Car Rental in Durrës, Albania — Port Pickup, City Delivery & Road Trips
A practical guide to renting a car in Durrës — whether you’re arriving by ferry from Bari or Ancona, picking up at Durrës Plazh, or need delivery to your hotel. Clear pricing, port pickup logistics, honest driving advice, and road trip ideas from Albania’s busiest port city.
Durrës Port is Albania’s main maritime gateway and the busiest ferry terminal in the country. Ferries from Bari (Italy) take approximately 8–10 hours overnight; ferries from Ancona take around 19–22 hours. Both routes operate year-round, with Grimaldi Lines, Adria Ferries, and Ventouris Ferries among the main operators. If you’re arriving on one of these ferries, picking up a rental car directly at the port saves you the hassle of finding transport into the city or onwards to Tirana.
Ferry Routes to Durrës
Bari (Italy) → Durrës: 8–10 hours, overnight crossings available
Ancona (Italy) → Durrës: 19–22 hours, departs most days
Main operators: Grimaldi Lines, Adria Ferries, Ventouris Ferries
Car-carrying ferries: yes — you can bring your own vehicle or rent on arrival
Port address: Rruga Tregtare, Durrës (the commercial port area)
Passenger terminal is separate from the freight/truck section
Rental Car Pickup at the Port
Meet-and-greet pickup: agent meets you at arrivals after immigration
Available for all ferry arrivals including overnight and early morning
Book in advance and provide your ferry arrival time
Agent brings the vehicle and completes paperwork on-site
City delivery to Durrës hotels and apartments also available
No surcharge for port pickup on most bookings made online
Port Traffic — Be Realistic
Durrës Port handles heavy commercial freight — truck congestion is real
The road around the port (Rruga Tregtare and the harbour approach) can back up significantly when ferries unload
Budget 30–45 minutes from disembarkation to being in the car and moving
The port area has no comfortable waiting space — collect the car and leave promptly
Summer (July–August) brings peak passenger ferry traffic — allow extra time
Getting Out of Durrës Port
To Tirana (38 km): take the SH2 (Autostrada Tiranë-Durrës) — 40 min in normal traffic
To Durrës city centre: 5 min drive south through the port gate area
To Durrës Plazh (beach): 3–5 km north along the coast road
To Sarandë and the Riviera: head south on the SH4 via Fier and Vlorë
Google Maps works well for navigating out of the port — download offline maps before arrival
Truck congestion note: Durrës is Albania’s primary commercial import port. The road from the port gates towards the SH2 motorway junction runs alongside active freight yards. Between 06:00–10:00 and 15:00–19:00, heavy goods vehicles create genuine queues. If your ferry arrives at 07:00 — a common schedule for overnight Bari crossings — expect slow-moving traffic for the first 20 minutes out of the port area. Plan your onward drive accordingly.
Do You Need a Car in Durrës?
Durrës is different from Tirana in one important respect: it’s both a city and a beach resort, and how you use it determines whether a car makes sense. The city itself is compact enough to walk — Skanderbeg Square (Durrës’s version), the Roman amphitheatre, the archaeological museum, and the old bazaar area all sit within 15 minutes on foot of each other.
Durrës Plazh, the beach strip, is a different matter. It runs for several kilometres north of the city and is served by occasional taxis and minibuses, but getting between different beach sections or to the wider resort hotels without a car is genuinely inconvenient. If you’re staying at a Plazh hotel and want flexibility — day trips inland, driving to quieter beaches further south, or reaching Tirana without depending on buses — a car is worth having.
A car makes sense if you are:
Arriving by ferry and heading directly to Tirana or beyond
Staying at Durrës Plazh and wanting flexibility along the coast
Planning day trips to Krujë (57 km), Berat (122 km), or Tirana (38 km)
On a multi-city Albania road trip starting at the port
Travelling with luggage that makes public transport impractical
Visiting outside peak summer when taxis are less available
✗ You can skip the car if you are:
Spending 2–3 days only in central Durrës city
Staying close to the beach strip and not travelling inland
Happy with a single Tirana transfer by shared taxi or bus
Travelling in peak summer when taxis are plentiful along the Plazh
Practical note: The Tirana–Durrës motorway (SH2) is 38 km of well-maintained dual carriageway — the best road in Albania. A rental car makes the Tirana–Durrës leg trivial: 35–45 minutes, no buses, no waiting. If you’re combining Tirana and Durrës on the same trip, a car is almost always the right call.
