Albania Bus Timetable with Map, Routes, Prices

Travel Resources › Albania Bus Timetable with Map, Routes, Prices

Buses in Albania run between the larger cities from the Tirana bus stations. Bus travel in Albania is inexpensive and a good way to get around in the country. Buses almost always run during the day, but not all of them follow a regular timetable. A long-distance journey, e.g. from Tirana to Saranda, costs between 1,000 and 1,500 lek. Many travellers prefer to use the many private minibuses, which compete with the larger coaches but operate almost without timetables and fixed fares.

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Pro tip: Buses to Albania’s larger cities run every half hour or hour, with some smaller buses waiting until they are full to depart. Someone always speaks English and the fare is simply collected on the bus during the journey.

It’s nice that you can easily find a bus that goes where you want to go and you can just ask the driver how much the fare is and when it leaves if you want to know the details before deciding on a bus.

In our experience, the drivers and fellow travellers were always friendly and happy to help us figure out how to get to our destination, even if we didn’t speak the same language.

I think some people tend to worry too much about local transportation, but here in Albania what seems obvious is actually what’s likely to happen, so just find the right bus and enjoy a cheap ride to your next city.

Tirana Bus Stations and Terminals overview

There are two major bus stations in Tirana for traveling within the country:

• Terminali iAutobusave të Jugut dhe Veriut or North/South Terminal Tirana
• Terminali iAutobuzëve Juglindje or East Albania Regional Bus Station

Albania is a very small country where you can reach everything within five hours. Buses to larger cities such as Durrës, Berat, Shkodër and Fier depart from the South/North Terminal bus station.

Similar to the North Terminal, there is a smaller version of the bus station in the south-east of Tirana. From here, buses depart for places such as Pogradec and Korçë.

At both bus stations, there are numerous furgons waiting to depart. The destination is indicated on each one. If you can’t find your bus, don’t worry. The drivers will call out the name of the city loud and clear. In most cases, the owners of the buses are also the drivers.

Pro tip: There are no night buses leaving from Tirana or any other city in Albania. The last bus should leave at 18:00 or 18:30. So take a look at the timetable and plan accordingly.

International Bus Journeys

In addition to the two bus stations for domestic traffic, there is the Terminali i Autobuzave Ndërkombëtarë bus station for international traffic to a large number of European countries such as Montenegro, Germany, Greece,…

Bus Timetable Tirana North/South Bus Terminal (Terminali i Autobusave të Jugut dhe Veriut)

It is fairly easy to get to the bus terminal from the city centre. From Skanderbeg Square, a road leads almost directly there, and several of the local bus lines will take you to the bus station.

Just go to the bus stops on the northern edge of Skanderbeg Square and look out for buses with signs saying “Kamez”, or ask the people at the bus stop which buses go to “Terminali” + destination.

The city bus in Tirana costs 40 lek per person (about 40 cents), a ticket inspector collects the fee on the bus and gives you a small paper ticket in return.

Once you arrive at the bus station, it is very easy to find the right bus, as all buses have a large sign with the destination on the windshield. So if you want to go to Durres, look for a bus with a Durres sign on the windshield, etc.

Bus Tirana – Shkoder (Shkodra)

Shkodra (Shkodër) in Albania is the fifth largest city in the country and the centre of the north. Shkoder is located directly on Lake Shkoder (Lake Skutari), the largest lake in the Balkans and between the three rivers – Kir, Drin and Buna.

Due to this strategically important location, Shkoder was settled early on and was an important hub in Albania and the entire region. Even today, many travellers pass through Shkoder on their way to Montenegro, the Albanian Alps or the south of Albania.

The connection from TIRANA to SHKODER does not pass through other cities or larger towns. The first bus departs at 05:00 and the last at 18:00. The route is about 120 km in distance. According to the timetable, the average journey time is 02 hours and 15 minutes. Luggage is usually charged per piece of luggage on all departures, depending on the provider.

• Departure times: 05:00; 6:00; 06:30; 07:00; 07:30; 08:00; 08:30; 09:00; 09:30; 10:00 10:30; 11:00; 11:30; 12:00; 12:30; 13:00; 13:30; 14:00; 14:30; 15:00; 15:30; 16:00; 16:30; 17:00; 17:30; 18:00

• Price: 500 LEK (~ 5.00 EUR)

• Duration: 2-3 hours

Bus Tirana – Kruja (the city of Skanderbeg)

The small town of Kruja (also known as Krujë in Albanian) is located one hour north of Tirana. Although just 10,000 people live in Kruja today, the town is of outstanding importance in Albania. Skanderbeg, one of the country’s absolute national heroes, was born in Kruja.

• Departure Times: 07:00: 08:00; 09:00; 10:00; 11:00; 12:00; 13:30; 14:00; 15:00; 16:00; 17:00; 18:00
• Price: 200 Lek (~ 2.00 EUR)
• Duration: about 1 hour

Complete overview of all buses from Tirana northbound

Bus Tirana – Berat (the city of 1000 windows)

The more than 2000-year-old city of Berat is located around 70 kilometres south of the capital Tirana in the mountainous region of central Albania. Not only the picturesque landscape, which is characterised by steep slopes and the River Osum, but also its unique architecture make it one of the most beautiful towns in Albania.

