Getting There and Away

A breathtaking aerial shot of Berat Castle showcasing historic architecture and landscape.
Klidjon Gozhina, Pexels

Berat has a central bus station, "Terminali i Autobusave Berat," which serves as the primary hub for regional and intercity bus connections. There are no train services to or from Berat. The closest major airport is Tirana International Airport (TIA), located approximately 100-120 kilometers north.

By Bus (from Tirana):

Buses depart frequently from Tirana's "Albania Bus Terminal South and North" (Terminali i Autobusave të Jugut dhe Veriut). This terminal is located outside Tirana's city center, requiring a 10-15 minute taxi or local bus ride from central Tirana. Buses typically run every 20-30 minutes from approximately 5:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The journey to Berat takes about 2 to 3 hours and costs around 500 LEK (approximately 4.40-5 EUR). Payment is usually made in cash directly to the driver.

By Bus (within Berat):

Upon arrival at Berat's bus terminal, local city buses operate every 20 minutes from 7 AM to the city center, taking around 15 minutes and costing about 30 LEK.

By Taxi (from Tirana):

A taxi ride from Tirana to Berat typically takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes. The cost for a one-way trip ranges from 61-82 EUR (7000-8000 LEK). Ride-hailing apps like Speed Taxi or Merr Taxi can be used as Uber is not available.

By Taxi (from Tirana International Airport):

Direct taxi services from Tirana International Airport to Berat generally cost between 61-82 EUR and take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

By Rental Car:

Car rental services are available at Tirana International Airport and in Tirana city. Driving from Tirana to Berat usually takes around 1 hour 40 minutes to 2.5 hours. Daily rental costs start from approximately 20-25 EUR, plus fuel. An international driver's license is recommended, and a credit card is typically required for a deposit.

By Minivan/Shuttle (from Tirana Airport):

Specialized shuttle services may offer direct transfers from Tirana International Airport to Berat, with costs starting from around 36 EUR and a journey time of 2-2.5 hours. These services might have limited daily departures.