The Albanian government has officially approved the toll rates for the use of the Llogara Tunnel, marking a major step toward the start of paid passage through one of the country’s most anticipated infrastructure projects. The decision, published in the Official Gazette, was formalized through a Joint Instruction signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Belinda Balluku, together with the Minister of Finance, Petrit Malaj.
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| Llogara Tunnel entrance from the South |
The Llogara Tunnel Toll Fee Structure
The new payment scheme has been designed to reflect fairness between light and heavy users while ensuring the maintenance and safe operation of the tunnel. The detailed tariff structure is as follows:
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100 lek: Motorcycles and similar two-wheeled vehicles.
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250 lek: Passenger cars and light delivery vehicles (two axles, height up to 1.30 meters).
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500 lek: Passenger cars with trailers or caravans (more than two axles, height up to 1.30 meters).
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1,000 lek: Vans, minibuses, and medium-sized vehicles (two or more axles, height over 1.30 meters).
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5,000 lek: Heavy-duty vehicles such as buses, trucks, and large freight carriers with multiple axles (height over 1.30 meters).
The tolls are expected to generate sustainable funding for road maintenance, tunnel safety systems, and operational services. To make the process more convenient for frequent users, prepaid or subscription-based tariffs will be introduced six months after the new system officially comes into effect.
Who Will Be Exempt from Paying the Llogara Tunnel Toll?
The government’s directive also includes a list of exemptions, ensuring that essential and emergency services are not burdened by tolls while performing their duties. The following vehicles and individuals are fully exempt from payment:
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Road Police vehicles, ambulances, and firefighting trucks while on duty.
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Military vehicles and those belonging to NATO forces.
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Vehicles operated by employees of the Albanian Road Authority (ARRSH) or the National Road Operations Entity, during official work duties.
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Persons with disability status, when vehicles are used for their personal transportation needs.
Additionally, for safety reasons, the directive explicitly prohibits access to the tunnel for vehicles transporting hazardous materials or dangerous goods.
Significance of the Llogara Tunnel
The Llogara Tunnel represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments in modern Albania. Stretching through the southern coastal mountains, it connects the Vlora and Himara regions, drastically reducing travel time and improving road safety for both locals and tourists.
Prior to the construction of the tunnel, travelers were forced to cross the winding and high-altitude Llogara Pass, which, while scenic, posed challenges due to weather conditions, steep curves, and limited road width. The new tunnel is designed to provide a safer, faster, and more comfortable passage, especially during peak tourist seasons.
The introduction of tolls marks the transition from construction to operational phase, ensuring that the infrastructure remains sustainable and that maintenance is funded independently from the state budget. According to infrastructure experts, a moderate toll system also encourages responsible road usage and supports Albania’s long-term goal of aligning with European Union transport standards.
Implementation and Oversight
To ensure transparent and efficient management, the directive assigns responsibilities to several key institutions:
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The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy oversees the technical and operational aspects.
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The Ministry of Finance handles the economic and administrative framework of toll collection.
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The National Road Operations Entity and the Albanian Road Authority (ARRSH) are responsible for monitoring, maintenance, and user support.
Authorities emphasize that the tolling system will be fully digital, allowing users to make payments through multiple channels, including online platforms and electronic toll gates. The goal is to minimize waiting times and provide a seamless travel experience.
Economic and Tourism Impact
Experts predict that the introduction of tolls will have a minimal financial impact on casual users while contributing to long-term sustainability. More importantly, the Llogara Tunnel is expected to significantly boost tourism in southern Albania by improving access to the Ionian coast, including popular destinations such as Dhërmi, Jalë, and Himara.
The project has also been hailed as a symbol of modern engineering in Albania, combining advanced safety features, ventilation systems, and energy-efficient lighting that meet European standards. With the official tariff decision now in effect, the Llogara Tunnel stands ready to open a new era in the country’s transport and tourism development.