Albania is a hidden gem in the Balkans, offering stunning Adriatic coastlines, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and ancient history. From the vibrant capital of Tirana to the Ottoman-era architecture of Berat and the pristine beaches of the Albanian Riviera, Albania delivers an authentic European experience without the crowds.
- Public
- City buses operate in Tirana and major cities at 40 Lek ($0.40) per ride but can be crowded and infrequent. No metro system exists in Albania.
- Taxi
- Bolt and Uber apps provide safe, affordable taxis in Tirana. Standard metered taxis available in all cities but always agree on price or use meter first.
- Rental
- Car rental is the best way to explore outside cities. Good road network on main highways; mountain roads require careful driving. $25-50/day for economy car.
- Walking
- Tirana center and old town areas of Berat, Gjirokastër, and Shkodër are very walkable. Cobblestone streets in historic areas can challenge wheeled luggage.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Airport shuttle bus - $3 (runs every 30 min, 30-40 min journey)
- Shuttle
- Taxi - $20-25 fixed rate to center (pre-book or use meter)
- Bus
- Uber/Bolt rideshare - $15-20
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
- Tirana city
- City buses cost 40 Lek ($0.40) per ride. Buses can be crowded but cover most of the city. Buy tickets from kiosks or drivers.
- Other cities
- Most cities have local bus networks with similar pricing (30-50 Lek per ride)
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, bike_rental
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Description
- Taxis are widely available in cities. Starting fare is 300-400 Lek ($3-4) with 80-100 Lek per km. Always insist on meter or agree on price beforehand.
- Apps
- Bolt and Uber operate in Tirana, offering transparent pricing and convenience
- Apps
- Bolt is most popular, Uber also available in Tirana
- App Names
- Bolt is most popular, Uber also available in Tirana
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
The primary mode of intercity transport. Buses (called 'furgons' for minibuses) connect all major cities and towns.
- Tips
- Furgons depart when full. Book through your accommodation or arrive at bus stations early. Companies include Albtransport, Gjirafa Travel.
Typical Routes
- Tirana berat
- €6-8, 2.5 hours
- Tirana saranda
- €14-16, 6-7 hours
- Tirana shkoder
- €4-5, 2 hours
- Tirana vlore
- €7-9, 3 hours
- Tirana gjirokastra
- €12-14, 5 hours
Flights
No scheduled domestic flights within Albania due to small size of country
- Alternative
- All destinations reachable by bus within 6-7 hours from Tirana
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza
From centre: 17 km northwest of Tirana
Options: Airport shuttle bus - $3 (runs every 30 min, 30-40 min journey); Taxi - $20-25 fixed rate to center (pre-book or use meter); Uber/Bolt rideshare - $15-20; Private transfer - $25-35 (book in advance)
Kukës Airport
From centre: North Albania
Options: Limited service - mainly charter flights; Taxi to nearby cities available
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Bolt
Most popular and reliable rideshare app in Albania, operating in Tirana and major cities with transparent pricing and driver ratings
Uber
Available in Tirana with similar functionality to Bolt; driver availability can be lower than Bolt outside central Tirana
Lime
E-scooter and bike sharing app operating in central Tirana for short urban trips at $1 + $0.15-0.25/min
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Download the Bolt app before arriving — it's the safest and most affordable taxi option in Tirana and eliminates fare disputes with unlicensed drivers
Furgons (shared minibuses) are the backbone of Albanian intercity transport — cheaper than buses and leave when full from city bus terminals
Renting a car unlocks Albania's most spectacular scenery — the Llogara Pass drive, Albanian Alps, and river valleys are inaccessible by public transport
The Koman Lake ferry to Valbona (departing 9AM daily) is one of Europe's great scenic journeys — book the connecting furgon from Shkodër in advance
Always carry cash for intercity furgons and rural transport — card payments are not accepted on public transport or local minibuses