Europe > 🇦🇱 Albania
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Albania can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Albania; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Albania?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Albania?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.🏙️ Main Cities in Albania
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Tirana | TIA |
🚆 Can You Travel Albania Without a Car?
Yes… but only if you’re patient and flexible. Albania does not have a national train network that covers key travel areas. Buses exist, but schedules can be irregular, and timetables are often not published online. However, you can still travel without a car if you stick to major tourist routes.
✅ Best No-Car Destinations
| Destination | Why a Car Isn’t Needed | Transport Options |
|---|---|---|
| Tirana | Walkable city centre | Taxis, buses |
| Berat | Compact UNESCO town | Bus from Tirana |
| Gjirokastër | Tourist-oriented | Buses from major cities |
| Sarandë | Beach hub | Ferries + buses from Tirana |
| Ksamil | Short taxi rides | Local buses |
➡ If you’re happy to base yourself in one spot and do guided tours or day trips, you don’t need a car.
🚗 When Renting a Car is a Game-Changer
If you want to discover Albania’s alpine villages, hidden beaches, or national parks, a car gives you total freedom. Roads can be narrow and winding, but the scenery is unforgettable.
✅ Best Regions for Driving
| Region | Why a Car Helps | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Albanian Riviera | Coastal road with stunning views | Himarë, Dhermi, secluded beaches |
| Theth & Valbona (Alps) | Remote mountain roads | Spectacular hiking routes |
| Southern Countryside | Vineyards, old villages | Butrint, Blue Eye Spring |
| Lakes & North Albania | Limited buses | Lake Koman ferry, Shkodër region |
➡ With a car, you can stop wherever you want and explore off-the-beaten-track gems.
⚠️ Things to Know About Driving in Albania
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You drive on the right
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Road quality varies: some smooth highways, some potholes and mountain passes
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Local driving style is assertive
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Renting a small SUV is ideal for flexibility
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Avoid night driving in rural areas due to livestock on roads
🏁 Final Recommendation
| Traveller Style | Car Needed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| City & UNESCO towns only | ❌ No | Buses & taxis are fine |
| Beach holiday in one location | ❌ No | Stay in Sarandë or Ksamil |
| Adventure & hiking | ✅ Yes | Access to Theth, Valbona, hidden trails |
| Road trip enthusiast | ✅ Yes | Albanian Riviera is one of Europe’s best drives |
| History & ruins explorer | ✅ Yes | Flexibility to visit remote archaeological sites |
✨ Final Take
So, should you rent a car in Albania?
Here’s the bottom line:
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No car = relaxed, simple, but limited.
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With a car = total freedom, epic landscapes, hidden treasures.
👉 If you love exploring independently, Albania is a perfect road trip country.
👉 If you want a stress-free stay in one or two towns, you can skip it.