Where to Pick Up Your Rental Car in Durrës
Durrës Port (Ferry Terminal)
Meet-and-greet pickup at the passenger terminal exit, coordinated with your ferry arrival time. Best option for anyone arriving from Bari or Ancona by ferry. Book in advance and provide the ferry operator name and estimated arrival time. No public rental desk at the port — all pickups are meet-and-greet.
Durrës Plazh (Beach Area)
Car delivery to your hotel or apartment along the Durrës Plazh beach strip. The Plazh area runs roughly 5 km north of the city port — specify your hotel name and address at booking. Useful for renters who fly into Tirana, take a transfer to their Plazh hotel, then need a car for day trips.
Durrës City Centre
Delivery to your accommodation in central Durrës — the old city area, near the amphitheatre, or along the main commercial strip. Specify your address and preferred delivery time. Return pickup from the same or a different city-centre address is also available.
Pickup in Tirana, Drive to Durrës
If you’re flying into Tirana International Airport (TIA) and heading to Durrës, picking up the car at TIA and driving the 38 km SH2 motorway to Durrës is often more practical than a two-step journey. The drive takes 35–45 minutes on the best-maintained road in Albania.
Which Car to Choose
Durrës is on flat coastal terrain — the city roads and the Plazh beach strip are easy on any vehicle. The choice depends on where you’re going from Durrës, not on the city itself.
Economy / Mini (from €18/day)
Right choice for the Tirana–Durrës corridor and day trips on main paved roads. Cars like the Fiat 500, Hyundai i10, or VW Polo. Easy to park along the busy Plazh strip in summer. Lowest fuel costs for the short runs between Durrës and Tirana.
Compact / Sedan
The most flexible option for most visitors. Handles Durrës, Tirana, Berat, Krujë, and the main national roads without any issue. A VW Golf, Skoda Octavia, or Toyota Corolla gives you the comfort for a 3–4 hour drive south to Sarandë without arriving stiff.
SUV / Crossover
Worthwhile if your itinerary includes northern Albania (Shkodër, Theth), the secondary roads around Berat’s old city, or any rougher coastal tracks. A Dacia Duster or VW Tiguan handles the variety of Albanian road surfaces better than a low-slung saloon. Not necessary for pure coast and city trips.
Family / Group
7-seater MPVs available for families or groups of 5–7. Port arrivals with luggage, pushchairs, and multiple bags benefit enormously from the boot space. Booking a 7-seater for a group of 4–5 with heavy luggage is more comfortable than cramming into a compact.
Luxury / Premium
Available for business travel and airport transfers between Tirana and Durrës. Mercedes C-Class, BMW 5-Series, and similar. Popular with business travellers using the Bari ferry route for work. Book at least a week ahead in summer — this category runs short quickly.
Automatic vs Manual
For Durrës and the coast, either works. If you’re continuing to northern Albanian mountain roads, automatic is more relaxing on the steep hairpins. Manual cars are fractionally cheaper. Both available across the 380+ fleet — specify at booking.
Car Rental Prices in Durrës
Prices include full insurance. They vary by season, car class, and how far ahead you book. Summer (July–August) rates are approximately 25–35% higher than the figures below. Booking 2 weeks ahead gives you the best combination of price and availability.
Car Class
Example Models
Low Season/day
High Season/day
7 Days (approx.)
Economy / Mini
Fiat 500, Hyundai i10, VW Polo
from €18
from €25
from €115
Compact / Hatchback
VW Golf, Ford Focus, Skoda Fabia
from €21
from €29
from €135
Standard Sedan
Toyota Corolla, Skoda Octavia
from €26
from €37
from €168
SUV / Crossover
Dacia Duster, VW Tiguan, RAV4
from €34
from €51
from €220
7-Seater / MPV
Ford Galaxy, VW Touran
from €40
from €59
from €258
Luxury / Premium
Mercedes C-Class, BMW 5-Series
from €58
from €84
from €375
No Deposit Rentals
Available on select vehicles in the Durrës fleet. No security hold on your card — the cost of full insurance is built into the daily rate. Ideal for ferry arrivals who don’t want their card limit reduced for the duration of the trip. Specify no-deposit at booking to filter available options.
