Getting around
Tirana Bus Terminals: Which Station for Your Trip
The most common mistake travellers make in Albania is going to the wrong bus station. Tirana has two main intercity terminals plus the airport bus — here is which one you need.
Last checked: October 2026 · by Benard, local guide
Which terminal for which city
| Destination | Leave from | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Durrës | North–South Terminal | 1 h |
| Shkodër | North–South Terminal | 2 h |
| Berat | North–South Terminal | 2 h 30 min |
| Vlorë | North–South Terminal | 2 h 30 min |
| Gjirokastër | North–South Terminal | 4 h |
| Sarandë / Himarë | North–South Terminal | 5–6 h |
| Elbasan | East departures (Elbasan road) | 1 h |
| Pogradec / Korçë | East departures (Elbasan road) | 3–3 h 30 min |
| Tirana Airport (TIA) | Rinas Express, city centre | 30–40 min |
Times are typical without traffic. Departure points for eastern routes have moved in the past — confirm locally on the day.
How to get to the North–South Terminal
The terminal sits on the north-west side of Tirana, near the Kthesa e Kamzës roundabout on the road towards Durrës. A taxi from the centre costs roughly 700–1,000 lek; city buses also run there from the centre.
Buses vs furgons
- Buses run on fixed departure times and have luggage space.
- Furgons (minibuses) leave when full, are often faster, and drop you anywhere on the route.
- Both are paid in cash on board. Keep small notes.
- Last departures to far destinations are often early afternoon — start early.
Prefer a door-to-door plan? Compare with a rental car in our trip planner, which shows real driving times.
FAQ
- Where do buses to Sarandë and Ksamil leave Tirana?
- From the North–South Bus Terminal (Terminali Veri-Jug) on the north-west edge of the city. Buses to Sarandë take around 5–6 hours; for Ksamil change in Sarandë or take a direct summer service.
- How do I get from Tirana Airport to the city by bus?
- The airport bus (Rinas Express) leaves from outside arrivals roughly every hour and drops in central Tirana near the National Museum/Skanderbeg Square. Pay the driver in lek.
- Can I buy bus tickets online?
- Mostly not. You pay the driver or the conductor in cash (lek) when boarding. Some intercity companies sell seats in their booth at the terminal.
- Are timetables reliable?
- Departures are frequent on main routes but timetables are not centrally published. Arrive early, ask at the terminal booths and confirm the destination with the driver.