Is there a real car rental office in Himarë?

Himarë town has no major international rental desk in the centre, and most pickups happen in Saranda or Tirana. Saranda to Himarë is 50 km / about 70 minutes on the SH8, while Tirana Rinas Airport (TIA) to Himarë is 200-233 km / about 3.5 hours via the Llogara Tunnel. Suppliers such as Karruka Rent A Car, Localrent and DiscoverCars list delivery to Himarë, often for a EUR 20-60 one-way fee.

How do I get from Tirana airport to Himarë by car?

The fastest route from Tirana Rinas Airport (TIA) to Himarë is about 3.5 hours via SH4, SH7 and SH8, with the Llogara Tunnel cutting the climb over the 1,043 m Llogara Pass. The tunnel is 5.9 km long, opened on 5 July 2024, and tolling started on 16 September 2025 at 250 ALL (about EUR 2.40) one-way for a standard car.

How much does an economy car rental cost in 2026?

An economy car in Albania usually means a Hyundai i10, Opel Corsa, Skoda Fabia or Fiat Punto. In winter expect roughly EUR 5-8/day; in spring and autumn EUR 15-25/day; and in July-August EUR 25-45/day, while a compact SUV can be about EUR 25-30/day. A base rate rarely includes CDW, SCDW or FDW, so the final price rises after insurance and pre-authorisation.

How does the Llogara Tunnel toll work?

The Llogara Tunnel toll is 250 ALL (about EUR 2.40) one-way for a standard passenger car, paid at automated gates by cash or card. The tunnel is 5.9 km long, opened on 5 July 2024, and tolling began on 16 September 2025, while the old Llogara Pass remains the scenic alternative at 1,043 m. Check ARRSH for official road notices.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for Albania?

A Latin-script licence from the EU, UK, US, Australia or Canada is enough for Albania, so no IDP is needed for most Himarë visitors. Drivers using Cyrillic, Arabic or Chinese scripts should carry a 1968 Convention IDP, because Policia e Shtetit checkpoints can request both the licence and passport.

Can I take my Albanian rental into Greece, Montenegro, or Kosovo?

Cross-border driving depends on the contract, and most Albanian suppliers do not allow Greece on the standard policy. Some permit Montenegro, Kosovo or North Macedonia for an extra EUR 30-60/day plus a Green Card. For Corfu, the Saranda ferry terminal runs foot-passenger services while car ferries operate separately between Saranda and Corfu (CFU).

What insurance do I actually need?

For Himarë and the Albanian Riviera the safest setup is usually CDW plus SCDW or FDW, with zero excess if available, because many base contracts leave an excess or franchise of EUR 500 or more. Pre-authorisation on a credit card is standard even when the headline says full coverage, and tyres, glass and underbody damage may still be excluded unless stated.

Where can I park in Himarë town?

Himarë parking is easiest if your hotel offers private spaces, because central on-street parking on SH8 fills quickly in summer. The public area near Himarë Castle works for short stays, and Gjipe beach users should budget about 200 ALL (about EUR 2) at the trailhead lot. Arrive early at Ksamil and Butrint to avoid full lots.

Himare Car Rental FAQ | Himare Car Rental