Tirana Airport Car Hire: Everything You Need to Know

Tirana International Airport (Nënë Tereza Airport) is the main gateway to Albania and a central hub for travelers exploring the country. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, securing a Tirana Airport car hire is the most convenient way to travel. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Tirana Airport vehicle hire, including tips for finding the best deals, recommended rental companies, and key considerations to ensure a smooth experience.

Why Opt for a Tirana Airport Car Hire?

Choosing a car hire at Tirana Airport offers flexibility and freedom, allowing you to explore Albania’s stunning landscapes and historic sites at your own pace. Public transport can be limited, especially in rural areas, making Tirana Airport rental cars the best option for getting around. With a vehicle from Tirana International Airport, you can easily visit popular destinations such as the Albanian Riviera, Berat, Gjirokastër, and the stunning Lake Ohrid.

Costs of a Rental Car at Tirana Airport by Company

When renting a car at Tirana Airport, it’s important to compare prices and services offered by different companies. Here is a breakdown of rental car costs from various providers:

iRent Albania:

• Volkswagen Golf 7 2019 with an automatic gearbox for 50 euros per day. Full insurance adds an extra 15 euros per day, with a security deposit of 400 euros.
• Mercedes A Class 2018 with an automatic gearbox for 80 euros per day with basic insurance, or 105 euros per day with full risk insurance.
• BMW 3 Series with an automatic gearbox for 100 euros per day with basic insurance, or 130 euros per day with full risk insurance.

Eurocar Rentals Albania:

• Volkswagen Polo with a manual gearbox: 25 euros per day with basic insurance or 40 euros per day with full risk insurance.
• Kia Sportage with an automatic gearbox: 90 euros per day with basic insurance or 125 euros per day with full risk insurance.

Albania Airport Rent a Car:

• Skoda Fabia 2018 for 25 euros per day, including 100% covered Casco Insurance for both Albania and Kosovo.

Enterprise Rent a Car Albania:

• Volkswagen Golf 7 2019 with a manual gearbox for 40 euros per day.

Avis Albania:

• Opel Astra Manual for 37 euros per day or an Opel Astra Automatic for 40 euros per day. Adding full insurance would cost an extra 10 euros per day.

Hertz Albania:

• Opel Corsa for 40 euros per day. They also offer a Volkswagen Golf 7 with a manual transmission for 47 euros per day, with full coverage available for an additional 13 euros per day.

Rent Point Albania:

• Volkswagen Golf costs 50 euros per day. Adding full insurance involves an extra fee of 10 euros per day and a security deposit of 500 euros.

Albarent:

• Skoda Octavia for 60 euros per day, including insurance.

This variety in pricing and insurance options allows you to choose a rental plan that best suits your budget and needs, whether you’re looking for economy or luxury car rental at Tirana Airport.

Read also: How to get From Tirana Airport to The City (2024 Guide)

Understanding Car Insurance Costs in Albania

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Albania?

Full car insurance in Albania typically costs between 10-20 euros per day. Basic car insurance is already included in the Tirana Airport car hire prices mentioned earlier. However, if you want full insurance, it will cost at least an additional 10-20 euros per day. Below are the specific insurance costs from various rental companies:

• iRent.al: Full insurance costs starting from 15 euros per day.
• Avis Albania: Full insurance costs 10 euros per day.
• Enterprise Rent a Car Albania: 100% insurance on metallic parts, mirrors, and windows for 10 euros per day.
• Hertz Albania: Full coverage costs 13 euros per day.
• Eurocar Rentals Albania: Full coverage on a 2018 Volkswagen Polo: 20 euros per day.

It’s important to note that full insurance costs can increase if you rent a larger or more luxurious vehicle. For instance, full insurance for a 2021 Kia Sportage costs 35 euros per day.

Read also: How to Get From Shkoder to Tirana Airport (2024 Guide)

Deposits for Car Rentals at Tirana Airport

How Much Deposit is Required For a Rental Car at Tirana Airport?

A deposit ranging from 200 to 500 euros is typically required when renting a car at Tirana Airport. The car rental company will block this amount on either a debit or credit card. While some companies allow the actual rental payment to be made in cash, the deposit usually needs to be secured via a card. Here are the specific deposit requirements for different rental companies:

iRent Albania:

• Economic category: 400 euros
• Crossover SUV category: 500 euros
• Medium category: 700 euros
• SUV 4×4 category: 1000 euros

Rent Point Albania:

• Volkswagen Golf: 50 euros per day
• Full insurance: Additional 10 euros per day
• Security deposit: 500 euros (must be paid by credit card)
• Rental payment can be made in cash or by credit card

Enterprise Rent a Car Albania:

• Deposit: 200 euros (can be blocked on a debit or credit card)
• Rental payment can be made in cash if desired

Albarent:

• Deposit: 500 euros (must be paid by credit card)
• Rental payment can be made in cash

Understanding these costs and requirements will help you plan your budget more effectively and ensure there are no surprises when you arrive at Tirana International Airport.

Read also: How to Get From Tirana Airport to Ksamil (2024 Guide)

Petrol Costs for Your Tirana Airport Car Hire

How Much Does Petrol Cost in Albania?

Additionally, it’s important to calculate the cost of petrol when planning your trips. To simplify this process, here is a list of approximate petrol expenses for popular destinations in Albania:

• From Tirana Airport to Tirana city center: 2000 Lek (20 euros)
• From Tirana Airport to Durres Beach: 2000 Lek (20 euros)
• From Tirana to Berat: 3000 Lek (30 euros)
• From Tirana to Saranda: 8000 Lek (75 euros)
• From Tirana to Ksamil: 9000 Lek (85 euros)
• From Tirana to Vlore: 4000 Lek (40 euros)
• From Tirana to Gjirokaster: 8000 Lek (75 euros)
• From Tirana to Shkoder: 3000 Lek (30 euros)

These costs are based on expenses recorded by a tour guiding business that frequently takes guests on day tours and tracks the amount spent on petrol for each route.

Read also: Car Hire in Albania: Everything You Need to Know 

Avoiding Extra Charges When Renting a Car at Tirana Airport

How Can I Avoid Extra Charges When Renting a Car at Tirana Airport?

To avoid additional charges when renting a car at Tirana Airport, you can follow these steps:

• Step 1: Contact car rental companies via email before arrival. Rental rates in Albania vary greatly, ranging from 20 euros per day to as high as 50 euros per day. Research beforehand is crucial to securing a more affordable option, as rates at airport rental desks tend to be higher.
• Step 2: Ensure that both pick-up and drop-off times align to avoid extra charges. Some companies, like Eurocar Rentals, count a rental day as 24 hours and require pick-up and drop-off to occur simultaneously to avoid additional fees.
• Step 3: Be mindful of border-crossing fees. Many Albanian rental agencies charge extra if the car is taken across the country’s borders. Checking with the rental company about their policy on border crossings and associated fees is essential, especially if planning a trip through neighboring Balkan countries.
• Step 4: Opt for picking up the car directly from the rental office. While some companies may charge extra for delivery service, others, like Hertz Albania, offer pick-up at their office without additional fees, with drop-off services incurring a charge. Saving money can be achieved by picking up the car oneself.

Final Thoughts on Tirana Airport Car Hire

Renting a car at Tirana International Airport is the key to a memorable and flexible travel experience in Albania. By following the tips and recommendations in this guide, you can ensure a hassle-free rental process and make the most of your journey through this beautiful and diverse country. Whether you’re seeking the best deal on a cheap car rental at Tirana Airport or planning a luxurious road trip, the airport’s rental services have a vehicle to suit your needs. Safe travels!