Albania: Vignette or toll? The complete guide for drivers

In Albania, most of the roads for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes are free of charge and the purchase of a motorway sticker is usually not required. However, there are exceptions, where tolls are incurred mainly on the A1 motorway. This article provides you a complete and current guide to the toll fees in Albania, with a detailed information to the concerned sections and the resulting Tariffs.

So, in Albania: Vignette or toll?

Here you will find our complete guide to vignettes and toll motorway in Europe!

Albania, a country of contrasts and breathtaking scenery, attracts more and more travelers in search of authenticity and discoveries. Among the preferred types of investigation, the traveling, the car offers an unparalleled freedom, his curve driving on roads, from the Adriatic seashore to the mountain. Before you continue, however, to the control, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the local road traffic regulations, in particular, in respect to tolls and any vignette. This article will guide you through the Albanian road toll collection system for your adventure without financial Surprises runs.

In addition to the main toll station in the vicinity of the Kalimash tunnel is another section of the A1 motorway toll: It is the section Thumanë – Kashar. This shorter section of about 20 to 21 km in length, connects Thumanë with Kashar, a place in the vicinity of the international airport of Tirana. Tolling for this section are as follows:

• Motorcycles: 170 Lek (approx. 1,73 € based on the specified exchange rate of 98,19 Lek/€).
• Cars: 250 Lek (approx. 2,55 € based on the specified exchange rate of 98,19 Lek/€).

It is interesting to note that another source of a toll fee of 2.53 € incl. VAT for the entire highway Thumanë – Kashar mentioned, about cars are calculated on a Collective and suggesting that this is probably the car from the standard fare for the Passenger.

To provide you with a clear and concise Overview of the costs, you will find a summary table of the rates for the A1 motorway in Albania:

Vehicle category	Milot – Morinë (close to Kalimash Tunnel)	Thumanë – Kashar (approx.)
Motorcycles, scooters and three-wheeled vehicles	€2.50	€1.73 (170 Lek)
Passenger Cars (2 Axles 4 Tires)	€5.00	€2.55 (250 Lek)
Light commercial vehicles and small buses (2 axles, 4 wheels, height < 1.90 m)	€5.00	€2.55 (250 Lek)
Minibuses and cars with trailer (2 axles 4 tires)	€5.00	€2.55 (250 Lek)
Campers (height 1.90 m – 2.70 m)	€11.25	N/A
Campers (height > 2.70 m)	€16.25	N/A
Car with living	€5.00	€2.55 (250 Lek)
Buses (2 axles 6 wheels), and small trucks (2 axles 6 wheels, a height of 1.90 m – 2.70 m)	€11.25	N/A
Medium-sized trucks and heavy buses (3 axes, incl. Commercial vehicles over 2.70 m)	€16.25	N/A
Heavy-duty vehicles (4 axes, and more)	€22.50	N/A

Although relatively short (21 km), the highway Thumanë – Kashar heated Controversy, and is considered to be one of the most expensive toll roads in Europe per Kilometer. This Situation has led to considerable resistance on the part of local communities, companies, and especially travelers from Kosovo, the niche is Integration-in feel, these toll as a barrier to trade, and pan-Alba. The introduction of this toll is part of a 35-year concession with private funding in which the concessionaire will receive a prize notification that is potentially subsidized from the state budget. There were even protests against these tariffs, and during the test phases, significant congestion problems were encountered, which led to the temporary suspension of toll collection.

For the payment of the tolls on the A1 motorway in Albania, several payment options are available to you:

• Cash: payment in euros is at the toll-switches accepted.
• Credit/debit card: all major credit and debit cards at the toll stations, it is generally accepted.
• Via digital pass OBU: The digital pass is an On-Board Unit (OBU), the automatic toll payment. The use of this system may provide for regular users, significant discounts, with discounts of up to 40 %, according to some sources . 

It is important to emphasize that the purchase of a Vignette (road tax sticker) is the method of payment for these tolls on the A1 motorway for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes. Although the term ‘Vignette’ is sometimes mentioned in the Albanian context, it refers to a different System, which is designed for heavier vehicles.

In contrast to the initial adoption of Albania has a vignette system, which, however, relates specifically to vehicles with a permissible total mass of over 3.5 tonnes, the use of the A1 motorway. These vignettes can make at authorized sales, such as petrol stations and post offices, are acquired throughout the country. The cost for this Vignette for heavy vehicles vary depending on the vehicle category (e.g., buses, small commercial vehicles, medium duty trucks, heavy-duty vehicles) and the selected validity period (day, week, month, or year, vignette). If your trip to Albania, Run the vehicle over 3.5 tonnes on the A1 includes the acquisition of this Vignette is therefore essential.

For a successful road trip through Albania, here are some practical tips:

•  The tolls on the motorway A1 will be collected at toll stations in the vicinity of the Kalimash tunnel, and the section Thumanë-Kashar.
• The payment to the toll in cash (in Euro), credit/debit card or via digital pass OBU to be done.
• If you plan to use the A1 often inform you about the digital pass OBU, as this can enable you to discounts.
• If you are driving a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes on the A1, do not forget that the purchase of a Vignette is mandatory and at petrol stations and post offices is available.
• Note that the payment of tolls and vignettes (if is applicable) in Euro.
• It is also recommended to check whether your vehicle is equipped in Albania with the prescribed safety equipment such as warning triangle and First aid kit.

Conclusion: For drivers who are traveling with a vehicle under 3.5 tons of Albania, is the purchase of a motorway sticker is normally not required. However, it is important to note that on the A1 motorway toll charges, in particular in the vicinity of the Kalimash tunnel, and the section Thumanë – Kashar. Various payment options are available, and for vehicles above 3.5 tons, the same highway, there is a vignette system. For most of the other Albanian roads, no specific charges currently. By you to inform yourself properly about these rules, you can enjoy the beauty and diversity of Albania in peace.

Udhëtim të mbarë! 🗺️

Useful Links

• Albanian road authority (ARRSH): for information on road conditions and infrastructure projects can be found on the official Website.
• The Ministry of infrastructure and energy: For more General information about infrastructure and transport policy in Albania, visit the Website of the Ministry.