How to Get from Tirana Airport to City Center
Are you looking for the best ways to get from Tirana Airport to the city center? Tirana is the perfect place to start your Albania Itinerary, from where you can easily reach Durres, Berat, Shkoder, and Kruje.
Getting to Tirana city center may seem difficult, but depending on your time and budget, there are a few ways to get there. You can easily get to the city center from the airport by taxi, bus, rental car, and private transfer.
In this ultimate guide, you will find all the ways to get to the city centre, such as the cheapest and quickest way to travel, journey times, and how much it costs to get from Tirana International Airport to the city.
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Tirana Airport to City Center Distance
Tirana International Airport Nene Tereza, known as Rinas Airport (airport code TIA), Albania’s only international air transport hub. The distance between the airport and the city center is about 19 km, which is 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic and mode of transport.
There is no metro or train connection between the airport and the city center.
Scroll down for more information about which transport is the best for you, how long the journey takes, and how much a taxi or bus ticket will cost.
Private Transfer from Tirana Airport to the City Centre
The most convenient way to get to the city center of Tirana is by private transfer. The journey takes 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Once you land at the airport, go to the arrivals hall to meet your driver and travel to your accommodation in Tirana.
Book this excellent private transfer to Tirana, which will cost 33 USD, and 4 pax are allowed.
Embarking on a journey to Albania?
With our guide, you will not only save a lot of time, but you will also make sure that don’t miss out on any spots.
Car Rental in Albania
The best way to get around Albania is by car, as you can easily reach the best places and hidden gems. We did our Albania Itinerary by rental car and enjoyed exploring the sights at our own pace. Once you arrive at Tirana International Airport, you can easily rent a car at the airport or pick up your pre-booked car.
Buy an eSIM and data package for Albania.
The car rental costs will be different when you travel to Albania in high season (June to September) or low season and rent a car in advance or at the last minute. You will spend around 30-50 EUR daily for a standard car with full coverage.
Book your car in advance to get the best price! Check car rental prices and availability HERE.
Traffic jams are common in Tirana. Therefore, if you are heading from the city to the airport, we recommend you plan enough time to drive.
How to Get from Tirana Airport to City Center by Taxi
One of the easiest and fastest ways to get to the city center is by taxi. The journey takes 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
The taxi price from Tirana Airport to the city center is between 2000-2500 LEK (20-25 EUR), depending on the number of passengers, time of day, etc. Uber is currently not available in Albania.
Be sure you negotiate the price with the driver before you get in the taxi. Taxi drivers do not accept card payments, so you should bring local money (LEK) or EUR. Tirana Airport has ATMs and currency exchanges.
Tirana Airport to City Center by Bus
The cheapest way to get to the city center is by airport bus. Buses depart from the arrival terminal of Tirana International Airport.
Walk about 200 m past the KFC and the car rental offices until you see the waiting buses. The buses do not have numbers but have signs showing where they are going, such as Tirana, Skhoder, Fier, etc.
Take the Luna Bus from the airport to the central bus stop (near Skanderbeg Square), then walk to your accommodation. The journey time takes 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
As buses only run once an hour, we recommend that you arrive at least 10-15 minutes before departure. Then, put your suitcase in the luggage hold and grab a seat.
We found traveling by bus in Albania easy and safe. The buses are air-conditioned and have comfortable seats and big luggage compartments.
Tirana Airport to City Center Bus Timetable & Ticket Price
The Luna buses run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and depart every hour on a fixed schedule. The bus ticket from Tirana Airport to the city centre costs 400 LEK (4 EUR) per person. You can buy bus tickets on the bus or in advance online.
Good to know
Buses from the city to the airport depart from behind the Opera & Ballet Theatre near Skanderbeg Square.
Where to Stay in Tirana
Tirana has some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Tirana
- Luxury: Rogner Hotel Tirana
- Mid-Range: Mondial Hotel or Hilton Garden Inn Tirana
- Budget: Blloku Unique Apartments
We hope our post on how to get from Tirana Airport to the city center will help you plan your next trip to Albania. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
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