Trying to figure out the best way to get around Albania? You’re not alone. While buses and vans can take you to main cities, they often miss the hidden spots and run on limited schedules.
Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and reach places public transport doesn’t go. In this guide, we’ll break down both options and show why a rental car is often the better choice.
What Public Transport Is Like In Albania
Public transport in Albania is affordable and widely used by locals, but it’s not always the most convenient option for travelers. The main forms of public transport are buses and minibuses, locally called “furgons.”
These operate between most major cities and towns, but they often don’t follow fixed timetables. Instead, they tend to leave when full, which can lead to delays and uncertainty—especially if you’re on a tight schedule.
The buses themselves can vary in quality. Some are newer and more comfortable, while others are older and not well-maintained. Air conditioning is not always guaranteed, and long journeys can feel cramped, particularly in peak travel seasons.
Additionally, signs and announcements are rarely in English, which can make navigating the system tricky for non-Albanian speakers.
One of the biggest limitations of public transport in Albania is that it doesn’t reach many of the country’s most beautiful or remote destinations.
Small mountain villages, scenic coastal areas, and hiking spots like Theth or Valbona are often only accessible by car. If you’re hoping to explore beyond the main cities, relying on public transport can be frustrating and restrictive.
Why Renting A Car Gives You More Freedom
Renting a car in Albania opens up a completely different kind of travel experience. You’re no longer tied to bus schedules or stuck waiting for a furgon to fill up—you can go where you want, when you want.
Whether it’s a spontaneous stop along the coast, an early morning drive to the mountains, or a sunset detour through a quiet village, a rental car gives you full control over your trip.
Many of Albania’s most beautiful spots are far from the main roads and not accessible by public transport.
With your own car, you can easily reach hidden beaches, scenic mountain passes, and rural areas that would be nearly impossible to visit otherwise. Plus, you won’t have to carry your luggage around or worry about missing the last bus back.
Having your own rental car also means a more comfortable and flexible journey. You can plan your days around what you want to see—not around someone else’s schedule.
Whether you're traveling solo, with a partner, or with family, the added freedom makes exploring Albania more personal, convenient, and enjoyable.
Places You Can Only Reach By Car
Albania is full of hidden gems that public transport simply doesn’t reach. Renting a car gives you access to remote, scenic, and less-touristy destinations that are otherwise difficult—or impossible—to explore.
Theth and Valbona in the Albanian Alps are two stunning mountain villages popular with hikers and nature lovers. While buses can take you to nearby towns, the final stretch requires a car, especially if you want to visit viewpoints, waterfalls, or trailheads.
The Llogara Pass offers one of the most breathtaking drives in the Balkans, but there’s no direct public transport through the pass. Having a car lets you stop along the way to take in panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and explore the surrounding national park.
Cape of Rodon is a quiet coastal escape north of Durrës that’s off the main tourist path. There's no public transport going all the way there, but by car, you can drive right to the beach and the ruins of a historic castle.
Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) near Saranda is another must-see spot. While tour buses go there in summer, they’re infrequent. With your own car, you can arrive early, avoid the crowds, and even visit nearby villages at your leisure.
From quiet hilltop churches to small family-run wineries in the countryside, having a car lets you discover the side of Albania most visitors miss.
Comfort And Convenience: Which One’s Better?
When it comes to comfort and convenience, renting a car clearly wins for most travelers in Albania. With your own vehicle, you set the pace—no rushing to catch a bus, no waiting around in crowded furgons, and no hauling luggage through bus stations.
You can take breaks when you want, stop for photos, and enjoy air conditioning and privacy throughout the journey.
Public transport, on the other hand, can be unpredictable and uncomfortable. Buses may not run on time, and seats are often cramped, especially on longer routes.
There’s also limited space for luggage, and you might not get a seat at all during peak hours. For those looking to travel with ease—especially families, couples, or groups—a rental car offers a much smoother and more relaxing experience.
Final Thoughts: Why A Rental Car Is Usually The Best Choice
While public transport in Albania is cheap and useful for big cities, it doesn’t give you much freedom. You’re stuck with fixed schedules, long waits, and crowded vans—especially in peak season.
Renting a car, on the other hand, lets you take control of your trip. You can stop whenever you want, take detours, and explore places that buses simply don’t go.
With Shehu Rental Cars, it’s easy to find a vehicle that fits your plans and your budget. Whether you need something small for the city or something stronger for mountain roads, they’ve got you covered.
Their cars are clean, reliable, and ready for adventure—no stress, no surprises. You just pick up your keys and hit the road.
If you want to see Albania properly, a rental car is the way to do it. It’s more comfortable, more flexible, and a whole lot more fun.
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