When booking a car for your trip to Albania, one of the first choices you’ll need to make is whether to go for an automatic car rental or a manual transmission vehicle. While both options are available in Albania, your decision can significantly impact your driving comfort, especially if you’re exploring diverse landscapes from the bustling streets of Tirana to the winding roads of the Albanian Riviera. At TiRental, we offer a full range of both automatic and manual cars to suit every driver’s preference.

Driving conditions in Albania: What to expect

Albania’s road network has improved drastically in recent years, but driving styles and traffic patterns can still be different from what many visitors are used to.

  • City driving – In Tirana and other large cities, traffic can be dense, and manual cars require more frequent gear changes. An automatic can make city driving less stressful.
  • Mountain roads – Albania is famous for its scenic routes like Llogara Pass, SH20 in the north, and winding coastal drives. Manual cars give you more control on steep inclines and sharp turns.
  • Highways – On smoother, faster roads, both manual and automatic perform well, so the choice is purely about comfort and familiarity.

Automatic cars in Albania: Why choose them

Automatic vehicles are becoming more popular among tourists because they:

  • Reduce the effort in stop-and-go traffic
  • Allow you to focus more on navigation and scenery
  • Are familiar for drivers from countries where automatics are standard
  • Are ideal for long-distance drives without constant shifting

If you’re coming from the US, Canada, or Australia, where automatic cars dominate, this might be the most comfortable option for you. TiRental’s automatic car options range from compact city cars to spacious SUVs perfect for family trips.

Manual cars in Albania: Why choose them

Manual transmissions are still common in Albania and across Europe, and they:

  • Give you greater control on mountain roads and challenging terrain
  • Often cost less to rent compared to automatics
  • Can be more fuel-efficient, depending on the model
  • Offer a more “authentic” European driving experience

If you’re comfortable with manual driving, you’ll have a wider choice of rental vehicles, especially in smaller car classes.

Which should you choose?

Your choice depends on:

  • Driving experience – If you’re not confident with a manual, it’s safer to stick with automatic.
  • Travel route – For mostly urban driving and highways, automatic is the easiest choice. For mountain-heavy itineraries, a manual could be better.
  • Budget – Manual cars often have lower rental prices, leaving more in your budget for exploring.

TiRental’s advantage

At TiRental, we provide both automatic and manual vehicles, maintained to the highest standards. Our team can also recommend the best option based on your planned itinerary. Whether you want the effortless drive of an automatic or the control of a manual, we’ve got you covered.

Book your automatic car rental in Albania or manual vehicle today and start your journey with confidence.