In Albania, you need a car. It's just how things are in a country with so many magnificent places all over the place – from mountain valleys to coastal cliffs and historic Ottoman hill villages. The bus system will get you between the larger cities, but it's not really built to reach all the hidden gems. If you want to visit the Blue Eye at 8am before the tourists arrive, or make your way to Theth on your own schedule, you need a car. And every so often, you want to pull over at a roadside café over the Llogara Pass because the scenery is so beautiful. You don't get that sort of independence with public transport.
Renting a car in Albania is super easy with Lemon. You can collect your car right there at Tirana Airport, and there is a wide range of automobiles from local firms that Albanians genuinely use – not those large multinational companies that charge extra simply because you are at the airport and take forever to help you along with any difficulties. And the pricing is really affordable, from €15 a day, and you don't have to deposit anything. If plans change, you may cancel for free, and all the cars are fully insured, so you can just focus on travelling to all the beautiful sites Albania has to offer.
Rent a Car at Tirana Airport (TIA/Rinas)
Your Lemon booking will begin when you land at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza, also known as Rinas by locals. This is the airport most international travellers use, so it's a terrific place to start your journey. When you arrive, you will be able to choose your car from a range of reliable Albanian rental businesses that Lemon has worked with. Then in no time, you'll be on the road and on your way.
Renting a car in Albania might be a little hard, especially for first-time tourists. The local rental market is good, but it's fragmented among hundreds of individual operators, making it difficult to choose. They all have different types of insurance and mileage regulations that might get complex. And to make it even worse, the prices you see online aren't usually what you'll actually pay. That's why it's a good idea to work with a firm that's trustworthy and dependable, one that will show up when they say they will. This is especially important when you're arriving at Tirana International Airport after a long travel and just want to get to your location smoothly. Lemon helps you filter so you can find a rental car that fits your needs.
When you get to the airport, Lemon has made it easy to collect your car – we are available 24/7, so even if you are on a late-night budget flight, your car will be waiting for you. The heart of Tirana is about a 25-minute drive from the airport. If you're travelling the other way, Durres is some 35km east of you. So, are you going straight to Berat or will you check out the gorgeous Riviera? In any case, you are already on the right path, which is a terrific start to your journey.
Side note: Most suppliers ask for a credit card for the security deposit when you pick up your vehicle. Lemon offers a full coverage option that might help you avoid tying up any money if you don't want it. Also, if you're travelling to Kosovo, North Macedonia or Montenegro, make sure you have cross-border approval before you set off – not all vehicles are authorized to cross into these countries. And if you are travelling in July or August, it is a good idea to book a few weeks in advance. You would be amazed at how quickly vehicle supply can be depleted; therefore, it is advisable to plan in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
Durres Car Rental
Durrës is a significant port in Albania, where people arrive by ferry from Bari or Ancona, for example. Lemon is a plan that does not go to Tirana but starts the trip at the ferry docks, so you are on the road within an hour or so.
More than a stopover, Durrës is a city with its own character. You can find a Roman amphitheatre half-buried in the heart of a residential area. That's quite cool. The coastal promenade is ideal for a relaxing evening stroll. And when it comes to cuisine, anticipate consistently good fresh seafood. But Durrës has one nice thing about its position – it's a convenient base from which to explore other destinations. Krujë is a short drive north, less than an hour away, while Berat is an hour and a half south. Plus, you're only about 40 minutes from the main route to Tirana, so it's easy to reach the capital city. So if you're searching for a bit of history, some good food, or practical accommodation, Durrës has something for everyone.
Ferry timings can be somewhat unpredictable, so we find it very useful if you are flexible with your pickup time when you book with us. This way, our local partners in Durres will be able to accommodate delays or late arrivals. Double-check your expected arrival time to ensure everything goes smoothly before you complete your reservation. And if you are going to stay over in the city centre before setting off, make sure you check secure parking options with your accommodation - parking can be very tight in the area, so it's good to plan ahead.
Car Rental Saranda
There are two kinds of visitors in Sarandë. Fly to Corfu and take the hydrofoil (25 min). In the summer, you can take a boat trip every day and visit the gorgeous Greek islands for most of the journey. Some are coming from Tirana or Gjirokaster, looking for a place to stay. There are many fantastic things to see and do in this part of Albania. Both groups of people need a car to travel. A car makes it easy to explore and appreciate all the great things this area has to offer.
