveti Stefan view point
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Car rental from Tirana (Albania) to Sarajevo (Bosnia)
Places to see on the way: Budva, Perast, Ostrog Monastery
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Car rental from Tirana (Albania) to Zadar (Croatia)
Places to see on the way: Durmitor National Park, Old town Kotor, Diocletian's Palace
VIP Cars’ tips for renting a car in Albania
- Automatic transmission car rental in Albania is popular and in demand among visitors from North America and the UK. If you are planning to drive routes such as the SH8 highway via the Llogara Pass or explore mountain roads near Theth, booking an automatic vehicle well in advance (4 to 6 weeks) is recommended, especially between June and September.
- It is recommended to choose an SUV if your itinerary includes Theth, Valbone or remote mountain areas in northern Albania. Road conditions can vary, particularly on mountain roads.
- You may find fuel stations limited on some stretches between Vlore, Dhermi, Himare, and Sarande. Refueling before starting long coastal drives can help avoid unnecessary detours.
- Opting for an economy car rental in Albania is the most practical choice for places like Durres and Berat. In these cities, the streets are narrow and you get limited parking space. Such vehicles are also popular for driving on the Tirana-Sarande route via the SH4 highway as the roads are well-maintained.
- If you are searching for an Albania car rental with a low deposit option, use the filters given on our booking page to set your preferred security deposit range. This allows you to quickly compare rentals requiring a smaller deposit.
