Gjirokastër's primary transport hub is the Regional Bus & Furgon Station, situated at the town's entrance where the main boulevard meets the National Road. Within the city, a public bus circuit connects the old town on the hill with the new town in the valley.
By Air:
Tirana International Airport (TIA), Albania:: Located approximately 225-232 kilometers away, the journey from Tirana International Airport to Gjirokastër typically involves taking a bus or taxi to Tirana's Regional Bus Terminal, followed by a bus to Gjirokastër.
Corfu International Airport (CFU), Greece:: Situated about 56-88 kilometers from Gjirokastër, travelers can take a ferry or hydrofoil from Corfu to Saranda, then a bus or taxi to Gjirokastër.
Ioannina National Airport (IOA), Greece:: Approximately 72-90 kilometers away, options include a Greek taxi to the Kakavia border crossing and then an Albanian taxi or minibus, or a daily direct bus service departing from Ioannina.
By Bus:
From Tirana:: Buses frequently depart from Tirana's Regional Bus Terminal North and South Albania. The trip costs around €9-€15 (1000-1200 LEK) and takes approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
From Saranda:: Buses (also known as furgons or minibuses) depart regularly, often hourly, from a stop near the Synagogue ruins on Rruga Flamurit. This journey typically lasts 1 to 1.5 hours and costs about €2.60-€5 (300-500 LEK).
From Durrës:: Buses run to Gjirokastër, with one service taking about 3 hours and 36 minutes and costing approximately $15.
From Ioannina (Greece):: A daily bus service is available, departing at 6:00 AM.
By Car Rental:
Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring the region. Daily rental costs for economy or compact cars typically range from €14-€25.
A valid driver's license is required, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary if the license is not in Latin characters. Minimum age requirements generally start at 21, though some companies may have a higher age limit or apply a surcharge for drivers under 25.
Driving from Tirana usually takes 3-4 hours, while the drive from Saranda is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
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