Local Transport in Albania – 2025 Guide for Easy and Enjoyable Travel!
🌟 Ready to explore Albania without a car? Let’s dive into local transport! 🚍 Whether you’re in Tirana, Durres, Saranda, or Vlora, I’ve got your back!
Buses are your go-to in Albania—affordable and reliable. Once you get the hang of them, you’ll feel like a local.
Finding transport info online? It’s like a treasure hunt! 😅 Google Maps won’t always help, but try searching “Albanian official transport info” on local sites or government pages. Sometimes the best info is hidden in plain sight!
Let’s make your journey smooth and fun! 💨
Where Can I Find Info About Local Transport in Albania?
Do Buses Have Timetables in Albania?
So, you know, there are these timetables for public transport in Albania, but more often than not, they’re off or have decided to play the change-up game. But fear not, they’ll show up – eventually! 😁
If you’re considering using buses in Albania, this should hopefully provide you with a more accurate idea of how to plan your holiday in the country. There’s no rail system or trains in Albania, so if you are planning on getting around Albania without a car it’s all about buses, furgons and hitchhiking!
In some instances, buses are complemented by minibuses (VAN-s) called furgons. While technically illegal, especially in larger cities, some operate without hindrance. Furgons typically wait until they have a full load of passengers before departing and might roam around town in search of passengers.
I’ve crafted this guide on Albania local transport to help you navigate the country without a car. Enjoy the read!
Whether you’re looking for a bus from destinations like Tirana, Saranda, Berat, Gjirokaster, Shkoder or Vlora, or anywhere in between, I’ve got you covered.
Shuttle Bus From Tirana Airport to Tirana
LU-NA shpk provides a shuttle service between TIA (Tirana International Airport) and Tirana city center, with the bus station behind the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. The single fare for the journey is 400 Albanian Lek. The service operates 24/7, seven days a week, and the travel time is approximately 30 minutes. The contact information for LU-NA shpk is available via email at [email protected] and on their website www.luna.al.
Tirana City Local Transport: A Complete Guide
Tirana, the capital and largest city of Albania, is a vibrant and colorful destination that offers a mix of history, culture, and nature. Whether you want to visit the iconic Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum, the Grand Park, or the Dajti Mountain, you’ll find plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy in Tirana.
But how do you get around the city? One of the most convenient and affordable ways to explore Tirana is by using the buses. Buses are the main form of local transportation in Tirana, and they can take you to almost any place you want to go. However, using the buses in Tirana can be a bit confusing and challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with the system.
That’s why we’ve created this complete guide on how to use buses in Tirana. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the bus lines, fares, passes, routes, destinations, service quality, and challenges. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to use the buses in Tirana like a pro and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Local Transport Bus Lines in Tirana
The buses in Tirana are operated by both private and local companies. The private companies run the majority of the bus lines, while the local company, Tirana e Re, runs a few lines that connect the city center with the suburbs. The private buses are usually blue, yellow, or green, while the public buses are red.
The bus lines in Tirana are numbered and named according to their destinations. For example, the bus line 1A goes from Selitë to Allia, and the bus line 2 goes from Teg to Trenit. The bus lines are also divided into two categories: urban and suburban. The urban lines operate within the city limits, while the suburban lines operate outside the city limits.
Here is a map showcasing bus lines originating from the city center and other locations, along with their destinations. For a clearer overview, download the map below:
Tirana city bus lines map:
Tirana’s Local Transport Fare’s and Pass’es
The average bus fare in Tirana is 40 lek (about 0.32 USD) for urban lines and 50 lek (about 0.40 USD) for suburban lines. You can pay the fare in cash to the driver or the conductor when you board the bus. Have the exact amount ready, as they may not have change. Also, keep your ticket until you get off the bus, as you may be asked to show it by the inspectors.
Tirana’s buses operate daily from 06:00 to 23:00, ensuring frequent service with waiting times ranging from 3-13 minutes.
