Tirana International Airport provides comprehensive services designed to make your journey comfortable and convenient. From financial facilities to dining options, medical care to shopping, the terminal offers everything modern travelers expect. Most services operate throughout flight hours, with essential facilities available 24/7.
Airport Information and Assistance
Information desks scattered throughout the terminal provide help with flight queries, airport navigation, and general passenger questions. Staff speak Albanian and English, with many also conversant in Italian and German. These desks handle everything from directions to terminal facilities to assistance coordinating special services.
Currency Exchange and Banking
Multiple currency exchange offices operate throughout the terminal, converting major world currencies to Albanian Lek or euros. Rates prove competitive though slightly less favorable than downtown exchange bureaus. Three main companies provide currency services at various locations.
Currency Exchange Providers
Operating hours for currency exchange typically run from 6:00 AM until midnight, though specific hours vary by provider and may extend for late flights. Some services close earlier on weekends, so travelers arriving late should plan accordingly.
ATM Locations
Cash machines dot the terminal in convenient locations for both arriving and departing passengers. Most ATMs dispense Albanian Lek, with some also offering euros. Withdrawal fees apply for international cards, typically €3-€5 per transaction depending on your home bank's policies.
ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, and other major international networks. Daily withdrawal limits vary by your card issuer. Machines provide instructions in Albanian, English, and often Italian. You'll find ATMs in the check-in area, arrivals hall, and near gates in the departures zone.
Currency Tips for Travelers
- Euros widely accepted throughout Albania alongside Albanian Lek
- Exchange small amounts at airport, better rates available in city
- ATM fees less than exchange commission for moderate withdrawals
- Notify your bank before traveling to avoid blocked cards
- Keep some cash—rural areas may not accept cards
Duty-Free Shopping
Aelia Duty Free operates the exclusive duty-free shopping at Tirana Airport, a partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail launched in January 2025. The main store occupies prime space in the departures area after security, offering tax-free prices on premium goods. For a full list of retail options, see our Shopping & Dining page.
What's Available
The duty-free shop stocks comprehensive selections across multiple categories. Premium perfumes and cosmetics from brands like Dior, Chanel, and Estée Lauder fill dedicated beauty sections. Spirits include international labels plus Albanian raki and local wines showcasing regional production. Tobacco products, though taxed differently, cost less than city retail prices.
Albanian specialty items make excellent gifts—traditional handicrafts, local honey, artisanal preserves, and regional delicacies occupy thoughtfully curated spaces. Fashion accessories including watches, sunglasses, and jewelry from recognized brands round out the offerings. Electronics and travel essentials provide last-minute necessities.
The store underwent comprehensive refurbishment in March 2025, creating modern retail spaces with improved product displays. Plans include expansion as passenger numbers continue growing. Shopping here proves convenient though not dramatically cheaper than European duty-free standards.
Other Shops and Retail
Beyond duty-free, approximately 11 additional shops operate throughout the terminal. These include news and magazine stands selling international publications, snacks, and travel essentials. Souvenir shops feature Albanian-themed merchandise, from traditional clothing items to decorative crafts.
Retail outlets appear both landside (before security) and airside (after security). Most shops open one hour before the first scheduled flight and close when the last flight departs. None operate 24 hours, so overnight travelers face limited shopping options. Payment accepts both cash and cards universally.
Restaurants and Dining
The airport provides varied dining options catering to different tastes and budgets. From quick coffee stops to sit-down meals, passengers find adequate choices throughout the terminal. No restaurants operate continuously through the night, but coverage spans most flight times.
Dining Options
Menu prices reflect airport premiums though not excessively. Expect to pay €5-€8 for coffee and pastries, €8-€15 for sandwiches and light meals, €15-€25 for full restaurant dining. Quality generally satisfies without impressing. Albanian specialties like byrek (savory pastry) appear on several menus for authentic local flavor.
For details about specific restaurants and bars, visit our dedicated shopping and dining page.
