Tour Guide, Tirana, Albania
| 3 mins read
Why Uber Doesn’t Operate in Albania
Uber is a popular and convenient way to get a ride in many countries around the world. However, Uber does not exist in Albania, and there is no Uber Tirana. There are several reasons why Uber doesn’t operate in Albania, such as:
Legal issues: Uber has hit legal snags and bans globally, notably in Europe. Taxi unions and regulators slam it for unfair competition, dodging taxes, and safety issues. Albania joins the list, with Uber unable to secure a license to operate there.
Market size: Albania is a small country with a population of about 2.8 million people and a GDP of about $15 billion. The demand for Uber services might not be high enough to justify the investment and operation costs for Uber. Moreover, Albania has a low car ownership rate, and many people prefer to use public transportation, such as buses, minibuses, or trains, which are cheap and widely available.
What are the Best Alternatives to Uber in Albania
Even though there is no Uber in Albania, there are still several reliable and safe alternatives to Uber in Albania, such as:
Speed Taxi App: Speed Taxi shines as Albania’s go-to cab service, boasting a robust fleet of 500+ cars at your beck and call, day or night. Dive into the digital ease of their free app—your gateway to booking rides, tracking your journey, and seamless online payments. Multilingual? No problem. The app speaks English, Albanian, and Italian, ensuring you’re covered in Tirana, Durres, Shkoder, Elbasan, Fier, and beyond. Get the lowdown on your trip’s fare, distance, and ETA before you set off. Post-ride, share your thoughts with a quick driver rating. And with average fares like 300 LEK ($3) for a 5km spin around Tirana, it’s a steal.
Patoko: This is another app where you can input the route and get the price right away.
Ups Taxi App: Ups Taxi, renowned for its modern fleet and friendly service in Albania, offers an easy-to-use app for hassle-free rides. Download it for free to book, track, and pay for your ride in English, Albanian, or Italian. Available in Tirana and Durres, the app shows fares, distance, and timing upfront. After your trip, rate your experience. Expect to pay around 500 lek ($5) for a 5 km ride in Tirana.
Traditional taxis: If apps aren’t your thing or you’re offline, try flagging down a street taxi or calling one. In Albania, look for taxis with a yellow roof sign and a meter. Be cautious—some may lack proper licensing or try to charge extra. Always discuss the fare first, particularly for longer trips like to the airport. Your hotel or tour guide can also book a trustworthy cab for you.
Car rental: For more freedom, consider renting a car in Albania. Car rental agencies are at airports, city centres, or online. The cost averages 40 euros ($48) daily. You’ll need a valid license, credit card, and an international permit if your license isn’t in English or Albanian.
Conclusion
Albania is a wonderful country to visit, and you don’t need Uber to enjoy your trip. In Albania, besides Uber, you have choices like Speed Taxi, Patoko App, Ups Taxi App, traditional cabs, or car hire to move around. Also, think about buses and minibuses. They’re budget-friendly and offer a genuine local vibe. We wish you a fantastic Albanian adventure. For travel and tour info, visit lostinalbania.com.