Car Rental in Saranda: What I’ve Learned From Renting & Driving Here
If you’re heading to the beautiful seaside city of Saranda and you’re either looking for some info on how to hire a car in Saranda or just weighing your options if it’s even worth doing a car rental in Saranda, then read on because we’re going to go through everything you need to know!
Saranda has some incredible surrounding activities, from secret beaches to archaeological sites and religious sites.
Sometimes hiring a car is the only way to get to them unless you want to fork out an arm and a leg for a taxi (which I don’t recommend!) or you want to hitchhike which can take a while and is unpredictable if you find a ride or not.
Quick Answer: Car Rental in Saranda
⭐⭐⭐ Is it worth hiring a car? Absolutely. It’s the easiest way to reach Ksamil, the Blue Eye, Butrint and the quieter beaches. Compare car rental prices →
⭐⭐ Where should you stay? Vale Hotel, with dreamy sea views right in the centre. Check prices & availability →
⭐ What should you book? This boat tour to Kakome and the caves, for the beaches you can’t drive to. Check availability →
Car hire in Saranda – is it worth it?
Absolutely YES!
When you hire a car in Saranda, you’ll be able to experience and see some of the more local spots around the city, and visit nearby places like Ksamil, Blue Eye and Butrint.
There are so many beautiful places you’ll never get to experience if you don’t have a car!
I have a car myself here (I still live in Saranda BTW!), and I love how me and my partner have the total freedom of doing day trips or even simply reaching the other side of the city, say for dinner at one of the best restaurants in Saranda.
But there is some really important information you need to know before you do a car hire in Saranda (my Saranda travel guide covers the rest of your trip).
Is it safe to drive in Albania?
Firstly, yes it’s safe to drive in Albania and Saranda specifically but you do need to watch out for erratic drivers.
I’ve seen my fair share of accidents here from speeding to overtaking on blind corners.
Stop guessing your Albania route. Get 420+ personally recommended places, hidden gems and ready-made itineraries from someone who lived in Albania for 8+ years.
GET MY ALBANIA MAP + ITINERARIES →Rules are just suggestions to most people, so just take precautions, don’t rush and watch your mirror from all sides at all times.
Some of the offbeat beaches in Saranda can only be reached by 4×4, or a small windy dirt road that a lot of people will speed on so be careful (or skip the drive and see the coast from the water on a boat tour in Saranda).
Things to have prepared before you rent a car in Saranda
Here’s a list of things to do before you rent a car in Saranda.
Full and valid driving license
You only need an international license if your language isn’t in the Latin alphabet.
You’re over 18
Unfortunately, you cannot rent a car at 17 or below in Albania.
Your passport
When you go to the Saranda car rental companies make sure you also take your passport
Deposit
Some companies may ask for a deposit that will be returned to you once you arrive back with the car (as long as it’s in perfect condition.
Where I’d Stay in Saranda
(⭐⭐⭐ = my top pick)
⭐⭐⭐ Vale Hotel: Pick this one if you want a little luxury. Dreamy sea views right in the centre of town, and guests rate it 9.7 out of 10. Check prices & availability →
⭐⭐ Austin Boutique Hotel: Pick this one for value. It’s in the local heart of Saranda, the neighbourhood I live in, so you get a real feel for everyday life here. Check prices & availability →
⭐ Hostel Hasta La Vista: Pick this one if you’re on a budget. It’s my go-to recommendation for backpackers and solo travellers. Check prices & availability →
Parking in Saranda
I’m going to be honest here, parking in Saranda is a nightmare.
Right now, there are no parking garages, only on-street parking and some private parking car parks you can pay per day for.
If you are staying in Saranda, ask your accommodation (whether you pick Saranda or Ksamil) if they have parking available so you can know that you have somewhere to park your car once you arrive and rent a car in Saranda
Where to find a car hire in Saranda
Most of the rental places are near the Port which is where you arrive from Corfu.
You’ll see the agencies lined up and ready to hire you a car.
After living in Albania for 8+ years, I’ve saved the beaches, restaurants, viewpoints, villages and hidden gems I genuinely recommend — all in one easy-to-use map.
SEE MY 420+ ALBANIA PICKS →You can either pop into one of the agencies or you can hop on a website like Discover Cars if you prefer to book online and secure something before you arrive.
I will say in the middle of summer (July and August) prices can increase a lot and hiring a car can be very difficult so if you’re coming during the high season, make sure you secure a car before you arrive.
My Number One Tip: Hire a Car for Full Flexibility
If you’re staying a few nights, Saranda is much easier with your own wheels. Booking online before you arrive means you can compare prices and reviews, and your car is ready when you get here.
Check here for the best car rental companies and prices for your Saranda trip →
Before you drive off
Make sure you take pictures of things like the tyres, bumper, interior, roof and any bumps, scratches or dents that are already there.
You do not want to be liable for something that you didn’t do so it’s always best to take photos of this stuff beforehand so you have evidence.
Ask if there’s a spare tyre available and where it is (usually the boot).
Double-check the dashboard and take note of the fuel and mileage and that it matches any paperwork they give you.
Ask them for all available documents so if you’re stopped by the police you know which papers to give them.
Car insurance in Albania
If your rental car company gives you the option to get insurance (which they mostly should), then take it. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
The most important thing to note here is that if you’re in an accident (big or small) you need to wait for the police to show up and do a report.
Your insurance will be completely invalid if you drive away.
I’ve had friends who lost thousands of dollars and had to pay for a nearly totalled car because they drove off before the police got there.
3 Saranda Experiences I’d Book Right Away
🚤 Kakome, Caves & Beaches Boat Tour: Pick this one if you want to see the hidden beaches you can only reach by boat, with snorkelling stops. Rated 4.9 from almost 950 reviews. Check availability →
💙 Blue Eye, Gjirokastër & Lekursi Castle Day Tour: Pick this one if you want to tick off the big sights in one easy day. Rated 4.9 from over 1,900 reviews. Check availability →
🏍️ Quad Bike Adventure to the Blue Eye: Pick this one if you want something a little different, with off-road trails and a river crossing. Rated 4.9. Check availability →
Filling up with fuel in Saranda
There are plenty of fuel places but the one I recommend is just outside of the city – Pit Stop.
Be aware that most fuel stations cut the fuel with cheap substances to make it go further but this one fuel station does not as we use them every week!
Also, make sure you have cash in case fuel stations don’t take cards. Usually they do take cards, but it’s always good to have a backup, especially if you end up visiting a petrol station in the middle of nowhere.
Beach trip? Mountains? Food? Hidden gems? Use my 420+ location map and ready-made itineraries to pick what interests you and create an Albania trip that actually suits you.
BUILD MY ALBANIA TRIP →Want to cross the border into Greece?
You must tell your rental company when you hire the car as they will have to give you additional documents and you’ll have to pay an extra fee, which is worth factoring in if you’re comparing it with the bus from Saranda to Athens.
There’s your ultimate guide to hiring a car in Saranda. If you have any questions, feel free to pop them below!
