Car Rental Guide · Albania
Pick Up at Tirana Airport.
Drop Off Where the Road Ends.
Albania doesn't reward backtracking. Its four most popular coastal and riverside destinations — Sarandë in the deep south, Shkodër in the wild north, and the beach towns of Durrës and Golem just down the Adriatic coast — each have their own gravity. The smart way to reach them is to land at Tirana Airport, collect a car, and drive directly there. No return leg. No wasted hours retracing your route. Just Albania, at your own pace.
This is exactly what a one-way rental is for. Pick up from Tirana International Airport (TIA – Nënë Tereza), set your destination, and hand back the keys when you arrive. SleidCar handles the logistics — you handle the driving.
Route 1: Tirana Airport → Sarandë
Sarandë is the one everyone talks about. Perched on the Ionian coast opposite Corfu, it's the southern anchor of the Albanian Riviera — and getting there from Tirana by car is one of the finest drives in the Balkans.
The Riviera Run
Head south on the SH4 through Fier and Vlorë, then climb the switchbacks of Llogara Pass at 1,027 m. The descent reveals the Riviera in stages — bay after turquoise bay. Stop in Dhermi or Himara, then coast into Sarandë in time for sunset. If you have the ferry to Corfu to catch the next morning, you're already there.
The drive through Llogara is genuinely spectacular — hairpin bends with views stretching 40 km across the sea — but it deserves respect. If you're travelling in an SUV, even better. If you're in a compact, take it slow and enjoy the panoramas.
Sarandë itself offers long seafront promenades, the ruins of Butrint (a UNESCO World Heritage site nearby), and the clearest swimming water in the country. For summer travellers, it's the obvious destination. Book the one-way well in advance — July and August slots fill quickly.
💡 Driving Tip
Llogara Pass can be foggy in early morning. If you're leaving Tirana early, plan to hit the pass around midday for the best visibility and views.
Route 2: Tirana Airport → Shkodër
Where Sarandë is summer and sea, Shkodër is mountains and history. Albania's fourth-largest city sits at the southern end of Lake Shkodër — the largest lake in the Balkans — with the Accursed Mountains rising behind it and Montenegro a short drive north.
The Northern Gateway
The drive north from Tirana is straightforward and fast — mostly highway through the Adriatic coastal plain. Shkodër rewards you with the Rozafa Castle overlooking the lake, a well-preserved Ottoman bazaar, and the best starting point for the Albanian Alps. If you're heading to Montenegro, the border is barely 30 minutes further.
Shkodër is also the gateway to Theth and the Valbona Valley — two of Albania's most breathtaking mountain destinations. If your itinerary includes hiking in the Alps, dropping the car in Shkodër and continuing by local transport or organized tour is a popular and practical option.
💡 Local Tip
Shkodër's old city is best explored on foot or by bicycle — the city is famously flat and bike-friendly. Park the car at the hotel and pedal to the bazaar.
Route 3: Tirana Airport → Durrës
Durrës is the closest one-way destination on this list — and one of the most practical. Albania's main port city sits just 38 km from the airport, making it the easiest drop-off for travellers catching a ferry to Italy or simply wanting to spend a few nights by the sea without a long drive.
The Port City
A short, direct drive west from TIA, Durrës is Albania's ancient Adriatic port — founded by Greek colonists in 627 BC. Today it's a lively mix of Roman amphitheatre, busy ferry terminal, and long sandy beach. If you're departing Albania by ferry to Bari or Ancona, you're already at the door.
The Durrës Amphitheatre — one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in the Balkans — sits right in the city centre, largely unexcavated and surprisingly accessible. It's worth an hour even if you're just passing through. The beach promenade stretches several kilometres south and is lined with cafés and restaurants.
💡 Ferry Note
Ferries to Bari and Ancona depart from Durrës Port, typically overnight. If this is the end of your Albania trip, dropping the car in Durrës before boarding is the most logical option — and one we're set up to handle smoothly.
Route 4: Tirana Airport → Golem
Golem doesn't have the fame of Sarandë or the history of Durrës, but for beach-focused travellers it may be the best-value destination on the Albanian coast. A quiet resort strip south of Durrës, Golem offers long uncluttered beaches, affordable accommodation, and the kind of low-key atmosphere that Sarandë has largely left behind.
The Quiet Riviera
Barely 50 km from Tirana Airport, Golem is the closest beach escape on the Albanian Adriatic. Sandy shores, calm water, and a relaxed pace make it a favourite with Albanian families and a growing number of international visitors. It's ideal for a self-drive holiday where the car sits parked for most of the stay.
Golem sits within easy reach of Kavajë and the surrounding countryside — worth a half-day drive if you have the car for a day or two before returning it. The area is flat and easy to navigate, making it a good choice if you prefer a relaxed driving experience over mountain routes.
💡 Best Season for Golem
June and early September are the sweet spot — warm enough to swim, quiet enough to enjoy. July–August is peak season with more crowds and higher prices along the coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car at Tirana Airport and drop it off in Sarandë?
Yes — it's one of our most requested routes. Book at least 48–72 hours in advance and specify Sarandë as your drop-off city. We'll confirm the closest return point and any applicable one-way fee before you confirm.
Is there an extra charge for one-way rentals?
A drop-off fee may apply depending on the destination. The full price, including any one-way surcharge, is always shown before you confirm your booking at sleidcar.al.
How far is Tirana Airport from Shkodër?
About 115 km — a straightforward 1.5-hour drive heading north on the main highway. No mountain passes involved.
Can I drop off the car in Durrës or Golem?
Yes. Both are under an hour from Tirana Airport and are supported drop-off points. Durrës is particularly convenient if you're catching a ferry to Italy.
What do I need to pick up a rental car at Tirana Airport?
A valid driver's license, your passport, and a credit or debit card for the deposit. Non-EU visitors should also carry an international driving permit. Minimum rental age is 21.
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