How do you get from Tirana to Saranda? Bus, Taxi, Car, Prices, Train, Ferry, Distance

If you are planning a trip from Tirana to Saranda, this blog will give you the info you need to travel to Saranda confidently. I will share how to get from Tirana to Saranda by bus, by taxi or by car.

How to get from Tirana to Saranda? By bus, by taxi or by car. No train or ferry. Buses cost 15 EUR, depart between 5:30 AM and 22:00 PM, choose between the  inland route (quick) or coastline route (beautiful). A taxi is approximately 200 EUR. A rental car costs at least 20-25 EUR. 

In this blog post, I will answer all the most frequently asked questions about travelling from Tirana to Saranda. I will include bus timetables, bus operators, bus ticket pricing, paying for bus ticket info, bus station locations, how to get to the bus terminal and more. I will also explain what you can expect when taking a taxi or renting a car. And include routes to Saranda, time required and travel distances. So let’s dive in.

How do I get from Tirana to Saranda?

You can get from Tirana to Saranda by bus, by taxi, by car or by tour. There are no trains or ferries. Let me give you a quick overview of the ways you can travel from Tirana to Saranda. 

Tirana to Saranda bus

• A bus ticket from Tirana to Saranda costs 1500 LEK (15 EUR) per person. 
• You are expected to pay for your bus ticket in cash in person when boarding the bus.
• Buses from Tirana to Saranda via the quicker inland highway depart at 5:30 AM, 7:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 9:45 AM, 12:30 PM, 14:00 PM, 16:00 PM and 22:00 PM.
• Buses from Tirana to Saranda via the beautiful Albanian Riviera coastline depart at 7:00 AM, 10:30 AM and 15:30 PM.
• Buses from Tirana to Saranda depart from the Tirana Bus Terminal North and South Albania.

Tirana to Saranda taxi

• A taxi from Tirana to Saranda may cost you around 200 euros. 
• The official Tirana Airport Taxi Service charges 200 euros for a taxi from Tirana Airport to Saranda. 
• Of course, independent taxi drivers in Tirana set their own rates and quote you a price as they like.
• UBER Taxi does not exist in Albania. 

Tirana to Saranda rental car

• A rental car in Albania will cost you at least 20-25 EUR a day. 
• But car rental prices can be much higher in the summer months. 
• Reach out to several car rental companies via WhatsApp or Email, you can find contact details on the website of Tirana Airport. 
• This is the quickest route to Saranda via the inland highway: Tirana -> Durres -> Kavaje -> Lushnje -> Fier -> Tepelene -> Kardhiq -> Saranda
• This is the beautiful coastline route to Saranda: Tirana -> Durres -> Kavaje -> Lushnje -> Fier -> Vlore -> Llogara Pass or Llogara Tunnel -> Dhermi -> Himare -> Saranda

Tirana to Saranda tour

• If you have 1 x full day, you can go for a 1 x day driving tour along the Albanian Riviera starting from Tirana and ending in Saranda. 
• If you can start at 8:30 AM from Tirana, you can spend your day making stops along the Albanian Riviera for coffee, pictures, sightseeing, swimming and food. You will be in Saranda in the evening.
• Suggested stops along the Albanian Riviera: Durres Amphitheatre, Apollonia archaeological park, Zvernec island, Llogara Pass (or tunnel is quicker), Dhermi Beach, Jale Beach, Himare Beach, Porto Palermo Bay & Castle and Borsh Beach, Ksamil islands and beach

Tirana to Saranda train

• There is no train from Tirana to Saranda. 
• There are no train rails leading to Saranda or to the South of Albania. 
• Tirana does not have a railway station.
• Saranda does not have a railway station.
• If you would like to travel by public transport, you can take a bus from Tirana to Saranda.

Tirana to Saranda ferry

• There are no ferries from Tirana to Saranda.
• Ferries departing from the Port of Durres and the Port of Saranda go to foreign countries like Italy or Greece.
• There are no ferry boats that depart from Durres and go to Saranda.

Tirana to Saranda distance

• Tirana to Saranda distance – 265 kilometers via the inland highway (around 5 hours)
• Tirana to Saranda distance – 279 kilometers via the Albanian Riviera Coastline (6-7 hours or full day)

How to get from Tirana to Saranda by bus?

You can take a bus from Tirana to Saranda between 5:30 AM and 22:00 PM. The bus costs 1500 LEK (15 EUR) per person.

To get from Tirana to Saranda by bus, you must go to the Tirana Bus Terminal North and South Albania. This bus terminal is not in the city center of Tirana, it is on the outskirts of Tirana, and not within a walking distance. So you must take a short taxi ride or city bus to get to the bus terminal. 

If you are staying in the city centre of Tirana, walk to the central Skanderbeg Square. On Skanderbeg Square, you will see the National History Museum. You must walk to the back of the museum. The street behind the museum is called Rruga Ded Gjo Luli, in this street you will find a bus stop. Get on the bus to “Instituti”, this bus stops at the Tirana Bus Terminal North and South Albania. Bring some Albanian Leke cash to pay for the bus upon boarding.

Alternatively, take a short taxi ride to the Tirana Bus Terminal North and South Albania. Taxi drivers do not offer a set rate to get to the bus terminal. The driver will switch on the taxi meter and you will be charged accordingly.

Once you are at the Tirana Bus Terminal North and South Albania, you can get on a bus from Tirana to Saranda. There are two types of buses: 

• Quick buses drive from Tirana to Saranda via the inland highway (4 hours and 20 min)
• Coastline buses take the longer route along the Albanian Riviera (6 hours – 6 hours 30 min)

If you want to get from Tirana to Saranda as quickly as possible, you can take one of the buses driving via the inland highway. The journey takes 4 hours and 20 minutes. 

