A key part of planning your trip is deciding how to get around. If you decide to visit multiple cities, which I hope you do, you will want to do some research on public transportation versus renting a car in Albania.

During my 2.5 week trip in Albania, I rented a car for the first week and then used public transportation for the rest of the trip. Having experienced both options, I can tell you there are several factors to consider before making a decision.

Personally, I would not rent a car in Albania again and would instead take public transportation and tour buses. In this guide, I will breakdown the pros and cons of each option and provide practical travel tips.

If you want more travel tips for Albania, check out my post about the 16 essential tips for first time travellers. 

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Renting a car might seem like the obvious choice if you are planning to visit multiple locations and explore beyond the main tourist spots. But after renting a car for a week, I can honestly say you might want to think twice before renting a car in Albania.

While having a car gave me the freedom and flexibility I was looking for, driving in Albania turned out to be far more stressful and chaotic than I had anticipated.

Like most European countries, Albania drives on the right side of the road. However, the driving style of Albanian drivers is very different from what I am used to. Drivers can be aggressive and unpredictable, particularly in Tirana.

It is common to see cars throw on their hazard lights and park in the most unexpected places, even in the middle of the road. From my experience, the traffic often feels disorganized, road conditions can be rough, and lane markings seem more like suggestions than actual rules.

Add in narrow mountain roads, sudden potholes, limited signage, and unreliable GPS directions (especially in rural areas), and navigating can quickly become overwhelming.

Make sure that you have an eSIM when you travel so you can use GPS apps. My favourite eSIM company is Airalo. I used it in Albania and it worked really wll. 

That said, renting a car is not all bad. If you are an experienced driver who feels comfortable in challenging conditions, having your own vehicle can be convenient. It allows you to stop at scenic viewpoints, hidden beaches, and small villages that buses and tours simply don’t reach.

But for most travelers, especially first-time visitors, I would strongly recommend considering public transportation or organized tours instead.

• • Flexibility — You can travel on your own schedule and explore wherever you want
  • Access to remote areas — You are able to travel to places off the beaten path that public buses might not visit
  • Faster travel times — Driving is usually quicker than buses, which make frequent stops along the route
  • Comfort –  More personal space, air conditioning, and the freedom to stop whenever you need

• • Cost — Renting a car is significantly more expensive than public transportation
  • Challenging driving conditions — Poor road conditions, narrow roads, steep mountain routes, and unpredictable drivers can be stressful
  • Parking issues — Parking can be hard to find and sometimes pricey, especially in cities
  • Navigation difficulties — GPS is not always reliable, and road signs can be limited and confusing

• Stick with established rental companies. While local agencies may offer cheaper prices, they are more likely to add surprise fees or have unexpected issues. I rented through Alamo (which is the same company as Enterprise) and had a smooth experience.

• Document everything before you drive away. Take detailed photos and videos of the car, including existing damage and mileage. This can save you from disputes when returning the vehicle.

• Consider a 4×4 if heading into the mountains. Some roads are steep, narrow, and poorly maintained. Having the right vehicle makes a big difference.

• Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). While not always required, it is highly recommended and makes the rental process easier. You can usually get one through your local automobile authority, but plan ahead as it often takes 1–2 weeks and requires a small fee and a passport photo. Remember, it is only valid when used alongside your regular driver’s license.

• Confident and experienced drivers: Driving in Albania can be chaotic, especially in Tirana. Road conditions vary widely and drivers can also be unpredictable, so it helps to have experience navigating different countries and handling challenging traffic. If you have driven in places like Italy or Greece without issues, you will likely adapt quickly.

• Flexibility and freedom: Renting a car allows you to explore remote locations and make spontaneous stops at viewpoints, villages, or beaches that most tourists miss. You can set your own schedule, take detours, and create your own route.

• Traveling with a group: If you are visiting Albania with a small group, a car can make it easier to stay together, carry everyone’s luggage, and split fuel and rental costs.

• Tight schedule: If you only have a few days in Albania, a rental car can help you make the most of your time by avoiding bus schedules and reaching multiple destinations quickly.

• Nervous or inexperienced drivers: If heavy traffic or narrow roads make you anxious, renting a car in Albania might not be worth the stress. The driving culture can be unpredictable, and it is best suited for those who are confident and very experienced.
  

