Traveling Around Albania – Public Transport or Car Rental?

Many tourists seem to frequently ask the question “Is public transport or car rental the best option for getting around Albania?”. While both options have their pros, most people would recommend that you rent a car in Albania. In this blog post, we will thoroughly compare both alternatives in hopes of helping you make the right choice.

Why Consider Renting a Car in Albania?

Public transport in Albania has been slightly improved, however, car rentals have several advantages over it. Comfort and flexibility are just two of the main reasons that come to mind. Let’s break down why choosing a rental car is a smarter choice for those traveling to Albania.

Better flexibility and complete freedom

Among the main reasons why people opt for car rental is the feeling of freedom this option provides. In Albania, most towns and cities do have public transportation, including buses and minibuses. 

However, they are usually notoriously unreliable in regards to their schedules. Moreover, they often do not reach most of the remote areas in Albania which are worth visiting for tourism purposes. 

Having your own rental car means that you are free from these rigid schedules. You can stop at any time and make the journey as fast as you want. Whether you are going to the pristine beaches of the Albanian Riviera or the ancient ruins in Butrint, with a car you will be able to truly experience everything Albania has to offer.

Access to off-the-beaten-path destinations

Albania is full of “secret treasures” – think remote mountain villages, secluded beaches and plenty of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Many of these incredible spots are difficult or impossible to reach by public transport.

For example, destinations such as Theth or southern Ksamil often require very long and usually quite complicated journeys on a bus. Car rental will give you the opportunity to not limit yourself to the main roads.

You can find the easiest and best routes without needing to deal with complicated combinations of public transport lines. You can easily get to the most isolated areas without being dependent on a bus network.

Enjoy the convenience of traveling at your own pace

Renting a car in Albania means you are in full control of your time. Public transport is quite cheap, but in most cases you will have to waste so much time just waiting for the bus to arrive. Buses operate on quite unpredictable schedules, and routes seldom match your plans.

Furthermore, some public transport routes may run once or twice a day and that will get you stuck in one place, waiting for several hours without knowing if you missed the bus. With a rental car you can easily avoid this issue altogether. You can set off whenever you want without worrying about having to follow the schedule of someone else. 

Optimal comfort and safety

We mentioned comfort being one of the main reasons why it’s better to rent a car in Albania. While public transport options are generally affordable, they can also be quite uncomfortable. Buses and vans, for instance, tend to be crowded and may lack proper ventilation, making long journeys less than ideal.

On the other hand, a rental car gives you control over your own environment. Whether it’s the temperature, the amount of space or simply the ability to stop for a break whenever you need it, having a car at your disposal is definitely the optimal choice. 

Moreover, having your own car often feels safer, especially when navigating the often narrow and winding roads in more remote areas. Also, car rental agencies in Tirana regularly evaluate and monitor the condition of their vehicles, following strict guidelines and regulations.

Driving in Albania: What To Expect

While renting a car in Albania is undoubtedly beneficial, it’s essential to know what to expect when driving in the country. Here are a few things to consider before hitting the road.

Road conditions in Albania

Albania has made significant improvements to its road infrastructure in recent years. Major highways connecting Tirana, Durrës, Vlorë, etc., are well-maintained, and many other primary roads are in decent condition.

However, some rural roads and mountain routes can be slightly trickier to navigate due to potholes, uneven surfaces or narrow lanes. That being said, rental cars in Albania are equipped to easily handle the country’s varied terrain. 

Opting for an SUV or a car with a higher ground clearance may be beneficial if you plan to explore really remote areas.

Driving culture

If you’re not used to the region’s driving style, drivers in Albania may seem somewhat chaotic, especially in busy cities like Tirana. While this might feel overwhelming at first, it is easily manageable with caution and patience.

Also, in rural areas driving tends to be more relaxed, and you’ll likely encounter fewer cars. Be mindful of pedestrians, cyclists, and the occasional stray animal crossing the road in smaller towns and villages.

Costs of Renting a Car in Albania | Other Requirements

The cost of renting a car in Albania is quite affordable compared to many other European countries. Depending on the type of vehicle, prices can range from €20 – €50 per day. If you’re planning an extended stay, you will be able to benefit from discounts for long-term rentals.

To rent a car in Albania you’ll need a valid driver’s license. For most European travelers, a national license is sufficient, but non-European visitors may need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). Always confirm the requirements with your rental agency in advance.

Parking and Fuel | What Should You Keep in Mind

Parking in Albania is generally easy to find, particularly outside of major cities. In Tirana and other urban areas, you may need to pay for street parking, but rates are usually very affordable. Many hotels and guesthouses offer free parking for  guests, which adds to the convenience of renting a car.

