The roads
Main highways (Tirana–Durrës, Tirana–Kosovo) are excellent. Coastal roads are good but mountainous. Anything north of Shkodër or up to Theth needs an SUV in winter and concentration in summer.
The rules
Drive on the right. Speed limits: 40 in town, 80 outside, 110 on motorway. Headlights on at all times. Random police stops are common — be polite, paperwork ready.
Fuel & cash
Fuel stations are everywhere on main roads, less common in the mountains. Most accept card; bring cash for rural areas.
Parking
City parking is metered or attendant-paid. Old towns (Berat, Gjirokastër) have parking lots at the entrance — never try to drive into the cobbles.
Land borders with Greece and North Macedonia
Kakavijë — also written Kakavia, Kakavija or Kakavije — is in Gjirokastër municipality, Gjirokastër county, and is the main road crossing to Greece. Qafë Botë, at Konispol in Vlorë county, is the southern coastal crossing to Greece, the nearest one to Sarandë and Ksamil. Qafë Thanë, at Pogradec in Korçë county, is the main crossing to North Macedonia, which the official register still lists under the country's former name. Opening hours, which vehicles may pass and what documents you need all change — check the Ministry of Interior's current list, or ask your rental company, rather than trusting a figure quoted on a travel site.
Land borders with Kosovo and Montenegro
Morinë — also written Morina — at Kukës is the main road crossing to Kosovo. Hani i Hotit — also written Han i Hotit — in Malësi e Madhe, Shkodër county, is the main crossing to Montenegro, and Muriqan, at Shkodër, is the second one, nearest the coast. Opening hours, which vehicles may pass and what documents you need all change — check the Ministry of Interior's current list, or ask your rental company, rather than trusting a figure quoted on a travel site.
From the road
Practical tips
- → Always take full insurance from your rental company — accidents do happen.
- → Avoid driving at night on rural roads.
- → The Llogara pass is one of Europe's great drives — do it in daylight.
- → Crossing into Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro or North Macedonia in a hire car needs the company's permission — ask before you book, not at the border.
