Driving in Tirana is busy, but short trips are manageable once you know how the city’s streets are used. Our Albania guide describes local drivers as assertive, with scooters, pedestrians and overtaking all sharing the road in town. This guide covers the traffic, the paid street parking zones, the public parking options and some practical tips. For the broader view of the country, read our Albania car rental guide.
How the traffic works
Expect scooters, pedestrians and cars that move quickly, and expect overtaking in places you might not be used to. Drive defensively for the first day and it quickly becomes normal. The road from the airport into central Tirana typically takes 20 to 25 minutes, according to Wikipedia, but allow more time at morning and evening rush hours.
Plan any city movements around the peak hours, and leave yourself extra time if you are heading to a hotel in the centre. Local companies can tell you which parts of town are easiest to reach by car. Our Tirana local companies guide lists operators with offices in the city centre and on the main roads.
Paid street parking
Most street parking in central Tirana is paid, and the municipality runs it through an agency called Tirana Parking. According to a 2019 report on acqj.al, Tirana Parking is an agency of the Municipality of Tirana that began in 2016 to run paid public parking, both above ground and underground.
Street parking in central Tirana is divided into zones, with the highest hourly rate in the centre and lower rates further out. Paid hours are usually on weekdays during the day. Tariffs have changed over the years, so read the zone sign on the street for the current rate and hours before you leave the car.
How to pay
Since September 2018, street parking has been paid by SMS. You send your licence plate, the parking area and the number of hours. From January 2019, you could also pay Tirana Parking employees or use self-service devices, according to a 2019 report on citizens.al. Check the zone sign on the street for the current payment method and code, because the system may have changed since.
Fines
Enforcement is by the Municipal Police, and it is strict. A fine costs far more than a few hours at the meter, so if you are unsure whether a space is paid, pay for it.
Where to park
- Paid street zones. Park where the zone signs apply, and pay by SMS or at the agency’s points before you walk away.
- Public car parks. Tirana Parking manages paid public parking above and below ground. Rates are posted at each entrance, and a car park is often the simpler choice for a longer stay in the centre.
- The airport. The airport’s website says it has 2,600 parking spaces. It does not list rates.
- Your accommodation. Ask when you book whether the hotel or guesthouse has off-street parking or a space nearby. This is worth asking in August, when the centre is busiest. Our Albania guide notes that parking in Tirana in August requires patience.
Practical tips
- Fill up before you leave the city. Our Albania guide notes that fuel stations are everywhere on the main routes, but the mountain and village roads you may take beyond the city can be narrow and steep.
- Photograph the car before you drive off, and keep a note of where you parked, especially if the street has no clear signs.
- Carry your licence, passport or ID and the rental papers. If a police officer stops you, smile, show your licence and carry on, as our Albania guide suggests.
- Ask your rental company which parking areas they recommend and whether any fine would be passed on to you. Companies differ on how they handle fines, so ask in writing.
Next steps
For the pickup itself and the trip from the airport, read our guide to car rental at Tirana airport. If you are heading south towards the coast or north to Ohrid, the Tirana to Ohrid guide covers the route. Book directly with a local company through its own website or phone, and read the country guide before you set off.