7 Common Mistakes Tourists Make When Renting a Car in Albania (And How to Avoid Them)

Renting a car in Albania is one of the best decisions you can make as a traveler. It gives you the freedom to explore the Albanian Riviera, UNESCO towns, and mountain villages at your own pace. But there are a few very common mistakes that tourists keep repeating, and they can turn a great road trip into a stressful experience.

Here are seven rental mistakes you should avoid, and how to do things the smart way.

1. Booking Your Rental at the Last Minute

One of the biggest mistakes is leaving your car rental booking until the last minute, especially in July and August. These are the busiest months in Albania. Cars sell out, prices jump, and you might end up with a vehicle that doesn’t fit your needs at all.

To avoid this, book as early as you can once your flights are confirmed. For peak season, aim for at least two to four weeks in advance. For May, June, September, and October, one to two weeks is usually enough, but earlier is still better if you want the best choice of cars and prices.

When you reserve early through TiRental, you lock in your car type and rate and avoid the “sorry, we’re fully booked” surprise.

2. Choosing the Wrong Type of Car for Your Route

Another classic mistake is choosing the rental car based only on price, not on where you actually plan to drive. Albania has different types of roads: modern highways, twisting coastal routes, and mountain roads that can be steep or narrow.

If you are staying mostly in Tirana or other cities, a compact hatchback is usually perfect. It is easy to park, fuel‑efficient, and ideal for traffic and short distances.

If you plan to drive along the Albanian Riviera between Vlorë, Himarë, and Sarandë, a comfortable sedan or compact SUV is a better choice. The roads are good but curvy, and you will appreciate extra comfort and stability.

If you are heading to mountain regions such as Theth or Valbonë, you should strongly consider an SUV with higher ground clearance. Even if the main roads are paved, side roads and sections near villages can be rougher.

Families should think about space first: enough room for luggage, children, and any baby seats or strollers. A slightly larger hatchback or sedan is more comfortable than the smallest, cheapest car.

Before booking, decide your exact route and then pick the car model that matches that plan, not just the lowest daily price.

3. Ignoring Insurance Options or Not Knowing What You Bought

Car rental insurance in Albania can be confusing if you have never rented here before. Some tourists decline all extra coverage to save money, then regret it if a tire or window gets damaged. Others pay for insurance they do not really understand.

Most rentals include basic third‑party liability insurance by default. That usually protects other people and property, not damage to your own vehicle. To reduce your risk, you can add extra coverage, often called Casco or Full.

Casco‑type coverage typically covers most of the cost in case of accidents or theft, while full coverage may also include glass, mirrors, tires, and minor scratches. For long trips, mountain roads, or city parking, having extended coverage gives real peace of mind.

Read the description of each insurance option carefully, and ask the rental company to explain what is and isn’t included. Think about where you will drive, how confident you feel, and your budget. It is better to pay a bit more per day than worry about every stone on the road.

4. Underestimating Driving Times in Albania

On the map, Albania looks small, so many visitors assume they can easily “do everything” in a few days. Then they discover that driving times are longer than expected.

Mountain routes and coastal roads are beautiful, but they are not high‑speed highways. There can be tight bends, slow trucks, local traffic, or animals crossing. Navigation apps often show an optimistic time that doesn’t reflect reality.

To avoid stress, always add extra time to whatever your map app suggests. Start your driving days earlier, take planned breaks, and never schedule important check‑ins or flights too tightly after a long road section. It is better to arrive early and relax than rush and worry.

5. Not Checking What Is Included in the Price

Sometimes a rental looks cheap at first glance, but extra fees appear later: limited mileage, expensive airport delivery, high charges for additional drivers, or strict fuel policies. Tourists who don’t check the details end up surprised when they pick up the car or return it.

Before you confirm a booking, make sure you know:

• Whether the mileage is unlimited or limited per day.
• If airport pickup and drop‑off are free or extra.
• How many drivers are included and what an extra driver costs.
• What the fuel policy is (full‑to‑full is usually best).

At TiRental, you strongly benefit from transparent conditions and free services like Tirana airport pickup. Always compare not just the daily rate, but the total expected cost with all these factors included.

6. Forgetting About Deposit, Payment Method, and Documents

Every rental company has specific rules about deposits and accepted payment methods. Some require a credit card, some allow cash, and deposit amounts can vary a lot.

You should also be prepared with the right documents. Typically you need a valid driver’s license, passport, and in many cases an International Driving Permit, especially if your license is not in Latin letters or not from the EU.

Before you arrive:

• Confirm the deposit amount and in what form it will be blocked or collected.
• Check if cash is accepted, or if a credit card is required in the main driver’s name.
• Make sure your license is valid for the entire rental period and check if you should get an IDP in your home country.

Coming prepared means your pickup process is fast and smooth.

7. Trying to See “All of Albania” in One Short Trip

Albania is compact, but it has a huge variety of places to see: beaches, mountains, lakes, cities, and villages. A common mistake is to squeeze a very long list of destinations into just a few days. That leads to rushing, fatigue, and too much time behind the wheel instead of enjoying each place.

Instead of trying to see everywhere, pick one main region for your trip: the south and the Riviera, the central part with Berat and Gjirokastër, or the north with Shkodër and the Albanian Alps. Design an itinerary that fits comfortably into your number of days, with one or two “base” towns and day trips from there.

Your rental car is a tool for freedom, not a reason to stay in the driver’s seat from morning to night.

Turn Your Rental into a Smooth Experience

Renting a car in Albania should make your trip easier, not harder. By booking early, choosing the right vehicle, understanding insurance, planning realistic routes, checking what’s included, preparing your documents, and designing a balanced itinerary, you can avoid the most common mistakes tourists make.

That way, you’re free to focus on what really matters: enjoying the beaches, mountains, and friendly people that make Albania such a special place to explore by car.