If you plan to use the buses frequently, you can also buy a bus pass that allows you to travel on any bus line for a certain period of time. There are 3 types
- One-line Pass: 1200 LEK (~€12)
- General Pass: 1600 LEK (~€16) for all areas in Tirana
- Student Pass: 600 LEK (~€6), includes all lines
Despite the introduction of relatively new buses, passengers experience overcrowding and intermittent air conditioning onboard the buses. All buses are marked with their destinations, making them relatively easy to use. To purchase bus passes, visit kiosks near bus stations as per the law. Don’t forget your photo ID during both purchase and usage.
Stuck in the car rental dilemma? 🤔 Discover the ultimate guide to renting a car in Albania – your ticket to a smooth, carefree adventure. Click here for easy tips on renting a car. 🗺️🔓
ALBANIA’S LOCAL TRANSPORT TIMETABLES 2024
Local Transport – Tirana
Navigating public transport in Tirana is a breeze. There are two distinct bus stations – one catering to buses bound for the north and the other for those heading south. They are conveniently located, just a 15-minute walk from each other, but be sure you’re heading to the correct one. The station for buses traveling south is the more distant one from the city center.
Upon arriving at either of these stations, you’ll likely be greeted by a chorus of men inquiring about your destination. Fear not, just shout out your desired location, and one of them will guide you to the right bus. No need to worry about tipping – these helpful folks are usually
| Destination | Departure Times | Price (LEK/EUR) | Duration/Notes | Destination |
| Tirana airport to Tirana centre | 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00 midday, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm, 7:00pm | – | – | Tirana airport to Tirana centre |
| Tirana centre to Tirana airport | 7:00am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00 midday, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm | – | – | Tirana centre to Tirana airport |
| Tirana to Saranda | 5:30am, 7:30am, 8:30am, 9:45am, 12:30 midday, 14:15, 16:00, 10:00pm (summer only) | 1300-2000 LEK | 5 hours/ Confirm summer-only 10:00pm departure | Tirana to Saranda |
| Tirana to Tepelena | 7:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm | – | – | Tirana to Tepelena |
| Tirana to Permet | 5:30am, 6:30am, 7:30am, 8:15am, 9:00am, 11:30am, 12:30 midday, 2:00pm, 3:30pm, 5:00pm | – | – | Tirana to Permet |
| Tirana to Himara and Dhermi | 6:15am, 1:00pm | – | same bus as Dhermi is on the way | Tirana to Himara and Dhermi |
| Tirana to Orikum | 10:00am | – | – | Tirana to Orikum |
| Tirana to Fier | Between 5:00am – 7:30pm every half an hour | – | – | Tirana to Fier |
| Tirana to Gijrokastёr | 5:00am, 6:45am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00 midday, 1:00pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:30pm, 6:30pm, 8:30pm | 1000 Lek | 4 hours | Tirana to Gijrokastёr |
| Tirana to Berat bus timetable | Multiple departures from 5:40am to 5:30pm | 400 Lek | 2 hours | Tirana to Berat bus timetable |
| Tirana to Vlora | Between 5:00am – 5:30pm every half an hour | – | – | Tirana to Vlora |
| Tirana to Durres | Between 6:00am – 9:15pm around every 30 minutes | – | – | Tirana to Durres |
| Tirana to Shkodër | Multiple departures from 7:00am to 5:00pm | 300 Lek | 2 hours | Tirana to Shkodër |
| Tirana to Pogradec and Korce | Every 30 minutes until 6pm | 450 Lek | 2.5-3 hours | Tirana to Pogradec and Korce |
| Tirana to Skrapar | 6:00am, 11:10am, 13:00, 14:30, 16:10 | – | – | Tirana to Skrapar |
Albanian bus schedules can be as unpredictable as a flick of the wrist, so it’s wise to double-check the night before to ensure you have the correct time.
The best way to confirm is to grab your ticket the night before or just ask a local or your accommodation provider to verify it for you. Better safe than sorry when it comes to catching those buses!
