Fuel, parking and road tolls in Albania
Fuel stations, city parking and the Rruga e Kombit toll: what to know so you lose neither time nor money.
Three things worry first-time drivers in Albania the most: where to refuel, where to park and whether the roads have tolls. The good news is that the answers are simple. This guide to parking and fuel in Albania helps you plan without stress.
Fuel stations
- On the main roads and at town entrances there are plenty of fuel stations; on mountain roads and in remote areas they are rare.
- At many stations an attendant fills the tank. Say the fuel type (naftë = diesel, benzinë = petrol) and the amount or "full".
- LPG is widely available, but only for cars fitted with an LPG system.
- In towns and on main roads cards are usually accepted; in rural areas carry cash.
- Always ask for the receipt: you may need it if the company checks the fuel level at return.
Parking in the cities
In Tirana and the big cities parking in the centre is limited. The calmest option is a paid car park, public or private, with an attendant and clear hours. Many hotels offer parking: ask when booking.
- Read the signs and linesDo not park on pavements, on yellow lines, at bus stops or in front of entrances. Badly parked cars can be towed away.
- Pay in paid zonesIn paid zones follow the instructions on the sign and keep the receipt or confirmation.
- In the museum townsIn Berat and Gjirokastër leave the car below the old town and walk: the cobbled streets are narrow and steep.
- At beaches in summerIn Ksamil, Dhërmi and at popular beaches car parks fill early in the morning. Arrive before 9 or pick less famous beaches.
Toll roads
Most roads in Albania are toll-free. The best-known exception is Rruga e Kombit (the Milot–Kukës–Morinë motorway to Kosovo), with a toll point near the Kalimash tunnel. For cars the toll is reported at about €5 per pass, payable in cash or by card; rates can change, so check the price at the toll point.
What a trip costs
The cost of a trip is made of the rental, the fuel and the tolls. To see it in numbers for your itinerary, use the calculator: it works out the rental from the real prices of the cars on the platform and the fuel from the distance.
Trip cost calculator
Rental at real platform prices, fuel and road tolls.
Full calculator →Read also: the traffic and parking rules, hidden rental costs and distances between cities.
Frequently asked questions
Do fuel stations accept cards?
In towns and on main roads usually yes. In rural and mountain areas carry cash.
How much does Rruga e Kombit cost?
For cars the toll is reported at about €5 per pass. Check the current price at the toll point near Kalimash.
Where should I park in Tirana?
Paid car parks and hotel parking are the safest. Do not park on pavements or yellow lines: cars can be towed away.
Are there many fuel stations on mountain roads?
No. Fill the tank before heading to Theth, Valbona, Përmet or other mountain areas.
