HOW TO GET TO TIRANA
Getting to Tirana, the capital city of Albania, is relatively straightforward, with several transportation options available, depending on your starting location. Here’s a guide on how to reach Tirana from various points of origin:
Planning a trip to Albania and wondering how to get to Tirana, the country’s vibrant and fast-growing capital? You’re in the right place. Tirana is quickly becoming one of Europe’s top emerging travel destinations, known for its mix of history, colorful architecture, modern cafés, and mountain-meets-city charm. Whether you’re flying in from a major European city, crossing borders by bus or car from the Balkans, or exploring Albania as part of a larger road trip, this complete guide covers all the best ways to get to Tirana.
From international flights and land travel routes to local transportation tips once you arrive, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to reach Tirana easily, affordably, and stress-free. Let’s get started on your journey to Albania’s capital!
Get to Tirana By Air (Tirana International Airport – Nënë Tereza Airport)
Tirana International Airport (TIA), also known as Nënë Tereza Airport, is the primary international gateway to the city. It is located approximately 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) from the city center.
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Flights: Tirana is well connected to many European cities, with direct flights from destinations like Rome, Milan, London, Vienna, Istanbul, and more, becoming a key interchange for both tourists and business travellers.
Getting from the Airport to the City:
Taxi: Taxis are readily available at the airport, and the fare to the city center is typically around 2,000–2,500 ALL (roughly 20-25 EUR). The ride takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Airport Shuttle: Some hotels offer airport shuttle services, so check with your accommodation before arriving.
Public Bus: The bus ride to the city center is an economical option (about 400 ALL, or 4.00 EUR). The bus station is located just outside the airport terminal, and the journey takes around 30-40 minutes.
Get to Tirana By Bus
International Bus Routes: Tirana has a major bus terminal that connects the city to neighboring countries like Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Turkey, Greece,and Italy,
Istanbul, Macedonia, Bulgaria. You can find international buses running from cities such as Prishtina (Kosovo), Skopje (North Macedonia), and Thessaloniki (Greece).
From Montenegro or Kosovo: Buses from these countries typically take 5-7 hours and are an affordable option to reach Tirana.
From Greece: There are buses available from Thessaloniki, which take around 8-9 hours to reach Tirana. Also There are regular buses that run between Tirana and Athens, offering an affordable option for travel which take around 11-12 hours
From Turkey:There are several bus companies that operate long-distance routes between Turkey and Albania, with the most common departure city being Istanbul.
Duration: Approximately 15-18 hours, depending on traffic, border crossing times, and stops along the way.
Distance: Around 1,100 kilometers (about 680 miles).
From Italy: Driving from Italy to Tirana, Albania, is an exciting road trip that offers beautiful landscapes, a mix of highways and scenic routes, and the opportunity to explore the Balkans. Distance: About 900-1,100 kilometers depending on your starting point in Italy. Driving Time: Roughly 12-15 hours, depending on road conditions and stops.
Price: Prices vary, but expect fares to range from 15-60 EUR depending on the route.
3. By Train
International Train Routes: Currently, Albania does not have direct international train connections, so traveling by train from neighboring countries is not an option.
4. By Car
Self-Drive or Rental Car: If you prefer to drive, Tirana is easily accessible by car. From neighboring countries, you can drive into Albania through major border crossings:
From Montenegro: The drive takes around 4-5 hours via the Shkodra border.
From Kosovo: The journey is about 4-5 hours, passing through the Morina border.
From North Macedonia: Expect around 4-5 hours’ drive from Skopje.
From Greece: If driving from Thessaloniki, the drive takes about 8-9 hours.
From Turkey:If you drive straight without long breaks, it should take around 12 hours, but taking rest stops or longer breaks may extend the travel time.
From Italy:You have two main options when driving from Italy to Tirana:
Option 1: Ferry from Italy to Albania
Option 2: Drive Through Montenegro and Kosovo.
Estimated Travel Time:
Via Ferry (Bari to Durrës): Ferry ride 8-9 hours + drive from Durrës to Tirana (around 40-50 minutes).
Via Ferry (Brindisi to Vlorë): Ferry ride 6-8 hours + drive from Vlorë to Tirana (about 2.5-3 hours).
By Car (Through Montenegro and Kosovo): Around 12-15 hours of driving, depending on stops.
