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Albania Kalimash Tunnel Highway and Motorway Toll 2025: Complete Guide
System: A1 Rruga e Kombit (Nation's Highway)
Operator: Albanian Road Authority (ARRSH)
Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL) / Euro (EUR)
Coverage: 114 km toll motorway + new sections
Technology: Electronic toll gates with Digitalpass
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Albania? 2025 Update
Albania has very limited toll roads - currently only the A1 motorway (Rruga e Kombit) requires toll payment. Most roads in Albania are completely toll-free.
Toll Required For:
- A1 motorway: Kashar-Thumanë-Milot-Rrëshen-Kalimash (114 km)
- A1 extension: Thumanë-Kashar section (21 km) - opened June 2024
- All vehicle categories including motorcycles
Toll-Free Roads:
- All other highways, expressways, and roads in Albania
- A2 motorway (Fier-Vlorë) - currently toll-free
- A3 motorway (Tirana-Elbasan) - currently toll-free
Albania Toll Costs: Current Rates
Albania operates two toll sections on the A1 motorway with different pricing structures.
Current Toll Rates (2025)
| Toll Section | Location | Cars & Motorcycles | Length | Cost per km |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalimash Tunnel Plaza | 34 km from Kosovo border | €5.00 | Single toll point | Access to 114 km |
| Thumanë-Kashar | Near Tirana Airport exit | €2.53 | 21 km | €0.12/km |
| Local Residents (Kukës) | Milot-Morinë section | 100 ALL (~€1.00) | Discounted rate | Local discount |
European Ranking
The Thumanë-Kashar section ranks as the 4th most expensive toll road in Europe at €0.12 per kilometer, after: 1. Cannock-Kingsbury (UK): €0.20/km 2. Navan North-Kells (Ireland): €0.136/km 3. Springhill-Slieverue (Ireland): €0.125/km
Future Toll Plans
- A2 motorway (Fier-Vlorë): Planned to become toll road
- A3 motorway (Tirana-Elbasan): Planned to become toll road
- Additional sections may be tolled as infrastructure develops
How to Pay Albania Tolls
Payment Methods
At Toll Gates:
- Cash: Albanian Lek (ALL) or Euros
- Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard accepted
- Digitalpass OBU: Electronic toll collection with up to 40% discount for regular users
Digitalpass System:
- On-Board Unit costs 3,500 ALL (~€35)
- Automatic payment with significant discounts
- Recommended for frequent travelers
- Pre-payment system for regular users
Toll Gate Locations
Kalimash Tunnel Plaza:
- Located near Thirrë-Kalimash Tunnel
- 34 km from Kosovo border, 20 km before Tirana
- Serves entire A1 motorway access
- Major chokepoint for Kosovo-Albania traffic
Thumanë-Kashar Plaza:
- Near Tirana International Airport exit
- Part of Adriatic-Ionian motorway
- Newest toll section (opened June 2024)
- Connects to capital region
Recent Changes (2025)
- June 2024: Opening of Thumanë-Kashar toll section as part of Adriatic-Ionian motorway
- Infrastructure completion: A1 motorway fully operational from Durrës to Kosovo border
- Speed limit increase: A1 now permits up to 130 km/h on certain sections
- Enhanced safety: Improved dual carriageway standards and emergency lanes
- Tourism boost: Reduced travel time from 6 hours to 2 hours Durrës-Kosovo
Road Network & Coverage
A1 Motorway Details
- Total length: 114 km (main section) + 21 km (Thumanë-Kashar)
- Route: Durrës/Tirana → Milot → Rrëshen → Kalimash → Kukës → Kosovo border
- Construction: Bechtel-Enka joint venture (major sections)
- Features: Thirrë-Kalimash Tunnel, 27 viaducts, mountainous terrain
Infrastructure Highlights
- Thirrë-Kalimash Tunnel: Major engineering achievement through Albanian Alps
- 27 viaducts: Navigate steep mountainous terrain
- Emergency lanes: Full motorway standard with safety features
- Kosovo connection: Links to Kosovo's R7 motorway to Pristina
Planning Your Albania Journey
Cost Considerations
- Transit through Albania: €5 for main A1 access
- Capital region access: Additional €2.53 for Thumanë-Kashar
- Total maximum cost: €7.53 for full toll network usage
- Alternative routes: Free roads available but significantly longer
Travel Tips
- Cash preparation: Carry small denominations of Lek or Euros
- Alternative routes: Most scenic routes remain toll-free
- Border crossings: A1 provides fastest route to/from Kosovo
- Tourism benefit: Toll roads significantly reduce travel times
- Local discounts: Residents of Kukës region get reduced rates
Albania vs. Neighboring Countries
| Country | System Type | Coverage | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albania | Limited toll roads | A1 motorway only | €2.53-5.00 | Most roads toll-free |
| Montenegro | No tolls (cars) | All roads free | €0 | Fully free road network |
| Kosovo | No tolls | All roads free | €0 | Continues A1 as R7 toll-free |
| North Macedonia | Distance-based tolls | Selected highways | Varies by route | Limited toll network |
| Greece | Distance-based tolls | Most highways | Varies by distance | Extensive toll network |
| Serbia | Distance-based tolls | Major highways | Varies by distance | Pay per journey |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the A1 toll worth paying?
