Getting Around Albania: Buses, Furgons, Taxis and Rental Cars

Transport in Albania is straightforward once you understand how it works, but it does not always follow a timetable you can check online. Visitors who arrive with realistic expectations tend to find that getting around is cheap, friendly and part of the adventure. This guide covers the main options, with practical advice on each.

Furgons: the shared minibus network

The backbone of public transport is the furgon, a minibus that leaves when it is full and drops passengers at their destination. Furgons connect Tirana with almost every city in the country, and they are usually the fastest and cheapest way to travel between towns. Unlike buses, they often have no printed timetable: you simply turn up at the right terminal in the morning, ask which vehicle is heading to your destination and wait for it to fill. Departures are most frequent early in the day, and services thin out in the afternoon, so plan to travel in the morning. Pay the driver or the assistant on board. Prices are low, and a long journey typically costs only a few euros.

• Tirana has several terminals depending on direction, so confirm where your furgon leaves from the day before.
• Ask the driver to tell you when you arrive; stops are informal.
• Keep your luggage close and have small banknotes in lek ready.

Buses

Larger coaches serve the main long-distance routes, for example Tirana to Sarandë, Tirana to Gjirokastër or Tirana to Shkodër. They are more comfortable than furgons for long trips and often have air conditioning, though schedules still vary by season. In summer there are more departures to the coast, and in winter services reduce. Buy tickets at the station or from the driver, and arrive a little early.

Taxis and ride-hailing

Taxis are plentiful in cities and tourist towns, and they are inexpensive by European standards. Agree on the price before you set off if the vehicle has no meter, or use a ride-hailing app in Tirana, where the price is shown in advance. For short hops, such as Sarandë to Ksamil, a taxi is a convenient alternative to waiting for a bus. Drivers in resort towns may quote high prices to tourists in peak season, so ask your hotel for the usual fare.

Renting a car

A rental car is the best way to see the Riviera, the south-east and the countryside at your own pace. Major roads are generally in good condition, and the Tirana to Durrës motorway and the national roads towards the south are comfortable. Driving habits are more assertive than in northern Europe: expect overtaking on blind bends, sudden stops and the occasional animal on the road. Drive defensively and avoid driving at night in the mountains.

• Bring your driving licence and, if it is not in a Latin alphabet, an international permit.
• Check the insurance policy, especially regarding unpaved roads and ferries. Mountain tracks to Theth are often excluded.
• Fill the tank before long mountain sections. Petrol stations can be far apart in remote areas.
• Parking in Tirana and in beach towns in August is difficult; choose accommodation with parking if you can.
• Photograph the car before you leave the rental office to avoid disputes over existing scratches.

Ferries

Two ferries are especially useful. The first runs from Sarandë to Corfu in Greece, with fast boats taking about half an hour to an hour depending on the vessel; book a day ahead in high season and bring your passport. The second is the Lake Koman ferry, which links Koman and Fierzë in the north and doubles as one of Europe's most scenic boat rides. It runs seasonally and sells out on peak days. There are also ferries from Durrës to Italian ports, which are popular with travellers bringing a car from Italy.

Getting in and out

Most international visitors arrive at Tirana International Airport (TIA), around 17 kilometres from the city centre. Airport buses and taxis run into Tirana, and the ride takes about 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Overland, there are border crossings with Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Greece, and direct buses link Tirana with Pristina, Skopje and Podgorica. At land borders, expect queues in the summer, particularly on the Greek border when diaspora families travel home.

Choosing the right option

For a city break in Tirana, you will rarely need more than your feet and an occasional taxi. For the classic route through Berat, Gjirokastër and the coast, a rental car or a mix of furgons and taxis both work well. For the Albanian Alps, take a minibus or 4x4 transfer from Shkodër. For the Riviera, hire a car for at least part of the trip if you want to find small coves. Whatever you choose, build extra time into the plan, because the most memorable moments often happen when a journey takes longer than expected.