What a tourist needs to know about driving in Albania – traffic, parking, roads, everything, and even more – I will tell you in this article. This information is particularly helpful for those traveling by car. But even if you haven’t made up your mind yet, you’ll find answers to all your questions here.

toll roads in albania
Most roads in Albania have a similar surface. This is actually a highway — there are only two in the entire country!

Traffic Rules in Albania

I’ve briefly touched on traffic rules in other articles, but here I’ll provide detailed information. The rules in Albania are practically the same as in many other countries, making it comfortable for tourists to drive here. Below are the key highlights:

  • Driving on the right side of the road
  • Left-hand drive vehicles
  • Speed limits:
    • In urban areas: 50 km/h (though signs often indicate 40 km/h, and these are quite common)
    • Outside urban areas: 80 km/h
    • On highways: 110 km/h (there are only two highways in the country)
  • Seat belts: All passengers, both in the front and back, are required to wear seat belts. However, locals tend to ignore this rule, and the police rarely enforce it.
  • Blood alcohol limit: 0.1‰. Although Albanians are generally not heavy drinkers, it’s common for them to drive after a glass of wine.
  • Child seats: Mandatory for children under 12 years old. However, this rule is widely ignored by locals.

Important Notes:

Speeding: Even exceeding the speed limit by 1 km/h is technically a violation. Although there aren’t many speed cameras, some do exist.
traffic rules in albania
The traffic rules are very similar to those in other countries, so tourists generally won’t face issues.

Fines

Traffic fines in Albania are relatively low, typically 2,000 Lek (€20) for most violations, such as:

  • Running a red light
  • Illegal overtaking
  • Speeding up to 10 km/h over the limit
    • Speeding up to 20 km/h over the limit (€40 or 4,000 Lek)
  • Failure to yield

However, some violations carry a smaller fine of 1,000 Lek (€10):

  • Not wearing a seat belt
  • Driving without low beams at night or in fog
  • Transporting children without a car seat
  • Talking on the phone while driving

Drunk driving: Results in a 12-month license suspension.

Important to know:

If you rent a car, fines for parking violations or speeding caught by cameras will be sent directly to the rental company the next day. They will forward the fine to you via email. You need to pay the fine at any bank and send the receipt back to the rental company. Albania offers a 20% discount if the fine is paid within five days of the violation.
  • For more information on Albania’s currency, where to exchange money, using cards, and more, check out this comprehensive article.

Roads in Albania

Here’s a brief but essential overview: In most cases, unless you’re venturing into remote, isolated areas, the roads in Albania are of excellent quality.

Useful to know:

As of 2025, major road renovation projects are in full swing across the country. The main highways are in great condition. The once-nonexistent road to the Accursed Mountains now has new asphalt. Repairs have begun on the SH75, Albania’s most scenic route. The road to the Blue Eye spring has also been upgraded. By 2030, I expect nearly all roads will impress tourists.

Since more than 70% of Albania is mountainous, expect winding roads, ascents, and descents.

  • Tip: Driving a manual car is often more convenient on such roads.
driving in albanian mountains
While Albania has many mountain roads, most have guardrails and good surfaces.

Important to know:

There is only one toll road in Albania: the Durres-Kosovo border highway. The toll is €5, payable only at a checkpoint 30 km from the border. If you don’t reach that checkpoint, there’s no need to pay. Only tourists driving to Kosovo will encounter this toll.

Traffic intensity outside major cities is extremely low. Traffic jams are mainly a problem in Tirana, with some congestion during peak hours in Durres. Driving elsewhere is pure pleasure.

Traffic and Congestion in Tirana: How to Get Around the Capital

Important: Traveling around Albania by car is essential. Public transport simply doesn’t reach 80% of the country’s attractions. However, you don’t necessarily need a car in Tirana. It’s a compact city where almost all tourist spots are within walking distance, except for two.

Tip:

If you’re flying into and out of Tirana Airport and renting a car, plan your route so that you leave the airport directly by car. Spend the last 2-4 days of your trip in Tirana after returning the car, as you won’t need it in the city.

Three Problems in Tirana:

  • Parking: There’s a severe lack of parking. In most other cities, parking is chaotic but manageable wherever traffic rules and common sense allow. However, in Tirana, parking is prohibited along all major roads and throughout the city center.
  • Public Transport: Only ground transport is available — buses, minibusses, and taxis.
  • Traffic Jams: Traffic can be overwhelming, turning driving into a nightmare.

Useful to know:

Taking a taxi is the best way to get to the airport or the outskirts of the city, such as the Enver Hoxha Bunker. For everything else, walking is the simplest solution. Distances are short.
driving a car in tirana
Buses in Tirana are not the worst option for getting around — at the very least, they are very cheap.

Parking in Albania

Let’s break this topic down into two sections: parking across Albania and parking specifically in Tirana. Let’s start with the simpler part.

Parking in Albanian Cities

In 99% of cases, parking in Albanian cities is free and chaotic. You simply leave your car wherever you find a spot along the road. That’s what locals do, and you’ll end up doing the same.

Paid parking (excluding Tirana) can be found in select locations:

  • Pogradec (on Lake Ohrid): Paid parking is only enforced during the high tourist season and costs 50 lek (half a euro) per hour. From October onwards, parking is free everywhere in the city.
parking cost in albania
Payment methods are indicated on parking signs. I’ll explain this in detail using Tirana as an example further down.
  • In other tourist hotspots like Durres, Vlora, and Saranda, parking becomes problematic during peak season. This is when locals set up informal parking lots for tourists. They often look like the photo below.
parking in albania
The parking lot director just stepped out of the frame, but his ‘office’ remains. Such parking lots are common throughout Albania, except for Tirana.