Low Deposit Rentals
A reduced hold of €100–200 rather than the standard €300–500. A practical middle ground for renters who prefer some upfront coverage but want a smaller hold. Available across most vehicle classes. Ask at booking which vehicles qualify.
Getting the Best Rate
Book 2–3 weeks ahead for best prices
April, May, and October are low season — rates drop noticeably
Weekly rates give better value than daily for 5+ day rentals
Full insurance upfront costs less than paying an excess later
One-way rentals (e.g. Durrës to Sarandë) carry a small additional fee
Road Trips from Durrës
Durrës sits on the central Albanian coast, which puts it within easy range of Tirana to the east, the Riviera to the south, and the northern coast to the northwest. These are the most practical routes starting here.
Durrës to Tirana (Day Trip or Transfer)
38 km on the SH2 motorway — the best road in Albania, fully dual carriageway, well-maintained. Takes 35–45 minutes in normal traffic. This route is sensible in either direction: fly into Tirana, rent at TIA, drive to Durrës; or arrive by ferry at Durrës, pick up the car, drive straight to Tirana. No tolls, well-signposted.
38 km35–45 minAny carYear-round
Durrës to Krujë (Half-Day Trip)
57 km northeast via Fushë-Krujë. Krujë is Albania’s most visited historical site — the hilltop castle where Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeg held off the Ottoman army in the 15th century. The old bazaar below the castle is one of the most authentic in Albania. Allow half a day. The road is straightforward; the final climb to the castle involves some hairpins.
57 km1 hr driveAny carHalf-day
Durrës to Berat (Day Trip)
122 km south via the SH4 through Fier. Berat — UNESCO’s “City of a Thousand Windows” — is a well-preserved Ottoman city built up a steep hillside, with the Berat Castle at the top. The drive takes around 1.5–2 hours. The road is paved and in good condition throughout. An easy day trip from Durrës; Berat is also worth an overnight stay if your schedule allows.
122 km~1.5 hrAny carDay trip
Durrës to Sarandë (One-Way Route)
340 km south via Fier, Vlorë, the Llogara Pass (1,027 m), Himara, and the Riviera coast. One of Albania’s best drives — the descent from the Llogara Pass to the Ionian Sea is dramatic. Sarandë is Albania’s southernmost resort, 15 minutes by ferry from Corfu. Allow a full day with stops, or split over two days with an overnight in Himara or Vlorë.
340 kmFull dayAny carOne-way option
Durrës to Shkodër & Northern Albania
160 km north via Tirana and the SH1. Shkodër is the gateway to northern Albania — the Accursed Mountains, Theth, Valbonë, and the Shala River gorge are all accessible from here. The Shkodër lake, the Rozafa Castle, and the old city centre are worth a stop in themselves. Budget 2 hours’ drive. An SUV is recommended if continuing beyond Shkodër into the highlands.
160 km~2 hrSUV for northMulti-day
Durrës to Golem & Kavajë Coast
Golem is 12 km south of Durrës — a quieter beach resort that’s busy in summer but accessible year-round. Kavajë is 26 km inland, a small market town with a traditional bazaar area. Both make easy half-day excursions from Durrës. The coastal road to Golem is flat, well-paved, and easy on any vehicle. Good for a morning out when you don’t want a long drive.
12–26 kmHalf-dayAny carEasy road
Best Time to Visit Durrës & Rent a Car
When you visit Durrës changes your experience significantly — and it affects both car availability and rental price. Here’s what to expect across the four seasons.
Spring (Apr–May)
Ideal for road trips. Mild temperatures (18–24°C), no beach crowds, lowest rental rates, and roads clear of summer tourist traffic. Berat, Krujë, and the Riviera are all enjoyable without the summer peak. Book 1–2 weeks ahead — good availability.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Peak season. Beach hotels full, ferry crossings busy, Plazh road congested. Rates 25–35% higher. Book 3–4 weeks ahead minimum. Driving conditions are fine but parking in the Plazh area is genuinely difficult July–August. The coast is beautiful — just arrive early.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Arguably the best overall window — sea still warm (22–26°C in September), tourist volumes drop sharply after mid-August, rates fall 15–25% from summer peaks. October is excellent for road trips south to the Riviera and inland. One of the least appreciated times to visit Albania.
