Tirana Airport (TIA) - Complete Travel Guide 2025

How to Get from Tirana Airport to City Center

Transport	Price	Duration	Schedule	Best For
Airport Bus	400 LEK (~€4)	30-35 min	24/7 hourly	Budget travelers
Official Taxi	€22-25	20-25 min	24/7	Convenience
Private Transfer	From €28	20-25 min	Pre-book	Groups
Car Rental	From €20/day	20 min	Various	Road trips

Airport Express Bus to Tirana

The most economical option is the Airport Express bus operated by LU-NA shpk, costing just 400 Albanian Lek (approximately €4). The bus runs 24/7 with hourly departures and takes 30-35 minutes to reach Skanderbeg Square in central Tirana.

• Departures every hour on the hour (6:00, 7:00, 8:00, etc.)
• Cash payment only - Albanian Lek or Euros accepted
• Bus stop: Exit arrivals, turn left, follow "Autobuses" signs to bays 9-10
• Journey time: 30-35 minutes (up to 60 minutes in rush hour)
• Terminates at National Theatre near Skanderbeg Square

Official Airport Taxis

Official yellow taxis operated by Auto Holiday Albania charge a fixed rate of €22-25 to central Tirana. These taxis wait directly outside the arrivals terminal and offer the fastest option with a journey time of 20-25 minutes.

• Fixed rates - no negotiation needed
• Available 24/7 at the official taxi rank
• Direct door-to-door service
• Professional licensed drivers
• Cash or card payment accepted

About Tirana International Airport

Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA/LATI) is Albania's largest and busiest airport, located 17 kilometers northwest of Tirana in Rinas village. Named after Mother Teresa, the airport achieved a historic milestone in December 2024 by surpassing 10 million annual passengers, representing 48% growth over 2023.

The modern terminal, completed in 2007 and expanded in 2009, serves over 35 airlines connecting Tirana to 95+ destinations across Europe and beyond. Major carriers include Wizz Air (largest base), Ryanair (expanding in 2026), Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, and British Airways.

Terminal Facilities & Services

The compact single-terminal design allows passengers to walk from one end to the other in just 3 minutes. The airport operates 24 hours daily with 29 check-in counters, 7 boarding gates, and comprehensive passenger amenities.

• Free high-speed WiFi throughout the terminal (no registration required)
• Aelia Duty Free shop with international brands and Albanian souvenirs
• Multiple restaurants, cafés, and fast food options
• VIP Business Lounge with complimentary food, drinks, and showers
• ATMs and currency exchange offices in arrivals and departures
• Car rental desks: Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Sixt, and local agencies
• Mobile phone SIM card shops (Vodafone, ALBtelecom)
• Charging stations at all gates
• Wheelchair accessibility and special assistance services
• Lost and Found office in arrivals hall

Tirana Airport Parking

The airport provides 2,600 parking spaces across three lots (P1, P2, P3), all within walking distance of the terminal. The first 7 minutes are free, making it convenient for quick pick-ups and drop-offs.

• P1 Short-Term: Directly opposite terminal (2-minute walk)
• P2 Long-Term: Budget-friendly daily rates for extended stays
• P3 Economy: Most affordable option with covered walkways
• Kiss & Fly Zone: Quick drop-off area at terminal entrance
• Free motorcycle parking near main entrance

Airlines & Destinations

Tirana Airport serves as a major hub for budget airlines Wizz Air and Ryanair, offering extensive European connectivity at competitive prices. Turkish Airlines provides daily connections to Istanbul, while Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines connect to major European hubs in Frankfurt, Munich, and Vienna.

Popular destinations include London, Rome, Milan, Vienna, Munich, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Athens, Budapest, and Barcelona. The airport continues to expand its route network, with Ryanair announcing a significant new base opening in summer 2026.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Withdraw Albanian Lek from ATMs immediately after baggage claim (Albania is largely cash-based)
• OTP Bank and Credins Bank have lower ATM fees (€5-7 per withdrawal)
• Buy a local SIM card in the arrivals hall (€5-10 for data packages)
• Arrive 2 hours before European flights, 3 hours before long-haul flights
• Immigration is quick: Albanian citizens have fast lanes, EU passport holders use e-gates
• Avoid unofficial taxi drivers inside the terminal - use the official yellow taxis outside
• Book airport bus seats early during peak times to avoid hour-long waits

Future Development

An electrified light rail line connecting Tirana, the airport, and Durrës is under construction with completion targeted for 2027. The airport station will connect directly to the terminal via covered walkway, providing fast 15-20 minute service from Tirana city center at a fraction of current taxi costs.