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Wondering if you can use Uber in Albania? I’ve got you covered!
Albania is rapidly becoming more popular with tourists, backpackers and digital nomads. However, its transport infrastructure hasn’t quite caught up yet!
Many of us from Western Europe or North America have gotten used to being able to instantly summon a taxi with the tap of a button using the Uber app. But Uber doesn’t exist in Albania. So what are the alternatives?
As a solo female traveller, I’ve always been reluctant to flag down a random taxi from the street, as it didn’t feel safe. Like many other women, I prefer to use apps like Uber, where there is some kind of accountability and I can easily share my location with friends. So when I was travelling around Albania and needed a taxi I had a bit of a stressful time trying to figure out what was the best alternative to Uber.
Luckily for you, I’ve done all the research and figured out the best taxi apps in Albania so you don’t have to stress!
🚙 Looking for a taxi from Tirana airport to Tirana city centre?
I recommend pre-booking a private airport transfer 🚙
Can I use Uber in Albania?
Public transport in Albania can be a bit tricky to navigate, making getting around Albania without a car a little difficult.
For many of us, Uber is our go-to app when we need to quickly arrange transport. However, Uber does not exist in Albania. Uber is a global company, but it has yet to launch its service in Albania.
Taxi apps provide a much greater level of safety and convenience for travellers. Rather than having to haggle with a driver or take your chances with a random taxi, you can easily select the best option and pay through the app. This way you can be sure that you are getting an honest fare from a vetted driver. It also provides peace of mind when travelling as a solo female.
Despite Uber not being available in Albania, there are several reliable and safe alternatives to Uber. Speed Taxi App and Ups Taxi App are two of the most popular taxi apps in Albania. These apps allow you to easily summon a taxi with the tap of a button and they also provide features such as GPS tracking, payment methods, and estimated prices that Uber would normally provide.
Best taxi apps in Albania – Similar to Uber
1. Speed Taxi App
This is the most popular taxi app for Albania and covers Tirana, Shkoder and Lezhë, as well as a few other locations.
It has a large network of professional licenced drivers who are all safety vetted and reliable. However, it is different from Uber in that all the drivers are employed by Speed taxi, whereas Uber drivers are self-employed.
The app is simple to use and you can easily book a taxi 24/7. The taxis turn up quickly after booking, the cars are clean and the prices are fixed so you don’t have to worry about haggling with any aggressive drivers.
Download from GooglePlay store
2. Ups Taxi App
Ups Taxi App is the most Uber-like taxi app for Albania and is a very safe taxi app. It connects you to licenced taxi drivers close by, so you can feel safe when travelling.
The app is easy to use and you can book a taxi at any time of the day or night. You can see the location of the taxi in real-time, and you get all the necessary information about the oncoming car, such as license plates, phone numbers, colour and model of the vehicle.
With Uber not being available in Albania, Ups Taxi App is your best alternative for convenient and reliable transportation!
Download from GooglePlay store
3. Taxi.al app
Taxi.al is also very similar to Uber in that you can get a taxi almost instantly. The drivers can be licensed taxi drivers or private car owners looking to make some extra cash.
There are set prices of 250 Lek (~€2) for up to 1.5 km and then 85 LEK (~€0.75) per km after that.
Download from the Apple app store
Download from the GooglePlay store
4. Patoko
Patoko is a new Albanian start-up company that offers customers an Uber-like experience in Albania.
With the Patoko app, passengers can connect with the nearest driver and request immediate service without having to go to taxi stands.
The app also provides features such as GPS tracking, and estimated prices, giving users peace of mind when travelling solo or with friends.
At the moment you have to pay cash once your taxi arrives but card payments will soon be made available in the app.
By downloading Patoko, you can get a cab almost instantly and enjoy the convenience of Uber in Albania!
Download from GooglePlay store
5. Udhe – Ride share apps in Albania
Udhë is a carpooling platform (similar to Bla Bla car) that connects drivers with commuters. It started as an online community aiming to digitize hitchhiking (which is a popular way to get around in Albania) and it became a virtual community that provides an alternative solution for city-to-city travel.