It owes its nickname “City of a Thousand Windows” to the excellently preserved old town buildings overlooking the river valley. After Berat was officially designated a museum city in 1961, the city was finally awarded the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

In order to preserve the historic cityscape with its unusual mixture of different styles, new buildings are still largely prohibited in the old town centre of Berat.

You can travel from Tirana to Berat by bus. A ticket costs 500 Leke (5 EUR) per person. Transfers depart between 5:40 AM and 17:30 PM from the Terminali i Autobusave të Jugut dhe Veriut (North/South Terminal). 

• Departure Times: 05:40; 06:30; 07:15; 07:45; 08:15; 08:50; 09:20; 09:50; 10:20; 11:00; 11:30; 12:00;12:30; 13:00; 13:30; 14:00; 14:30; 15:00; 15:30; 14:00,14:30,15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 16:30, 17:00,17:30

• Price: 500 LEK (~ 5.00 EUR)

• Duration: approx. 2 hours

Accommodation tip for Berat: Guesthouse Villa Arben Elezi The guest house is tucked in the heart of the Old Town, staff were wonderfully welcoming and super helpful arranging us a free parking space. Rooms are clean and very modern with large windows, a modern bathroom, big bed with a flat screen TV. For me, the highlight was breakfast on the roof terrace.

Bus Tirana – Gjirokaster (the Stone City)

The town of Gjirokaster can be seen from afar, its stone houses climbing steeply up the slopes of Mali i Gjerë, a mountain range whose imposing peaks rise to an altitude of 1800 metres. The road that leads all the way up to the old town centre of Gjirokaster is also steep. Only at certain points is the main road wide enough to allow two vehicles to pass at the same time.

Gjirokaster is also known as the “city of a thousand steps” and it is fair to say that it lives up to this name. None of the narrow streets simply lead straight ahead. They lead up and down, around bends and corners – Gjirokaster is a city with a difference.

Gjirokaster is a stunning UNESCO Heritage Site. Old town centre and castle of Gjirokaster are definitely worth a visit. However, Gjirokaster is located close to the Greek border all the way in South Albania. The journey takes about 4 hours from Tirana! Departure from Tirana to Gjirokaster is from the Regional North and South Terminal.

• Departure times: 05:00; 06:45: 08:00; 09:00; 10:00, 11:00,12:00, 13:00; 14:30; 15:30; 17:30; 18:30; 20:30

• Price: 500 LEK (~ 5.00 EUR)

• Duration: approx. 2 hours

Bus Tirana – Saranda (seaside resort on the Albanian riviera)

The coastal town of Saranda is primarily known among Albanians as a holiday destination, but more and more foreign visitors are also coming to appreciate this beautiful place. The seaside resort is the perfect destination if you want to relax on the impressive Albanian coast and are looking for secluded beaches.

But it’s not just sun-seekers and beach lovers who get their money’s worth in this charming little harbour town – there are some exciting sights in the vicinity of Saranda that make the coastal town a great starting point for excursions.

You can get from Tirana to Saranda by bus in about 5 hours. A ticket costs 12 euros per person for a one-way trip. Journeys take place 7 times each day. 

• Departure Times: 05:30; 07:30; 08:30; 09:45; 12:30; 14:15; 16:00; 22:00

• Price: 1500 Lek (~ 15.00 EUR)

• Duration: approx. 5 hours

• Drop off point: Saranda Bus Station (Tirana & Vlore direction)

Tirana to Saranda by taxi

• Price range: 120 euros – 190 EUR one-way
• The Cheapest taxi companies are: Speedtaxi, City Taxi, Euro Taxi
• Tirana airport to Saranda taxi costs around 160 EUR

Bus Tirana – Himare (seaside town)

Himarë is a small Mediterranean town with a lively Greek influence and an abundance of wild olive trees, situated between Vlora and Saranda. Soft sandy beaches stretch along the coast and fishing boats drift listlessly on the calm sea. Old and new fortresses are just a stroll away, and the fantastic food in the restaurants is only equalled by the sunset views.

• Departure Times: 05:30; 07:30; 08:30; 12:30,13:00, 18:00

• Price: 1200 LEK (~ 12.00 EUR)

• Duration: approx. 5-6 hours

Bus Tirana – Vlorë (Seaside town on the Adriatic Coast)

Vlora (or Vlorë) is a harbour town that has a special significance for the Albanians, as it was here that the country declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire at the beginning of the 20th century.

Relaxing beaches with crystal-clear waters are only a few kilometres away, and if you follow the coastal road southwards, you will find a series of charming little holiday resorts interspersed with the vast mountain landscapes of the Llogora National Park.

