Car rental or taxi: Which option is cheaper for exploring Albania?

If you are planning to visit Albania for the summer, you will need to find a suitable mode of transportation. Exploring the country, or even just the capital city, can be a wonderful experience. This country offers plenty of tourism opportunities, with a variety of breathtaking landscapes, historical cities and outdoor activities and events. However, getting around may seem a bit complicated at first. Public transport can only take you so far, therefore, most tourists look for other alternatives when planning their itineraries. If you’re considering both car rentals and taxis and you are wondering which option is cheaper, this blog post will provide you with all the answers you need!

Car rentals and taxi services in Albania

Before we get into which option is more economical and overall better, we’ll give a quick introduction to both methods of transport and how they work in Albania. Car rental companies are available in many different cities, with Tirana being the predominant location.

That is understandable, as the capital city is home to the International Airport and therefore it is the first city that welcomes all tourists. Many car rental companies in Albania have been in business for many years, guarantee exceptional service and outstanding professionalism. They offer a diverse range of vehicles that can accommodate all needs.

Renting a car in Tirana guarantees the ultimate freedom to explore the whole country. Whether you wish to go on a spontaneous trip to the beach or you’ve planned a thorough multiple-day itinerary, having a car at your disposal delivers optimal convenience. Car rentals are ideal if you’re going on a one-day trip or a longer vacation, as daily rent prices are quite affordable. 

On the other hand, taxis can be found roaming around most cities, as well as parked in their designated spots. However, they are predominantly used for getting from point A to point B. The fee will depend on the kilometers covered. Generally, taxi fees are affordable for short one way drives. However, if you are planning to explore the city or go on longer trips, the overall expense will be much more pricey compared to renting a car.  

How much does it cost to rent a car for a day in Albania?

Car rental prices vary according to the type of vehicle you choose. For the sake of this comparison, we will use one car model from our catalog: a Mercedes Benz C-class. Renting this car for just one day costs 35€. Depending on the number of days you will rent the car for, the price can be lower. However, let’s just go for the 35€ mark. Let’s say you are planning to explore Tirana for the day. You will first have to go from the airport to your hotel.

Then, you will most likely visit the city center. You may choose to visit the Bunk’Art museum which is nearby, and then you can go to Dajti Mountain where you will find the Dajti National Park, Cable Car trips and plenty of restaurants. Once the day is over, you will have to get back to your hotel. Now, the car rental costs 35€. Fueling the tank at the end of your trip may cost you 10€. The overall cost of transportation for just one day will add up to 45€. 

How much does it cost to hire a taxi for a day in Albania?

When it comes to taxi companies or individual drivers, they make their own rules. Taximeters will calculate the cost of your trip based on the distance covered. Considering the necessary routes for exploring Tirana, the expense for this one-day trip alone could go up to 60€. If you are looking for a full-day private driver, the cost will be even higher. These calculations are just an estimate, however, taxi fees are definitely more expensive than car rentals.

Hiring a taxi may seem like a convenient option if you are looking to get from point A to point B quickly. Short routes are fine as taxi fees in Albania are still relatively affordable. However, if you are planning a vacation where you’ll be getting around quite a lot, taxis are definitely the most expensive option. 

Which is cheaper, renting a car or using a taxi? 

It is quite obvious that renting a car is ultimately cheaper than hiring a taxi for the day. When it comes to longer vacations and trips, making a choice is even easier. However, before making a final decision, think about what kind of plans you have in mind. If you want to explore Albania, renting a car is definitely cheaper than using a taxi. If you have booked an all-inclusive holiday during which you’ll spend most of your days in your resort, using a taxi for the occasional short trip may be more reasonable. 

Car rental or Taxi: Pros and Cons

Now that we’ve compared both options in terms of cost, we will list the advantages and disadvantages of renting a car and using a taxi. In this way, you can see which method suits your needs and requirements the best.

The pros of renting a car in Albania

• Optimal freedom: Renting a car allows you to go on an  unlimited number of trips with no additional fees. You can drive wherever you want, wherever you want. 
• Ultimate privacy: If you value your privacy, renting a car delivers the best in terms of comfort. It will be just you and your travel companions. You can basically consider your rental as your own car for the duration of your trip.
• No waiting time: With a rental, you won’t need to wait around for taxis. This saves you both time and energy.
• Cost-efficiency: Renting a car is the cheapest option when exploring Albania. With plenty of budget-friendly vehicle models and affordable fuel prices, your overall expenses will be on the lower end.

The cons of renting a car 

• If you’re not a fan of driving, you may find the experience to be a bit stressful. You can also opt for a private driver option, however, this will cost you more.
• If you’re only doing a small amount of travel, renting a car may not be as reasonable.
• The car rental process is a bit longer, at the beginning and end of your trip.

The pros of getting a taxi in Albania

• No need to drive: If you are getting a taxi, someone else will drive and navigate the roads for you. 
• Advice from a local: Experienced taxi drivers can provide you with suggestions on which destinations you should visit during your trip.
• You don’t need to worry about finding a parking spot.

The cons of getting a taxi 

• Finding a taxi takes longer than simply hopping into your rental car.
• Using a taxi is more expensive, especially if you need to travel long distances or go on several trips throughout the day.
• Using a taxi for sightseeing can cost you a lot, as some drivers charge by the hour.
• Asking your taxi driver to wait for you so that they can drive you back to your initial location will cost you more as well.
• Most taxis can accommodate a maximum of 4 people. If you are traveling in a group, you may need to get two separate taxis, which will cost you much more than simply renting a bigger vehicle. 

A few useful car rental tips

Now that we’ve made a comprehensive comparison of car rental and taxi services, you can make your choice. If you’ve decided to rent a car in Albania, here is a list with some tips you should keep in mind:

• Look for car rental companies online. Don’t choose the first company you will find at the airport, as they often have to charge more due to taxes.
• Research different car models before making a choice. Each vehicle comes with its own features and benefits, so make sure to find an option that is suitable for you.
• Check whether you need insurance. Your auto insurance might cover car rentals, however, you should always ask a professional for accurate information.
• Think about whether you need any additional features or devices. Talk to your car rental agent before making a booking.