Cities and destinations · 📍 Kukës
Kukës, Dibër and Tropojë by rental car: the north-east
The country's highest mountains, large lakes and new roads: how to explore the north-east by car.
Albania's north-east is the most mountainous part of the country: here are Mount Korab, the highest peak, the Valbona valley and the large Lake Fierza. The towns are small, Kukës, Bajram Curri, Peshkopi, Bulqizë, Burrel, Rrëshen and Rubik, but the nature is extraordinary. New roads such as the Rruga e Kombit and the Rruga e Arbrit have made Kukës by rental car, and the whole region, far easier to reach than before.
The Rruga e Kombit, Mirditë and Kukës
The Rruga e Kombit starts near Milot and crosses the mountains of Mirditë to Kukës and Kosovo. It is a mountain motorway with a long tunnel and high bridges; a road toll is paid at Kalimash. Read fuel, parking and road tolls for the details. Along the way, Rrëshen and Rubik are the two main towns of Mirditë; near Rubik is a medieval church with frescoes.
Kukës and Lake Fierza
Lake
The new town was built above the reservoir that covered the old one. The lakeside promenade and the view of Mount Gjallica are loveliest in the evening.
Tropojë: Bajram Curri and Valbona
Bajram Curri is the gateway to Valbona. Many travellers come on the Koman ferry to Fierzë and continue by car; others drive through Kosovo, with the company's permission. Read the Alps, Theth, Valbona and Koman to plan it.
The Valbona valley
Mountain
A national park with rocky mountains, a blue river and family guesthouses. The road is paved to the end of the valley, with tight bends.
Dibër and Mat: Peshkopi, Bulqizë and Burrel
The Rruga e Arbrit links Tirana with Dibër via Bulqizë. The opening of the Murriz tunnel in 2025 shortened the trip considerably, but parts of the road still have works: ask about conditions before leaving. Bulqizë is a mining town; Peshkopi, in the Black Drin valley, has thermal baths and is the starting point for Korab. Burrel, in the Mat valley, is reached from Milot and has Lake Ulza nearby.
Peshkopi and its thermal baths
Nature
A quiet mountain town with sulphur thermal springs a few kilometres from the centre and views over the Black Drin valley.
Practical tips
- Fuel stations are rare between towns: fill up in Lezhë, Kukës or Peshkopi.
- Phone signal is missing in some valleys: download offline maps before leaving.
- For Kosovo or North Macedonia you need the company's authorisation. Read driving a rental car outside Albania.
- Work out the trip costs with the calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Tirana to Kukës?
About 2 hours 30 minutes via the Rruga e Kombit, with a road toll at Kalimash.
How do I reach Valbona by car?
With the Koman ferry to Fierzë and then by car, or through Kosovo with the rental company's permission.
Is the Rruga e Arbrit open?
Yes, the Murriz tunnel opened in 2025. Ask about possible roadworks before leaving.
What car do I need for the north-east?
An SUV for most of the year; a 4×4 with winter tyres in winter.
