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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!
🚗 You’ll need data to use Uber or any other taxi app. Free WIFI isn’t always available in Europe so I suggest using an international eSim to avoid roaming charges. This eSim can be used in 190 countries around the world!
Hi, I’m JJ!
I’m a travel blogger with a passion for unique travel destinations, discovering hidden gems, and adventurous solo travel.
As a solo female traveller, I certainly feel safer if I can use a taxi app rather than just flagging down a random taxi in a city I don’t know.
I’ve created this guide to help you feel safer too!
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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 several European countries – such as Cyprus, Denmark and Albania, to name a few!
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.
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🚗 Consider renting a car in Albania – I recommend DiscoverCars to search, compare, and save up to 70% on car rentals!
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.
Overall, this is one of the best alternatives to Uber in Titana
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.
Overall, this is a great Albania taxi app and an alternative to Uber in Albania
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! Patoko is looking set to become one of the best taxi apps 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
🚗 Consider renting a car in Albania – I recommend DiscoverCars to search, compare, and save up to 70% on car rentals!
Tours in Albania
If you are short on time during your trip to Albania you may want to book a guided tour.
Tours are great because transport is included, so you don’t have to stress about how you are going to get back to your hotel at the end of the day – leaving you with more time to have fun and enjoy this beautiful country!
Here are some of my favourite tours and day trips in Albania.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kayaking & Hiking at Komani Lake
✅ Stay with a local family
✅ Kayak on Lake Koman
✅ Hike the famous Valbona to Theth trail
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jeep Tour Of Theth From Shkoder
✅ Private and customizable
✅ See all Theth highlights in one day
✅ See waterfalls, mountains and natural springs!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✅ Relax with round-trip transport
✅ Private tour
✅ Learn about Albania’s coastal culture and charm from a local guide
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?
No, There is no Uber 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
🚗 You’ll need data to use Uber or any other taxi app. Free WIFI isn’t always available in Europe so I suggest using an international eSim to avoid roaming charges. This eSim can be used in 190 countries around the world!
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!
If you’re looking for more info on how to travel around Albania you can check out my detailed guides on how to get to Saranda and Shkoder from Tirana.
ebook: Albanian Riviera Guidebook
✅Just £5!
✅ Detailed 7 day itinerary
✅ Hidden gems!
✅ Printable ebook
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Hi! Thank you for the tips, I just downloaded all the mentioned taxi apps. I am still thinking whether or not to rent a car? I am quite an inexperienced driver. I have heard roads and other drivers are not the greatest in Albania. What would you say? 🙂 Thank you! x
Hi! To be honest if you are an inexperienced driver then I would not recommend renting a car. Some cities don’t have traffic lights or other road signs so it can be difficult to figure out what other drivers are doing. Also some of the roads are really dangerous, especially in the mountains. I have a guide to getting around without a car that you might find helpful 🙂
Hi, would you please share the guide info.
I am used to travel solo by bus and trains but only have 1 week in Albania and I guess a guide may be the most efficient option if I don’t rent a car.
Thank you!
Hi Claudia. Yes I think a guided tour would be the best option for you. Check out Viator, they have lots of great day trips that you can take with a local guide 🙂
DiscoverCars is good, but I would definitely recommend RentX. It is a mobile app has similar functionality to AirBnb but for car rentals in Albania. It is super easy to use and you can find rentals everywhere in Albania from various local dealers. I have had a very good experience with it and i definitely recommend it. You can download it on App Store or Play Store: https://rentx.al/
Hey JJ,
Did you try Patoko app for taxis? Admitedly no in app payment but it served me quite nicely when I was over in Tirana recently. Had also real time bus information but only for one bus line. Did you try the others you mention in Tirana or outside of the capital? Rental Car wise I relied on Enterprise, a tad more expensive than locals, but piece of mind, you know…
Hi Ben,
Yeah I really like Patoko, hopefully they will allow in app payment in the future. I didn’t realise they had bus info too, that’s so handy! I used Speed taxi in Shkoder but I think the rest of them only operate in Tirana. Outside of Tirana I mostly relied on hitchhiking tbh.
I’ve never used Enterprise myself, I’m a budget traveller at heart so always go for the cheap options lol!
I have an eSIM from Airalo. The taxi apps all want a local number but with the eSIM you don’t have one, you can’t receive SMS. Is Bolt now working in Albania?
I read and loved your article. Thank you for finding time and writing about Albania. Actually in Albania people do not have that “Uber Culture” yet, they want to order a taxi online, and not share with others. Maybe this is changing nowadays, since people are ordering taxis online mostly. My personal favorite is https://smarttaxial.com/ because they have a policy that helps to save the environment with electric taxis.