Local Transport – Saranda
The most budget-friendly way to explore Saranda and its surroundings is by hopping on a bus or a minibus, locally known as a “furgon” in Albanian. For a mere 150 lek, you can travel as far as Butrint. In Saranda, the bus station sprawls around Friendship Park (Parku Miqësia) and includes the remnants of the synagogue nearby. Buses heading south to Butrint (via Ksamil), north to Vlora, and northeast to Gjirokastra run hourly from early morning until late afternoon.
Buses in Saranda depart from various locations, but they’re conveniently close to each other. You’ll find a couple of ‘bus roads’ situated in the middle of Saranda.
For those heading to or coming from Greece, the buses typically operate outside the ticket office, right across from the red building known as Partizani. On the other hand, if you’re looking for buses within Albania, head to Rruga Flamurit street, close to the ruins and the park.
Don’t worry about getting lost; simply ask around, and the locals will guide you to the correct bus. Keep an eye out for signs in the bus or furgon windows indicating their destination – makes the whole process a breeze!
| Destination | Departure Times | Price (LEK) | Notes |
| Tirana | 5:00am, 6:30am, 8:30am, 9:30am, 10:45am, 2:00pm | 1300 (up to 1700) | Reports of price increase |
| Ksamil and Butrint | Every hour between 6:30am – 6:30pm | 100 | Every hour on the half-hour |
| Himara | 10:00am (not confirmed), 11:30am, 1:00pm (not confirmed), 2:00pm | – | Confirm unverified departure times |
| Borsh | 12:30 midday | – | |
| Vlora | 8/8:30am, 11:30am | – | |
| Berat | 8:00am, 10:15am, 2:30pm | – | |
| Gijrokastёr | Catch the bus heading towards Tirana, Berat, Fier, Elbasan, or Lushnje. | – | |
| Durres | 5:00am | 1300 | |
| Permet | 7:30am | 600 | |
| Elbasan | 6:00am, 11:30am, 1:30pm | – | |
| Lushnje | 11:00am, 3:00pm | 1000 | |
| Fier | 12:00 midday, 30 midday (maybe 12:30?) | 900 | Confirm midday departure time |
| Korce and Pogradec | 5:30am | – |
INTERNATIONAL LOCAL TRANSPORT ROUTES FROM SARANDE
Saranda to Pristina, Kosovo, Saranda to Skopje, North Macedonia, and Saranda to Athens:
| Destination | Departure Times | Price (EUR) | Notes |
| Pristina, Kosovo | 3:30pm, 4:30pm (Sharr Travel) | 25 | Sharr Travel available for the 4:30pm departure |
| Skopje, North Macedonia | 11:30am (Seasonal – not confirmed) | 36/37 | Runs only during the tourist season, confirm for 2022 |
| Athens | 6:00am | 35 |
Local Transport – Berat
The bus station in Berat is positioned just outside the city. To get there, catch a bus located next to the petrol station, situated across the road from the bus station. Alternatively, you can opt for a taxi ride, which typically costs around 500 lek, or try your luck with hitchhiking, as it’s just a short 10-minute drive into Berat. Plenty of options to choose from!
Make sure to verify the details before planning your journey, especially for the Berat to Saranda route.
| Destination | Departure Times | Price (LEK) | Duration/Notes |
| Berat to Tirana | 4:30am, 5:00am, 5:30am, 6:00am, 6:30am, 7:00am, 7:30am, 8:00am, 8:30am, 9:00am, 9:30am, 10:00am, 10:30am, 11:00am, 11:30am, 12:30 midday, 1:10pm, 1:50pm, 2:30pm, 3:10pm, 3:50pm, 4:30pm | 400 | 2 hours |
| Berat to Durres | 6:15am, 7:10am, 8:10am, 11:50am, 1:30pm, 2:05pm, 2:50pm | 400 | 1 hour 30 mins |
| Berat to Vlora | 6:00am, 6:30am, 7:30am, 8:30am, 9:20am, 10:00am, 1:00pm | 400 | 2 hours |
| Berat to Gijrokastёr/Saranda | 8:00am, 2:00pm | 1000/1200 | 3/5 hours Double-check if the bus goes all the way to Saranda |
Local Transport – Gjirokaster
Ensure to verify the details and check for buses going through Gjirokaster to Saranda
| Destination | Departure Times | Price (LEK) | Duration/Notes |
| Gjirokaster to Tirana | 5:00am, 7:00am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00 midday, 1:00pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:00pm, 6:30pm | – | – |
| Gjirokaster to Permet | 7:30am, 8:30pm, 10:00am, 12:00 midday, 1:30pm | – | – |
| Gjirokaster to Berat | 10:30am | – | – |
| Gjirokaster to Saranda | 7:00am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 12:00 midday | – | Catch any bus going to Saranda passing through Gjirokaster |
| Gjirokaster to Korce | 7:00am | – | – |
| Gjirokaster to Durres | 3:10pm | – | – |
Local Transport – Himara
| Destination | Departure Times | Price (LEK) | Duration |
| Himara to Tirana | 5:00am, 11:00am, 6:00pm | – | – |
| Himara to Saranda | 8:30am, 4:00pm | – | – |
Local Transport – Shkoder
In Shkoder, you’ll find two bus locations:
- One for buses heading south to Tirana, situated opposite the radio station – Radio Shkodra.