It's a good town to walk about at night, it's got a good atmosphere. But if you go 15 minutes south, you'll find Ksamil, which is simply fantastic. It's got these crystal clear inlets and four small islands that you can swim to, it's like a little heaven. And also the UNESCO World Heritage Park, Butrint, just 20 minutes away, with these beautiful ruins on a lagoon, is well worth a visit. The Blue Eye spring is additionally about 25 minutes inland; it's a really gorgeous place. You'll need your own vehicle if you want to see more than one of these destinations in a day; it just won't work.
If you want to hire a car in Saranda, Lemon will take care of you. They have associations with local companies that know the area like the back of their hand, so you can obtain a pickup right next to the hydrofoil dock. Just make sure to confirm your arrival time when you reserve, as same-day pickup is the norm, but the supplier has to work around your sailing schedule. The roads to Butrint are quite smooth, though the mountain route to Gjirokaster can be a touch hairy. It's paved, but it's still a curving road that'll keep you on your toes. On the plus side, the vistas are amazing, so it's well worth the drive.
Car Rental Vlorë
Vlorë has a history – Albania's declaration of independence was signed here in 1912 – but most people who rent a car in Vlorë truly come for the trip south. The coastal route SH8 climbs out of the city over the Llogara Pass, at more than 1,000 metres, before dipping down to a coastline whose views on clear days reach to the Greek islands. One of the top drives in the Western Balkans, it deserves a place on every road trip itinerary.
When you rent a car in Vlorë with Lemon, you can be confident that you will be working with local companies that know the roads. The seaside roads have plenty of tight curves, but they are properly maintained, so a compact or standard car will be OK. Just drive south at your own pace, stop to see Dhermi, and you'll be in Himara by nightfall. And the best thing is nobody is breathing down your neck, so you can really take your time and enjoy the journey.
If you want to explore other locations, you could go to Fier, some 45 minutes north. Apollonia is the hidden jewel just outside Fier, with ancient Greek remains that tourists typically miss. Or go east to Berat, around 90 minutes on a straightforward route.
Car Rental Shkoder
Shkoder - the heart of the Albanian Alps, where all the excitement begins. This is the best starting point for your expedition, as you can easily reach Theth, Valbona, and Lake Koman from here. Go 25 kilometres north, and you hit the border of Montenegro. If you are headed that far, that is about halfway.
Lemon shows you the rental firms in Shkodër who know what Northern travellers desire. They can tell you about the road to Theth, and whether it is ok to drive this week. They also know whether you need a high-clearance vehicle to travel to Valbona. And they can tell you the best area to leave your car before you catch the Lake Koman ferry. They're local people, so they have the freshest information, and they don't just read from a script like someone from a call centre.
The road to Theth was done up a few years ago, and now a normal automobile can do it with no issue as long as it is dry and summer. Valbona is pretty much the same. But the trip down the Grunas canyon is really magnificent, really. The scenery is so beautiful that even if you're already late, you'll be stopping every 10 minutes to take in the sights. It's one of those roads that is too beautiful to rush through.
Shkodra has its own day. The bike culture, the old Venetian-influenced alleyways, and the lake with the Rozafa Castle overlooking it. Most visitors to Albania pass through Lezhë, an hour to the south, and pass by Skanderbeg's grave, and probably shouldn't.
Ksamil car hire
Ksamil is a very, very small place, and that is what makes it so charming. It's got only two beaches and a handful of restaurants with tables right over the water. It's the perfect place for those who want to chill out and take it easy. There are also four small islands right off the coast, which contribute to the area's laid-back vibe. The truth is, once people get to Ksamil, they normally want to see everything it has to offer, and having a car makes it incredibly easy to move around.
We paused for 10 minutes at Butrint, then made our way to Blue Eye, which was about half an hour away. Then a quick visit to Sarande, for a very brief visit, barely around 15 minutes. Gjirokastër is less than an hour's drive away and makes for an easy day trip. All you need is a little automobile, and you can rent one from one of the local firms Lemon works with.
If you are going to Ksamil, please note that there is no pickup office in the region itself. So you can either pick up your car in Sarande, which is about a 15-minute drive away, or have it delivered to your accommodation, which Lemon can help arrange through their local contacts. But on a word of warning, if you're travelling in July or August, book your car way in advance. The car rental market in the Sarande-Ksamil area is quite limited, and they all get booked up pretty quickly during the summer months.
