Which is the most affordable way to explore Albania on your vacation?
In a world where traveling has become so accessible, people don’t hesitate to plan their vacations with adventure in mind. There’s nothing better than that feeling of wanderlust! Visiting a foreign country provides countless opportunities for people to experience new things. If you want to travel in comfort, one of the best ways to do so is by car.
However, taxi rates seem a bit expensive, especially if you are planning a multiple-day itinerary. Fortunately, there are many options available which provide both comfort and affordability. In this blog, we are going to cover the best economical modes of transportation if you are planning to explore Albania.
What are the available means of transportation in Albania?
Albania is a gorgeous country situated in the heart of the Balkans. This Mediterranean gem attracts thousands of tourists each year. Although it is a relatively small country, Albania provides a multitude of tourism opportunities. Beaches, mountains, historic cities and more!
If you were to ask a local about their favorite mode of transportation, their answer would probably be public transportation. Most locals have gotten used to their everyday routes. They take the bus to go to work or prefer to move around with their own personal car. However, if you are visiting for the first time, you will need a more reliable way of getting around.
Bus schedules may not always accommodate your needs and routes may be limited in terms of your itinerary. For this reason, many tourists opt for taxi services when they first land at the Tirana International Airport. Lucky for you, we are here to provide a more thorough guide, curated with tips and tricks for a cost-efficient vacation.
Car rental is by far the superior mode of transportation when it comes to visiting Tirana, as well as other cities in Albania. Below we will make a comprehensive analysis, providing you with answers to all the questions you may have on car rental in Albania.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Albania?
Car rental prices in Albania are actually much cheaper than in most countries. That’s because the country’s economy thrives on tourism! Here is how that works. There are plenty of car rental companies, operating not only in the capital city but in other touristic cities as well. The more companies in the market, the bigger the competition is.
For this reason, you will be able to find many different car rental companies that provide competitive fares for a diverse range of vehicles. Generally, you will be able to find a car for only $20 per day, or even less. Moreover, many car rental companies offer discount prices during the summer season. You can even opt for a packaged deal that provides insurance, whether basic or full insurance.
A car rental in Albania costs between 20 euros and 100 euros per day. Everything depends on your personal preferences, priorities, needs and criteria. Moreover, the location of the car rental company also plays a role. Keep in mind that on top of the car rental price, you will probably have to pay an approximate 20 euros for full insurance.
You should also calculate the amount you will have to deposit when making your booking. All things considered, renting a car in Albania is significantly cheaper than taking a taxi every time you go out.
How can you avoid extra charges when renting a car in Albania?
Before booking your car, it is important to consider all your options. Once you’ve found a reliable company and the car model you prefer, you can proceed with talking to the company. Here is a list of tips and things you should keep in mind to avoid additional expenses which are unnecessary:
Send an email to your car rental company before making your booking
It is always recommended that you speak to a staff member before scheduling your car rental. Let them know about your needs and they will recommend some suitable car models and prices according to your budget.
However, it is important that you gather information on the market price for your preferred car rental so that you have something to compare.
Make sure to be punctual with your deadlines
Car rental companies are doing business after all. They tend to be quite strict with their deadlines, especially if they have other clients who wish to rent the same car as you do.
Therefore, it is always best that you carefully check your agreement and policies on extra charges, so that you don’t accidentally spend more just because you failed to drop off the car at the right time.
Be mindful of crossing borders
Having your own car during your vacation is nice, especially considering how much freedom it provides. Many of the Albanian car rental companies will ask you whether you plan to cross borders with your car. In some cases, they have policies where extra charges are applied if the client crosses the borders with the rental car.
For this reason, you should ask the agent about their policies and if they do have additional fees for across-borders trips, be sure to ask about the amount so you can calculate your trips to be within your set budget.
Ask about drop off fees
Some companies may have an additional fee for drop off services. Meaning, if you wish to have your rental car sent to your location, you may need to pay an extra fee. If that’s the case, consider whether picking up your rental car at their offices is doable. If you find a car rental company in Rinas Airport, all is good.
However, if your company is located elsewhere, you should consider whether a trip by bus or taxi is cheaper than just simply paying that extra fee. After all, convenience is often the most sensible choice.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Albania?
You need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Albania. Moreover, some companies state that you should have had your driver’s license for at least three years.
If you’ve had your driver’s license for less than three years, we recommend that you talk to your car rental company to make sure whether they will be able to give you a car for rent.
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Albania?
In most cases, if you have either an European or North American driver’s license, you will be safe. Most companies accept these licenses, so there would be no need for an International Driving Permit.
However, it is always recommended that you check with your car rental company’s staff before coming to Albania. They will be able to give you detailed information based on your specific case.
How much does petrol cost in Albania?
Petrol prices in Albania are relatively affordable. However, if you want to save some extra money, we recommend that you pick an economical car model. Vehicles operating on gas are usually more cost-effective, however, you can also opt for a model with a smaller engine to make sure that fuel expenses are minimal.
In some cases, you can also purchase fuel coupons which can help you save a little. Nevertheless, the cost of fuel combined with the car rental fees is still significantly cheaper than taxi fares. Privacy and comfort are a bonus!
Is it cheaper to rent a car for shorter or longer periods?
Generally speaking, short-term rentals are associated with more costly fees. That’s because most companies often provide discounts for longer bookings. If you are planning to stay in Albania for a few days, you are guaranteed to save money with a car rental deal.
Paying for a taxi or bus/van tickets is much more expensive in the long run. Taxi services usually charge per time spent or distance traveled, which is completely unfavorable if you are planning to move around a lot.
On the other hand, bus tickets will quickly add up. You will be surprised to see that you’ll have spent more than 10 euros traveling around by bus everyday. All things considered, renting an economical car can provide substantial savings compared to other options.
Renting a car in Albania: Quick Checklist
If you have already decided that you are going to rent a car during your stay in Albania, here is a checklist with things you should consider before proceeding with your plan:
- Compare prices for different companies and car models;
- Review fuel policies;
- Make sure to pick a car that works on less expensive fuel;
- Try to book as early as possible;
- Make sure to check for any discounts or package deals.
