Getting around Tirana International Airport couldn't be simpler. The compact single-terminal design means you'll never walk more than five minutes between any two points. Our interactive maps help you locate everything from check-in desks to boarding gates, parking areas to ground transport options.

Terminal Location Map

The airport sits approximately 11 kilometers northwest of Tirana's city center, in the municipality of Krujë. Major highways connect directly to the terminal—you'll spot clear signage from both the SH1 and SH2 routes. The journey from downtown Tirana takes just 20-25 minutes under normal traffic conditions. For detailed instructions, see our driving directions.

Distance from Tirana Center: 11 km (6.8 miles) northwest
Municipality: Krujë, Durrës County
Coordinates: 41°24.88'N, 19°43.23'E
Elevation: 125 feet (38 meters) above sea level

Interactive map showing airport location and surrounding area


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Terminal Building Layout

Tirana Airport operates through a single modern terminal that handles all passenger traffic. The building extends across one main floor, though different levels serve arrivals and departures. This straightforward design eliminates confusion—you won't get lost wondering which terminal your flight departs from.

Terminal Overview:

  • Structure: Single terminal building, opened 2007, expanded 2009
  • Check-in Desks: 29 counters on departures level
  • Boarding Gates: 7 gates (Gates 1-7)
  • Arrivals: Ground floor with baggage claim and customs
  • Departures: Upper level with check-in, security, and gates
  • Total Area: Compact, modern facility designed for efficiency
  • Key Terminal Areas

    Arrivals Level (Ground Floor)

    International passengers descend to ground level after disembarking. Passport control comes first—Albanian citizens enjoy dedicated fast lanes. EU and Schengen passport holders typically process quickly through automated gates when available. Other nationalities queue at staffed immigration desks.

    Baggage claim follows immigration. Multiple carousels distribute luggage—electronic screens indicate which carousel serves your flight. The customs area separates into green and red channels. Walk through green when you've got nothing to declare. Use red if you're carrying goods exceeding duty-free limits.

  • Immigration Control: Automated and staffed lanes
  • Baggage Claim: Multiple carousels with flight information displays
  • Customs Exit: Green and red channel system
  • ATMs: Located after customs, before exit
  • SIM Cards: Vodafone store in arrivals hall
  • Information Desk: Near main exit doors
  • Transport: Taxis, buses, and car rentals immediately outside
  • Departures Level

    Enter the terminal at departures level. Check-in counters line the main hall—29 positions serve various airlines. Electronic displays show which counters handle each flight. Self-service kiosks speed the process for passengers without checked bags.

    After checking in, head through security screening. Modern equipment processes passengers efficiently. Once past security, you'll enter the airside area where all seven boarding gates wait. Duty-free shopping, restaurants, and the VIP lounge occupy this post-security zone.

  • Check-in Area: 29 counters plus self-service kiosks
  • Security Screening: Central checkpoint for all passengers
  • Boarding Gates: Gates 1-7, all within 5-minute walk
  • Duty-Free Shop: Aelia Duty Free, central location
  • Restaurants & Bars: Multiple dining options airside
  • VIP Lounge: Business class facility near gates
  • Smoking Area: Designated terrace outside gate area
  • Parking Areas Map

    The airport maintains three parking zones totaling 2,600 spaces. All lots sit within easy walking distance of the terminal—none require shuttle buses. Covered and open-air options accommodate different budgets and weather preferences.

    Parking Locations:

  • P1 (Short-Term): Directly opposite terminal entrance, 2-minute walk
  • P2 (Long-Term): Adjacent to P1, covered walkway to terminal
  • P3 (Economy): Outdoor lot, 5-minute walk via covered path
  • Motorcycle Parking: Free designated area near main entrance
  • Disabled Parking: Reserved spaces closest to terminal doors
  • More details about rates and reservations appear on our dedicated parking page.

    Ground Transport Connections

    Taxi Ranks

    Official taxi service by Auto Holiday Albania operates from stands outside the arrivals exit. Yellow taxis wait 24/7. Fixed rates eliminate price negotiation—expect around 2,500 Albanian Lek (€22-25) to central Tirana. The journey takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

    Bus Station

    Airport Express buses operated by LUNA shpk depart from designated stops outside arrivals. Service runs every hour, 24 hours daily. Buses terminate at Tirana National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in the city center. Journey time averages 30 minutes. Tickets cost 400 Lek (€3.50).