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Quietest season. Durrës city remains functional and mild by European standards (8–14°C), but the Plazh strip is largely shut. Lowest rental rates of the year. Mountain roads north may require snow chains November–February. Suitable for cultural trips — Berat, Gjirokastër, and Tirana are excellent in winter.
Sweet spot: Late September to mid-October combines warm sea temperatures, low rental rates, uncrowded roads, and the full range of accommodation options open. For road trippers rather than beach-focused visitors, May and October are consistently the best months.
Suggested Itineraries from Durrës
These itineraries are designed around ferry arrivals at Durrës Port, but they work equally well for anyone picking up in Durrës at the start of an Albania road trip. All use one-way or loop rental options.
3-Day Short Break
Day 1: Arrive Durrës port → pick up car → explore Durrës city (amphitheatre, museum, bazaar) → overnight Durrës
Day 2: Morning drive to Krujë (57 km) — castle and bazaar — return via Tirana for dinner (38 km)
Day 3: Drive to Berat (122 km) — morning city walk — return to Durrës or Tirana Airport
7-Day Albania Loop
Day 1: Ferry arrives Durrës → pick up car → Durrës city
Day 2: Drive north: Shkodër (160 km), Rozafa Castle, Lake Shkodër
Day 3: Theth valley day trip (SUV recommended)
Day 4: Return south via Tirana, overnight Tirana
Day 5: Tirana → Berat (150 km), overnight Berat
Day 6: Berat → Vlorë → Llogara Pass → Himara (130 km)
Day 7: Himara → Sarandë → return car (one-way drop)
10-Day Grand Albania Tour
Days 1–2: Durrës — city, beach, amphitheatre
Day 3: Krujë half-day + Tirana overnight
Days 4–5: Shkodër + Theth + Valbona valley
Day 6: Return to Tirana, rest day
Day 7: Tirana → Berat → overnight
Day 8: Berat → Gjirokastër → overnight
Day 9: Gjirokastër → Blue Eye → Sarandë
Day 10: Sarandë → Ksamil → Corfu ferry or return flight via TIA
For the 7 and 10-day tours, a one-way rental (pick up in Durrës, return in Sarandë or Tirana Airport) saves considerable backtracking time. Declare your full itinerary at booking so all drop-off locations are agreed in advance.
Driving in and Around Durrës
Durrës has its own traffic patterns that are worth knowing before you arrive. The city is small but the road layout around the port, the main commercial areas, and the beach strip can be confusing on first visit.
Port exit roads
The roads leaving the port gate area converge onto Rruga Tregtare before reaching the main SH2 junction. During cargo unloading (06:00–10:00 and 15:00–19:00), heavy goods vehicles back up this stretch. Allow extra time and stay patient — the bottleneck clears within 1–2 km.
Plazh beach road
The road running parallel to Durrës Plazh becomes single-lane in effect during July and August due to parked cars. Drive slowly, watch for pedestrians crossing between hotels and the beach, and park off the main strip wherever possible.
Old city streets
The streets around Durrës’s Roman amphitheatre and the old bazaar area are narrow and often one-way. Don’t assume Google Maps always accounts for one-way restrictions. Park at the edge of the old town and walk in — it’s a short distance and avoids tight manoeuvring.
SH2 motorway
The Tirana–Durrës expressway (SH2) is 38 km of good dual carriageway with a 110 km/h limit. The only consistent problem is the last 5 km entering Durrës, where the road narrows and merges with local traffic. Allow for this when timing your arrival.
Speed limits
50 km/h in Durrës city and the Plazh strip. 90 km/h on secondary roads. 110 km/h on the SH2 motorway. Cameras are installed on the SH2 and on the approach roads to Durrës city — limits are enforced.
Zero alcohol
Albania’s blood alcohol limit is 0.00% for all drivers — no exceptions. Police checkpoints on the SH2 and on the Plazh road are common, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights in summer. There is no tolerance.