If you're planning a trip to Berat, hiring a car is a terrific way to get around. If you are going somewhere, Berat is most definitely worth stopping at. The historic Ottoman houses rise up the hillside, overlooking the Osum river, and it's easy to see why it's called the 'city of a thousand windows' - the views from all those windows are truly beautiful. A car will enable you to discover all that Berat has to offer, whether you're passing through or touring the town.
It is a UNESCO site since 2008, and unexpectedly, it is very beautiful and not too busy for its reputation. If you're driving here from elsewhere in Albania, you'll likely be arriving from either Tirana, two hours down the SH4, or from Vlorë, an hour and a half to the east. A car in Berat, and your possibilities for visiting the surrounding area really open up. Less than an hour's drive west lies Apollonia, and if you travel southeast, it's only 45 minutes to the magnificent Osumi Canyon and the wine area surrounding Çorovodë. The canyon is a gorgeous place with a limestone gorge and crystal blue water. The half-day kayaking excursion is a great option, and you can book this with one of the local operators. What's surprising is that this magnificent place isn't on most people's Albania itineraries, but it really should be.
In Berat, the Lemon network is not as extensive as in the other key regions, which is why it's important to book in advance. There are many steep, narrow streets in the higher part of the city, so it is advisable to leave the car at the bottom and walk up, which is a nicer way to see things anyway.
Car Rental in Gjirokaster
Definitely visit Gjirokastër, another wonderful stone town in Albania. This UNESCO-listed Ottoman village is built around a stronghold on top of a hill, and it looks like it is part of the rock itself. Gjirokastër is the hometown of Enver Hoxha and the scene for some of Ismail Kadare's earliest books, so it's got a lot of historical importance, particularly for a town of its size. Perhaps you need at least a day here, but two days would be preferable to properly get the feel of the place.
If you are crossing between Albania and northern Greece, there is a nice crossing point near Kakavija. It's a simple route between the two countries for people going backwards and forwards. If you are coming from Greece, Lemon's Gjirokastër partners can arrange a car as soon as you pass the border into Albania. If you're going back to Greece, then make sure you check a few things before you reserve your car. First, check if the car is permitted to pass the Greek border. Also, make sure your insurance covers both countries so that you're covered in case something happens.
If you want to explore the area around Gjirokastër, there is a wonderful southern circuit that is certainly worth checking out, a little tight but highly rewarding. From here, you can go west to Sarande, which is about 80km away. Another place not too far away is the Blue Eye, about 45 minutes away. If you want to go a little bit further north, Berat is roughly 80km away from Gjirokastër. One place that many tourists seem to miss is the thousand-year-old Byzantine church at Labovë e Kryqit. It's only about a 20-minute drive from town, so it's well worth a visit.
A few things to know before you drive
Insurance: Lemon has you covered with full insurance on all bookings. Lemon also offers a Super Extra Full Coverage option that removes the security deposit, and this is absolutely something to consider if you are going to be travelling on mountain roads or taking remote routes. If you're only doing city driving, then the basic cover is probably enough. If you're going to be travelling out into the countryside, it's a smart idea to upgrade. So you can feel secure and enjoy the magnificent sights without worrying about what might happen if something goes wrong.
Roads: Roads in the area are fairly decent, notably the state highways such as SH1, SH2 and SH4. They are in good shape, so you shouldn't have any trouble driving on them. The roads to the mountain villages are paved, but they are often very narrow, and you have to be careful when driving on them. Some of the inland highways, however, are another story – they aren't always developed and can be hard on your vehicle. If you are planning to drive on these roads, you might want to check with Lemon first to see if your insurance would cover any damage that might occur. Driving is very aggressive in Tirana and other big cities. Not too bad, some defensive driving and patience. The roads out of the cities may be unexpectedly calm, and the country driving is usually great.
Fuel: Good service to major line stations. When you go to climb in the mountains, fill the tank. Most rental automobiles check diesel when you pick them up.
Documents: EU licences are accepted. An International Driving Permit should be obtained for non-EU driving licences.
Here's how Lemon works
Choose your desired car class, pick from Lemon's verified trusted local rental companies throughout Albania and search your dates. Lemon has done that job. No guessing who is a reliable operator, real customer feedback and community reputation.
Car from €15/day. No deposit required. Cancel at any moment. All bookings are fully insured. Meet at Tirana airport and go wherever Albania takes you.