The easiest ways to get around Albania are a rental car, intercity buses and shared minibuses called furgons. Passenger trains are very limited, and ferries serve a few routes such as Lake Koman and Sarandë to Corfu. Tirana relies on city buses and taxis, and has no metro.
Last checked: November 2026
How Long Does It Take to Travel Between Cities?
Times are approximate, and roads, traffic and season change them. Tirana is the main hub, and few routes run between other cities without passing through it.
| Route | By car | By bus or furgon |
|---|---|---|
| Tirana to Durrës | About 1 hour | About 1 hour |
| Tirana to Shkodër | About 2 hours | About 2 hours |
| Tirana to Berat | About 2 hours | About 2.5 to 3 hours |
| Tirana to Vlorë | About 2.5 to 3 hours | About 3 to 4 hours |
| Tirana to Gjirokastër | About 3.5 to 4 hours | About 4 hours |
| Tirana to Sarandë | About 4 to 4.5 hours | About 4 to 5 hours |
| Gjirokastër to Sarandë | About 1 hour | About 1.5 hours |
Which Transport Should You Choose?
- Choose a rental car or private transfer if you want the fastest and most flexible trip, especially on the Riviera.
- Choose buses and furgons if you want the cheapest way between main cities.
- Choose the Lake Koman ferry or the Llogara Pass coast road for scenery.
Are There Trains in Albania?
Albania’s national railway, Hekurudha Shqiptare, runs very few passenger trains, and there are no international passenger trains. The Tirana to Durrës line is under reconstruction, with reopening expected around the end of 2027. Do not rely on trains for sightseeing, and check hekurudha.al for the current timetable.
How Do Intercity Buses and Furgons Work?
Tirana has several intercity terminals, not one central station. The North-South Terminal on Rruga Kastriotët serves routes to Shkodër, Berat, Gjirokastër, Vlorë, Sarandë and Përmet. Other terminals near the Tirana-Elbasan motorway serve eastern routes. Furgons often leave when full, schedules are informal, and payment is usually in cash. Save the exact terminal location and ask your hotel to confirm departure times.
Which Ferries Operate in Albania?
- Sarandë to Corfu: run by Finikas Lines, Ionian Seaways and Albania Luxury Ferries. The crossing takes about 30 to 45 minutes by fast boat and 55 to 70 minutes by conventional ferry. Check the Finikas Lines and Ionian Seaways timetables, which change by season.
- Lake Koman: the ferry between Koman and Fierzë takes about 2 to 2.5 hours and usually runs from April to November, with a morning departure from Koman. Check the operator Berisha Ferry for the current timetable and vehicle space.
What Are the Driving Rules?
Albania drives on the right. The US State Department says US drivers need both a valid licence and an International Driving Permit, so check your own licence with the rental company. Seat belts are mandatory, phone use while driving is illegal, and the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.01 percent. The department also lists required car equipment such as a safety vest, triangle and first aid kit, and notes that snow tires are required from November to April.
Roads are mostly two lanes and wind through mountain passes. Avoid driving at night outside major cities, expect landslides after heavy rain, and call 112 after a collision and wait for police. If an officer asks for a payment on the spot, ask for an official written citation. Rental cars from Corfu cannot be taken to Albania.
How Do Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps Work?
Use licensed, marked taxis, and make sure the driver turns on the meter. Most taxis do not take cards, so carry small bills. Local taxi apps operate in Tirana and some other cities, but availability of international apps varies, so check what works before you land.
How Does City Transport Work in Tirana?
Tirana’s public transport is a city bus network, and buses mostly take cash. Check the municipality for current fares and any ticketing card. City buses often lack ramps, which matters for travelers with mobility needs.
Which Mistakes Should You Avoid?
- Getting into unmarked taxis or ignoring the meter.
- Assuming Tirana has one central bus station.
- Trusting an old timetable, since sailings and departures change by season.
- Driving at night on winding coastal or mountain roads.
- Relying on cards for buses, furgons and taxis.
Travel Checklist
- Choose your transport by route, using the table above.
- Save the exact bus terminal or pickup point.
- Carry lekë in small bills.
- Check ferry and bus times the day before.
- Confirm licence and permit rules with your rental company.
Plan stops with the Albania itineraries and the best places to visit in Albania. For airport arrivals, see flights to Albania.
FAQs
Is there a train from Tirana to Durrës?
Not currently. The Tirana to Durrës line is under reconstruction, and reopening is expected around the end of 2027. Use a bus, furgon or taxi for now, and check the Hekurudha Shqiptare website for updates before you plan around any train.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Albania?
The US State Department says US drivers need both a valid licence and an International Driving Permit. Other nationalities should check the rules with the rental company and the Albanian embassy before they travel, because requirements can differ by licence.
Can I take a rental car from Corfu to Albania?
No. Ionian Seaways’ timetable states that rental cars from Corfu cannot be carried to Albania. Rent a car in Albania instead, or cross to Sarandë as a foot passenger and arrange transport on arrival.
Where do buses to Sarandë leave from in Tirana?
Most buses to Sarandë leave from the North-South Terminal on Rruga Kastriotët, according to the municipality’s terminal list. Terminals and departure points can change, so confirm the exact location with your hotel or the operator before you travel.