Headlights on
By Albanian law, headlights must be on at all times while driving — day and night. Set them as a reflex the moment you start the engine. Police can issue fines for driving without headlights even in bright daylight.
Navigation
Google Maps works reliably in Durrës and on all main roads. Download offline maps before arriving at the port — mobile data may be slower than expected while still on the ferry approaching the terminal.
Parking in Durrës
Parking in Durrës is easier than in Tirana, but the beach strip and old town area have their own challenges — particularly in peak summer.
Durrës Plazh Parking
Most hotels along the Plazh have their own car parks or designated parking areas. Street parking along the coastal road is possible but very limited July–August, when the entire strip fills up by mid-morning. Arriving before 09:00 or after 18:00 gives you far better options. Informal paid parking areas operate near the main beach access points — typically €1–2/hour or a flat daily rate of €5–8.
City Centre Parking
Central Durrës has paid street parking and several small car parks near the amphitheatre and the main bazaar. Rates are €0.50–1/hour. The amphitheatre area has a dedicated car park that handles tourist volumes without difficulty outside of summer. Avoid parking directly on narrow old-town streets — enforcement does happen.
Port Area Parking
Limited to authorised vehicles and transport operators in the commercial port zone. Rental car pickup at the port is meet-and-greet only — you don’t need to find parking. Leave the port area promptly after collecting your vehicle rather than stopping in the active freight area.
Hotel Parking
Most mid-range and larger hotels in both the city and the Plazh area provide free or low-cost parking. Confirm when you book your accommodation — this can save €8–15/day in the city. Boutique guesthouses in the old town may have limited or no on-site parking.
Fuel & Running Costs in Albania
Albania has some of the more affordable fuel prices in the region, though costs vary with global markets. Here’s what to budget for your rental car on typical Durrës-based itineraries.
Petrol (Unleaded)
~€1.65/litre
Standard unleaded (benzinë) widely available at all main petrol stations. Shell, Kastrati, and ENI have reliable stations along the SH2 and throughout Durrës.
Diesel
~€1.55/litre
Diesel (naftë) is marginally cheaper and available everywhere. If your rental car is diesel, check the pump label carefully — misfuelling is a costly mistake not covered by insurance.
Electric / Hybrid
Limited availability
EV charging infrastructure in Albania is developing but limited. Hybrids are available in the fleet and work well for Durrës–Tirana runs. Full EVs are not recommended for longer road trips south.
Durrës → Tirana
~€4–6 fuel
38 km each way. A typical economy car uses 3–4 litres for this run — roughly €5–7 return. The SH2 is flat and fuel-efficient at a steady cruising speed.
Durrës → Sarandë
~€28–38 fuel
340 km one-way. Budget €30–40 in fuel for the full southern route including the Llogara Pass climb. An SUV or larger car will use more — plan accordingly.
Weekly Fuel Budget
€40–90/week
For a typical 7-day Albania road trip covering 600–1,200 km. Economy car at the lower end; SUV doing mountain routes at the higher end. Fill up in cities — rural stations may be closed evenings.
Fuel tip: Always return the car with the same fuel level as collected — full-to-full is the standard agreement. Fuel in Durrës city is easy to find; on mountain routes (Llogara Pass, northern highlands), fill up before starting the ascent. There are no petrol stations on the Llogara switchbacks themselves.
Rental Requirements in Durrës
Valid Driving LicenceFrom your home country. EU and EEA licences accepted. Non-Latin script licences (Arabic, Russian, Chinese, etc.) require an International Driving Permit arranged before travel.
Minimum Age: 21Young driver surcharge (€5–10/day) applies for drivers aged 21–24. Some vehicle classes — luxury, large SUV — require the driver to be at least 25.
1 Year Driving ExperienceLicence must have been held for at least 1 year. Some companies require 2 years for larger vehicles.
Credit or Debit CardCredit card in the driver’s name for standard deposit. Debit card accepted for no-deposit packages. Prepaid cards are generally not accepted.
Passport or National IDPassport required for cross-border travel. EU national ID is accepted for Albania-only rentals at most companies.
Booking ConfirmationDigital or printed. Includes your booking reference and the agreed terms.
Additional DriversMust present their own licence and ID at pickup. Additional driver fee typically €3–8/day. Declare at booking, not at pickup.
