Hiring a Car in Albania Vs Public Transport
- Bec Luck-Baker
- Jul 11
- 2 min read
Planning a trip to Albania and wondering how to get around? We’ve done both – and here’s the lowdown on hiring a car vs using public transport to help you decide what’s right for your adventure.
🚗 Hiring a Car in Albania
If you’re travelling as a family or simply want flexibility, hiring a car in Albania is hands down the easiest and most efficient option. You can book your hire car through Discover Cars - this is our affiliate link - it will not cost you any more but we will get a small kick back
Pros:
Freedom to explore – You can stop at viewpoints, beaches, or small towns whenever you like. Trust us, you’ll want to!
Access to hidden gems – Places like the Blue Eye, Ksamil beaches, or Gjipe Beach are either difficult or impossible to reach by public transport.
Comfort – No squeezing onto crowded buses with kids and bags. Air con, your own snacks, and control over your schedule.
Cons:
Driving style – Albanian drivers can be… bold. You’ll need confidence, especially in cities.
Parking – Limited in places like Berat and Gjirokastër, but doable if you're patient.
Costs – Rental plus fuel and insurance add up, but for families, it often works out cheaper than paying for multiple bus or taxi fares.
Top Tip: We recommend booking your car through Discover Cars – it’s a trusted search engine that compares the best rates across local and international providers, often saving you time and money.
🚌 Public Transport in Albania
If you're on a tight budget or travelling solo, public transport can work – but it's not for the faint-hearted.
Pros:
Budget-friendly – Buses and furgons (minibuses) are super cheap.
Great for slow travel – You’ll meet locals, take things slowly, and have fewer decisions to make.
Cons:
Lack of schedules – Timetables are vague or non-existent. You often just turn up and hope.
Limited routes – Some scenic or remote spots are out of reach unless you combine bus + taxi.
Not ideal with kids – Long waits, heat, and no toilets can be a challenge for families.
👨👩👦👦 Our Verdict
For families, road tripping Albania is 100% worth it. The roads are improving, the scenery is spectacular, and the freedom to explore at your own pace makes hiring a car our top pick. Just drive with care and enjoy the ride.
Discover Cars - Affiliate Link at no extra cost to you, but we will earn a small %
If you laughed, learned, or just love a good family adventure—feel free to Buy Us an Ice Cream. It keeps the blog posts coming and the sugar levels dangerously high. Cheers!
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