- The other, on the opposite side of the large roundabout near the Xhamia e Madhe mosque.
To catch the right bus, simply shout out your destination, and someone will assist you in finding the correct one. It’s a straightforward system to ensure you’re on the right track!
| Destination | Departure Times | Price (LEK) | Duration |
| Shkoder to Tirana | 6:00am, 7:00am, 7:45am, 8:30am, 9:15am, 10:00am, 10:45am, 11:30am, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00 | – | – |
| Shkoder to Korce | 6:00am | – | – |
| Shkoder to Durres | 7:15am, 13:15 | – | – |
| Shkoder to Vlora | 6:15am | – | – |
| Shkoder to Elbasan | 7:30am, 10:30am | – | – |
| Shkoder to Podgradec | 6:30am, 9:30am, 13:00 | – | – |
| Shkoder to Lezhe | 8:15am, 13:30 | – | – |
| Shkoder to Rinas | 8:15am, 12:45 | – | – |
| Shkoder to Librazhd | 6:45am | – | – |
| Shkoder to Theth | 7:00am | – | – |
Local Transport – Vlora
| Destination | Departure Times | Price (LEK/EUR) | Duration |
| Tirana – Vlora | From 05:00 am to 17:30, every half an hour | 6 Lek | 3.5h |
| Vlora – Tirana Airport | 1:30 am, 3:30 am, 6:00 am, 7:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 7:00 pm | 12-15 Lek | 2h |
| Tirana Airport – Vlora | 12:45 am, 3:30 am, 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm, 8:00 pm, 10:15 pm, 12:30 pm | 12-15 Lek | 2h |
Bus/VAN from Shkoder to Montenegro
| Destination | Departure Times | Price (LEK/EUR) | Duration |
| Shkoder to Ulcinj | 9:00am, 2:15pm, 4:00pm | – | – |
| Ulcinj to Shkoder | 7:00am, 12:30 midday, 4:30pm | – | – |
Traveling by Furgon (VAN)
Ah, the furgons – the go-to mode of transport for a truly Albanian adventure! These minibuses, privately owned and unlicensed, are the heartbeat of travel in Albania. They might not always follow a strict timetable, adding a dash of spontaneity to your journey.
Picture this: a crammed furgon, buzzing with people, navigating both off-the-beaten-path villages and popular routes like Saranda to Gjirokaster and Berat. It can get cozy, especially during peak seasons, but personally, I find it the most charming way to travel.
What’s unique about furgons is their flexibility. They’ll drop you off wherever you fancy – just give them a heads-up. I had a blast on one from Saranda to Berat, where a 15-minute break turned into a raucous dance party fueled by multiple glasses of rakia, the local tipple. It made the journey unforgettable and passed in a blink.
Sure, furgons can be a bit intimate compared to those big coaches, but that’s what makes them special. If you’re feeling adventurous and want a taste of the real Albania, furgons are your ticket – literally and figuratively!
And here’s a cool perk – you can flag down a furgon and hop on, provided there’s space. So, even if hitchhiking plans go sideways, furgons are a trusty backup.
