Car Rental in Prishtina

Why rent a car in Prishtina?

Despite being the youngest capital in Europe, Pristina is no stranger to fascinating history, as it has been a part of several mighty kingdoms and empires. Nowadays, it is the cultural and economic hub of Kosovo, boasting some of the country’s finest landmarks and also providing access to a number of exciting day trip destinations.

Top ways to enter Prishtina

• Pristina Airport: Also known as Adem Jashari Airport, it served 2.1 million travelers in 2018, a 14% increase from the year before. Eurowings, Wizz Air, and Norwegian Air are the companies that provide the most flights. Located 20km (12 miles) southwest of the city center, the airport can be reached in about 25 minutes by car.
• Skopje Airport: Serving the capital city of North Macedonia, Skopje Alexander the Great Airport is one of the fastest growing airports in the Balkan region. The airport is a large hub for the low-cost carrier Wizz Air and is also served by around 15 other airlines. Located just 118km (73 miles) southeast of Pristina, the airport can be reached in about 80 minutes.
• Tirana Airport: Also known as Mother Teresa Airport after the world-famous nun who was ethnically Albanian, this airport served nearly three million travelers in 2018. The airport is served by around 25 different airlines and around 70% of all flights take place during the summer months. Located 240km (149 miles) southwest of Pristina, Tirana Airport can be reached in about 2 hours and 50 minutes.
• Podgorica Airport: Serving the capital city of neighboring Montenegro, Podgorica-Golubovci is a large hub for the national carrier Montenegro Airlines and is also popular with low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and Wizz Air. The airport is 330km (205 miles) southwest of Pristina and can be reached in about four hours.

A note: If you plan to travel to Kosovo from Skopje in North Macedonia, Tirana in Albania, or Podgorica in Montenegro, you should ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit crossing the border. Most companies don’t allow it, so a better idea might be to travel by public transportation and to pick up a rental car after arriving in Pristina. Also, check to see if you need a visa to visit any of the countries that you’ll be visiting (each of the four countries has its own unique visa policy).

City facts

• Pristina has a humid continental climate with hot summers, cold winters and four distinct seasons. The average high temperature is 27°C (80°F) in August, the hottest month, and 2°C (36°F) in January, the coldest month. Pristina usually experiences quite a lot of snow from December to March.
• The youngest nation of Europe, Kosovo proclaimed its independence from Serbia in 2008. The country's independence is symbolized by the Newborn Monument that is in the center of Pristina and is one of the city’s main landmarks. International recognition of Kosovo remains a contentious issue - most other European nations have recognized its independence, but some, such as Greece and Spain, still haven’t. Regardless of the political situation, however, citizens of most Western nations can visit Kosovo without any issue. It is usually even possible to enter Kosovo from Serbia (although not with a rental car).

Top sights and activities

• Jashar Pasha Mosque. Built in the 19th century and recently restored, Jashar Pasha Mosque is one of the most beautiful religious buildings in Kosovo. Built in the typical Ottoman style, yet with noticeable Kosovan peculiarities, the mosque still serves its original purpose and is open to worshippers and visitors alike.
• Saint Nicholas Church. This beautiful Orthodox Christian church suffered heavily in the Kosovo War and subsequent rioting, losing unique 18th century wooden icons and other objects of historic and religious importance. But much has been rebuilt and the church remains one of the most beautiful and unique buildings in the city. Only around a couple of hundred of Serbs live in Pristina nowadays, but the church continues to hold regular service.
• Pristina Ethnological Museum. Also called the Ethnological Treasure of Kosovo, this museum is one of the most interesting cultural institutions in the city. Located in four historical buildings, it hosts exhibitions of folk costumes, old working tools, and other relics relating to the Kosovan and Albanian people. The Ethnological Museum is part of the wider Kosovo Museum network that also includes archaeology, natural science, and art branches, all of which are very worth visiting.
• The National Gallery. First established in the late 1970s when Kosovo was a part of Yugoslavia, the National Gallery experienced tough times during several military conflicts over the following decades. Some works were lost, but the majority were saved through the efforts of patrons, activists, and artists themselves and are now once again proudly on display for every visitor of the gallery to enjoy. Located at the heart of the city, the National Gallery is near a number of other notable landmarks.
• Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa. Although Kosovo is an overwhelmingly Muslim country, it recognizes its close connection to Mother Teresa. Born in a Kosovar family in neighboring North Macedonia as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, the Catholic saint was one of the most important religious figures of the 20th century. The cathedral honoring her connection to Kosovo was opened in Pristina in 2007.

