Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA) is Albania's main gateway, handling the vast majority of international arrivals. For most visitors, renting a car at TIA is the most practical way to start exploring a country where public transport is limited outside the capital and the real highlights — the Albanian Riviera, the Accursed Mountains, the ancient cities of Berat and Gjirokastër — are best reached by road.
Picking Up Your Car at Tirana Airport
TIA is located 17 km northwest of central Tirana, a 25–30 minute drive depending on traffic. When it comes to collecting your rental car, you have three practical options:
The right choice depends on your itinerary. If your flight arrives late at night, airport pickup is the easier option — collect the car, drive directly to your accommodation, and you're done. If you're spending a day or two in Tirana first, city delivery is often more convenient: the car comes to your hotel and you pick it up exactly when you need it, without navigating airport parking on arrival.
How Much Does It Cost?
Rental prices at Tirana Airport vary significantly by season. Here's what to expect across the year:
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Low season (Nov–Mar): from €25–€35/day Best availability across all vehicle categories. A good time to visit if you want flexibility without booking far ahead.
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Shoulder season (Apr, May, Oct): from €30–€50/day Excellent weather, the coast is far less crowded than summer, and prices are still reasonable. Often the best time to visit Albania.
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Peak summer (Jun–Sep): from €45–€70/day for economy Higher rates for economy cars, significantly more for SUVs and automatics. Book 3–4 weeks ahead to secure your preferred vehicle and rate.
What You'll Need at Pickup
The document requirements for renting a car in Albania are straightforward. Have these ready when you collect your vehicle:
- Valid driving licence, held for at least one year — EU and most international licences accepted
- Passport or national ID card
- Credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit
- Booking confirmation (printed or shown on your phone)
Driving Tips for Albania
Albania's road network has improved significantly over the past decade, but conditions vary considerably depending on where you're heading.
- The A1 motorway north towards Kukës and the Kosovo border is in excellent condition — fast, well-maintained, and easy to drive.
- Coastal roads Vlorë to Saranda (the Albanian Riviera) are paved and scenic, but include winding mountain sections. Drive at a relaxed pace and enjoy the views.
- Mountain roads (Theth, Valbona, remote southern villages): these can be unpaved or very narrow. If you're planning to explore the Albanian Alps or remote areas, consider booking an SUV rather than a small city car.
Fuel stations are common on main routes but sparse in mountain regions. Fill up before heading into the Albanian Alps or remote southern areas — don't rely on finding a station once you leave the main roads.
Cross-Border Travel
Albania is well-positioned for Balkan road trips. With prior notice, M.A.C.K. can prepare a cross-border permit and Green Card insurance for travel to Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece — making it easy to combine Albania with neighbouring countries in a single trip.
Let us know your planned route when booking and we'll arrange everything before pickup. See our full guide on cross-border car rental in the Balkans for details on what's required.
