Albania by Bus: What to Know Before You Go
After living in both Tirana and Saranda, I’ve spent more hours on Albanian buses than I can count, but honestly, some of them were my favorite hours. From local rides in the capital to intercity treks across the rugged landscape from TIrana to Saranda or Shkodra , the Albanian bus system is full of quirks, kindness, and practical surprises (and yes, sometimes a chicken).
Local Buses in Tirana: Crowded but Convenient
Tirana’s city buses are often packed, especially during peak hours, but they’re easy to use and mostly timely once you get the hang of them.
Practical Info
Fare: 40 Lek (~€0.35), paid in cash to the onboard ticket inspector
Passes: Available at kiosks near major stops (bring photo ID)
Website for Schedules & Routes:
Hours: 06:00–23:00 daily
Intercity Buses: Tirana ↔ Saranda
To travel between cities like Saranda, Berat, or Shkodra, head to the Regional Bus Terminal for North and South Albania, located near Casa Italia, an outlet mall where you can comfortably wait if you arrive early. It’s important to note there are 2 routes to Saranda from Tirana.
📍 Regional Bus Terminal Location
Two Routes to Saranda
Mountain Route (via Gjirokaster): Faster, fewer stops
Coastal Route (via Himara): Scenic, slower, more frequent stops. Use this one if you are planning a stop in a coastal town.
What to Expect
Tickets: ~1000–1500 Lek (€8–13), purchased in cash from the driver
Assigned Seating: Check your ticket—locals expect you to sit in your assigned seat
Luggage: 1 suitcase + 1 backpack is standard, but loosely enforced
Amenities:
No onboard toilets
Midpoint bathroom and snack break on trips over 3 hours
AC may work, but not always well
No charging plugs.
Other Cities Served by Intercity Buses
Most buses leave from the Regional Bus Terminal. You can buy your tickets onsite. HAVE CASH! You’ll find drivers or assistants calling out destinations loudly. Don’t be shy, just ask!
International Buses: Departing from TEG
International buses now leave from the Tirana East Bus Terminal at the TEG shopping center.
📍 Tirana East Bus Terminal Location
Destinations
Montenegro: Podgorica, Kotor, Budva
Kosovo: Prizren, Pristina
North Macedonia: Ohrid, Skopje
Greece: Athens, Thessaloniki
FlixBus: Germany, Italy, Bulgaria
Booking & Costs
Tickets: Vary by destination (e.g., Tirana to Athens ~€35)
Booking:
Local agencies at TEG or online
A Bus Ride to Remember
One summer, I boarded a bus from Saranda to Tirana, taking the mountain route. Seated beside me was an older Albanian couple with warm smiles and broken English. We chatted about the heat, the mountains, and—somehow—their chicken, which was tucked in a cardboard box under their seat. A tractor tire sat beside it in the aisle.
Somewhere near Tepelena, the bus stopped to let them off. Before leaving, the woman handed me a napkin-wrapped slice of byrek, still warm. She smiled, gestured for me to eat, and disappeared into the trees with her husband and their tire.
It was one of those moments that reminded me why I love Albania: practical, generous, and always a little unexpected.
Final Thoughts
Albania’s bus system may not be luxurious, but it’s affordable, authentic, and full of character. Whether you’re commuting in Tirana or crossing borders from TEG, the journey is often just as memorable as the destination.
