Durres to Tirana Drive | From €12/day | Bg Car Rental

The drive from Durres to Tirana is the most travelled road in Albania — and for good reason. Durres, Albania’s largest port city, sits on the Adriatic coast 35 kilometres west of the capital. The road between them is flat, fast, and increasingly well-maintained, making it one of the easiest drives in the Balkans. Most visitors arriving by ferry from Italy or via the Durres port start their Albanian road trip here, and it’s a route you’ll likely cover multiple times if you’re exploring the country.

The Route: Durres to Tirana

The SH2 dual carriageway runs directly between Durres and Tirana — a flat, straight road across the Albanian coastal plain. At 35 kilometres, it takes roughly 35-40 minutes in normal traffic. The road is toll-free, which is unusual in a region where most highways charge.

Heading east from Durres, the port district fades quickly into low-rise residential suburbs. Within ten minutes you’re in open agricultural land — olive groves, citrus orchards, and flat fields that are more Mediterranean than mountainous Albania. The Shkumbin River crosses about halfway, and the road gently climbs over a low ridge before descending into the Tirana plain.

Approaching Tirana from the west, the city announces itself with increasing density — first warehouses and industrial buildings, then apartment blocks, then the chaotic but charming centre. The main entry point into the city is the renovated Tirana Intersections project, a series of new flyovers and underpasses that have eased what was once a notorious bottleneck.

Road Conditions and Driving Culture

The SH2 is in significantly better condition than most Albanian roads — it’s one of the newer major routes in the country and shows it. The surface is smooth, lanes are clearly marked, and there are actual streetlights on many sections. That said, Albanian driving culture is its own challenge regardless of road quality.

Key things to know for this route:

• Speed: The SH2 has a 90km/h limit in places but traffic often moves faster. locals treat it loosely.
• Lane discipline: Albanians drive on the right and use both lanes freely. Overtaking on both sides is common. Don’t assume a vehicle in the right lane is staying right.
• Police checkpoints: There are occasional police checkpoints between Durres and Tirana, particularly near the Shkumbin River crossing. Have your licence and rental documents to hand. International Driving Permits are recommended if your licence isn’t in Latin script.
• Roadside vendors: Near Durres, particularly on weekends, roadside vendors sell produce from the boot of their cars. Slow down — they’re unpredictable.
• Night driving: The road is lit, but some side roads feeding onto the SH2 have poor lighting. Use high beams outside the city but dip for oncoming traffic.

What to See Along the Way

The Durres to Tirana route is short enough that most people don’t stop — but there are two detours worth knowing about.

Kruja — Take the exit at Fushë-Kruja (roughly 20km north of Tirana, accessible from the SH2). Kruja is the historic capital of Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero, and sits dramatically on a mountainside overlooking the coastal plain. The old bazaar is a genuine experience — leather goods, wool crafts, and copper work in a covered market that’s been operating for centuries. The fortress ruins have sweeping views to the Adriatic on a clear day. From Tirana, it’s about 45 minutes with the detour. Allow two hours if you’re stopping properly.

Prezë Castle — 15km north of Durres, this medieval fortress sits on a low hill above the coastal plain. Less visited than Kruja, it’s a quiet stop with genuine atmosphere and no tourist infrastructure to speak of. The walls are in good condition and you can walk the full circuit. Not signposted well — follow signs toward Prezë village and then look for the castle on the hill.

Tirana Arrival: Where to Park

Tirana’s city centre has limited parking. The main paid parking zones are along Boulevard Deshmoret e Kombit and around the Skanderbeg Square area. Rates are roughly 100 ALL per hour (about €0.80) in central zones. Free parking is available at the University of Tirana area and further out from the centre, but you’ll need to walk 10-15 minutes.

For longer stays, the Tirana Plaza Hotel underground car park and the Nova Park mall parking are your safest options. Never leave valuables visible in the car — this applies to any city in the Balkans, not just Tirana.

Car Hire Between Durres and Tirana

Durres is a major car hire pickup point — most visitors collecting a rental car at the port or at Durres Airport will be driving this route within hours of landing. The drive to Tirana is straightforward enough that it’s a good confidence-builder for first-time Albania visitors.

If you’re dropping off in Tirana after picking up in Durres, most suppliers allow this — expect a one-way fee of €20-40 depending on the company and vehicle class. Always confirm before you leave the lot. Some smaller operators won’t permit it.

Tirana International Airport (TIA) is 15km east of the city centre, not on the Durres road. If you’re flying in and heading to Durres first, the airport is a 25-minute drive from Tirana and roughly 50 minutes from Durres without traffic.

Costs and Practicalities

Fuel along the Durres-Tirana corridor is readily available. Diesel averages around 195 ALL/litre (approximately €1.60/litre in 2026), and95 octane around 185 ALL/litre. There are petrol stations on the SH2 at regular intervals — you won’t go more than 10-15 minutes without a choice.

Tolls: None on the SH2. Albania’s new toll roads ( Tirana-Elbasan, and parts of the Milot corridor) charge, but the Durres-Tirana direct route remains free.

Albania introduced its first e-toll system in 2023 — the OBU device system — but it primarily affects the Milot-Shkodra corridor and the Elbasan road. The SH2 between Durres and Tirana has no toll booths.

Related Destinations

Looking for car hire nearby? Also explore Durres car hire, Tirana car hire, and Skopje car hire.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Durres to Tirana drive take?

The SH2 dual carriageway covers 35 kilometres in 35-40 minutes without traffic. During peak morning (7-9am) and evening (5-7pm) commute times, allow up to an hour.

Is the road between Durres and Tirana tolled?

No. The SH2 between Durres and Tirana is toll-free. Albania’s toll roads are primarily on the Milot-Shkodra corridor and the Tirana-Elbasan route.

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Albania?

Yes, if your national licence is not in Latin script. Even if your licence is in English, carrying an IDP is recommended. Police checkpoints between cities are common and an IDP removes any ambiguity.

Can I do a one-way car hire from Durres to Tirana?

Yes. Most suppliers allow one-way rentals between Durres and Tirana. Expect to pay a one-way fee of €20-40 depending on the vehicle class and supplier.

What is there to see between Durres and Tirana?

The SH2 is a fast, straight route with limited sightseeing directly on the road. Detour to Prezë Castle (15km north of Durres) for a quick medieval stop, or to Kruja (20km off the SH2) for a full half-day experience — the historic bazaar and fortress are excellent.