Albania
Car hire in Sarandë
Sarandë (Saranda) is a town at the southern end of the Riviera, facing Corfu across the strait. It has no airport: from Tirana it is 5–6 hours along the coast, from Corfu it is a ferry crossing. Car hire in Albania starts from €11 a day; prices in Sarandë for your dates are in the search above. A car here is what gets you to the Blue Eye, Gjirokastër and Butrint.
from €11 per day
- southern Riviera, ferry to Corfu
Search and book
A live catalogue with prices and availability for your dates. The rental contract and payment are handled directly with the rental company at pick-up.
How people get to Sarandë
From Tirana it is 5–6 hours along the Riviera; from Vlorë over the Llogara Pass about 120 km, 2.5–3 hours without stops. Many people fly to Corfu first and take the ferry, but Greek hire cars are generally not allowed into Albania — in that case you collect a car in Sarandë.
Taking a car on the Corfu ferry
Only the conventional ferry carries cars; the fast boat does not. There are anywhere from none to six car sailings a day depending on the season, and car spaces are few, so book ahead. In an Albanian hire car it is only possible with the company’s permission — it means both the Greek border and a ferry — and you will also need special insurance for the crossing.
Day trips from Sarandë
The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) is 24–25 km along the SH99, 30–45 minutes. UNESCO-listed Gjirokastër is about an hour away; the Blue Eye is on the same road, and the two are usually combined in one day.
To the south are Ksamil, 15–20 minutes away, and ancient Butrint, a UNESCO site with temples, a forum and an amphitheatre. Dirt turnings down to beaches — such as Mirror Beach and Edon Bina — are forbidden for hire cars.
Prices and season
We do not publish a separate lowest price for Sarandë: nationwide, hire starts from €11 a day, and the company works out the amount for your dates. Sarandë is a summer resort: from July to September cars get booked up early and parking in the centre is hard to find. In May and October both a car and a parking space are easier to come by.
Before you set off
Fill up at large, modern petrol stations: fuel at small ones can be poorer, and prices vary by 10–15% from one station to the next. Carry cash in lek — card logos on the door do not mean the terminal works. Usually an attendant fills up for you: ask for “95” or “Euro diesel”.
Prices by class
Starting prices in low season. July and August cost more. The final amount is calculated at booking for your dates.
Economy
2–4 people: Hyundai i10, VW Polo, VW Up
from€12per day
Saloon
4–5 people with suitcases
from€19per day
Crossover
mountain roads: Dacia Duster, Toyota RAV4
from€21per day
Minivan, 7–9 seats
Mercedes Vito, VW Transporter
from€30per day
Premium
executive cars
convertibles are a separate class, from €40
from€34per day
By city
Common questions
Is there an airport in Sarandë?
No. From Tirana airport it is 5–6 hours along the Riviera. The other route is a flight to Corfu and the ferry, but then you collect the car in Sarandë: Greek hire cars are generally not allowed into Albania.
Can I take a hire car from Sarandë to Corfu?
Only with the rental company’s permission — it is a trip into Greece and a ferry crossing — and with special insurance for the crossing. Cars go on the conventional ferry only, spaces are few, so book ahead.
How far is the Blue Eye from Sarandë?
24–25 km along the SH99, 30–45 minutes. Gjirokastër is on the same road, about an hour from Sarandë, so the two make an easy day together.
How much is car hire in Sarandë?
We do not publish a separate lowest price for Sarandë: the amount for your dates is shown in the search above and worked out by the company. Across Albania, from €11 a day.
Can I collect in Tirana and drop off in Sarandë?
Yes, if the company allows it: the one-way fee is shown on the car’s listing. It is a convenient way to drive the Riviera in one direction.
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