    Car Rental Area

    Major rental companies maintain desks in the arrivals hall. Hertz, Europcar, Avis, and local operators serve customers immediately after customs. Parking for rental vehicles occupies a dedicated zone adjacent to P1. Representatives escort customers to their reserved vehicles.

    Transport Pickup Locations

  • Taxis: Exit arrivals, turn right, taxi rank 20 meters ahead
  • Airport Bus: Exit arrivals, turn left, bus stop marked clearly
  • Car Rentals: Desk in arrivals hall, vehicles in adjacent lot
  • Private Transfers: Meet-and-greet at arrivals gate
  • Hotel Shuttles: Various pickup points outside terminal
  • Access Roads & Highways

    Highway infrastructure improved dramatically when the new A1 motorway opened in 2024. This connection, managed by the Albanian Road Authority (ARrSh), links the airport to Tirana's ring road system efficiently. Clear signage guides drivers from both northern and southern approaches.

    Major Routes:

  • From Tirana City: Take SH2 northwest, follow airport signs, 20 min drive
  • From Durrës: SH2 south toward Tirana, exit at airport signs, 30 min drive
  • From North Albania: A1 motorway to SH1, then airport exit
  • From South Albania: Follow signs to Tirana, then airport directional signs
  • Future Rail Connection

    An electrified light rail line between Tirana and Durrës will include an airport station. Construction progresses with completion targeted for 2027. This rail link will provide fast, affordable access from the city center. Plans show the station connecting directly to the terminal building via covered walkway.

    Terminal Facilities Map

    Essential services dot the terminal strategically. You'll find ATMs, currency exchange, information desks, restrooms, charging stations, and first aid facilities throughout both levels. WiFi reaches everywhere—no dead zones exist in this compact building. For a full list, see our terminal services page.

    Service Locations:

  • Information Desks: Main departures hall (center) and arrivals exit
  • ATMs: Arrivals hall (3 machines), departures hall (2 machines), gate area (2 machines)
  • Currency Exchange: Arrivals hall and airside departures
  • Lost & Found: Ground floor, near arrivals exit
  • First Aid: Departures level, near security checkpoint
  • Prayer Room: Airside area, between gates 3 and 4
  • Charging Stations: All gate seating areas and main halls
  • Downloadable Maps

    Detailed terminal maps are available at information desks throughout the airport. Digital versions can be downloaded from the official airport website. Mobile apps also provide interactive navigation—particularly helpful for first-time visitors.

    📱 Navigation Tips

    • Download offline maps before travel in case WiFi fails
    • Screenshot your gate assignment after check-in
    • Single terminal means you can't board wrong flights
    • Walking from entrance to furthest gate takes 8 minutes maximum
    • Information desks provide printed maps in multiple languages
    • Staff throughout terminal speak English and assist with directions
    • Clear signage in English and Albanian guides you everywhere

    Nearby Points of Interest

    Several attractions sit close enough for quick visits if you've got extended layovers. Krujë Castle, a medieval fortress with stunning views, lies just 20 minutes north. The historic bazaar beneath the castle sells traditional Albanian crafts. Durrës beaches stretch along the coast 30 minutes west—perfect for a few hours of seaside relaxation. Find more ideas on our Tirana tourism page.

  • Krujë Castle: 20 km north, medieval fortress and museum
  • Old Bazaar of Krujë: Traditional market, handicrafts and souvenirs
  • Durrës Beaches: 32 km west, Adriatic Sea coastline
  • Tirana City Center: 11 km southeast, capital city attractions
  • Prezë Castle: 4 km west, Byzantine fortress ruins
  • Contact Information

    Airport Information Services

    Main Switchboard: (+355) 4 238 1800

    Information Desk: Available 24/7 in terminal

    Website: www.tirana-airport.com

    Lost & Found: (+355) 4 238 1812

    Customer Service Email: [email protected]