Fuel stations are common throughout Albania, especially along major roads and highways. Prices are on par with those in other European countries, so it’s wise to budget for fuel costs. Some gas stations may accept credit cards, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash, particularly when driving in more remote areas. 

Public Transportation in Albania

Public transportation within Albania is cheap and, to a certain extent, functions well; however, it is often an ordeal for many traveling individuals. The realization of this fact comes in handy when one considers if renting a car is a better option.

The local minibuses are the most used public transportation mode ithin Albania. The majority of these vehicles are found in larger towns and cities and provide routes to various locations. 

However, they do not keep to a strict timetable. This is indeed a headache for tourists. You often have to wait for the bus to fill up before it takes off. And this could seriously delay your travel program. Furthermore, their state of condition is another thing entirely: some have minimal comfort on the long journeys.

For longer journeys between major towns such as Tirana, Durrës, and Saranda, there are larger bus services. However, these routes often take considerably longer because the buses stop regularly along the route. Adding to this, Albania’s mountainous landscape can mean slow meandering journeys, particularly if you’re headed towards the north or south of the country.

Public transport in Albania doesn’t cover all places of interest for tourists. Many spots, hiking trails, and attractions of cultural interest are unreachable by bus. For example, the Blue Eye Spring and the beautiful Gjipe Beach are nearly inaccessible unless you have a car. 

	Car Rental	Public Transport
Flexibility	Full control over schedule and routes	Fixed routes and unreliable schedules
Accessibility	Access to remote areas and off-the-beaten-path spots	Limited to major towns and cities
Comfort	Private, air-conditioned, comfortable	Crowded minibuses and basic bus services
Cost	Moderate (rental fees + fuel)	Low (inexpensive fares)
Travel Speed	Direct routes, faster travel time	Slower due to multiple stops and indirect routes
Availability	Readily available from rental agencies	Dependent on local timetables, with fewer options
Safety	More control over safety	Lower safety standards in older vehicles

Tirana Driving Tips: How to Get Around the Capital

Driving in Albania’s capital, Tirana, can be an adventure on its own. Being the busiest and most populous city in Albania, Tirana offers a different set of challenges than driving on the main highways. However, with just a few helpful driving tips, you will navigate the city with ease while enjoying the benefits of having a rental car in Albania.

Expect Some Traffic

The city of Tirana is notorious for its heavy traffic, mainly during the morning and evening rush hours – from 8:00 to 10:00 AM and from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. Traffic jams are very common, especially in the city center and around big crossroads. 

It is not uncommon to be caught up in slow traffic. So, keep in mind that reaching certain places through narrow streets full of cars, buses, bikes, and pedestrians may take some patience.

If you want to get around Tirana, you will either want to travel outside of peak times or make sure you calculate enough time for making the journey. Car rental allows you to do just that. You can easily set off early in the morning or later in the afternoon to try and avoid the worst of traffic.

Google Maps Navigation

Thankfully, modern technology makes every foreign city a lot easier to navigate. Google Maps is very reliable in Albania, as it can help you find your way around town, get around traffic jams, and park easily. It will give you real-time updates on traffic, which can be very helpful to avoid delays as you get past the more crowded parts of the city.

Just a note: road construction and building projects are often going on in Tirana, and some routes may be closed or rerouted from time to time. In that case, do not be afraid to go through alternative routes suggested by Google Maps or simply ask locals because they usually know all the shortcuts. 

Be Aware of Roundabouts

Roundabouts are very common in Tirana, but they could get confusing at times, especially during the day’s peak. Always yield to the cars already inside the roundabout. When reaching any roundabout, make sure you are already in the correct lane for your intended exit. 

Most roundabouts in Tirana are multi-laned, so being alert and observant will allow you to go through them successfully.

Parking in Tirana

In general, parking in Tirana during peak traffic hours is not that easy, especially in the center of the city where the demand is high. However, there are a number of parking lots and garages available. On-street parking is also allowed within the city, normally on meters. 

For your ease, look around for blue-lined parking spots. Green-and-white lines may be reserved for residents; therefore, get your vehicle parked in the right zone. Moreover, you can also find parking available for many hotels’, restaurants’, and cafes’ guests, so you shouldn’t ignore the possibility that your accommodation offers free parking services.

Final Thoughts: Why Renting a Car in Albania Is Worth It

If you want to comfortably explore the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and hidden corners in Albania, it is totally worth it to rent a car from Shehu Rental Cars. It can afford much better flexibility, comfort, while providing you with opportunities to reach off-the-beaten-path destinations that are hardly accessible otherwise.