2026-06-18 · 4 min read
Flying into Albania almost always means landing at Tirana International Airport (Rinas), airport code TIA. It's the country's main gateway, about 17 km northwest of the capital, and for most visitors it's where the trip really begins. The quickest way to get moving on your own terms is to rent a car for your arrival.
This guide covers what to expect at Rinas, how airport car rental works with Auto Nini, and where a car can take you once you land.
Rinas — officially Tirana International Airport “Nënë Tereza” — sits about 17 km northwest of Tirana. With a car, the drive into the city centre takes roughly 25 minutes along the modern SH2 dual carriageway. You can check live flight and terminal information on the official Tirana Airport website, or read background on its Wikipedia page.
To arrange a car for Rinas, send us your flight number and dates on WhatsApp and we'll confirm availability and the pickup details before you travel. Browse the full fleet on our Cars for Rent page, or read more on our dedicated Rinas Airport car rental and airport car rental pages.
Rinas is the natural starting point for a road trip. Popular drives from the airport include:
Many travellers pick up at the airport and drive straight down to the beaches of Durrës the same day.
Driving in Albania is on the right, and a standard licence is all most visitors need. The SH2 to Tirana and the motorway south are modern and well maintained. If you're heading to the coast or the mountains, fill up before leaving the main routes, and allow extra time on the winding coastal roads of the Riviera.
Tell us your flight and dates and we'll have a car confirmed for your arrival at Rinas. Start by browsing the fleet, or see all of our rent a car in Albania locations.