Traffic and parking

• Kosovo drives on the right-hand side of the road
• Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 110km/h (68 mph) on motorways, 80km/h (50 mph) on most other inter-city roads, and 50km/h (31 mph) inside urban and built-up areas.
• The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced and 0.00% for novice drivers. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines and even prison time.
• Many highways have been built in Kosovo over the last decade. While it has reduced travel times between most large cities, some highways are still under construction, so it’s important to keep up with the latest developments.
• While streets in central Pristina are generally in good shape, many rural and even suburban roads might not be in a good condition, might have potholes etc. It’s important to exercise extra caution when driving on them, especially after dark.
• The driver is only permitted to use a mobile phone via hands-free system.
• The insurance and car documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
• If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• The emergency number is 112.

Toll roads

As of September 2019, there are no toll roads in Kosovo. 

A toll payment is required when entering Albania from Kosovo via the Morinë - Milot Highway. The toll payment is on the Albanian side of the border. The toll is €5 for most cars and €11.2 for light trucks.

Ideas for day trips

• Ulpiana. Kosovo is home to many historical sites and has been inhabited since at least the paleolithic era. Many archaeologists assume that some settlements of the Vinča culture, one of the oldest cultures in Europe, were located in Kosovo. Compared to this heritage, the ancient city of Ulpiana can almost seem young - it was settled by the Romans only about 1,900 years ago. Yet, from the ruins of ancient basilicas and the city gates to relics of everyday objects, the site has plenty for a history lover to explore. Open for tourists, the site of Ulpiana is just around a 20 minute drive from central Pristina.
• Bear Sanctuary Pristina. Hundreds, if not thousands, of Eurasian brown bears live in the mountains of Kosovo and neighboring countries. Although the animals might seem formidable, many have suffered from abuse by humans. The Bear Sanctuary of Pristina is looking to reverse this damage by taking care of bears rescued from captivity and trying to improve the conditions of those animals who are still living in the wild. Located in the village of Novo Selle, the bear sanctuary is just 18km (11 miles) from Pristina and can be reached in about 25 minutes.
• Prizren. Located in Southern Kosovo, Prizren is home to many monasteries, mosques, and a beautiful old town. It is known as the cultural capital of Kosovo, and, according to some travelers, has the most hospitable locals and the best restaurants in the country. For centuries, Prizren has been influenced by Turkish culture and a small, but lively Turkish community still call the city their home. Located 85km (53 miles) south of the capital, Prizren can be reached in about one hour.
• Sharr Mountains National Park. Located just a stone’s throw away from Pristina (and about 80 minutes by car south of the capital), is one of Kosovo’s two national parks. Named after the highland range at its center, Sharr is characterized by snowy peaks, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife. The area is best explored by following one of its hiking trails.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Pristina is the VW Polo, although many travelers also go for the Fiat Grande Punto and the Dacia Sandero. The most popular rental car types are economy, mini, and compact.

Further destinations

• Rugova Mountains. Though the impressive range is known as the Cursed Mountains because of their historical inaccessibility, there is nothing sinister about the beautiful area nowadays. Home to the steep Rugova Gorge, the Radavc Cave, and Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park (the largest in the country), the area is a paradise for winter sports, hiking, and paragliding. There’s also an abundance of local fauna and flora like lynx, chamois, and different raptors. Located 86km (54 miles) west of Pristina, the area can be reached in just over one hour.North Macedonia.
• Lake Ohrid. Home to an impressive ancient Greek and Roman heritage, picturesque mountain villages, and beautiful Lake Ohrid, Kosovo’s neighbor has something for every visitor. Despite its recent name change, the country remains as fascinating as ever. Skopje, the capital city, is just 93km (57 miles) from Pristina and can be reached in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. To go from Kosovo to North Macedonia, you’ll have to cross an international border, so ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it. Also,check to see if you need a visa to visit North Macedonia as the country has a different visa policy than Kosovo.
• Albania. Located to the south and speaking the same language as Kosovo, Albania has been gaining some serious traction among the international traveler community. Visitors love its beautiful Adriatic and Ionian coastlines, but from the capital city, Tirana, to the Greek influence in the south and mountains that are even wilder than those in Kosovo,  there’s even more to enjoy. Tirana is 260km (160 miles) southwest of Pristina and takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes to reach. Like with North Macedonia, ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit you crossing the border and check if you need a visa to visit Albania. 

Car rental prices in Prishtina

• Small cars - from $17 per day
• Medium cars - from $22 per day
• Large cars - from $22 per day
• SUVs - from $26 per day
• Premium cars - from $125 per day
• Vans - from $89 per day

Money-saving and other tips

It’s easier to find the right rental car in Kosovo if you follow these tips:

• Compare the rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Pristina is the cheapest in January when renting a car is about 67% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 83% cheaper than renting a vehicle in June. Start your year with winter holidays in Kosovo!