Albania Toll Roads Complete Guide: A1 Kalimash Tunnel & Payment 2025
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Albania Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Single toll highway (A1 only) with manual toll gates
Coverage: A1 Rruga e Kombit (Durrës-Kosovo border) - 114 km tolled section
Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL) and Euro (EUR)
Technology: Manual toll gates, Digitalpass OBU available
Operators: Albanian Highway Concession shpk
Do I Need to Pay Tolls for Albania? 2025 Update
Yes, you need to pay tolls on Albania's A1 motorway (Rruga e Kombit) - but only on this single highway. Albania has just one toll road with one toll gate near the Kalimash tunnel, while all other roads in the country are completely free.
Key Reality: The A1 is Albania's only toll highway, featuring the spectacular 5.5-kilometer Thirrë-Kalimash tunnel through the Albanian Alps. At €5 for cars, it's considered one of Europe's most expensive per-kilometer toll rates.
2025 Update: Toll collection continues at the single Kalimash tunnel toll gate, with plans to expand tolling to A2 (Fier-Vlorë) and A3 (Tirana-Elbasan) motorways in the near future.
Albania Toll Costs: Current Rates
Albania operates a simple toll system with a single payment point on the A1 motorway near the Kalimash tunnel, approximately 34 km from the Kosovo border.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Vehicle Category | Description | Toll Rate (EUR) | Toll Rate (ALL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | Passenger cars, motorcycles | €5.00 | 613 ALL |
| Category 2 | Small commercial vehicles (2 axles, height 1.9-2.7m) | €12.18 | 1,411 ALL |
| Category 3 | Medium trucks, heavy buses (3 axles, height >2.7m) | €11.92 | 1,381 ALL |
| Category 4 | Heavy trucks (4+ axles) | €23.85 | 2,762 ALL |
Where You Pay Tolls (2025)
Toll Roads: A1 Rruga e Kombit (Durrës-Kosovo) - Single toll gate near Kalimash tunnel
Toll-Free Roads: A2 (Fier-Vlorë), A3 (Tirana-Elbasan), all national roads, all local roads
How to Pay Albanian Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods at Albania's Kalimash tunnel toll gate:
1. Manual Payment Options:
- Cash (Albanian Lek): Preferred currency at official exchange rates
- Cash (Euro): Accepted but at fixed rates (typically 10-15% higher cost)
- Credit/Debit cards: Visa, Mastercard accepted at toll booth
2. Electronic Payment (Limited):
- Digitalpass OBU: Up to 40% discount for regular users
- Available for purchase at toll gate or select locations
- No nationwide electronic toll system currently in operation
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Albanian toll roads, use TollGuru Albania toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
A1 Motorway Status:
- Toll collection continues at single Kalimash tunnel location since March 2018
- Managed by Albanian Highway Concession shpk with ongoing safety improvements
- Speed limit increased to 130 km/h on completed sections
Network Expansion Plans:
- A2 Fier-Vlorë motorway planned to become toll highway shortly
- A3 Tirana-Elbasan sections planned for toll implementation
- Thumanë-Kashar highway opened June 2024 as part of Adriatic-Ionian motorway
Infrastructure Improvements:
- New interchanges and pedestrian overpasses completed
- Electronic signage and improved fencing installed
- Viaducts expanded and bridge construction ongoing
State/Regional Toll Information
Albania - Limited Toll Network:
- A1 Rruga e Kombit: Only operational toll highway connecting Durrës port to Kosovo border
- Kalimash tunnel section: 5.5 km twin-bore tunnel through Albanian Alps at 1,858m altitude
- Travel time reduction: Cut journey from Tirana to Kosovo border from 8 hours to 3 hours
Free Motorway Network:
- A2 Fier-Vlorë: 24.2 km currently toll-free (tolling planned)
- A3 Tirana-Elbasan: Partially complete, currently toll-free
- All national roads and local roads: Completely free throughout Albania
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- A1 toll costs: €5 for cars, €12-24 for commercial vehicles
- Alternative routes: Free national roads available but significantly longer journey times
- One-time payment: Single toll gate covers entire A1 motorway usage
Route Planning:
- A1 advantages: Modern highway with dramatic mountain scenery, 5-hour time savings
- Speed limits: 130 km/h on A1, 110 km/h on other motorways, 90 km/h on expressways
- Tunnel considerations: 5.5 km Kalimash tunnel is longest in Albania
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Albanian tolls completely?
Yes, by using alternative national roads, but journey time increases significantly (from 3 hours to 8+ hours between Tirana and Kosovo). The A1 saves approximately 5 hours but costs €5.
What happens if I don't pay Albanian tolls?
You cannot enter the A1 motorway without paying at the Kalimash toll gate. The system requires payment before passage, making non-payment impossible.
Do motorcycles pay tolls in Albania?
Yes, motorcycles pay the same €5 toll as passenger cars on the A1 motorway.
Will Albania expand its toll network?
Yes, A2 (Fier-Vlorë) and A3 (Tirana-Elbasan) motorways are planned to introduce tolling shortly, expanding Albania's toll network beyond the current single A1 highway.
Do tourists get different rates?
No, all users pay identical rates regardless of residency. However, tourists may pay slightly more when using euros due to fixed exchange rates at the toll gate.
Albania vs. Regional Countries
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albania | Single toll highway | €5.00 fixed rate | A1 only (114 km) |
| Montenegro | Limited tolls | €3.50-5.00 | Sozina tunnel only |
| Greece | Distance-based tolls | €0.45-4.00/section | 6 major motorways |
| North Macedonia | Open toll system | €1.50-5.50/section | A1, A2, A4 motorways |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Montenegro Toll Roads - Sozina tunnel toll information
- Greece Motorway Tolls - Comprehensive toll system comparison
- North Macedonia Tolls - Regional distance-based system
- Kosovo Toll Roads - A1 continuation as R7 motorway
Official Resources:
- Albanian Road Authority (ARRSH): Road network information and updates
- Albanian Highway Concession shpk: A1 motorway operations and toll information
- Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure: Policy and development plans
Emergency Information:
- Emergency Services: 112 (European standard)
- Police: 129
- Highway Patrol: Contact through emergency services
