Driving in Albania: rules, roads, tolls and tips
Driving in Albania is straightforward on the main roads and slower, but spectacular, in the mountains and along the coast. These are the rules and the practical details to know before you set off.
By the rentalbania.al team · Updated 12 October 2026
Key facts
- Traffic drives on the right.
- Speed limits for cars: 40 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h outside them, 90 km/h on main intercity roads and 110 km/h on motorways.
- The blood alcohol limit is 0.1 g/l (0.01%) — in practice, do not drink and drive.
- Dipped headlights must be on at all times, day and night.
- Seat belts are compulsory for everyone; phones may be used only hands-free.
- Cars pay a toll at three points: the A1 near Kalimash (€5), the Llogara tunnel (250 lek) and the Thumanë–Kashar motorway (250 lek).
- Emergency number: 112. Police 129, ambulance 127, fire brigade 128.
The rules of the road
| Road type | Speed limit for cars |
|---|---|
| Built-up areas | 40 km/h |
| Outside built-up areas | 80 km/h |
| Main intercity roads (expressways) | 90 km/h |
| Motorways | 110 km/h |
- Traffic drives on the right and overtakes on the left.
- The blood alcohol limit is 0.1 g/l (0.01%), which is effectively zero.
- Dipped headlights must be on at all times.
- Seat belts are compulsory in the front and rear seats. Children need a suitable child seat or booster.
- A phone may be used only hands-free. Since August 2026, two phone offences within a year lead to a licence suspension.
- Carry your driving licence, your passport or ID card, the car's registration and insurance documents, and the rental agreement.
The road code was tightened on 7 August 2026: fines for dangerous driving rose to as much as 60,000 lek, and a licence suspension can no longer be avoided by paying a higher fine.
Road conditions and driving times
The main corridors are in good condition: the A1 from the coast to Kukës and the Kosovo border, the A2 between Fier and Vlorë, the A3 between Tirana and Elbasan, and the SH8 coastal road from Vlorë to Sarandë. Secondary roads are narrower, with sharp bends, slow lorries and occasional livestock, so average speeds are lower than the distance suggests.
| Route | Distance | Typical driving time |
|---|---|---|
| Tirana Airport (TIA) – Tirana centre | about 17 km | 25–35 minutes |
| Tirana – Durrës | about 38 km | 40–50 minutes |
| Tirana – Shkodër | about 100 km | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Tirana – Berat | about 100 km | 2 hours |
| Tirana – Vlorë | about 150 km | 2 hours |
| Tirana – Korçë | about 170 km | 3 hours |
| Tirana – Gjirokastër | about 230 km | 3 to 3.5 hours |
| Tirana – Sarandë | about 265 km | 4 hours |
| Vlorë – Sarandë (coast road, Llogara tunnel) | about 125 km | 2.5 hours |
| Sarandë – Ksamil | about 15 km | 20–25 minutes |
| Tirana – Pristina (Kosovo) | about 260 km | 3 to 3.5 hours |
Some mountain villages and remote beaches are reached by gravel roads. An SUV with good ground clearance is the right choice there, and many owners do not allow ordinary cars on unpaved roads.
Avoid long drives after dark outside the cities: lighting is limited and hazards are harder to see.
Tolls
Most Albanian roads are free. Cars pay a toll at three points:
| Where | Toll for a car |
|---|---|
| A1 "Rruga e Kombit" (Milot–Morinë), near the Kalimash tunnel | €5 |
| Llogara tunnel, on the SH8 between Vlorë and the Riviera | 250 lek (about €2.50) |
| A1 Thumanë–Kashar, near the exit for Tirana Airport | 250 lek (about €2.50) |
Fuel and parking
Fuel stations are frequent on main roads and in towns; in remote mountain areas, fill up before you leave. Most stations are attended and many prefer cash. Petrol, diesel and LPG are widely available.
In central Tirana and other cities, street parking is paid in marked zones; use hotel parking or a car park where you can. In beach towns in August, parking near the seafront fills early in the day.
Police checks and emergencies
Road police checks are common. Stop when signalled and show your licence and the car's documents. Fines are issued as a written ticket.
After an accident, call the police and the owner of the car straight away: insurers normally require a police report.
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| General emergency | 112 |
| Police | 129 |
| Road police | 126 |
| Ambulance | 127 |
| Fire brigade | 128 |
Winter and mountain driving
From November to March, snow and ice are common on high passes and in the north and east of the country — around Korçë, Dibër, Kukës and the Albanian Alps. Ask the owner for winter tyres or snow chains (both are listed as equipment or extras on rentalbania.al) and check the conditions before crossing a pass.
Questions and answers
Is it safe to drive in Albania?
Yes, with normal caution. The main roads are in good condition. Local driving can be assertive, so keep your distance, expect sudden stops and overtaking, and avoid long night drives on rural roads.
Which side of the road do you drive on in Albania?
On the right, as in the rest of continental Europe.
Are there toll roads in Albania?
Cars pay at three points: €5 on the A1 near Kalimash, 250 lek at the Llogara tunnel and 250 lek on the Thumanë–Kashar motorway. All other roads are free.
Can I pay in euros in Albania?
Rental prices are quoted in euros and many owners accept euros in cash. For fuel, parking and tolls it is best to carry Albanian lek.
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Keep reading
- Renting a car in Albania: the complete guideEverything you need to rent a car in Albania: documents, minimum age, prices, deposits, insurance, airport pickup and driving to neighbouring countries.
- Car rental prices in AlbaniaLive car rental prices in Albania by car type and pickup place, from the cars listed on rentalbania.al, with what the price includes and how to pay less.
- Car rental in Albania: frequently asked questionsShort, direct answers about renting a car in Albania and about how rentalbania.al works.