Buses connecting Tirana Airport with the capital and other Albanian cities offer the most budget-friendly transport option available. Whether you're heading straight into Tirana's center or traveling onward to coastal destinations, reliable bus services operate daily with clear schedules and affordable fares. No advance booking required - just show up, pay the driver, and you're sorted.
Airport Express to Tirana City Center
The main airport shuttle, operated by LU-NA shpk and known locally as Rinas Express, runs 24 hours every single day between the airport and Skanderbeg Square in central Tirana. This makes it the most convenient public transport choice regardless of when your flight lands. Buses depart every hour on the hour, making schedule planning straightforward.
Modern coaches feature comfortable seating, air conditioning, and ample luggage space in the cargo hold underneath. You won't struggle fitting standard suitcases and backpacks. The journey takes 30 minutes in light traffic, though expect 40-45 minutes during morning and evening rush periods. Still beats sitting in a taxi watching the meter climb.
Where to Find the Airport Bus
Exit the arrivals hall and turn left. Walk past the KFC restaurant and continue along the row of car rental offices. Follow signs pointing toward "Autobuses" - they're visible overhead. The bus parking area sits at the rear of the car park, about a 50-meter walk from the terminal exit.
Multiple coaches wait in bays 9 and 10. Drivers stand nearby directing passengers to the next departing bus. Pop your luggage in the cargo hold, climb aboard, and grab any available seat. The attendant collects fares once everyone's settled. Buses typically fill up fast during peak travel times, so arriving 10-15 minutes early guarantees a spot.
Buying Tickets and Payment
No advance booking exists or is needed. Pay directly to the conductor on board the bus. Cash works best - bring Albanian lek or euros. The fare is 400 lek per person regardless of luggage quantity. Credit cards aren't accepted, so hit an ATM before boarding if you've only got plastic. Drivers sometimes carry change for small bills but don't count on breaking a 50-euro note.
Some travelers book tickets online through third-party platforms like GetYourGuide or Gjirafa Travel, but this mainly provides confirmation peace of mind rather than actual necessity. Walking up and buying directly from the driver costs the same and involves zero planning.
City Center Drop-off Point
The bus terminates behind the National Theater of Opera and Ballet, right near Skanderbeg Square - Tirana's central hub. Most major hotels, restaurants, and attractions sit within walking distance. If your accommodation is further out, you'll find taxi ranks directly in front of the bus stop. City bus routes also radiate from this area, connecting to neighborhoods across Tirana.
For travelers continuing elsewhere in Albania, the North and South Bus Terminal sits about 10 minutes from the city center drop-off. The airport bus can let you off early near the Casa Italia shopping center if you're catching an onward intercity bus. Just ask the driver beforehand.
Airport Express Tips
- Buses depart exactly on the hour - 6am, 7am, 8am, etc.
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early during summer months when demand peaks
- Luggage space is generous but fills on busy flights
- Keep small valuables with you rather than in cargo hold
- Service runs identically every day including holidays
- Return buses from city center operate 6am-midnight only
- WiFi isn't available on board but most phones work fine
Intercity Bus Services from the Airport
Several companies operate direct buses from Tirana Airport to popular Albanian destinations, eliminating the need to travel into the city center first. These services work brilliantly if you're heading straight to the coast or northern regions. Schedules coordinate loosely with flight arrival patterns, though timing your connection requires some planning.
Airport to Durres
Durres, Albania's main port city and a popular beach destination, connects to the airport via Adis Travel & Tours shuttle service. The coastal city sits just 30 minutes away, making this one of the quickest intercity routes available. Seven daily departures serve travelers throughout the day.
Buses drop passengers at Durres Bus Terminal near the port, about 15 minutes walk from the city center beach area. From there, local city buses run frequently to hotels along the waterfront. A single fare costs 600 lek, significantly cheaper than taxi alternatives which charge 2,500-3,000 lek.
Tirana Airport to Durres Schedule
Airport to Vlore
Vlore marks the beginning of the Albanian Riviera, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. Hermes Airport operates direct shuttle services covering the 150-kilometer journey in approximately 2.5 hours. Nine daily departures include convenient late-night and early-morning options matching typical flight schedules.
The route passes through Durres before continuing south along the coast. Buses terminate at Vlore's bus station on Rruga Demokracia, recently moved from its old location near the Independence Monument. Taxis wait at the station to ferry passengers to beach hotels.
Tirana Airport to Vlore Schedule
Airport to Shkoder
Northern Albania's largest city, Shkoder serves as gateway to the Albanian Alps and Lake Skadar National Park. Hermes Airport runs four daily services covering the 100-kilometer distance in roughly 90 minutes. The route follows the main highway north through flat agricultural plains before reaching the city.
Shkoder's bus station sits near the city center, within walking distance of most accommodations. Travelers heading to mountain destinations like Theth or Valbona typically overnight in Shkoder before continuing via minibus the following morning.
