Planning a self drive in Albania is straightforward if you set things up before you fly. Do the booking online, read the terms, and keep the confirmation on your phone. On Rent From Locals the total price, deposit, mileage and pickup instructions appear clearly before payment. After you confirm, you get the meeting point and a direct number. On arrival someone waits for you at the agreed spot, checks documents, walks you around the car and hands over the keys. If your flight is late, send a short message and they adjust the time.
Tirana Airport is the usual starting point. The walk from arrivals to the meeting area is short and signposted. Take a slow look around the vehicle, make time stamped photos of the four sides, wheels, interior and fuel gauge, and save the roadside assistance number. Keep your licence and passport together with the contract in the glove box. To drive legally you need a licence from the European Union or a licence written in English. If a second person will drive, add the name during booking so it appears on the contract. Child seats should be requested in advance and reconfirmed two days before pickup.
Small cars work well for city streets and the coastal road. If you plan to visit mountain valleys like Theth or Valbonë, choose a compact SUV with good ground clearance. The Llogara Pass is paved and steady. Use the signed viewpoints for photos and keep a calm pace on the descent. In old town centers it is easier to park a short walk away rather than squeeze into narrow streets. Never leave bags or cameras in view.
Most visitors head south after leaving the airport. The road to Vlora is quick, then the climb to the pass begins and the Ionian side opens up. Around Himarë and Jale you find small coves, clear water and simple places for lunch. Saranda is a good base for a few nights if you plan to visit Ksamil, Butrint and the Blue Eye spring. Start beach days early for quieter swims, then return to town for a late meal when the sun is high. Keep the tank at least half full on scenic sections and carry some cash in case a rural station has a card terminal offline.
Insurance is easier if you choose it online during booking. Third party cover is standard. Most travelers add collision damage cover with a stated excess, and some reduce that excess further. The key is to read the terms when you are relaxed, not at a desk after a flight. Photograph any small mark during pickup and again during return. Good photos solve most disputes in minutes.
Crossing into Greece is common and works well when planned in advance. Ask for written permission during booking and check if a green card is required. Kakavia is the usual crossing from Gjirokastër or Saranda to Ioannina. If your contract does not allow cross border travel, return the car in Albania and rent again across the border. For options that follow the same local first approach on the Greek side, compare offers on Rent From Locals Greece and choose a pickup that matches your real arrival time.
Families and groups often need more seats. In that case look for a clear note about seven seaters and luggage space before you pay. If you know you will travel with six or seven people, it helps to secure the vehicle weeks in advance since these models sell out first in summer. You can browse dedicated providers and rent a 7 seater if you are traveling in a bigger group. Check the child seat setup and the space for suitcases before you confirm.
Driving style in Albania is measured. In Tirana traffic can be busy, so leave space and avoid quick lane changes. Outside the city the rhythm is easy. Respect limits near towns where mobile checks are common. Signal early, use low beam in tunnels and keep a safe distance on long curves. In rain give yourself extra time and avoid rough tracks in low cars. Save offline maps for mountain sections in case the signal drops.
Costs follow season and car class. Spring and autumn are friendly on the budget and the weather is mild. July and August bring higher demand. Automatic cars and compact SUVs sell out first. City pickup can be cheaper than the airport in some months. One way rentals within Albania are possible, and fees are shown during booking. Deposits vary by provider and are listed clearly online. Many local offers allow payment without a credit card and keep the hold low, which helps with planning.
A one week outline keeps driving short and days simple. Night one in Tirana to rest. Drive to Vlora for lunch and cross the pass in the afternoon with two photo stops. Two nights near Himarë for short drives to nearby beaches. Move to Saranda for two or three nights. Visit Ksamil early, Butrint late in the day, and the Blue Eye on a cooler morning. Return inland with a stop in Berat, drop the car, and fly out of Tirana the next day.
The routine never changes much and that is the point. Book early, check all details on the website, keep your documents in order, meet the representative at the agreed point, and drive within the limits. With that, the car becomes a calm tool rather than a worry, and Albania with a possible extension into Greece fits neatly into a week of clear plans and easy days.