Timetables might be a bit tricky to find, but don’t worry – locals are your transport experts. Plus, the driver might just be a distant cousin or a friend. Albania’s transport scene – always full of surprises!
In every city, you’ll find either a bus station or a network of bus routes. However, in Albania, these bus stations are far from what you might expect – they’re a lot less official and more casual. Most of the time, you’ll encounter what seems like a simple car park, bustling with numerous buses ready to hit the road.
Tickets for longer bus rides are typically required in advance, especially during high season. In the low season, you can usually purchase them on the day of travel. As for furgons, you might buy a ticket directly from the driver or provide cash upon reaching your destination.
The buses and VAN-s in Albania will sometimes stop for hitchhikers too if they aren’t full.
Taxis
Taxis provide a convenient and flexible transportation option to and from the airport, with fixed fares for various cities. You can find taxis just outside the arrivals hall. Payments are typically accepted in cash, either in Albanian Lek or Euros. The average transfer time to Tirana center is approximately 30 minutes. This makes taxis a reliable choice for travelers seeking efficiency and comfort.
The standard rate is usually 1 EUR per kilometer.
Keep in mind that due to the occasionally narrow and busy roads, taxi rides might take longer than expected and sometimes the taxi might need to take a longer route due to ongoing road works.
Hitchhiking
If dealing with unreliable bus schedules and crowded minibuses adds stress to your travels, and you’re wondering how to get around in Albania hassle-free, hitchhiking is an excellent alternative.
Hitchhiking is remarkably popular among both tourists and locals in Albania. It’s considered quite normal, and the waiting time is usually minimal, typically not exceeding 20 minutes.
In my personal experience, it has taken me no longer than 5 minutes! There’s no real secret to hitchhiking – just stick your thumb out, ensure you’re visible, and position yourself where it’s easy for someone to pull over. In Albania, they might even stop in the middle of the street for you – that’s the unique charm of Albanian driving!
Is Hitchhiking Safe?
Absolutely, hitchhiking in Albania can be a rewarding experience, especially if you trust your instincts. If a vehicle doesn’t feel right, wave them off. Wait for a safer option. Trust your gut. 😉
During my interactions with fellow travelers this summer, a significant number of them embraced hitchhiking, and surprisingly, none encountered any issues. The collective positive experiences of these travelers certainly speak volumes about the hitchhiking culture in Albania.
On a personal note, having engaged in solo travel extensively throughout Albania, I can attest to the overall safety of the experience. Albanians are known for their incredible friendliness, making solo travelers feel welcome and secure.
So, if you’re considering hitchhiking as a mode of transportation, trust your instincts, and enjoy the unique and friendly travel atmosphere that Albania has to offer.
- ✅ Is there Uber in Albania? Unfortunately, no Uber in Albania. But, alternatives like Speed Taxi app or Ups Taxi App are becoming popular. Keep in mind, they’re still quite new, so don’t expect Uber-level convenience.
- ✅ Are there trains in Albania? Unfortunately, no trains in Albania. You’ll need to depend on local transport if you don’t have a car.
- ✅ Is local transport good in Albania? Yes and no. Local transport in Albania has its pros and cons. It’s affordable, but reliability can be an issue. Buses, when they work well, are great. However, schedules can change unexpectedly, so be prepared for some unpredictability.
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Final Thoughts – Mastering Local Transport with Ease!
Embarking on Albania’s local transport is a colorful adventure! 🌈 Whether you’re riding the reliable buses in Tirana, hopping on the intimate furgons for a taste of spontaneity, taking taxis with fixed fares, or even trying the local tradition of hitchhiking, each mode unveils a unique Albanian experience.
Albania’s local transport isn’t just about reaching your destination; it’s a cultural immersion, connecting with warm-hearted people, and savoring every moment of the journey. So, whether you’re exploring Tirana, venturing into Gjirokaster, or embracing Saranda’s coastal beauty, Albania welcomes you with open arms and a plethora of transportation adventures. Happy trails! 🚍🌍💨