Tirana, the capital city of Albania, is one of the most popular cities in the Balkans. From its warm weather, incredible architecture and unique cuisine, it is a popular holiday destination for tourists worldwide. As it is Albania’s largest city, it is perfect for exploring by car.
Here at Holiday Cars, we will provide you with some advice on how to drive in Tirana and its surrounding areas. Whether you’re looking for road trip inspiration or how parking works in the Albanian capital, we’ve got you covered.
How to Plan Your Route and Avoid Traffic in Tirana
Driving Rules and Regulations in Albania
There are several rules and regulations which should be taken into account before driving in Tirana:
General Rules and Regulations
- Cars drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. This is the opposite of the UK, but the same as almost all the rest of Europe and the USA.
- If you are involved in a road traffic accident (RTA) or emergency, then call 126 for the Traffic Police. If you need an ambulance, call 127. For the fire brigade, call 128.
- The blood alcohol limit in Tirana is the same as the rest of Albania – 0.01%. As always, you should never drive after having a drink, no matter how little you have had.
- You must wear a seatbelt at all times when the vehicle is moving. You can be fined anywhere from 5,000 to 15,000 Albanian Lek (£42.93 to £128.79) if you are caught without a seatbelt.
- You should only use your horn in emergencies, or when overtaking vehicles.
Speed Limits in Albania
Speed limits in Albania are very similar to those in other European countries. You should remember, though, that if you are visiting Albania from the UK or the USA, the speed limit signs are in kilometres per hour (km/h), not miles per hour (mph). We have included a handy conversion below, as well as the various speed limits in the country:
- In Tirana city centre: 40km/h (25mph)
- Outside built-up areas: 80km/h (50mph)
- Expressways: 90km/h (56mph)
- Freeways: 110km/h (68mph)
How to Navigate Toll Roads in Albania
There is only one toll road in Albania (the A1 motorway) and it runs past Tirana, and into the neighbouring country of Kosovo. There are tolls for all types of vehicles, from motorcycles to lorries.
Prices start from 245 Albanian Lek (£2.10) for motorcycles, 490 Lek (£4.20) for cars, and are capped at a maximum of 2,208 Lek (£18.96) for the largest commercial lorries.
Tips for Driving in Tirana
Navigation: We recommend using a navigation system such as a sat-nav or Google/Apple Maps for finding your way around Tirana. Its winding, narrow roads can be confusing to navigate, even for locals.
Rush Hours: If you can avoid commuter rush hour in the city, you will have a much more positive experience. This typically falls around 07:00–09:00 and 15:30–18:00 during the week.
Alcohol Driving Limit: The blood alcohol limit is 0.01%, so it is always best to not drink any alcohol at all if you plan on driving. Be extra careful the morning after if you have consumed any alcohol the night before.
Vehicle Type: Depending on your needs and your reasons for visiting Tirana, there are several types of cars to choose from. Solo travellers and couples may find it easier to opt for a small car, which will use less fuel than a larger car. However, families may prefer larger cars, especially if you are planning on any trips outside of the city centre and into the Albanian countryside.
Parking Options and Tips in Tirana
Parking in Albania
Generally, parking rules and regulations in Albania are fairly simple. Most major towns and cities have dedicated car parks, where the hourly rate ranges from 100–300 Lek (£0.86–£2.58) per hour. On-street parking is generally free, although some of it is monitored by parking meters, which typically require cash payments. It is therefore a good idea to carry some cash with you for parking purposes in Albania.
Parking in Tirana
There are numerous parking options in Tirana, thanks to its large size and urban setting. There are several multi-storey car parks around the city, which can accommodate hundreds of vehicles at a time. While most of the machines require cash to operate, some can be operated by card or smartphone payments.
It is important to note that Tirana has different parking zones with different prices, which are charged hourly. Zone A costs 100 Lek (£0.86) per hour, Zone B costs 40 Lek (£0.34) and Zone C costs 20 Lek (£0.17).
Furthermore, on weekdays, parking in Tirana is free overnight between 20:00 and 07:30.
Car Hire Services and Prices in Tirana
There are numerous car rental companies that operate in Tirana, whether you’re looking for a hire car at Tirana Airport, or in downtown Tirana. Some of the companies are globally recognised brands, such as Avis, Enterprise and Europcar, while there are also many locally-based suppliers. Prices range from around 950 Lek (£8.18) per day for small cars such as a Chevrolet Spark, while larger, more family-friendly vehicles such as the Skoda Octavia cost around 2230 Lek (£19.13) per day.
Tirana Airport and Car Hire Facilities
Tirana International Airport, sometimes referred to as Rinas International Airport is the main airport not just for Tirana, but for the whole of Albania. It is around 20km away from Tirana city centre and can be reached in about half an hour by car, depending on traffic. Picking up your car from Tirana International Airport can be a good idea, as the majority of suppliers are based there. In addition, you also have the freedom and flexibility to explore the nearby areas outside of Tirana itself. By booking your car through a reliable comparison site such as HolidayCars.com, you can rest easy knowing that you are receiving the very best deals available to you.