Albania Toll Roads Complete Guide: Kalimash Tunnel, Rates and Payment 2026
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Albania Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Point-based toll collection (single toll location)
Coverage: Rruga e Kombit (SH3) including Kalimash Tunnel
Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL) / Euro (EUR) accepted
Technology: Manual toll booths, cash and card payment
Operators: Albanian Road Authority (ARRSH)
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Albania? 2026 Update
Albania operates a limited toll system with only one major tolled route: the Rruga e Kombit (Road of the Nation), officially designated as SH3. This highway connects Milot to the Kosovo border via Kukës and includes the 5.6 km Kalimash Tunnel, one of the longest tunnels in the Balkans.
Key Reality: Most Albanian roads are toll-free. The toll applies only when using the Rruga e Kombit highway and Kalimash Tunnel. Alternative routes exist but add significant travel time.
2026 Update: Toll rates remain stable at €5 for passenger cars. The highway continues to serve as the main connection between Albania and Kosovo, significantly reducing travel time compared to the old mountain roads.
Albania Toll Costs: Current Rates
The Rruga e Kombit operates with a single toll plaza located near Kalimash. All vehicles must pay the toll to use this route.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2026)
| Vehicle Class | Description | Toll (EUR) | Toll (ALL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 - Motorcycles | Two-wheeled vehicles | €2.50 | 250 ALL |
| Class 2 - Cars | Passenger vehicles up to 3.5t | €5.00 | 500 ALL |
| Class 3 - Minibuses | Vehicles 3.5t-7.5t, minibuses | €10.00 | 1,000 ALL |
| Class 4 - Trucks/Buses | Heavy vehicles over 7.5t | €20.00 | 2,000 ALL |
Where You Pay Tolls (2026)
Tolled Route: Rruga e Kombit (SH3) - Milot to Morinë (Kosovo border), including Kalimash Tunnel
Toll-Free Roads: All other Albanian highways and roads, including the SH1 (Durrës-Kukës alternative) and coastal routes
How to Pay Albanian Tolls
Payment at the Kalimash toll plaza is straightforward with multiple options:
1. Cash Payment:
- Albanian Lek (ALL) accepted at all booths
- Euro (EUR) accepted at designated lanes
- Change provided in local currency
2. Card Payment:
- Credit and debit cards accepted at most booths
- Visa and Mastercard widely accepted
- Contactless payment available
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Albanian toll roads, use TollGuru Albania toll calculator
Recent Changes (2026)
Infrastructure Updates:
- Toll rates remain unchanged from 2025
- Improved payment infrastructure at toll plazas
- Continued maintenance of the Kalimash Tunnel safety systems
Future Developments:
- Plans for electronic toll collection system under consideration
- Additional highway construction projects ongoing
- Potential expansion of tolled network in future years
Planning Your Journey
Route Information:
- Tirana to Pristina via Rruga e Kombit: approximately 3 hours
- Alternative route via old mountain road: 5-6 hours
- Kalimash Tunnel length: 5.6 km (one of Balkans' longest)
Toll-Free Alternatives:
- Old SH5 mountain route through Tropojë (scenic but slow, 2+ hours longer)
- Via North Macedonia for southern Kosovo destinations
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Albanian tolls completely?
Yes, the old mountain route via SH5 avoids tolls entirely. However, this adds 2-3 hours to the journey and involves challenging mountain roads not recommended in winter or bad weather.
Can I pay in Euros?
Yes, Euros are accepted at the toll plaza. However, change will typically be given in Albanian Lek.
Is the toll the same in both directions?
Yes, the toll is charged in both directions at the same rate. You pay when traveling either from Milot to Kosovo or from Kosovo to Milot.
Are there rest stops along the route?
Yes, there are service areas along the Rruga e Kombit with fuel stations, restaurants, and toilet facilities.
Albania vs. Neighboring Countries
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albania | Single toll point | €5 per crossing | 1 route only |
| Kosovo | No tolls | Free | All roads free |
| North Macedonia | Distance-based | €0.03-0.05/km | Major highways |
| Montenegro | Tunnel tolls | €2.50-5.00/tunnel | Tunnels only |
| Greece | Distance-based | €0.05-0.08/km | Major motorways |
Useful Links & Resources
Official Resources:
- Albanian Road Authority (ARRSH): Road conditions and information
- Emergency services: 112 (European emergency number)
Related TollWiki Pages:
- Kosovo Toll Roads - Northern neighbor, toll-free network
- North Macedonia Tolls - Eastern neighbor toll information
- Montenegro Tolls - Northwestern neighbor with tunnel tolls
- Greece Motorway Tolls - Southern neighbor toll system