Tirana Airport to Shkoder Schedule
Airport to Fier
Fier functions primarily as a transit point rather than destination itself, though the nearby Apollonia Archaeological Park attracts history enthusiasts. Likometaj Aeroport operates frequent shuttles throughout the day, with the journey taking about 90 minutes. Most passengers use Fier to connect onward to Berat or southern destinations.
Tirana Airport to Fier Schedule
Connecting to Other Destinations
Getting to Sarande
No direct bus runs from the airport to Sarande, Albania's southernmost beach resort. You've got two options: take the airport shuttle into Tirana and catch an intercity bus from the North and South Terminal, or ride to Vlore and transfer there. The Tirana option offers more frequent departures - buses leave for Sarande eight times daily between 5:30am and 10pm.
Total journey via Tirana takes 5-6 hours including the connection wait. Going via Vlore saves maybe 30 minutes but requires precise timing since Vlore-Sarande buses run less frequently. Factor in at least 90 minutes buffer between your airport arrival and the Tirana departure if connecting same-day.
Getting to Berat
The UNESCO-listed town of Berat requires traveling to Tirana's bus terminal first. Buses from the capital to Berat run frequently throughout the day, taking about 2.5 hours. Alternatively, catch the Fier bus from the airport and transfer there, though direct Tirana buses prove simpler for most travelers.
Getting to Gjirokaster
Another UNESCO site, Gjirokaster sits in Albania's far south near the Greek border. This 4-hour journey necessitates going through Tirana's bus terminal, where around a dozen daily departures serve the route. Some travelers overnight in Tirana rather than pushing through after landing.
Tirana's Main Bus Terminals
North and South Terminal
Located in the Kamez neighborhood outside central Tirana, this terminal handles most intercity bus traffic. Destinations include Shkoder, Berat, Vlore, Gjirokaster, Sarande, and Himare. The terminal sits near Casa Italia shopping center, recognizable from most maps.
Reach it from Skanderbeg Square via city bus or taxi. The airport shuttle can drop you nearby on request - tell the driver you're catching an onward bus. Walking distance from the drop-off makes transfers manageable with standard luggage.
East Terminal at TEG Mall
A newer addition, this terminal at Tirana East Gate mall serves routes to Pogradec, Korce, Elbasan, and international connections to Ohrid in North Macedonia. Less convenient for airport arrivals since it requires crossing the city, though taxis handle this in 20 minutes.
Practical Information
Luggage Allowances
Standard suitcases and backpacks travel free on all services. For more details, see our baggage information page. Oversized items like surfboards or excessive baggage might incur small surcharges - discuss with the driver before loading. Cargo holds accommodate typical tourist luggage without issue.
Schedule Reliability
The airport express to Tirana runs like clockwork since it's a commercial operation. Intercity buses stick generally to schedules but can depart 10-15 minutes early if fully booked or late if waiting for passengers. Building in buffer time prevents missed connections.
Booking and Reservations
The airport shuttle requires no booking whatsoever. For intercity buses, you can typically just show up and board. However, during July-August peak season, some routes to beach destinations fill up. Calling the operator a day ahead secures your spot, though phone conversations in English vary in success.
Online booking platforms exist but add minimal value since buses rarely sell out except peak summer weekends. Paying the driver directly in cash remains standard practice.
Rush Hour Considerations
The Tirana-airport highway clogs during morning rush (7-9am) and evening rush (4-6:30pm). A normally 30-minute trip can stretch to an hour. Early morning and late night departures move fastest. Plan extra time if catching flights during these windows.
Safety and Comfort
Albanian bus services operate safely with modern vehicles and experienced drivers. Seatbelts are required by law though enforcement varies. Keep valuables in your daypack rather than checked luggage. Pickpocketing isn't common but basic precautions never hurt.
Air conditioning functions on most buses, crucial during summer months. Restroom stops don't happen on short routes under 2 hours. Longer intercity journeys include a break midway, usually at a service station with facilities.
Bus Service Contacts
LU-NA (Airport Express): +355 69 20 00 000
Hermes Airport: +355 69 40 96 000
Adis Travel & Tours: +355 68 20 11 000
Likometaj Aeroport: Check at airport desk
Airport Information: +355 4 238 1800
Alternatives to Bus Travel
When Buses Don't Fit Your Schedule
Late-night arrivals after midnight limit bus options to the airport express only. Intercity buses don't operate through the night except for one or two early morning departures. If your flight lands at 2am and you need to reach Vlore immediately, taxis or pre-booked private transfers become the only realistic choice.
Groups of three or more might find taxi costs comparable to bus fares when split. Four people paying 400 lek each equals 1,600 lek total - a taxi to central Tirana costs about 2,000-2,500 lek. Time savings and door-to-door convenience tip the balance for some travelers.
Rental Cars
Picking up a rental car immediately after landing makes sense for road trip itineraries. You'll save time not coordinating bus schedules and gain flexibility exploring at your own pace. Daily rates start around €20-30 for economy cars, competitive with multiple bus tickets if you're covering significant distances.