• Departure Times: 05:00; 05:30; 05:55; 06:20; 06:45; 07:10; 07:35; 08:00; 08:25; 08:50; 09:15; 09:40; 10:05; 10:30; 11:00; 11:30; 12:00;  12:30; 13:00; 13:30; 14:00: 14:30;  15:00; 15:30; 16:00; 16:30; 17:00; 17:30;

• Price: 600 LEK (~ 6.00 EUR)

• Duration: approx. 3 hours

Tirana – Permet (Rafting & Canyoning on the Vjosa river)

Përmet is located about 60 kilometres from Gjirokastra and 94 kilometres from Saranda in the depths of Albania. The small, little-known town has a romantic location. It stretches along the Vjosa river valley and is surrounded by mountains.

The town is close to some of the region’s great sights, such as the hot springs and the Kadiut Bridge. There are no major attractions in the town itself that would attract masses of tourists. In Përmet you can meet the locals, see how they live, and you can look forward to lower prices than in the coastal region. Here you can experience Albania from up close.

• Departure Times: 05:30; 06:30; 07:30; 08:15; 09:00; 11:30; 12:30; 14:00; 15:30; 17:00;

• Price: 900 LEK (~ 9.00 EUR)

• Duration: approx. 4 hours

Tirana south-eastbound timetables (Terminali i Autobusëve Juglindje)

Similar to the North Terminal, there is a smaller version of the bus station in the south-east of Tirana. From here, buses leave for places such as Pogradec, Korçë and lake Ohrid. At both bus stations, there are many furgons waiting to depart. The destination is written on each one.

Bus Tirana – Korca (KORÇË)

The small town of Korça (also written as Korçë) is located in south-east Albania, a 3-hour journey by car from Tirana. While Kruja, Gjirokastra and Berat are well-known towns, Korça is off the beaten track. Korça is authentic, not touristy and has just as many beautiful corners and sights as the aforementioned towns.

The best sights of the city are within walking distance, so put on your comfortable shoes and explore the cobbled streets. You’ll discover beautiful churches, mosques, the bazaar and a lovely pedestrianised zone.

• Departure Times: 05:45, 06:30, 07:15, 08:00, 08:45, 09:30, 10:15, 11:00;11:45, 12:30, 13:15, 14:00, 14:45, 15:30, 16:15, 17:00

• Price: 800 LEK (~ 8.00 EUR)

• Duration: 3 hours

Tirana – Pogradec

• Departure Times: 06:30, 08:30, 09:30;12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30

• Price: 600 LEK (~ 6.00 EUR)

• Duration: approx. 3 hours

Tirana Airport Bus Timetable

Tirana International Airport (TIA) to City Center

The Tirana Airport Shuttle Bus runs daily from Tirana city center to the airport and vice versa. During peak hours, large buses operate, during the rest of the time the shuttle is a minivan or a Furgon.

As soon as you come out of the terminal, simply turn left directly to the parking lot to find a Furgon marked TIRANA, or ask a local to take you there.

Price and travel times

• Price: 300 Lek/person (one way), buy directly from the driver
• Tirana -> TIA – 7.00 to 23.00 every hour
• TIA -> Tirana – 8.00 to 24.00 every hour

Taxi Airport – Tirana city center

A cab ride from the airport costs a fixed 25 €. You can find all information about airport shuttles, rental cars and cabs on the Tirana airport website.

Is there a shuttle bus between Tirana and the airport (TIA)?

The airport shuttle bus runs daily from Tirana city centre to the airport and vice versa. During peak hours, large buses operate, during the rest of the time the shuttle is a minivan.

Bus Airport Tirana – Shkoder

From 2024, there will now be a direct bus from Tirana Airport to Shkoder. The bus departs from Tirana Airport at 11:15, 12:45, 17:30 and 20:10. A bus ticket costs 1000 Albanian Lek (10 Euro) and you have to pay in cash. The bus ride from Tirana airport to Shkoder takes about 2.5 hours.

Bus Tirana Airport – Durres

There is a direct bus from Tirana airport to Durres. Tirana Airport is located between north of Tirana on the road to Durres on the coast, so Durres is also a good option for your first night in Albania!

The bus from Tirana airport to Durres departs at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:30, 17:00, 19:00 and 21:00. A bus ticket costs 600 leke (6 euros) per person. You pay cash to the bus driver.

Tirana Bus Timetable International

The Tirana International Bus Terminal is located behind the Ring Shopping Center (Zogu i Zi Square).

Bus Tirana – Podgorica / Budva / Kotor

Departures & Prices: 10:15 Price: 15 EUR Podgorica, 23 EUR Budva, 25 EUR Kotor Duration: 3,5hrs, 4.5hrs, 5hrs

Bus Tirana – Ohrid / Skopje

• Departures: 09:00, 16:00, 21:00 Price: 13-20 EUR
• Duration: 4hrs, 7.5hrs

Bus Tirana – Prizren / Prishtina

• Departures: 06:00, 07:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, 20:00
• Price: 15 EUR
• Duration: 4hrs

Bus Tirana – Athens

• Departures: 03:00, 15:00
• Price: 35 EUR
• Duration: 10 hrs

Bus Tirana – Thessaloniki

• Departures: 05:00 am, 08:30 am
• Ticket Price: 30 EUR
• Duration: 11 hrs

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