5. By Ferry (for Coastal Access)
While Albania has a significant coastline, there are no direct international ferries to Tirana itself. However, you can take a Ferry to Durrës, which is about 35 km from Tirana. To Vlora which is about 150 km from Tirana and to Saranda which is about 252 km from Tirana. You can easily reach Tirana by bus, taxi, or rental car.
Ferries to Durrës: There are ferry routes from Bari (Italy) to Durrës, which take about 8 hours. The ferry is a great option if you’re coming from Italy.
Ferries from Italy to Durrës, Albania, operate regularly, connecting several ports in Italy to Durrës. The main Italian ports that offer ferry services to Durrës are Bari, Ancona, and Brindisi.
You can buy tickets directly at the port or book online through various ferry companies operating on this route. Keep in mind that schedules may vary depending on the season, so checking ahead is always a good idea.
Bari to Durrës
Ferry duration: Approximately 8 to 9 hours.
Ferry operators: Companies like Adria Ferries, Ventouris Ferries, and Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) offer services on this route.
Frequency: There are multiple sailings per week, often at night, to make the most of the overnight journey.
Ancona to Durrës
Ferry duration: Around 16 to 18 hours, depending on the ferry.
Ferry operators: Adriatic Lines and Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) provide services on this route.
Frequency: Ferries on this route run a few times a week, with overnight crossings.
Brindisi to Durrës
Ferry duration: Around 9 hours.
Ferry operators: Ventouris Ferries and European Ferries typically operate on this route.
Frequency: There are several sailings per week, often at night.
To travel from Durrës to Tirana, you have several options. The two cities are about 35-40 kilometers apart, and the journey typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on the mode of transportation.
By Bus
Frequency: There are frequent buses between Durrës and Tirana throughout the day.
Departure Point: Buses generally depart from the Durrës Bus Station (near the city center or port).
Arrival Point: The buses usually arrive at the SOUTH AND NORTH TERMINAL
Journey Time: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
By Taxi or Ride-Sharing
A taxi or ride-sharing service (e.g., Bolt or Uber) offers a quicker and more comfortable option.
Journey Time: Around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Cost: Taxi fares can range from €15 to €25, depending on traffic and time of day.
You can book a taxi at the port or arrange one through your hotel or ride-sharing app.
By Private Car
If you prefer a more personalized experience, you can hire a private car with a driver.
Journey Time: About 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
This option offers flexibility and comfort, especially for those with a lot of luggage or a group.
By Rental Car
Renting a car gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace.
You can rent a car from one of the rental agencies in Durrës and drive to Tirana.
Journey Time: Approximately 30-45 minutes.
Route: The main route is the SH2 highway, which connects Durrës to Tirana directly.
Summary:
Bus: Affordable and frequent (45-60 minutes).
Taxi/Ride-Sharing: Comfortable and quick (30-45 minutes).
Private Car: Flexible and comfortable (30-45 minutes).
Rental Car: Flexible, scenic route (30-45 minutes).
Ferries from Italy to Vlorë
Ferries from Italy to Vlorë, Albania, are less common than those to Durrës, but there are still some options available. The most frequent ferry routes from Italy to Albania are to Durrës and Saranda. However, you can find ferries to Vlorë from specific ports in Italy, particularly Brindisi.
Brindisi to Vlorë:
Ferry Duration: Approximately 6 to 8 hours, depending on the specific service.
Ferry Operators: European Ferries and sometimes Ionian Ferries operate ferries on this route.
Frequency: There are typically a few sailings per week, with services more frequent during the summer months.
General Tips:
Booking Tickets: Ferries from Brindisi to Vlorë can be booked in advance through ferry operator websites or travel agencies. During the high tourist season, it’s advised to book early.
Traveling Time: The journey can take between 6 to 8 hours, making it a relatively short and comfortable crossing, especially if you take an overnight ferry.
Ferry Facilities: Onboard services usually include seating areas, a cafeteria, and sometimes cabins for overnight crossings.
To travel from Vlorë to Tirana, you have several options. The distance between the two cities is approximately 150 kilometers (around 93 miles), and the journey typically takes between 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the mode of transportation.
By Bus
Bus services are available from Vlorë to Tirana and are one of the most common and affordable options.
Journey Time: Typically around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Departure: Buses usually leave from the Vlorë Bus Station (located in the city center).
Arrival: Most buses arrive at the SOUTH AND NORTH TERMINAL
Frequency: Buses run several times a day, especially during the peak travel season.