• Staying mainly in big cities (like Tirana or Sarandë): If you are not planning to travel between multiple locations, a car is not necessary. Traffic in Tirana is notoriously hectic, and public transport or taxis are much more convenient for getting around.

• Travelers on a tight budget: While car rentals in Albania are cheaper than in many other European countries, it is not exactly cheap either. Gas prices are relatively high in Albania, around €1.50-€2.50 per liter (about €5–7 per gallon), which can add up quickly for long drives.

Public transportation in Albania can be slow and confusing, but it is a great affordable option. There are no trains between cities, so buses (called furgons) are the main form of public transportation.

Most local bus stations are just parking lots or random spots along main roads (sometimes completely unmarked). While schedules technically exist, buses usually leave once they are full, which means they might depart earlier or later than planned.

The biggest perk of public transportation is price. I rode a four hour bus from Tirana to Gjirokastër for about €10 and that was the most expensive bus ride I took my entire trip.

You can easily get between major cities and there are usually multiple buses throughout the day. Buses are usually minibuses or coaches and are fairly comfortable. You can pay in cash when boarding or book online through Gjirafa Travel (typically for a small markup).

• • Budget-friendly — Buses are by far the cheapest way to travel around Albania. Most intercity routes range from €4–€15, depending on distance. Local buses in Tirana cost about €0.50.
  • Lower stress than driving — While schedules can be unpredictable, it is still far less stressful than navigating Albania’s roads. You won’t have to worry about aggressive drivers, rough road conditions, parking, or rental car logistics.
  • Simple to use — Each bus displays its destination on the front. If it is going where you need, you hop on, pay, and ride until arrival. Not a complicated system.

• • Limited flexibility —You are at the mercy of bus schedules. Popular routes run multiple times daily, but smaller towns may only have one or two buses per day.
  • Slower than driving — Buses frequently stop to pick up and drop off passengers, which adds time to the travel. Sometimes the bus takes longer routes to accommodate stops.
  • Not ideal for remote spots — Buses connect major cities well, but often will not drop you directly at smaller towns, beaches, or attractions. You may need to walk or transfer.

• Flexible schedule: If you are not in a rush to reach your destination at a specific time and can hop on a bus whenever it leaves, buses work great. Being able to go with the flow and adjust plans as needed is essential.

• Light luggage: Most buses are minibuses with limited storage, though some coaches to major cities offer more space. I would not rely on buses if you have lots of luggage.
  

• Budget conscious travelers: Taking the bus is definitely the cheapest way to travel around, making it a great way to save money on your trip.

• Visiting cities: Buses mainly run between major cities, which is great if you are visiting cities. If you are wanting to go somewhere a bit more remote, then it will be difficult to get there via bus.

• Limited time in Albania: If you only have a few days in Albania, buses might not be the most efficient way to get around. You could risk missing activities with strict start times.
  

• Traveling with lots of luggage: Storage on the bus is limited, so there may not be enough room if you are traveling with large or multiple bags.

• Families with small children: Riding buses with young kids can be stressful and uncomfortable. The seats are cramped, there is no room for car seats, and storage space for strollers or other items is limited. On top of that, buses do not have bathrooms on board and rarely make stops for toilets unless it is a long journey.
  

• Wanting the Scenic Route: Aside from a quick pit stop on longer journeys, buses do not make any other stops. If you want to explore locations off the beaten path or stop at viewpoints and attractions along the way, buses are not the option for you.

• If you are claustrophobic: While most buses have air conditioning, some do not (or it may not work well). When I traveled in August, one of my buses had poor air conditioning making it a bit uncomfortable. Most buses were completely full and one time we even had a passenger sitting on a stool in the aisle for the entire journey. The combination of heat, crowds, and limited space can feel uncomfortable if you are sensitive to tight or enclosed spaces

You can pay for the bus with cash before you get on or you can book online at Gjirafa Travel for a slightly higher price. 

I noticed that most buses tend to leave in the morning. If you arrive at a station around 8 a.m., you will find a bus that usually departs by 9 or 9:30am. Buses display the destination city on the front but make multiple stops along the route depending on where people need to go. They only stop if someone needs to get off.