Parking in Tirana

Tirana is a completely different story. There simply isn’t enough parking. The streets are packed with cars. In the city center, parking is only permitted in designated paid zones. Outside the center, parking may be free but still remains a major challenge — there’s simply no space available. Every spot, no matter how small, is occupied.

Locals take parking very seriously. If you see a space that has been “claimed” with a chair, rope, or any other marker, do not park there — even if it seems unofficial.

Parking Prices in Central Tirana:

  • Zone A: 100 lek per hour (1 euro)
  • Zone B: 40 lek per hour (0.4 euro)
  • Private Parking Zones: Reserved by locals who rent or purchase spots. Never occupy these.
how to pay for parking in albania
Zone B. Always pay attention to the signs; they provide detailed information. We’ll discuss all the details below.
parking and roads in albania
Private parking in Tirana, even indicating the car numbers. However, there are only four spaces, and there are five car numbers.

How to Pay for Parking in Tirana

In Tirana, you can only pay for parking via SMS to the unified number 50500. In other cities, you might occasionally find parking meters. Key points:

  • One SMS = 1 hour of parking
  • Remember to send a new SMS every hour

Important Notes:

  • Paid parking is enforced from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM. Outside these hours, parking is free.
  • Parking is often free on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, though not always. You can find information about Albanian holidays in this article.
  • E HENE – E DIEL (Paid from Monday to Sunday)
  • E HENE – E PREMTE (From Monday to Friday)
  • The Albanian language is complex; you can find detailed information about it in a separate article.
how to pay for toll road in albania
Zone A: Public paid parking from Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM. Send 1 SMS to 50500 with your car number and zone. 1 SMS = 100 lek/hour.

Important to know:

You can only send parking payment SMS messages from an Albanian phone number. In the article link, you can find all about mobile communication, internet, and Albanian operators. When purchasing a tourist SIM card, remember that it usually comes with only minutes and data — no prepaid balance. If you plan to use it for parking payments, top it up immediately, as tourist SIMs can’t go into a negative balance.

Police in Albania

The police presence on Albanian roads is quite noticeable, but they rarely stop drivers without a reason. The officers are polite, professional, and do not harass tourists. They mostly stand by the roadside to monitor traffic.

In some cases, they might have speed traps or conduct document checks during random road patrols.

albanian police
Albanian police even have such cars. But more often, their vehicles are much older and more modest.

Fuel Stations and Gas Prices in Albania

Albania has countless fuel stations. Major chains are few, with Kastrati being the largest. There are thousands of small, independently operated stations, often with just a single pump.

Fuel types and prices:

  • Benzine (equivalent to 95 octane): 180-195 lek per liter (1.9 euros)
  • Diesel: Same price as benzine
  • Gas: Around 95 lek (0.9 euros)
albania petrol station
A single-pump gas station, typical in city centers with limited space.

Important to know:

Fuel prices vary between stations. Smaller stations tend to be cheaper, while larger chains charge more (a difference of around 10-20 lek per liter). Gas is only available at major stations. Fuel attendants always fill your tank for you; there’s no need to step out of the car. Payments by card are accepted at larger stations.
albanian petrol
Large petrol station in Albania, even offering gas.

In Albania, you can refuel at any petrol station, as the fuel quality is the same everywhere. There’s no deception or scamming happening. The price difference arises because at extremely small petrol stations, only a father and son might work there. And they are willing to operate on smaller margins due to lower expenses.

Driving Habits in Albania

I’ve read countless online comments claiming that driving in Albania is chaotic and dangerous, with drivers often described as “reckless.” However, here’s my take on the situation:

  • No one here will try to “teach you” how to drive. Even if you’re driving slowly on a narrow road, they will calmly follow behind and overtake when it’s safe.
  • No aggressive flashing or tailgating.
  • The driving style in Albania is generally calm and measured.
tirana parking price
A street in Tirana with designated parking. Notice the white markings for free parking and blue for paid parking.

However, there are some downsides:

  • Turn signals are a rarity. They’re often seen as optional.
  • Roads are often narrow. It’s common for two friends driving in opposite directions to stop in the middle of the road for a chat. Everyone else waits patiently — no honking or swearing. This would drive people crazy elsewhere!
  • In traffic, some drivers may slowly turn around right on a pedestrian crossing, even when the light is green for pedestrians.
  • One peculiar but common scenario: during peak hours, someone might just stop in the lane, turn on hazard lights, and go grab a coffee. Traffic slows down, the queue grows, but no one honks. It’s just normal here!

Driving in Albania: Final Thoughts

Driving in Albania, like the people, fuel stations, and even the police, is a pleasant experience. The roads are safe, enjoyable, and comfortable to navigate. There’s no rush here — everyone enjoys life and the drive. Yes, parking in Tirana can be a hassle, but that’s the only real challenge when it comes to driving in Albania.

Wishing you safe and pleasant journeys along Albania’s beautiful roads!


Resources to help you plan your dream trip to Albania

  • Flights at the best prices with best discounts
  • Car rental in Albania (cheaper – only by bus):
    • DiscoverCars – a major international resource
    • LocalRent – the leader in the Albanian car rental market. Very low deposits, even in cash.
  • Hotels and apartments throughout the country:
    • TripAdvisor – compares prices among dozens of platforms and offer you the best one.
    • Trip.com – large online booking platform.
  • Budget-friendly vacation packages: CheapOair.
  • Tours, excursions and activities:
    • GetYourGuide – more than 800 tours
    • Viator – 1050+ excursions and activities throughout the country
  • Comprehensive travel insurance: EKTA
  • Internet and Calls:
    • Airalo eSIM in Albania from $4.5
    • DRIMSIM – universal SIM card (or eSIM) in any country in the world.
  • Taxi and airport transfer: Intui.Travel