Transport in Albania: How to Get Around Like a Local

Getting around Albania isn’t always straightforward, but it’s absolutely doable.

From shared furgons to unpredictable bus timetables and winding mountain roads, transport here works a bit differently to other parts of Europe.

I’ve travelled all over Albania using a mix of transport, and picked up plenty of useful tips along the way.

This post breaks down your main options for getting around, how they really work in practice, and what you need to know to avoid wasting time or getting stranded.

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Public Transport in Albania

Buses and furgons

Furgons are shared minibuses that connect towns and villages all over Albania. They’re especially handy for reaching smaller places where regular buses don’t go.

Most are privately run and don’t stick to strict timetables. They leave when they’re full.

I’ve used furgons countless times, and they’re surprisingly efficient once you get the hang of them. You’ll often find them gathered near bus stations or main squares, with drivers shouting out destinations.

They’re cheap, sociable, and a great way to chat to locals. Just don’t count on much legroom or air-con.

In Tirana and other cities, local buses cover the main routes for about 40 lek per trip. Routes linking the centre with outer neighbourhoods run frequently, though evenings can be patchy.

Long-distance buses connect major cities and tourist spots like Tirana, Shkodër and Sarandë.

These are generally more organised, with set departure times and ticket counters at the main terminals. The trip from Tirana to Sarandë takes around five hours depending on traffic.

Buying tickets and what it costs

You’ll usually buy your ticket straight from the driver. There’s rarely an online booking system and advance tickets are almost never needed, except on a few long-distance routes from major terminals.

Always carry cash, as card payments are almost unheard of for local transport.

In Tirana, a city bus ride costs around 40 lek. Intercity fares vary with distance, but you can travel halfway across the country for under 1,500 lek.

Drivers sometimes round prices up slightly, so having small notes helps.

Furgons are similarly priced to buses, though rates can change depending on the route and the driver’s mood.

I’ve paid a little more on remote mountain runs where there’s no competition, but it’s still cheap by European standards.

If you’re unsure about a price, ask before you hop in. Most drivers are honest, and a quick question in English or with Google Translate avoids confusion.

Renting a Car in Albania

Driving gives you the freedom to explore Albania at your own pace, but it’s not for the faint-hearted.

The main highways are generally fine, but once you head into the mountains or rural areas, expect narrow, bumpy roads and the occasional cow in the middle of a bend.

The Llogara Pass is one of the most scenic drives I’ve ever done. Dramatic switchbacks, coastal views, and a few moments that make you grip the wheel a bit tighter. Go slow and enjoy it.

Car hire is straightforward. You’ll find big international brands like Hertz and Europcar, plus plenty of smaller local agencies offering better prices.

Expect to pay around €25–40 a day depending on the car and season. For rural routes, I’d recommend something with higher clearance. An SUV makes life easier on rough roads.

Check what your insurance actually covers, as off-road driving often isn’t included. If you’re from outside the EU, bring an International Driving Permit.

Albanian drivers can be quite aggressive. Keep your cool, use your horn sparingly, and always yield to anyone who looks like they’re in a hurry.

Road safety and road trip ideas

Driving in Albania can be great fun if you’re prepared for the quirks. Some roads are brand new; others look like they haven’t seen maintenance since the ’80s.

In the mountains, expect blind corners, potholes and the odd herd of sheep blocking your way. Go slowly, especially after rain, and don’t drive at night unless you have to.

Always carry a spare tyre, jack and basic tools.

For a stunning scenic drive, take the SH8 from Vlorë to Sarandë. It winds through the Llogara Pass and hugs the coastline with incredible views of the Ionian Sea.

It’s one of the best drives in the Balkans.

Another good route is Tirana to Berat. The drive’s easy enough, and Berat itself is one of Albania’s most beautiful towns.

Taxis in Albania

Taking a taxi

Taxis are easy to find in cities like Tirana, especially around main squares, airports and hotels.

Stick to licensed ones, which are usually marked and have a meter. If there’s no meter, agree on a price before getting in to avoid any surprises.

Short rides within Tirana usually cost a few hundred lek, while the airport run is around 2,500–3,000 lek depending on traffic.

