Albania is quickly emerging as a must-visit destination for adventurous travelers. With its mix of ancient ruins, dramatic coastlines, lively cities, and hidden mountain villages, the country offers something new at every turn. While its transport infrastructure is still developing compared to Western Europe, that’s part of the appeal—travel here is often spontaneous, authentic, and delightfully unpredictable.
Whether you’re exploring Tirana’s colorful streets, road-tripping along the Albanian Riviera, or heading deep into the mountains, understanding your transport options will help you make the most of your time. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about getting around Albania—buses, furgonë (minibuses), car rentals, ferries, and airports—plus insider tips for smooth travel.
🚌 Public Transport: Tirana and Beyond
Tirana’s modern bus network
Albania’s capital has made big strides in public transport. The days of confusing minibus routes are mostly gone; a city-run bus system now connects neighborhoods efficiently and affordably. Rides cost under 50 lek (€0.40), with tickets sold onboard or at kiosks. Routes cover key spots like Skanderbeg Square, trendy Blloku, Kombinat, and Tirana East Gate mall.
Good to know:
- Buses are color-coded and numbered, but maps and signs are often only in Albanian.
- Crowding is common during rush hours.
- Download the Tirana Bus app or use Google Maps to navigate.
Other cities and towns
Outside Tirana, bus networks are smaller. Cities like Durrës, Shkodër, Gjirokastër, and Vlora have municipal services, but schedules are less frequent—especially on weekends or holidays. In rural areas, buses are rare or nonexistent, so travelers need other options.
🚐 The Furgonë Experience
For many travelers, the furgon—a privately run minibus—is Albania’s most memorable transport. Think of it as organized chaos: no fixed timetables, no apps, just ask around, find the right van, and go when it’s full. Drivers often call out destinations, and locals are quick to help. Furgonë link towns, villages, and remote spots buses can’t reach, making them invaluable for off-the-beaten-path travel.
Why try a furgon?
- Connects rural areas and smaller towns
- More flexible than scheduled buses
- A chance to chat with locals and fellow travelers
Things to keep in mind:
- Comfort levels vary; air conditioning and luggage space may be limited
- Vehicles can be older and may not meet modern safety standards
- Payment is cash only; fares are inexpensive but confirm before departure
Many travelers come away with great stories: “It was cramped and hot, but we met locals, swapped travel tips, and saw stunning countryside,” one visitor said after a trip from Tirana to Berat. If you embrace the unpredictability, riding a furgon can be one of your best Albanian experiences.
🚗 Car Rental: Freedom with a Few Challenges
Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Albania at your own pace. Remote beaches, mountain trails, wineries, and hidden ruins become accessible. Rental desks are available at Tirana International Airport, major cities, and tourist hubs.
Typical rates: €20–€50 per day, depending on season and vehicle type.
Driving tips:
- Drive on the right-hand side.
- Main roads are decent, but rural routes can be narrow, potholed, or unpaved.
- Traffic in cities can be hectic; roundabouts and assertive drivers are common.
- Fuel stations are plentiful near cities but sparse in the mountains—fill up early.
Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license; an International Driving Permit is wise if your license isn’t in Latin script
- Minimum rental age is usually 21–25
- Credit card often required for deposit
Pro tip: For mountain drives or remote roads, consider a vehicle with higher clearance or 4×4 capability. If you’re not comfortable driving, hiring a local driver or joining a guided tour is a good alternative.
🚢 Ferries and Coastal Travel
Albania’s coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas is stunning, and ferries make it easy to combine land and sea travel. They connect Albania with Italy, Greece, and Montenegro, and short crossings add variety to your trip.
Key routes:
- Italy to Albania:
- Bari – Durrës (8 hrs, daily)
- Ancona – Durrës (10–12 hrs, several times weekly)
- Brindisi – Vlora (4–6 hrs)
- Greece to Albania:
- Corfu – Saranda (30–60 mins, frequent in summer)
- Igoumenitsa – Vlora (1.5–2 hrs) or Durrës (5 hrs)
- Montenegro to Albania:
- Bar – Durrës (4–5 hrs, limited service)
Major operators: Adriatica Traghetti, GNV, Ionian Group, Ventouris Ferries, European Seaways, Anek Lines.
Tips for ferry travel:
- Book early in summer; routes fill fast.
- Many ferries allow vehicles—reserve spots ahead of time.
- Facilities vary; some have cafes and cabins for longer trips.
✈️ Airports: Your Gateway to Albania
Tirana International Airport (TIA)
Located 17 km from the capital, TIA is Albania’s main hub, with flights to major European cities (London, Rome, Vienna, Istanbul). Inside the terminal you’ll find ATMs, car rental desks, SIM card kiosks, and cafes.
Getting to Tirana city center:
- Taxi: 20–30 mins, 1,500–2,000 lek (€12–€16). Use official airport taxis and confirm fare.
- Shuttle bus: 30 mins, 300 lek (€2.50). Stops at Skanderbeg Square; runs several times daily.
- Private transfer: Pre-booked cars cost €25–€30. Good for groups or families.
- Ride-hailing apps: Bolt operates in Tirana (Uber does not). Similar pricing to taxis.
- Car rental: From €25–€40 per day; available at airport desks.
Other airports
- Kukës International Airport (KFZ): Serves northern Albania; good for diaspora flights and budget carriers.
- Vlora International Airport: Under construction; will open access to southern Albania and the Riviera.
Currently, there are no domestic flights, but as new airports develop, this could change.
Essential Travel Tips
- Carry cash: Especially for furgonë, taxis, rural shops. Cards are less common outside cities.
- Start early: Transport to remote areas slows after mid-afternoon.
- Language: English is limited outside urban centers; a few Albanian phrases or a translation app help.
- Weather and roads: Mountain passes can close in winter or storms; check conditions before travel.
- Stay flexible: Delays and detours are common—embrace them as part of the adventure.
Final Thoughts: The Journey Is the Destination
Getting around Albania isn’t always straightforward—but that’s part of its charm. Whether you’re squeezed into a lively furgon, cruising the coast by car, or crossing the Ionian Sea by ferry, each journey adds to the story of your trip. With some preparation, patience, and a spirit of adventure, transportation here becomes more than logistics—it’s an immersion into Albanian life.