Is it easy to drive in Albania? Safety tips for hassle-free travel
Albania is a developing tourist destination with numerous things to do, beautiful nature and budget-friendly activities.
As public transportation is limited and overcrowded, especially in the high season, car rental in Albania is practically the number one choice to discover this unique country away from the crowds.
However, many travelers wonder if is it safe to drive in Albania as a tourist. The short answer is yes. But read further everything you need to know to be fully prepared for an amazing and safe trip.
Pros and cos of car hire in Albania
Undoubtedly, when you rent a car in Albania, you have the flexibility to discover hidden gems at your own pace and see multiple points of interest in one day.
Albania is a country with poor road and public transportation network, so the safest and most convenient way to explore it is by car.
However, there are some cons of renting a car in Albania you need to know:
- Road condition: Especially in rural areas, roads are not very well-maintained, have potholes and are narrow.
- Driving habits: Albanian driving style is aggressive and may be stressful if you are not familiar with it.
- Road signs: In highways and major roads, such as those between Tirana and Durrës, road signs are in English, but outside the cities they may be confusing.
- Necessary insurance: It is wise to buy an insurance with wide coverage and theft protection to be fully protected and travel without worrying what happens in case of damage or accident.
Is it safe to drive around Albania?
Yes, it is if you follow some simple safety tips and adhere the road rules. What are the road rules in Albania and which are the most important? Please, remember the following:
- Plan your route: Organize your road trip according to the GPS and avoid driving at night, as lighting in rural roads may be inadequate. A navigation app can plan the route to avoid unpaved roads.
- Follow the speed limits: The speed limits in Albania are within city 50 km/h, outside city 90 km/h and on motorways 110 km/h.
- Carry your necessary documents: There are frequent police checkpoints, so carry always your passport and driving license.
- Choose the right car: Do you need a 4X4 in Albania? The answer is yes, if you want to make road trips outside major cities and explore the Albanian countryside.
- Find private parking: Is parking easy in Albania? Well, in major cities no, as the parking spots are limited. The wisest option is to park in private spaces to fully secure your car and avoid fines.
- Buy wide coverage insurance: Full coverage insurance with theft protection is an expense you should consider with car rental in Albania.
So, can tourists drive in Albania? Yes, they can if they follow the road rules and trust an experienced car rental agency, such as Abbycar.
Is it difficult to drive in Albania? In major cities, no. In the countryside, it can be demanding. But, don’t hesitate to ask us for help. With the appropriate car and with the all-inclusive packages of Abbycar that include wide-coverage insurance at affordable prices, you can make an amazing road trip in Albania without worrying about anything!
