Renting a car in Tirana is one of the best ways to explore Albania, which has become a popular road-trip destination, but there are a few local rules worth knowing before you drive off. Tirana is the capital and the main place to pick up a hire car, with good roads connecting it to Durres and the coast, though rural routes can be a different story.
Licences and the IDP rule
The legal driving age in Albania is 18, but most rental companies require you to be at least 21, and you will need a valid driver's licence, an ID, and a credit card. There is one point that catches many visitors out: under Albanian law, non-resident foreign drivers are required to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and police can fine you for not having one even if the rental company did not ask. The US Embassy in Tirana advises travellers to carry an IDP, so it is worth arranging one before you go. Comparison sites such as DiscoverCars are a good way to check prices and availability in advance.
Roads, speed limits, and fuel
Highways and major roads, especially around Tirana and Durres, are generally in good condition, but rural roads can be narrow, winding, and poorly maintained. Speed limits are typically 40 to 60 kilometres per hour in towns, 80 on rural roads, and 110 on highways, and traffic police are known to target foreign and rental cars, with on-the-spot fines. Fuel is widely available on main routes but thins out in remote areas, so fill up before heading off the beaten track, and avoid driving after dark, as lighting outside towns is minimal.
Booking tips
Demand is high in summer, and SUVs and four-wheel-drives sell out first, so book three to four weeks ahead for the best price and choice. Read the rental terms for the deposit, fuel policy, insurance, and excess, and confirm whether the IDP requirement affects your cover. Comparing options in advance gives you the best combination of price and availability for an Albanian road trip.