Cross-Border DeclarationIf you plan to drive into Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Greece, declare it at booking. Cross-border fees: Kosovo €20–40, Montenegro €40–60, North Macedonia €30–50, Greece €50–80.
Insurance for Durrës Car Rentals
Full insurance with zero excess is the right choice for Albania in general, and Durrës specifically. The port exit roads, the narrow old-town streets, and the Plazh beach strip in summer all carry a real chance of minor incidents. A €4–6/day difference in insurance tier can save you €500–1,500 in excess costs.
Third Party Liability (TPL)
Included in every rental by law. Covers damage to other vehicles and people. Does not cover damage to your own rental car. The legal minimum — not sufficient on its own for peace of mind.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Reduces your liability for damage to the rental car. Most CDW policies include an excess of €500–1,500 — the amount you pay before the insurance takes over. Check the excess figure before signing.
Full Insurance (Zero Excess)
Full coverage — you pay nothing in the event of damage. Costs €3–7/day more than standard CDW. Strongly recommended for driving in Durrës, particularly if your route includes the port area, the old town, or northern Albanian mountain roads.
Cross-Border Coverage
Your standard insurance covers Albania only. Each destination country requires explicit listing on the green card and a per-country fee paid at booking. Crossing a border without a listed country invalidates your entire insurance.
Cross-Border Travel from Albania
Albania shares land borders with Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Greece. All four are accessible in a rental car with the correct cross-border authorization — but you must declare and pay for each country at booking. Crossing without authorization invalidates your insurance entirely.
Kosovo
Main crossing: Morina (from Kukës via SH7) — popular Prizren approach
Border fee: typically €20–40 added at booking
Green card must explicitly list Kosovo
Prizren (130 km from Durrës via Kukës) is Kosovo’s most scenic city
Kosovo uses Euro — no currency exchange needed
Road quality from Kukës to Prizren is good and well-maintained
Montenegro
Main crossing: Muriqan/Han i Hotit (north of Shkodër, 180 km from Durrës)
Border fee: typically €40–60 at booking
Ulcinj and Bar are the closest Montenegrin coastal towns
Green card must list Montenegro explicitly
Montenegro uses Euro — straightforward financially
Allow extra time at busy summer crossings
North Macedonia
Main crossing: Qafë Thanë (near Lake Ohrid, east of Elbasan)
Border fee: typically €30–50 at booking
Ohrid is only 85 km from the crossing — a worthwhile detour
Skopje is reachable in a day from Durrës via Elbasan
North Macedonia uses Denar — change money at the border
Road quality good on main routes between the two countries
Greece
Main crossing: Kakavia (south of Gjirokastër, 310 km from Durrës)
Border fee: typically €50–80 at booking — highest of the four
Ioannina (Greece) is 65 km from the crossing
Green card must list Greece — Schengen zone requirements apply
Greece uses Euro — no currency exchange needed
Often the longest queues — summer crossings can take 1–2 hours
Important: You cannot take an Albanian rental car onto the Italy ferries from Durrës or Vlorë. Cross-border authorization covers land crossings only — Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Greece. There is no authorized route for driving a rented Albanian car into Italy by ferry.
Durrës and Tirana Airport — How They Connect
Tirana International Airport (TIA) — also called Mother Teresa Airport and Rinas Airport — is 38 km from Durrës city centre and approximately 55 km from Durrës Plazh. The two cities are connected by the SH2 motorway, making them the easiest airport-to-beach combination in Albania.
Common Itinerary Patterns
Fly into TIA → pick up car at airport → drive 38 km to Durrës
Arrive by ferry at Durrës → pick up car at port → drive to TIA for onward flight
Fly into TIA → drive to Durrës → continue south on the Riviera road
One-way: pick up at TIA, return in Sarandë or another city
One-way: pick up at Durrës port, return at TIA before your flight home
Journey Times from Durrës
Tirana International Airport: 40–50 min via SH2
Tirana city centre (Skanderbeg Square): 45–55 min
Krujë: 57 km, approximately 1 hour
Berat: 122 km, approximately 1.5 hours
Vlorë: 155 km, approximately 2 hours
Sarandë: 340 km, approximately 4.5 hours with breaks
Shkodër: 160 km, approximately 2 hours via Tirana
Ferry + flight combinations: A common approach for visitors doing an Italy–Albania loop: fly to Bari, take the overnight ferry to Durrës, pick up a rental car at the port, drive Albania for a week, return the car at Tirana Airport, and fly home. This works well logistically — just declare the full itinerary at booking so all locations are on the rental agreement from day one.