Rides are also regularly offered to neighbouring countries such as Montenegro, Albania, N. Macedonia, Serbia, and Greece.
The online community now counts 30k+ members that regularly take rides together from city to city.
Udhë is a great option if you are looking for an inexpensive way of getting around while also helping the environment by reducing traffic and pollution. With Udhë, you can easily find a ride to your destination and meet new people in the process.
Download from GooglePlay store
Since you can’t get Uber in Albania, then the apps above are great alternatives that offer a similar service. Whether it’s booking a taxi or carpooling with someone, you can use these apps to get around Albania with ease and convenience.
Best taxis in Tirana
As well as the apps above there are also some good options for local taxi services in Tirana. You can call, use Whatsapp or book online.
Speed taxis
This is the best taxi in Tirana. As well as their handy app above, you can also book taxis by phone or email.
Phone number: +35542222555
Whattsapp: +355696422211
Email: Info@speedtaxi.al
Merr taxis
Merr taxis is another one of the best Tirana taxi services. It is a really reliable and well-trusted taxi company. They have a good website where you can book online and check prices. There is also a handy fare calculator.
Phone number: 0800 5555
Whattsapp: +355674006610
Email: Info@merrtaxi.al
How to get from the Tirana airport to Tirana City Centre
Personally, I think that the best way to get from Tirana airport to the city is by pre-booking a private transfer.
This is a great option for groups, as it will save you time and money.
With Uber Albania being non-existent, this is an affordable and stress-free way of getting you to where you need to be without having to deal with taxis or shuttles.
Transfers can pick you up and drop you off directly at your hotel.
🚙 Check availability and prices here 🚙
Taxi prices in Albania
A taxi price in Albania can vary. You can use this handy taxi trip calculator to estimate the price of your journey.
Can I use Bolt, Lyft or Bla Bla Car in Albania?
Bolt is a popular taxi app that is used across Europe. However, Bolt in Albania does not exist yet. The same can be said for Lyft, which is another popular one of the most popular taxi apps like Uber.
Bla Bla car is a ride-sharing app that is popular across Europe, however, it does not operate in Albania. The closest alternative is the Udhe app.
FAQs: Is there Uber in Albania? – 5 best taxi apps in Albania
Does Uber work in Tirana?
Uber does not exist in Albania, however, there are several reliable and safe alternatives such as Speed Taxi App and Ups Taxi App.
What is the best taxi app for Albania?
The most popular taxi apps for Albania are Speed Taxi App and Ups Taxi App. These apps allow you to easily summon a taxi with the tap of a button.
How to order a taxi in Albania?
You can order a taxi in Albania through the Speed Taxi App or the Ups Taxi app. They both have a large network of professional licenced drivers who are all safety vetted and reliable. All you have to do is input your pick-up location and the apps will give you an estimated fare for your journey.
Can you get around Albania without a car?
Yes, you can get around Albania without a car. There are several reliable and affordable taxi apps that you can use to get from one place to another as well as buses and furgons. Hitchhiking is also a popular option.
Do you tip taxi drivers in Albania?
Tipping taxi drivers in Albania is not expected or required, however, it is always appreciated. Most taxi drivers don’t expect a tip but if you think they provided good service, then you can tip them 10-15%.
Final Thoughts: Is there Uber in Albania? – 5 best taxi apps in Albania
Uber may not be available in Albania, but there are plenty of alternatives to help you get around the country. Whether it’s Speed Taxi App or Ups Taxi App, these apps offer a reliable and safe way to travel from one place to another with just the tap of a button.
You can also use furgons and buses in Albania for longer journeys or hitchhiking if you’re feeling adventurous.
While tipping taxi drivers is not expected, they will always appreciate your generosity should you decide to give them one.
So don’t let the lack of Uber in Albania hold you back – explore Albania stress-free knowing that there is an abundance of transportation options at your fingertips!
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