VIP Lounge and Business Services
The Tirana Airport Business Lounge welcomes business and first-class passengers plus lounge membership cardholders. Located on the first floor above the duty-free store in the departures area, it offers respite from terminal crowds. Economy passengers can purchase day passes at the entrance subject to capacity.
Lounge Amenities
Day pass prices typically run around €25-€30 for three-hour access. Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and similar programs provide entry. Some premium credit cards include lounge access as cardholder benefits. Walk-ins get accepted when space permits, though booking ahead guarantees admission during peak periods.
For comprehensive lounge information including pricing and booking, see our VIP lounges guide.
Medical Services
First aid services operate 24 hours daily for medical emergencies and minor health issues. A nurse staffs the medical station continuously, with doctors available on call for serious situations. The facility handles everything from minor injuries to medication dispensing for common ailments.
Common travel ailments like headaches, upset stomachs, or minor cuts receive immediate attention. Staff provide blood pressure monitoring, basic diagnostic assessment, and over-the-counter medications when appropriate. Serious medical emergencies trigger ambulance response to transfer patients to Tirana hospitals.
Lost and Found
The Lost and Found office handles items left behind in the terminal or reported missing after flights. Located in the arrivals hall, the office maintains databases of recovered items and connects travelers with their belongings. Report losses as quickly as possible to improve recovery chances.
Lost Property Contact: (+355) 4 238 1753
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Daily, during operational hours
Location: Arrivals hall, near baggage claim
For lost luggage specifically, contact your airline's baggage service desk located near the baggage claim carousels. Each airline manages its own lost baggage separately from the airport's general lost and found.
Baggage Services
Baggage Wrapping
Plastic wrapping machines protect luggage from damage and tampering. These services operate near check-in counters, charging modest fees to encase bags in protective film. Particularly useful for fragile items, oddly shaped luggage, or valuable contents requiring extra security.
Staff operate the wrapping equipment, ensuring complete coverage while leaving handles and wheels accessible. Wrapping costs approximately 500-700 Lek (€4-€6) per bag. The service proves popular with travelers carrying gifts, electronics, or items that might shift during handling.
Luggage Storage
Unlike larger European airports, Tirana currently lacks dedicated left-luggage facilities for long-term storage. Passengers cannot check bags for extended periods between flights or while exploring the city. This absence affects travelers with lengthy layovers or those visiting Tirana before departure.
Hotels in the city center sometimes accommodate luggage storage for guests. Consider this option if you need to store bags while sightseeing before an evening flight. Some car rental companies also permit short-term luggage holding for customers.
Children's Facilities
Families traveling with young children find dedicated spaces designed for their needs. Two children's play areas occupy strategic locations in the departures zone, providing entertainment while waiting for flights. These supervised spaces welcome children aged 0-6 years accompanied by adults.
Baby care rooms include changing tables, feeding areas, bottle warmers, and comfortable nursing chairs. These facilities make traveling with infants significantly easier. Free access with boarding passes, operating hours typically run 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
WiFi and Internet Access
Free wireless internet blankets the entire terminal, requiring no registration or payment. Simply select the airport WiFi network and connect—no passwords needed. Connection speeds prove adequate for browsing, email, and social media, though bandwidth limitations affect heavy streaming or downloads.
Signal strength remains strong throughout most areas, though crowded zones during peak hours sometimes experience slowdowns. The business lounge offers dedicated higher-speed connections if you need better performance. Charging stations with USB ports and power outlets scatter across seating areas for device power.
Public telephone booths sit opposite the check-in hall and in arrivals for those needing landline access. Multimedia kiosks in departures provide internet access and telephony services for passengers without devices.
Smoking Areas
Tirana Airport maintains strict no-smoking policies throughout most of the terminal, reflecting modern health standards. One designated indoor smoking area operates within Segafredo Bar in the arrivals area. This ventilated lounge provides the only place to smoke without exiting the terminal.
No smoking zones exist airside (after security) in the departures area. Passengers must refrain from smoking from security checkpoint through boarding. This policy aligns with international aviation standards and prioritizes passenger health and comfort.
