DRIVING AROUND ALBANIA
Driving around Albania
If you are planning to hire a car in Albania, prepare for an adventurous journey and a different style of driving. Road conditions vary considerably. Roads in cities such as Tirana, Durrës and Vlorë are generally well maintained, while rural and mountain roads can be narrow, winding and affected by potholes.
Before booking your car, check the roads in the areas you intend to visit. A standard car is sufficient for most popular destinations, but a four-wheel-drive vehicle may be more suitable for remote mountain areas and minor rural roads.
Car Hire in Albania – Choosing the Right Vehicle
Hiring a car is one of the best ways to explore Albania at your own pace. It allows you to discover beaches, mountains, historic towns and natural attractions that can be difficult to reach by public transport.
Before accepting a rental car, inspect it carefully and take photographs of the bodywork, wheels and interior. Check what the insurance covers, whether a security deposit is required and if you are permitted to drive on unpaved roads.
Documents Required for Driving in Albania
When travelling to Albania in your own car, carry:
- a valid driving licence
- the vehicle registration certificate
- an internationally valid insurance certificate, known as a Green Card
- written authorisation from the owner if the vehicle is borrowed, hired or registered to a company
An international driving permit is not usually required for holders of a Czech driving licence, although carrying one may still be useful. Requirements can vary according to the country that issued your licence, so check the latest rules before travelling. Current information from the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs
What Is Driving in Albania Like?
Driving in Albania can feel chaotic at first. Although traffic regulations are clearly established, some drivers change lanes suddenly, overtake unexpectedly or drive very close to the vehicle in front.
Do not take this behaviour personally. Remain calm, avoid offensive gestures or unnecessary use of the horn and concentrate on the road. Defensive driving, patience and plenty of space between vehicles are the best ways to reach your destination safely.
Overtaking on Narrow and Mountain Roads
On narrow roads or in the mountains, another vehicle may follow very closely before attempting to overtake. A short use of the horn is sometimes intended as a warning that the driver is about to pass.
Keep a steady speed and, when it is safe, allow faster vehicles enough room to overtake. Do not accelerate or make sudden movements.
Night Driving, Animals and Pedestrians
Take extra care when driving after dark. Street lighting can be limited, even on major roads, and you may encounter potholes, unmarked roadworks or vehicles without adequate lights. Animals such as cows, horses and dogs may also appear unexpectedly on the road. Official travel advice warns that rural roads can be poorly surfaced and recommends particular caution at night.
Pedestrians may cross the road away from designated crossings, so always be prepared to slow down or stop. Expect pedestrians wherever there are houses, shops, restaurants or beaches nearby.
Speed Limits, Seat Belts and Child Car Seats
Observe the posted speed limits, as police regularly carry out roadside checks. Seat belts should be worn by every passenger in the vehicle.
You may see local children travelling without appropriate restraints, but this does not mean that child car seats are unnecessary. Albania has child-restraint legislation, and children should always travel in a suitable car seat or booster seat according to their age and size. UNECE Road Safety Review for Albania
What Should You Do After a Traffic Accident?
If you are involved in an accident, stop safely and remain at the scene. Contact the police and your car hire company or insurer, photograph the vehicles and any damage, and wait for instructions.
Even after a minor accident, do not leave before the police arrive unless remaining at the scene would put you in danger. The emergency telephone number in Albania is 112.
Exploring Albania by Car from Golem and Durrës
A rental car gives you the freedom to take day trips from Golem or Durrës to Tirana, Lake Bovilla, Mount Dajti, Divjakë–Karavasta National Park and many other beautiful places.
Guests staying at Apartment Rehati in Golem can use the free private parking space directly outside the building. This makes hiring a car a convenient option for exploring Albania while still staying just a few minutes from the beach.