Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about renting a car at Tirana International Airport and getting around Albania. 24 questions, honest answers, updated for 2026.

Booking & pricing

How do I rent a car at Tirana International Airport (TIA)?

Use the search form on this page to compare live prices from local and regional providers at Tirana Airport, then book online in under 2 minutes. Pickup is at the rental desks 2 minutes from the arrivals hall — just bring your booking confirmation, passport, and driver's licence.

Do I need a credit card to rent a car at Tirana Airport?

No. Unlike most of Europe, several local providers at Tirana Airport accept debit cards or cash deposits. We highlight no-credit-card rentals in our search results so you can filter for them.

Is the price I see the final price?

Yes. The displayed price includes VAT, the airport surcharge, third-party liability insurance, theft protection, basic CDW (with deductible), and unlimited mileage. Optional add-ons like Full Casco, child seats, or extra drivers are clearly marked before checkout.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes — most rentals booked through this site offer free cancellation up to 7 days before pickup. Cancellation policies are shown clearly on each rental option before you book.

What is the best time of year to rent a car in Albania?

For the lowest prices, rent in April–May or October — economy cars start from €25/day. Peak season is mid-June to mid-September; book at least 8 weeks ahead during those months. See our blog for a detailed month-by-month guide.

Can I add an additional driver to my booking?

Yes. Most providers allow 1–2 additional drivers either free of charge or for €3–€5 per day per driver. Each additional driver must present their valid licence and passport at pickup. The selection is made during the booking flow or at the airport desk.

Documents & age requirements

How old do I need to be to rent a car in Albania?

The minimum age is usually 21, with at least 1 year of holding a valid driver's licence. Some categories of car (premium and SUV) require drivers to be 23 or 25. A "young driver fee" of €5–€10/day may apply for drivers under 25.

What documents do I need at pickup?

A valid passport (or EU/EEA national ID), your home country's driver's licence, a credit or debit card in the driver's name, and your booking confirmation (printed or on your phone). An International Driving Permit is recommended if your licence is not in the Latin alphabet.

What happens if my flight is delayed?

No problem. Provide your flight number when booking and the rental desk will track it automatically. Most local providers at Tirana Airport will hold your reservation for several hours after a delayed arrival at no extra cost.

Insurance & assistance

What is Full Casco insurance and do I need it?

Full Casco (also called Super CDW) is a zero-deductible insurance that covers almost every scenario, including tires, windshield, and undercarriage. It typically costs €8–€15 per day extra. We strongly recommend it if you plan to drive the Albanian Riviera or any mountain road.

Is roadside assistance included?

24/7 roadside assistance is included with every rental booked through this site. The local provider will give you a phone number at pickup; in case of breakdown, mechanical failure, flat tire, or accident, they will dispatch help or arrange a replacement vehicle.

Are child seats and GPS available?

Yes. Child seats, booster seats, and GPS units can be added at booking for €3–€8 per day each. Most modern rentals already have built-in navigation, and Google Maps works well across Albania, so an extra GPS is rarely needed.

Vehicles & options

Manual or automatic transmission — which can I get?

Both. Manuals are slightly cheaper and dominate the budget categories; automatics are widely available in mid-range and premium categories. If you want an automatic, filter for it during booking — they sell out faster in summer.

Should I rent a 4x4 or SUV for the Albanian Riviera and the Alps?

For the Riviera and standard road trips, a small economy car is plenty — all main routes are paved. For the SH21 to Theth in the Albanian Alps, a higher-clearance compact SUV is recommended in dry summer weather; in spring or after heavy rain, a true 4x4 is safer. The road into Theth is the only one most travellers actually need extra clearance for.

Can I take the rental car on a ferry to Greece (Corfu)?

No, in most cases. Standard rental contracts do not cover ferries to Corfu or other islands. Park your car at the secure paid lot at Saranda port (~€5/day) and take the fast ferry as a foot passenger.

Driving & getting around Albania

Can I drive my rental car across the border to Greece, Montenegro or Kosovo?

Yes, but you must request cross-border authorisation from the rental agency at booking. A green-card insurance extension is required and a small additional fee may apply. Always confirm before booking.

How much does fuel cost in Albania in 2026?

Around €1.95–€2.15 per litre for petrol or diesel. Card payments are accepted at almost all stations on main roads. The 24/7 station closest to Tirana Airport is on the main road toward the city, about 2 km from the terminal.

Are the roads in Albania safe to drive?

Yes. Albania's motorways and main highways are well-paved and well-signed. Some mountain roads (the SH21 to Theth, sections of the SH8 over Llogara Pass) require slow, careful driving. Headlights must be on at all times, day and night.

What are the speed limits in Albania?

40 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on open roads, and 110 km/h on motorways (sections of SH1, SH2 and SH4). Speed cameras are increasingly common, especially around Tirana. Fines start at around €30 and rise sharply for higher excess.

Are there toll roads in Albania?

Only one: the Rrëshen-Kalimash motorway tunnel on the SH1 toward Kosovo, around €5 each way (cards accepted). All other roads, including the SH2 between Tirana Airport and the city centre, are toll-free.

Does Google Maps work everywhere in Albania?

Yes — Google Maps covers all main roads and almost all mountain villages, including Theth and Valbona. Traffic data is reasonable. We recommend downloading the regions you'll drive in offline before heading into the Alps where mobile signal can be patchy.

Do I need to know Albanian to get around?

No. English is widely spoken in Tirana, the Riviera, and all major tourist areas. Italian is also widely understood. Road signs are in Albanian but use the standard European symbols, and most signs near tourist destinations also include English.

What's the emergency number if something happens on the road?

Police: 129. Ambulance: 127. Fire: 128. Or the European emergency number 112 works for all services. Save your rental provider's 24/7 roadside-assistance number on your phone before leaving the airport.

Pickup & drop-off

Where can I drop off the car?

Most rentals booked through this site can be returned to the same Tirana Airport desk where you picked them up. One-way drop-off at another Albanian city is usually €30–€80. Cross-border drop-off is possible with prior authorisation.

Still have a question?

Reach out to our partner support team or browse our travel blog for in-depth guides on driving and exploring Albania.