Driving to Durrës
Durrës is one of the most popular places on the Albanian coast, with long sandy beaches and a lively town centre. The bus gets you there without much planning, but with a car you decide when to leave, where to stop and how long to stay. There are two main routes from Belgrade to Durrës, and each takes a full day of driving.
Route 1: via North Macedonia and Ohrid
This is the route we recommend, as most of it is on motorways.
- Belgrade – Niš – Skopje: by motorway through Serbia to the North Macedonian border and on to Skopje.
- Skopje – Tetovo – Ohrid: from Skopje continue towards Tetovo and on to Ohrid.
- Ohrid – Qafë Thanë border – Durrës: near Struga you cross into Albania at the Qafë Thanë (Ćafasan) border crossing, then continue via Elbasan and Tirana to Durrës.
Skopje is a good place for a first break and a short walk around the centre. Ohrid is an even better stop: many travellers spend the night there, some stay a few days, and then continue to the sea. This splits a long drive into two easier parts.
Route 2: via Zlatibor and Montenegro
- Belgrade – Požega – Zlatibor: on the Miloš Veliki motorway to Požega, then via Užice and Zlatibor.
- Through Montenegro: via Bijelo Polje, Kolašin and Podgorica to the Albanian border.
- Shkodër – Durrës: near Shkodër you enter Albania and continue to Durrës.
This route is scenic, but it has many bends and mountain sections, especially after Zlatibor and through Montenegro, so it is slower and more tiring. Zlatibor is usually too early for a rest, so it is better to stop before entering Montenegro or in Montenegro itself. Read more about the first part of the trip in our guide How to get to Zlatibor by motorway.
Which route to choose?
If you want the easiest and safest drive, choose the route through North Macedonia: more motorway and fewer mountain bends. The Montenegro route is better if you want to enjoy the mountains and scenery along the way and are not in a hurry.
Before you go
- Agency approval and green card: you can take a rental car outside Serbia only with the agency's approval and a green card. Let us know when you book. More in our rental conditions.
- Documents: bring your passport or ID card, your driving licence and the vehicle documents you receive with the rental agreement.
- Tolls: motorways in Serbia and North Macedonia are tolled, so bring some cash as well.
- Borders in summer: queues at the borders are common in summer, especially at weekends, so allow extra time.
Car rental for your trip to Durrës
For a long trip, choose a comfortable car with enough room for luggage. You can collect it at our office in Palilula, at Nikola Tesla Airport or have it delivered to your address. If you are planning a Greek seaside holiday, see our guide to Halkidiki.