Always pay in cash (most drivers don’t take cards) and keep small notes handy.

If you’re unsure what’s fair, ask your accommodation or a local café owner. Albanians are friendly and will tell you roughly what to expect so you don’t get overcharged.

Ride-hailing apps

Uber doesn’t operate in Albania, and Bolt no longer does either. Instead, Tirana has a few local taxi apps such as Merr Taxi, Speed Taxi and Green Taxi.

They work much like Bolt, showing an estimated fare and allowing you to book through the app.

Outside the capital, things are more old-school. You’ll need to flag one down or ask your guesthouse to call a local driver.

Hitchhiking in Albania

Hitchhiking is still pretty common in Albania, especially in rural areas where buses and furgons don’t run often. Locals are used to it and will usually stop if they’ve got space.

I’ve thumbed a few short rides in the countryside and always found people friendly, curious, and usually keen to practise a bit of English.

That said, use common sense. Stick to daylight hours, trust your instincts, and avoid getting in a car if something feels off.

If you’re travelling solo, try to wait where there are other people around. Petrol stations or village junctions are ideal.

It helps to carry a bit of cardboard with your destination written in Albanian. A smile and a wave go a long way.

Having Google Translate ready can also help. English isn’t widely spoken once you’re away from the main towns.

Trains in Albania

Albania technically has a train network, but it’s more of a curiosity than a useful way to travel.

Most routes shut down years ago, and the few that remain run on limited schedules with ageing carriages that look straight out of another era.

There are usually one or two services operating at any given time (for example, between Durrës and Elbasan, or Shkodër and Gjormë) but timetables change constantly.

I once looked into taking one just for the experience, but it didn’t run the day I was there. Or the next, apparently.

If you’re travelling for efficiency or comfort, stick to buses or furgons. They’re faster, more frequent, and still inexpensive.

Travelling Between Cities and Beyond

Getting between cities in Albania is fairly straightforward once you get used to the system. Buses and furgons cover almost every route, though departure times can be flexible.

The main terminal in Tirana sits a few kilometres from the centre, and most long-distance routes start from there.

Popular journeys include Tirana to Berat, Shkodër, Gjirokastër, Vlorë and Sarandë. If you’re driving, you’ll have more freedom to stop at viewpoints or small villages along the way.

For international travel, Tirana International Airport (TIA) is the main hub, with regular flights across Europe. There’s a 24-hour airport bus to the city centre that costs 400 lek and runs every half hour.

If you’re heading overland, several companies run cross-border buses to Greece, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro.

They’re cheap but slow, especially at border crossings, so take snacks and patience.

Ferries link Albania with Italy and Greece. Durrës connects with Bari and Ancona, while Sarandë has fast boats to Corfu. Handy if you’re combining both countries in one trip.

Tickets sell out in summer, so it’s worth booking ahead.

Practical Travel Tips

Best ways to get around

If you’re on a budget, buses and furgons are the way to go. They’re cheap, cover most of the country, and you’ll see everyday Albanian life along the way.

Fares are low, usually a few hundred lek for medium-distance routes. Even the longest journeys rarely cost more than 1,500 lek.

If you prefer flexibility, rent a car. It’s the best option for exploring remote areas and mountain roads at your own pace.

You’ll spend a bit more, but it saves time and lets you stop whenever you like.

Tips for first-time visitors

Google Maps works fairly well in Albania, but not everywhere. Keep a paper map or download offline maps just in case.

If you’re unsure where to catch your bus or furgon, ask. People are usually helpful and happy to point you in the right direction.

Transport here doesn’t always run like clockwork. Furgons leave when full, and buses can be late, so try not to plan tight connections. Bring water, snacks, and patience.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re squeezed into a furgon chatting to locals, winding through mountain passes in a rental car, or waiting for a bus that may or may not appear, getting around Albania is rarely dull.

Public transport is cheap, sociable and full of character. Renting a car gives you total freedom and lets you reach places most visitors miss.

In Tirana, taxis and local taxi apps make short hops easy, though outside the capital things are a bit more old-school.

However you choose to travel, go with an open mind and a bit of flexibility. Albania rewards patience.

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