Main cities like Tirana, Sarandë, Durrës, Gjirokastër, or Shkodër are easy to reach. Smaller towns may require asking the driver to drop you off nearby.

You can find bus schedules on Gjirafa Travel but as previously mentioned, buses leave once they are full so I would try to be at least 30 minutes early to the bus station before the scheduled time.

In the winter when there are less tourists, buses might be more infrequent.

Tour buses usually are not my first choice when traveling, but for Albania they might actually be your best option. If I were planning my trip again, I would skip the rental car and book a few organised bus tours instead.

Public buses work great for traveling between major cities, but tour buses are nice  when it comes to reaching popular attractions and remote spots. Many tours visit scenic villages, beaches, waterfalls, and mountain areas that public buses simply do not service.

It is an easy way to explore more of the country without worrying about road conditions, navigation, or rental car logistics.

• • Easy and reliable
    Tour buses operate on strict schedules with clear pick-up and drop-off points, so there is no guesswork about timing or locations.
  • Reach remote and scenic areas
    Tours often go where public buses do not, and usually include multiple stops in one day, letting you see far more than you could on your own.
  • Great for groups Traveling with a larger group? Tour buses make logistics simple and ensure everyone has a seat.

• • Fixed itineraries
    You’ll follow a set route with limited freedom to customize stops or timing (unless you book a private tour).
  • More expensive than public buses
    While still much cheaper than renting a car, tours do cost more than local transportation.
  • Less flexibility overall Pick-up times, drop-off points, and stop durations are preplanned and rarely adjustable

Whether renting a car in Albania is worth it really comes down to your comfort level and travel style. Even though I have driven in many countries around the world, I personally would not rent a car in Albania again.

Between unpredictable road conditions, aggressive driving, and the added stress of navigation, it was not the most enjoyable way to travel. Instead I would use public transportation to get between cities and day tours for remote locations and scenic spots. This combination is cheaper, easier, and far less stressful. Plus, it still lets you see a huge variety of Albania without the headache of driving.

Do I need an international driver’s license in Albania?

An international driver’s license is not required to rent a car in Albania, but it is highly recommended. It is easy to obtain in most countries, though you will want to apply in advance since it typically takes 1–2 weeks to arrive. Having an international driving license can make interactions with rental agencies and traffic police much smoother.

Can I rent a car in Albania without a credit card?

In most cases, no. Like in many countries, rental companies require a credit card for the security deposit. Debit cards are rarely accepted for car rentals in Albania.

How much do buses cost?

Public buses are very affordable. Most intercity routes cost between €3–€15 per person one way, depending on distance. Short routes and city buses are even cheaper.

Is it easy to rent a car in Albania? 

Yes ,renting a car is generally straightforward, especially if you book through major international companies. I personally rented through Alamo (operated by Enterprise), and the pick-up and drop-off process was quick and smooth.

Airport traffic made returning the car a little hectic, but overall it was an easy experience. For peace of mind, I recommend sticking with well-known, international rental brands rather than smaller local agencies.

How expensive is it to rent a car in Albania?

The cost of the car depends on the time of year (summer is most expensive), the duration of your trip and the type of vehicle you rent. On average, expect to pay €100-€400 per week. I rented a small sedan for 7 days in August (peak tourist season) and paid €365. 

What age can you rent a car in Albania? 

Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may face additional young driver fees.

Can you rent a car in Albania and drive to Montenegro? 

Yes, you can usually drive a rental car from Albania into Montenegro, but expect cross-border fees, extra paperwork from the rental company, and a Green Card insurance document from the car rental company.

Always confirm international travel permissions with your rental agency in advance.

Most reliable rental car companies in Albania? 

Personally, I would recommend renting from reputable international car rental companies. In my experience they are more reliable than local car rental companies. 

What are the driving rules and regulations I should be aware of when renting a car in Albania? 

A few things to note about Albanian driving. Head lights need to be illuminated at all times. Speed limits are quite strict and there are a lot of traffic police (40km/h in cities, 90km/p on main intercity roads, 110km/h on motorways or highways).  Drivers often stop unexpectedly with hazard lights, sometimes even in the middle of the road. 

Looking for more travel inspiration? You may also enjoy these posts:

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