Arrival & Transport
Arrival by Plane
Airports
Albania currently has two international airports:
- Tirana International Airport "Nënë Tereza" (TIA): Albania's main airport, 17 km northwest of Tirana. By far the most important airport — practically all international flights land here. Connections from Germany: Wizz Air (from Dortmund, Memmingen, Berlin), Lufthansa (from Munich, Frankfurt), Austrian Airlines (from Vienna with a stopover), Ryanair (seasonal). Flight time from Germany: 2–2.5 hours. Prices: From 50€ one-way with Wizz Air (early booking), 150–300€ return with Lufthansa.
- Kukës International Airport (KFZ): Small airport in the northeast, mainly intended for connections from Kosovo. Not very relevant for tourists.
- Vlora International Airport (planned): A new airport near Vlora (Riviera) is under construction and is expected to simplify access to the Riviera from 2027.
From Tirana Airport to the city center: The Rinas Express Bus runs hourly (250 Lek / 2.50€, 25 min) to Skanderbeg Square. Taxi: 2,500–3,000 Lek (25–30€), agree on the price beforehand! Some hotels offer shuttle services.
Arrival by Land & Sea
By Land
Albania shares borders with Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece — all of which can be crossed easily:
- From Montenegro: Border crossing Hani i Hotit (Lake Shkodra, towards Shkodra) or Muriqan (Adriatic coast). Buses from Podgorica to Shkodra: 5–8€, 2h.
- From Kosovo: Border crossing Morina (towards Kukës/Tirana). Buses from Pristina to Tirana: 10–15€, 4h. Very busy route.
- From North Macedonia: Border crossing Qafë Thanë (towards Pogradec/Ohrid Lake). Buses from Skopje to Tirana: 15–20€, 5h.
- From Greece: Border crossing Kakavija (towards Gjirokastra) and Qafë Botë (near Konispol, towards Saranda). Buses from Ioannina to Gjirokastra: 10€, 2h. From Athens to Tirana: Night buses, 25–35€, 10–12h.
By Ferry
- Corfu → Saranda: Several times daily in summer (30 min–1h depending on the ferry). From 19€ one-way. Perfect for a day trip or as an entry to the Riviera.
- Bari/Brindisi (Italy) → Durrës: Overnight ferries (8–10h). From 50€ per person (without cabin). Providers: Adria Ferries, Ventouris Ferries. Ideal for road trips with your own car.
- Ancona (Italy) → Durrës: Longer crossing (18h), but also possible.
Tipp
The cheapest way to get to Albania is often the flight to Corfu (many low-cost carriers, especially in summer) and from there the ferry to Saranda (30 min, 19€). This way, you land directly at the Riviera — and save yourself the long bus ride from Tirana.
Local Transport
Furgons (Minibuses)
The backbone of Albanian transport is the Furgons — minibuses (Mercedes Sprinter or VW Transporter) that run fixed routes but have no fixed schedule: They depart when full. This can take 10 minutes or an hour. Furgons are cheap, adventurous, and the most authentic way to experience Albania. Departure points: usually central squares or bus stops — ask locally for "Furgon për [destination]?"
| Route | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tirana → Shkodra | 2h | 300–400 Lek (3–4€) |
| Tirana → Berat | 2.5h | 400–500 Lek (4–5€) |
| Tirana → Gjirokastra | 4–5h | 800–1,000 Lek (8–10€) |
| Tirana → Saranda | 5–7h | 1,000–1,500 Lek (10–15€) |
| Saranda → Ksamil | 20 Min. | 100–200 Lek (1–2€) |
| Shkodra → Theth | 3h | 1,000–1,500 Lek (10–15€) |
Rental Cars
A rental car is the most flexible way to explore Albania — and almost indispensable for the Riviera coastal road and remote locations. Prices: from 20€/day (small car) to 40€/day (SUV). Providers: local companies in Tirana (cheaper, but check the condition) and international rental companies (Europcar, Sixt — more expensive, better condition).
Driving in Albania: Albania's roads have greatly improved — the highways (Tirana–Durrës, Tirana–Shkodra) are modern. However, side roads can be adventurous (potholes, no markings, animals on the road). The driving style of Albanians is creative — overtaking in curves, honking as communication, pedestrians on the highway. Defensive driving is a must. For Theth and Valbona: SUV with high ground clearance recommended.
Taxis
In cities, taxis are cheap and convenient. Always agree on the price beforehand or insist on the meter — "Taximetrin, ju lutem!" Prices in Tirana: city center ride 300–500 Lek (3–5€), to the airport 2,500–3,000 Lek (25–30€). Ride-hailing apps work in Tirana (e.g., eTaxi).
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