Tirana car rental guide
Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Tirana
The best car rental companies in Tirana are Sixt, Hertz, Europcar. Prices start from €16/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 21, and airport pickup adds about 12%.
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Ranked comparison
Top 10 rental companies in Tirana
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
#1
Sixt
Editor’s pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€18/day
all-in estimate
View Sixt deal
#2
Hertz
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€19/day
all-in estimate
View Hertz deal
#3
Europcar
Top ratedFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€17/day
all-in estimate
View Europcar deal
#4
Avis
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€18/day
all-in estimate
View Avis deal
#5
Budget
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €200Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€15/day
all-in estimate
View Budget deal
#6
Enterprise
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€20/day
all-in estimate
View Enterprise deal
#7
Alamo
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€16/day
all-in estimate
View Alamo deal
#8
National
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€21/day
all-in estimate
View National deal
#9
Tirana Rent a Car
Local pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €150Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€13/day
base rate
View Tirana Rent a Car deal
Prices are indicative market estimates · Last checked 2026-07-21 · 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Price guide
Prices by car type in Tirana
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | €16 | Dacia Sandero | 4 |
| Compact | €21 | Škoda Fabia | 4 |
| SUV | €33 | Nissan Qashqai | 5 |
| Minivan (7-seat) | €48 | VW Touran | 7 |
| Luxury | €68 | Audi A4 | 5 |
Pickup locations
Where to pick up a car in Tirana
Airport — Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA)
Tirana International Airport sits about 17km northwest of the city center, with rental desks in the arrivals hall a short walk from baggage claim.
Downtown — Tirana city center (Skanderbeg Square area)
Downtown desks near Skanderbeg Square suit travelers who arrive by bus and want a car mainly for coastal day trips to Durrës or the Albanian Riviera.
Fees
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Airport surcharge | ~12% of base rate | TIA airport pickup |
| Young-driver fee (21–24) | €10–20/day | Drivers under 25 |
| Additional driver | €5–8/day | Per extra driver |
| Cross-border drive fee | often requires prior approval | Driving into Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Greece |
| Refundable deposit | €150–350 | Standard hold at pickup |
| Mountain road / unsealed road disclaimer | varies | Some rural routes in the north are unpaved — check coverage terms |
Local intelligence
Things to know before renting in Tirana
- Tirana International Airport (TIA) is about 17km from downtown, roughly a 25-minute drive northwest, with rental desks in the arrivals hall.
- Albania's road network has improved rapidly, but some rural and mountain routes, especially in the north, remain narrow or unpaved — check with your rental company before heading off the main highways.
- Tirana prices on carrental-nearme are displayed in EUR even though Albania's local currency is the lek (ALL), so travelers can compare rates directly with the rest of Europe.
- The Albanian Riviera, including beach towns like Himara and Saranda, is roughly 3-4 hours south by car along the scenic SH8 coastal road.
- The port city of Durrës, with its Roman amphitheater and beaches, is about 40 minutes west of Tirana.
- Cross-border drives into Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Greece are common but typically require advance approval and sometimes an extra fee from the rental company.
- Tirana's city center is compact and walkable around Skanderbeg Square, but a car is the practical way to reach the coast or mountain towns like Krujë.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Tirana
Do you need a car in Tirana?
Not for the walkable city center around Skanderbeg Square. A car becomes useful for reaching the Albanian Riviera or towns like Krujë and Durrës.
How far is Tirana Airport from the city center?
About 17km, roughly a 25-minute drive northwest, with rental desks in the arrivals hall.
Can I drive from Tirana to the Albanian Riviera?
Yes, towns like Himara and Saranda are roughly 3-4 hours south via the scenic SH8 coastal road.
What currency are prices shown in for Tirana?
Prices are shown in EUR for easy comparison with the rest of Europe, even though Albania's official currency is the lek (ALL).
Can I drive across the border from Albania?
Yes, into Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Greece, but most rental companies require advance approval and may charge an extra fee.
Are the roads in Albania in good condition?
Main highways and coastal roads are generally good, but some rural and mountain routes, especially in the north, can be narrow or unpaved.
What is the cheapest car type in Tirana?
Economy cars like a Dacia Sandero start around €16/day, among the lowest rates in the Balkans. An SUV starts around €33/day.
