By Peter Falussy | Last Updated: January 12, 2026
🔔 Vlora Airport (VLO) Status Update
Current Status: Under Construction.
Projected opening: June 2026. Car rental desks are not yet bookable.
👇 Get notified immediately when bookings open & secure early-bird rates:
🔒 Join 500+ travelers. Unsubscribe anytime.
Need a car for 2026? The best alternative is flying to Tirana.
👉 Check Car Rental Prices in Tirana (No Deposit)
Planning Your Vlora Airport Car Rental for 2026
If you are currently mapping out your 2026 escape to the Albanian Riviera, you are likely facing a major dilemma: Will the new airport be ready, and when can you book your Vlora Airport car rental?
As of late 2025, the facility is still under heavy construction. However, major milestones have been reached:
- The airport officially received its IATA code “VLO” on July 1, 2025, signaling a major step towards operation.
- Swiss carrier Chair Airlines has listed the first direct flights (Zürich–Vlora) starting June 2026. This is excellent news for travellers from Switzerland, Germany, and Northern Italy.
IMPORTANT: Despite these positive signs, the opening date is not guaranteed. Until the terminal is fully certified, flight schedules are subject to change.
So, should you wait for a direct flight, or stick to the proven route via Tirana? This guide cuts through the rumors to give you the facts, driving times, and the best Vlora Airport car rental alternatives for reaching the south in 2026.
1. Vlora Airport Car Rental vs. Tirana Car Hire: The Time Difference
Designed to be larger than Tirana’s airport, the new VLO hub is situated in the Akërni area, near the village of Novoselë, just 10 km from the city centre. Its strategic location provides direct access to the main SH4 highway and crucial routes leading south towards the Riviera via the scenic SH8.
Why is the demand for Vlora Airport car rental so high? Because it drastically cuts travel time to the beaches compared to Tirana (or the ferry from Corfu). Even if you cannot fly there yet, here is the driving difference for your planning:
- DESTINATION: Vlora City
- Drive from Tirana (TIA): 2h 15m
- Drive from Vlora Airport (VLO): 25 min
- Time Saved: ~ 1h 50m
- DESTINATION: Dhermi
- Drive from Tirana (TIA): 3h 10m
- Drive from Vlora Airport (VLO): 1h 10m
- Time Saved: ~ 2h 00m
- DESTINATION: Saranda & Ksamil
- Drive from Tirana (TIA): 4h 30m
- Drive from Vlora Airport (VLO): 2h 30m
- Time Saved: ~ 2h 00m
(Note: Driving times are estimated via the new Vlora Bypass and SH8 coastal road.)
2. Alternative Travel Strategies: Tirana or Corfu Until VLO Opens
Since official Vlora Airport car rental services are not yet operational and flight dates remain tentative, you have two safe strategies for your 2026 summer vacation:
Option A: Fly to Tirana & Rent a Car with no Deposit
This is the most flexible option. Tirana offers hundreds of daily flights (WizzAir, Ryanair) and the largest selection of rental cars. But more choices mean more confusion. If you’re heading south to the Riviera, see my comparison of the best SUV rentals in Albania to find a model that balances motorway comfort with beach-track capability.
- Pros: Reliable schedule, competitive car rental rates, no border crossings.
- Cons: Longer drive to the south (3.5 – 4.5 hours).
- Verdict: Best for road trip lovers who want to visit Berat or Durres on the way.
While choosing a no-deposit provider is smart, you must also ensure your physical card is technically compatible with local terminals; follow our guide on renting a car in Albania with a debit card to set up your Revolut or Wise security settings correctly before you land.
Option B: Fly to Corfu, Ferry to Saranda & Rent Locally
Before Vlora Airport opens, Corfu is the closest aviation hub to Saranda. You take a flight to Corfu, then a 30-70 minute ferry to Saranda Port.