Tickets: You can buy tickets at the bus station or in advance through local travel agencies.
By Private Car or Taxi
Taxi or ride-sharing services (such as Bolt or Uber) are a more convenient and faster option.
Journey Time: The drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Cost: A taxi ride can cost between €30 to €50, depending on your negotiation or the fare set by the driver.
Flexibility: This option allows more flexibility, especially if you want to stop along the way or need to travel during off-peak hours.
By Private Transfer
You can book a private transfer in advance through a local agency or online platforms.
Journey Time: Around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Cost: Private transfers are usually more expensive but provide comfort and convenience, especially if you’re traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage.
By Rental Car
Renting a car gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace.
Journey Time: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
Route: You would typically take the SH4 road, which connects Vlorë and Tirana directly.
Rental Agencies: You can rent a car from agencies in Vlorë, and some may offer one-way rentals if you prefer to drop off the car in Tirana.
Summary:
Bus: Affordable and frequent (2.5-3 hours).
Taxi/Ride-Sharing: Comfortable and faster (2.5-3 hours).
Private Car Transfer: Flexible and comfortable (2.5-3 hours).
Rental Car: Flexible, scenic route (2.5-3 hours).
Ferries to Saranda
Ferries to Saranda: There are regular ferries from Corfu to Saranda, which is a coastal city in southern Albania. The ferry trip typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the specific service and weather conditions.
Here’s how the trip generally works:
Departure: Ferries from Corfu usually depart from the Corfu Port.
Arrival: The ferries arrive at Saranda Port in Albania.
Frequency: The ferries operate multiple times per day, especially during the high tourist season (spring to fall), but it’s recommended to check the specific schedules for the time of your trip.
To travel from Saranda to Tirana, you have several options:
By Bus-By Rental Car–By Private Car or Taxi-By Private Transfer
Bus services are available from Saranda to Tirana and are one of the most popular and affordable ways to travel.
The journey typically takes 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Buses depart regularly throughout the day, with more frequent services during the summer months.
You can catch a bus from the Saranda Bus Station, and buses usually arrive at the SOUTH AND NORTH TERMINAL
Tickets can be bought at the bus station or through local travel agencies.
By Private Car or Taxi
If you prefer more comfort or a faster route, you can hire a private car or take a taxi.
The drive from Saranda to Tirana takes about 3.5 to 4 hours.
You can arrange a taxi or car rental at your hotel or the port in Saranda.
This option is more expensive but gives you flexibility and a quicker journey
By Rental Car
Renting a car is a great option if you want to explore more of the countryside on your way to Tirana.
The journey by car is scenic and takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on road conditions.
There are several car rental agencies in Saranda, and you can return the car in Tirana.
By Private Transfer
If you prefer a more comfortable and convenient option, you can book a private transfer through various online services or local tour companies.
This service can be arranged in advance and will take you directly from Saranda to your destination in Tirana.
By Motorcycle or Bicycle
For the more adventurous traveler, riding a motorcycle or bicycle to Tirana is an option. Albania has scenic roads and mountains, making it an exciting route for experienced riders or cyclists.
Cycling Routes: Tirana can be accessed from other major cities via well-maintained roads, but be prepared for hilly terrain, especially in rural areas.
By Private Transfer or Tour
If you prefer convenience, you can book a private transfer or guided tour that includes transportation to Tirana. These services are often more expensive but offer a more comfortable and personalized experience.
Additional Tips:
Visas: Citizens of many countries (such as EU, the US, and Canada) do not require a visa to enter Albania for short stays. However, it’s essential to check visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling.
Travel Insurance: It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance that covers transportation issues, health emergencies, and lost belongings.
Other Considerations
International Car Insurance: Ensure that your car insurance is valid for international travel, and if you’re traveling through countries like Kosovo, check whether your insurance covers it.
Currency: Albania uses the Lek (ALL), while Kosovo and Montenegro use the Euro (€). Make sure to have some local currency or an international payment method (credit card).
Driving License: A valid EU driving license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) should be sufficient for driving in all the countries along the way.
Make sure you have your passport, driver’s license, and vehicle documents (including insurance) ready when crossing these borders.
Fuel: Be sure to fill up on fuel before leaving major cities, as some areas in between may have fewer fuel stations.
Tirana is well-connected through different means of transport, and depending on where you are coming from, there are various options to choose from to suit your preferences and budget.