Yes, the A1 reduces travel time from 6 hours to 2 hours between Durrës and Kosovo border, making it highly valuable for time-sensitive travel despite the cost.
Can I avoid tolls completely in Albania?
Yes, you can use alternative free routes, but expect significantly longer travel times and challenging mountain roads, especially in winter.
Do I need separate payments for different toll sections?
Yes, Kalimash Tunnel (€5) and Thumanë-Kashar (€2.53) are separate toll points requiring individual payments.
What happens if I don't have exact change?
Toll gates accept credit cards and can provide change, but it's recommended to carry small denominations for faster processing.
Are there discounts for frequent users?
Yes, the Digitalpass OBU system offers up to 40% discounts for regular users, with the device costing 3,500 ALL (~€35).
Is the tunnel safe in winter?
Yes, the Thirrë-Kalimash Tunnel and A1 motorway are maintained year-round and provide much safer winter travel than mountain alternatives.
Can motorcycles use the toll roads?
Yes, motorcycles pay the same toll rates as cars on Albanian toll roads.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming all Albanian roads have tolls - Only A1 motorway currently charges tolls
- Not carrying cash - While cards are accepted, cash is often faster
- Missing toll gates - Cannot reverse on motorway, must pay at designated points
- Confusing toll sections - Kalimash and Thumanë-Kashar are separate payments
- Forgetting Kosovo continues toll-free - R7 motorway in Kosovo is free after A1
- Underestimating time savings - A1 toll saves 4+ hours compared to mountain routes
Border Crossing Information
Kosovo Border (Morinë/Merdar)
- A1 connection: Direct highway link via toll road
- Documentation: Passport required, visa-free for most EU citizens
- Currency change: Kosovo uses Euro, Albania uses Lek
- Continuation: A1 becomes R7 motorway (toll-free) to Pristina
Alternative Border Crossings
- Montenegro (Hani i Hotit): 35 km from Shkodër, toll-free routes
- Greece (Kakavijë): Southern border, extensive toll network in Greece
- North Macedonia (Qafë Thanë): Eastern border, limited toll roads
Infrastructure Development
Completed Projects
- A1 Motorway: Full 114 km operational since 2018
- Thumanë-Kashar: 21 km section opened June 2024
- Thirrë-Kalimash Tunnel: Major Alpine tunnel completed 2009
- Multiple viaducts: 27 bridges through mountainous terrain
Future Developments
- A2 tolling: Fier-Vlorë section planned for toll implementation
- A3 tolling: Tirana-Elbasan section planned for toll implementation
- Adriatic-Ionian Motorway: Extended connections to neighboring countries
- Digital integration: Enhanced Digitalpass coverage and discounts
Useful Links & Resources
- Albanian Road Authority Official Site
- Customer Service: Available at toll plazas and through ARRSH
- Route Planning: Use GPS navigation for optimal toll vs. free route selection
- Border Information: Check current requirements at embassy websites
