How to get around Albania
Navigating Albania is straightforward with a variety of public and private transport options. Here's what you need to know about getting between and within its cities and towns.
Inter-City Travel
For travel between cities in Albania, several options cater to different budgets. Buses are a widely used and economical choice, with long-distance journeys, such as Tirana to Saranda, typically costing between 1,000 and 1,500 Lek (approximately 10-15 Euros).
Shorter intercity routes are even cheaper; for example, a bus from Tirana to Durres costs around 150 Lek (about 1.40 Euros), and Tirana to Berat is approximately 500 Lek (about 4.70 Euros). Buses generally operate during the day, though exact timetables can sometimes be challenging to find in advance.
Furgons, or minibuses, are another common and often more flexible option. These privately owned vans typically depart once full and offer a more local experience, often reaching smaller villages not served by larger buses. Furgon tickets are usually very inexpensive, ranging from 1 to 15 Euros, depending on the distance. However, they can be crowded and do not always adhere to fixed schedules.
Taxis provide a more comfortable and direct way to travel between cities, albeit at a higher cost. A taxi from Tirana to Berat can range from 63 to 75 Euros, while a journey to Saranda might cost between 134 and 191 Euros.
Car rental offers the most flexibility for exploring Albania, with daily prices typically ranging from 20 to 90 Euros, plus an additional 10-20 Euros per day for full insurance. A security deposit, usually between 200-500 Euros, is also required. Road conditions between major cities have improved, but secondary roads can still be in poor condition, and driving styles can be chaotic.
Train travel is largely outdated and slow, primarily serving as an experience for railway enthusiasts rather than a practical transport method for most travelers.
Travel Within Cities
Within cities, public transport primarily relies on buses and taxis. In Tirana, city buses are the most budget-friendly option, costing 40 Lek (about 0.32-0.40 USD) per ride. Fares are paid in cash to a conductor on board, and services run daily from 06:00 to 23:00 with frequent service. Bus passes are available for more frequent use, such as a one-line pass for 1200 Lek (about $11) or a general pass for 1600 Lek (about $14).
Taxis are widely available and offer convenience, especially outside of bus operating hours. In Tirana, the base fare for a taxi is around 300 Lek (approximately 3 Euros) for the first 1.5 km, with subsequent kilometers costing about 120 Lek (1.21 Euros). Night rates may be slightly higher. An airport transfer to Tirana city center by taxi typically costs between 10 and 25 Euros, while a shuttle bus from Tirana International Airport to the city center costs 400 Albanian Lek.