Travel Essentials Checklist for Durrës
A practical checklist for anyone renting a car and driving in Albania — particularly useful for ferry arrivals who need to get moving quickly after disembarkation.
Offline maps downloadedGoogle Maps Albania offline saved before boarding the ferry. Mobile data may be slow at the port on arrival.
Driving licence (original)No photocopies accepted. Non-Latin script licences need an International Driving Permit.
PassportRequired for cross-border travel and useful as ID at the port. EU national ID accepted for Albania-only rentals.
Payment card in driver’s nameCredit card preferred. Debit card accepted for no-deposit packages. Have the card used at booking ready.
Booking confirmationDigital (screenshot it — port WiFi can be unreliable) or printed. Include your ferry arrival time and agent contact number.
Phone charger / power bankNavigation drains phones quickly. A power bank is invaluable for a day of driving and sightseeing.
Cash in Albanian Lek (ALL)Some smaller parking areas, informal car parks, and rural fuel stations are cash-only. Withdraw at Durrës ATMs — rates are better than airport exchange.
Local SIM or roaming planAlbanian SIMs (ONE Telecommunications, ALBtelecom) are cheap and widely available. If roaming, confirm your plan covers Albania — it’s outside the EU.
Sun protection (summer)July and August temperatures regularly exceed 35°C on the coast. The car will be parked in the sun — keep essentials in a bag, not on the dashboard.
Physical map (optional backup)Rural areas north of Shkodër have patchy signal. A printed map of northern Albania is useful if you’re heading into the highlands.
EHIC / travel insurance cardAlbania is not in the EU — EHIC has limited validity. Ensure your travel insurance covers Albania specifically and includes medical evacuation.
Emergency numbers savedAlbania emergency: 112 (police, ambulance, fire). Save your rental company’s emergency contact and the nearest towing service number from your rental agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Port pickup is available at Durrës for all ferry arrivals, including overnight crossings from Bari (8–10 hours) and longer crossings from Ancona (19–22 hours). All pickups at the port are meet-and-greet — an agent brings the car to the passenger terminal exit and completes the handover on-site. There is no public rental desk at the port. Book in advance, provide your ferry operator name and estimated arrival time, and the agent coordinates with your schedule. Allow 30–45 minutes from disembarkation to being in the car and moving, particularly if the arrival coincides with cargo unloading hours.
Economy cars start from €18/day in Durrës — the lowest available rate in the fleet. This applies to compact vehicles like the Fiat 500, Hyundai i10, or a similarly sized economy car, with full insurance included. The cheapest rates are available in low season (November–March, excluding public holidays) and for bookings made 2–3 weeks ahead. Last-minute bookings in July and August are significantly more expensive. Weekly rentals of 7 days or more give better value per day than paying the daily rate seven times over.
Yes. One-way rentals are available. You can pick up in Durrës and return at a different location — Tirana, Tirana Airport, Sarandë, Shkodër, or other cities in the network. A one-way fee may apply depending on the distance between pickup and return points. This is a practical option for a linear Albania itinerary: arrive by ferry in Durrës, drive south through the Riviera, and end in Sarandë without doubling back. Confirm one-way availability and any applicable fee at booking.
Durrës city centre is 38 km from Tirana International Airport (TIA). The drive takes 40–50 minutes in normal traffic on the SH2 motorway — a well-maintained dual carriageway that’s the best road in Albania. From Durrës Plazh (the beach strip), add another 10 minutes — it’s roughly 50 km from TIA. Traffic on the SH2 can slow during morning and evening rush hours (07:30–09:30 and 16:00–18:30) if you’re passing through Tirana’s outskirts, but the motorway itself remains faster than any alternative route.
Enterprise does not operate a dedicated branch in Durrës city or at Durrës Port. The nearest Enterprise location in Albania is in Tirana. For Durrës pickups, local and independent Albanian rental companies operating meet-and-greet port and city delivery services are the practical alternative. These companies cover the 380+ vehicle fleet available for Durrës, with port pickup, city delivery, and one-way rental options that Enterprise’s Tirana branch cannot provide for Durrës-based collections.
