About Tirana International Airport (TIA)
Tirana International Airport, officially Nënë Tereza Airport and coded TIA, is Albania’s only major international airport and the arrival point for the overwhelming majority of visitors. It sits in Rinas, about 17 km northwest of central Tirana. Because the country’s intercity public transport is slow and limited, picking up a rental car at the airport is the standard way to explore the coast, the mountains, and the UNESCO towns.
How to rent a car at Tirana Airport (3 steps)
- Search and compare — enter your dates and see live, all-inclusive prices from local providers.
- Book online — reserve in under 2 minutes, with free cancellation up to 7 days before pickup.
- Pick up and drive — collect your car at the desk 2 minutes from arrivals, inspect it, and go.
How much does it cost?
Prices depend heavily on the season and car category. Economy cars start from as little as €5/day on the lowest promotional rates, with typical shoulder-season rates of €13–€16/day rising to €28–€35/day in peak August; SUVs start from around €28/day. For the full breakdown by category, season, and extras, see our dedicated Tirana Airport car rental prices guide.
| Category | Shoulder season | Peak summer |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | €13–€16/day | €28–€35/day |
| Compact automatic | €19–€24/day | €35–€48/day |
| Mid-size SUV | €28–€34/day | €45–€65/day |
Documents and age requirements
Albania is refreshingly straightforward. To pick up your car you need:
- A valid passport or EU/EEA national ID.
- Your home-country driver’s licence (IDP recommended for non-Latin-alphabet licences).
- A credit or debit card in the driver’s name.
- Your booking confirmation (printed or on your phone).
The minimum age is usually 21 with at least one year of licence-holding; under-25s may pay a small young-driver fee.
Insurance explained
Albanian rentals come with three common insurance tiers:
- Third-party liability (TPL) — mandatory, covers damage to others, not your car.
- CDW with deductible — the default; you’re liable up to €500–€1,500 for damage.
- Full Casco (Super CDW) — zero-deductible, €8–€15/day extra, covers tires, windshield and undercarriage. Recommended for the Riviera and mountain roads.
Driving in Albania: the essentials
- Drive on the right-hand side.
- Headlights on at all times, day and night (mandatory).
- Speed limits: 40 km/h urban, 80 km/h open roads, 110 km/h motorways.
- Zero tolerance for drink-driving (0.01% limit).
- Only one toll road exists: the Rrëshen–Kalimash tunnel (~€5 each way).
For the full picture, read our complete guide to driving in Albania.
Where to go from Tirana Airport
Once you have your car, the most popular routes are:
- The perfect 7-day Albania road trip itinerary
- The ultimate Albanian Riviera road trip guide
- 10 day trips from Tirana by rental car
- Saranda and Ksamil beach guide
Frequently asked questions
Where are the car rental desks at Tirana Airport?
The rental desks at Tirana International Airport (TIA) are located about a 2-minute walk from the arrivals hall, in and around the main terminal. After collecting your bags and clearing customs, the rental counters and pickup point are clearly signposted; most cars are parked in the lot directly outside.
Can I rent a car at Tirana Airport without a credit card?
Yes. Unlike most of Europe, several local providers at Tirana Airport accept debit cards or cash deposits. No-credit-card rentals are highlighted in the search results so you can filter for them.
What documents do I need to rent a car at Tirana Airport?
You need a valid passport (or EU/EEA national ID), your home-country driver's licence, a credit or debit card in the driver's name, and your booking confirmation. An International Driving Permit is recommended if your licence is not in the Latin alphabet.
What is the minimum age to rent a car at Tirana Airport?
The minimum age is usually 21, with at least one year of holding a valid licence. Premium cars and SUVs may require drivers to be 23–25. A young-driver fee of €5–€10/day can apply to drivers under 25.
Is it worth renting a car in Albania?
Yes. Albania's public transport outside Tirana is slow and limited, while the best beaches, mountain villages, and UNESCO towns are all reached by road. A rental car is by far the best way to explore the country at your own pace, and rates are among the lowest in Europe.
How far is Tirana Airport from the city centre?
Tirana International Airport is in Rinas, about 17 km (a 25–35 minute drive) northwest of central Tirana via the SH2, which is toll-free. Most travellers pick up their rental car at the airport and drive straight to the city or onward to the coast.
For more answers, see our full car rental and driving FAQ, or browse the Albania travel blog for in-depth destination guides.