Avoid Cross-Border Rental Mistakes:
- Trap #1: The Cross-Border Rental Mistake. Do NOT rent a car in Corfu to bring it to Albania. Most Greek agencies forbid this or charge massive insurance fees (€40-80+). And if you’re planning the reverse—driving an Albanian rental into Greece—the rules are even tighter. Check our Albania cross-border car rental guide before you book to avoid these traps.
- Trap #2: The Time Zone. Remember that Greece (Corfu) is 1 hour ahead of Albania. Factor this in when booking your ferry!
Recommendation: If you choose Corfu, take the fast ferry as a foot passenger and pick up your rental car directly at Saranda Port. It saves you money and hassle.
Read more: Car Rental in Saranda: Port Pickup & No Deposit Options
3. Driving Guide: Exploring Vlora and the Riviera
Whether you arrive via the new airport in the future or drive down from Tirana today, Vlora is the perfect starting point for exploring the south. Having your own wheels grants you the freedom to hit the coastal roads immediately.
Road Conditions: SH8, SH4, and Mountain Passes
Vlora city driving is generally manageable, though traffic can be heavy in summer. The real highlight is the SH8 Riviera road heading south. It is paved and incredibly scenic but requires careful driving, especially on the winding Llogara Pass section. Roads inland towards Berat are generally good.
Parking in Vlora: What You Should Know
Generally easier than in Tirana or Saranda. Paid zones (marked with blue zones) exist along the Lungomare (promenade), and free street parking is often available in residential areas. However, we strongly recommend booking a hotel with dedicated parking.
Top Day Trips from Vlora by Car
With a car, you are within easy reach of Albania’s best sites:
- Albanian Riviera Road trip on SH8 with Llogara Pass (~45-60 mins) – Breathtaking mountain views.
- Dhërmi, Jalë, Himarë (1.5 – 2.5 hrs) – The best beaches in the country.
- Sarandë & Ksamil (3-4+ hrs) – White-sand beaches and island views.
- Apollonia Archaeological Park (~1 hr north near Fier).
- Berat UNESCO City (~1.5-2 hrs inland).
Need more tips? Check our full guide on Car Hire in Albania: Everything You Need to Know
4. Sustainable Travel: Environmental Considerations
The construction of Vlora Airport within the Vjosa-Narta Protected Landscape has raised environmental concerns regarding bird habitats and coastal ecosystems. While the airport aims to meet modern standards, conscious travelers can play a part.
- Choose Greener Vehicle Options: Not every journey along Albania’s southern coast requires a massive SUV. Consider renting a compact, fuel-efficient vehicle. However, if you plan to tackle the Llogara Pass or visit hidden coves once the airport opens, a balanced SUV like the Dacia Duster is often the most fuel-efficient choice in its class. Read my Dacia Duster 2WD vs 4WD test to see which version suits the coastal terrain best.
- Respect Protected Landscapes & Wildlife: Stick to marked roads and trails when exploring nearby protected areas like Llogara National Park or Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park (accessible via boat tours). Avoid disturbing wildlife.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) –– Vlora Airport Car Rental
1., Is Vlora Airport officially open?
No, it isn’t. As of November 2025, it is still under construction. However, it received its official IATA code (VLO) in July 2025.
2., Is the June 2026 opening date confirmed?
It is based on airline data (Chair Airlines) and is a realistic target, but delays can shift the date. We advise keeping your travel plans flexible.
3., When will Vlora Airport car rental be available?
Rental agencies have not opened bookings for the airport location yet. We expect desks to open in Spring 2026. Until then, we recommend renting from Tirana or Saranda.
About the Author
As a property owner on the Albanian coast, I not only rent out holiday apartments but also travel and document the country extensively. My articles share first-hand tips about accommodation, beaches, hikes, and prices in Albania, including practical advice on car rental in Saranda and along the Riviera. This article may contain affiliate links — at no extra cost to you — which help keep this site running. I only recommend services I’ve tested or verified personally. Thanks for reading and supporting independent travel content!
Most photos in this article are my own, taken during travels across Albania. Other sources are credited where used.