No rental car can be driven onto the Durrës–Bari or Durrës–Ancona ferries. The cross-border authorization available for Albanian rental cars covers land borders only — Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Greece. Taking a rental car onto a car ferry to Italy, and then driving on Italian roads, is not permitted and not covered by any Albanian rental insurance. If you need a car in both countries, you would need to rent separately in each one.
Durrës Port handles a significant volume of commercial freight — container lorries and heavy goods vehicles use the same exit roads as passenger vehicles. The roads from the port gates to the SH2 junction (Rruga Tregtare and the main approach roads) can back up considerably during cargo unloading windows: typically 06:00–10:00 and 15:00–19:00. Overnight ferry arrivals from Bari often dock around 06:00–08:00, which puts you directly into the morning freight window. Plan for 20–30 minutes of slow progress before the road opens up past the industrial port perimeter.
It depends on your base and plans. Durrës Plazh runs for several kilometres along the coast north of the city port. If your hotel is at one end of the strip and you want to explore restaurants and beaches along the full stretch, a car is more convenient than taxis — especially in the evenings when demand is high. Taxis are available but can be slow to arrive during peak summer evenings. If you’re staying centrally on the Plazh and not planning to venture inland or to other cities, you can manage without a car, but it limits your flexibility considerably.
Yes. No-deposit rentals are available in Durrës — both for port pickup and city delivery. These packages include full insurance within the daily rate, so no security hold is placed on your card at all. This is particularly useful for ferry arrivals who may have already spent on the crossing and accommodation and don’t want a further large card hold. Low-deposit options (€100–200 hold) are also available if you want some middle ground. Filter by deposit type at booking to see the available vehicles.
A standard sedan or compact car handles the Durrës–Sarandë route well. The main road (SH4 to Fier, then SH8 through Vlorë and the Llogara Pass to Sarandë) is paved throughout. The Llogara Pass involves mountain switchbacks at 1,027 m — any road car handles them fine, but an automatic transmission makes the descent more comfortable. An SUV is not necessary for this specific route. The total distance is approximately 340 km, taking 4–5 hours with stops at Vlorë and the Llogara viewpoint.
Street parking in central Durrës is paid during business hours — typically €0.50–1/hour. Along Durrës Plazh, informal parking areas near the main beach access points charge €1–2/hour or a flat daily fee in peak summer. Most hotels have their own parking, either free or at a low daily rate — confirm when booking your accommodation. In contrast to Tirana’s formalised blue zone system, parking in Durrës is less systematised, but fines and occasional towing do occur on restricted streets, particularly near the port and the old town.
You need four things: your valid driving licence, your passport or national ID, the booking confirmation (digital or printed), and the payment card used when booking. For cross-border travel — if you plan to continue into Kosovo, Montenegro, or elsewhere — bring your passport rather than a national ID. If any additional drivers will use the car, they must present their own licence and ID at the same handover. All documents must be originals — photocopies are not accepted for licences or identity documents.
380+ cars from €18/day. Port pickup at Durrës ferry terminal, city and Plazh delivery, no-deposit options, full insurance, and one-way rentals to Tirana, Sarandë, and beyond.
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Port Traffic — Be Realistic
Getting Out of Durrës Port
A car makes sense if you are:
Durrës Plazh (Beach Area)
Pickup in Tirana, Drive to Durrës
Economy / Mini (from €18/day)
Compact / Sedan
SUV / Crossover
Family / Group
Luxury / Premium
Automatic vs Manual
Low Deposit Rentals
Getting the Best Rate
Durrës to Tirana (Day Trip or Transfer)
Durrës to Krujë (Half-Day Trip)
Durrës to Sarandë (One-Way Route)
Durrës to Shkodër & Northern Albania
Durrës to Golem & Kavajë Coast
3-Day Short Break
Hotel Parking
Third Party Liability (TPL)
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Full Insurance (Zero Excess)
Kosovo
Montenegro
North Macedonia
Greece
Common Itinerary Patterns
Journey Times from Durrës
Rent a Car Across Albania — All Pickup Locations