Special Assistance Services
Passengers requiring mobility assistance or other special services should arrange help when booking flights. The airport provides comprehensive support for travelers with reduced mobility, disabilities, or special needs. Wheelchairs, escort services, and accessible facilities ensure everyone navigates the terminal comfortably.
Special Assistance Contact: (+355) 4 238 1800
Email: [email protected]
Advance Notice Required: 48 hours preferred
Services include wheelchair provision, assistance through security and immigration, escort to gates, priority boarding, and help with baggage. Staff receive training in disability awareness and support techniques. Accessible toilets, ramps, and elevators maintain barrier-free movement throughout the terminal.
For detailed information about accessibility and reduced mobility services, visit our dedicated reduced mobility page.
Meeting Points
Designated meeting areas help passengers find companions or pickup parties efficiently. Clear signage marks these zones in both arrivals and departures areas. The main meeting point sits in the public arrivals hall near the exit doors, providing an obvious landmark for reunions.
Free WiFi and charging stations near meeting points let waiting parties stay connected. Seating accommodates those expecting delayed arrivals. Information screens display live flight status so greeters track incoming flights accurately.
Car Rental Services
Numerous car rental companies maintain counters in the arrivals hall for immediate vehicle pickup. International brands like Hertz, Sixt, Avis, Europcar, and Enterprise operate alongside Albanian companies offering competitive rates. Reserve vehicles in advance online or arrange rentals upon arrival.
Rental desks cluster near the arrivals exit, making vehicle collection straightforward after baggage claim. Cars park in designated lots outside the terminal, typically 3-5 minutes' walk from counters. All major rental agencies provide 24/7 contact numbers for after-hours returns and emergencies.
For comprehensive rental information including pricing, requirements, and company comparisons, see our detailed car rental guide.
Banking Services
Full banking services beyond ATMs and currency exchange operate at limited hours. Bank branches in the terminal handle transactions like money transfers, account inquiries, and financial services for business travelers. These facilities serve primarily Albanian residents though they assist international travelers when needed.
Standard banking hours apply—typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with reduced weekend availability. ATMs provide 24-hour cash access when branches close. Most banking needs for tourists get adequately met through ATMs and exchange services.
Communication Services
Public telephones, though increasingly obsolete, still function for passengers needing landline calls. International calling cards work in these phones, or direct billing applies for credit card calls. Multimedia kiosks provide internet-based communication options including email and messaging services.
Mobile phone coverage remains excellent throughout the terminal. Albanian carriers provide strong 4G/5G signals. International roaming works reliably for most European and global carriers. Local SIM cards can be purchased from shops in the terminal for extended stays requiring better data rates.
Religious Services
A multi-faith prayer room provides quiet space for religious observance and meditation. Located in the terminal's secure area, it welcomes travelers of all faiths seeking peaceful reflection. The room offers prayer mats, religious texts, and directional markers for Muslim prayers.
No permanent religious services or chaplains operate at the airport, but the prayer room serves individual worship needs. The space maintains cleanliness and respects the diverse spiritual practices of international travelers.
Security and Police Services
Security personnel patrol the terminal continuously, maintaining safety and order. Airport police handle emergencies, lost documents, and security issues. For passport problems or emergency travel documents, contact the police station located near the check-in area.
Report thefts, suspicious behavior, or safety concerns to any uniformed security officer or information desk. Emergency response teams train regularly and react quickly to incidents. The airport maintains modern security equipment and procedures meeting international aviation standards.
Additional Amenities
Operating Hours
The terminal operates 24 hours daily, accommodating early morning and late-night flights. However, individual services maintain varying schedules. Most shops and restaurants close overnight when no flights operate. Essential services like information desks, medical assistance, and security remain available continuously.
Plan ahead for overnight layovers—food and shopping options disappear after the last evening flight until early morning service resumes. The business lounge closes overnight as well. Water fountains, WiFi, seating, and restrooms function 24/7 for overnight travelers.