• Bus from Tirana to Saranda operated by Tisa Travel. Departing at 5:30 AM, 7:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 9:45 AM, 12:30 PM, 14:00 PM, 16:00 PM and 22:00 PM. 

At the bus terminal, you will see a little ticket booth for Tisa Travel. Tisa Travel is the bus operator that drives the buses from Tirana via the inland highway to Saranda. You can buy a bus ticket for 1500 LEK (15 EUR) to get from Tirana to Saranda. You are expected to pay in cash, so bring some cash with you or go to an ATM beforehand. I always recommend paying in cash and in person as that is what the locals in Albania do as well.

The alternative is taking the coastline bus that drives from Tirana via the Albanian Riviera coastline to Saranda. These buses drive from Tirana via Durres, Lushnje, Fier, Vlore, Orikum, Dhermi, Gjipe/Jale, Himare, Qeparo, Borsh and Piqeras to Saranda. 

The advantage of taking the coastline bus is that you can enjoy beautiful views along the Albanian Riviera coastline. Or you could perhaps go off the bus along the coastline and spend some time swimming before travelling onwards at a later time. 

• Bus from Tirana to Saranda operated by Olgeno Travel and Tours. Departing at 7:00 AM, 10:30 AM and 15:30 PM.

Buses from Tirana via the Albanian Riviera coastline are operated by Olgeno Travel and Tours. These buses depart at 7:00 AM, 10:30 AM and 15:30 PM. The bus journey may take 6 hours or 6 hours and 30 minutes, but it all depends on traffic and the amount of stops to be made. 

Once your bus arrives in Saranda, you will be dropped off in the city centre of Saranda near Friendship Park and the archaeological ruins of the Synagogue-Basilica.

Tirana to Saranda bus timetable

This is the bus timetable for buses from Tirana to Saranda. Buses depart at 5:30 AM, 7:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 9:45 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 14:00 PM, 15:30 PM, 16:00 PM and 22:00 PM. 

• Buses via the quicker inland highway depart at 5:30 AM, 7:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 9:45 AM, 12:30 PM, 14:00 PM, 16:00 PM and 22:00 PM. Duration: 4 hours and 20 minutes. Bus ticket price: 1500 LEK (15 EUR). Operated by Tisa Travel
• Buses via the longer & more beautiful coastline route depart at 7:00 AM, 10:30 AM and 15:30 PM. Duration: 6 hours or 6 hours and 30 minutes. Bus ticket price: 1500 LEK (15 EUR) per person. Operated by Olgeno Travel and Tours. 

How much is a taxi from Tirana to Saranda?

A taxi from Tirana to Saranda may cost you around 200 euros. The official Tirana Airport Taxi Service charges 200 euros for a taxi from Tirana Airport to Saranda. Of course, independent taxi drivers in Tirana set their own rates and quote you a price as they like.

• Tirana to Saranda taxi cost – around 200 euros

UBER Taxi does not exist in Albania. There are taxi apps, but these do not offer discounted rates, like UBER Taxi. 

If you like you can contact taxi drivers from companies like Lux Taxi, Green Taxi, Speed Taxi, Merr Taxi and City Taxi via WhatsApp. You can usually get taxi price quotes in minutes via WhatsApp and then you can compare rates. 

How to drive from Tirana to Saranda by rental car?

You can find a helpful list of car rental companies on the website of Tirana Airport. A rental car will cost you at least 20-25 euros per day in Albania. However, in the summer months, car rentals are more expensive. Therefore, I recommend you message several car rental companies via WhatsApp or Email before you travel. So that you can agree on a price beforehand.

To drive from Tirana to Saranda, I recommend two routes. You can choose between the coastline route which offers beautiful views, but is longer. Or you can drive via the inland highway. 

Driving routes from Tirana to Saranda:

• This is the quickest route to Saranda via the inland highway: Tirana -> Durres -> Kavaje -> Lushnje -> Fier -> Tepelene -> Kardhiq -> Saranda
• This is the beautiful coastline route to Saranda: Tirana -> Durres -> Kavaje -> Lushnje -> Fier -> Vlore -> Llogara Pass or Llogara Tunnel -> Dhermi -> Himare -> Saranda

IMPORTANT: Driving in Albania can be challenging as a foreigner. The Albanian drivers have a chaotic style of driving and sometimes their driving style is aggressive. So you must be a confident and alert driver to drive in Albania. If you have any doubts about driving, I recommend you take a bus or taxi instead. Safety comes first.

Tirana to Saranda tour

You could consider booking a tour from Tirana to Saranda. Making stops along the route for sightseeing on your way from Tirana to Saranda. 

If you have 1 x full day, you could tour from Tirana via the Albanian Riviera to Saranda. The coastline road along the Albanian Riviera offers beautiful views of the Ionian Sea. And you could make stops along the road for swimming, coffee, pictures, sightseeing and lunch. 

1 day driving tour along the Albanian Riviera, suggested stops:

• Start from Tirana in the early morning
• Vlore Beach
• Zvernec island
• Llogara Pass
• Dhermi Beach
• Jale beach
• Himare beach
• Castle in the Bay of Porto Palermo
• Arriving in Saranda in the evening

If you have 2 x full days, you could travel to Berat or Vlore on the first day and then travel from Vlore to Saranda on the next day. 

2 day driving tour along the Albanian Riviera, suggested stops:

• Start from Tirana in the early morning
• Option 1: Durres Amphitheater UNESCO site, Apollonia archeological park, Berat UNESCO city, stay overnight in Berat
• Option 2: Durres Amphitheater UNESCO site, Apollonia archeological park, Zvernec island and Vlore beach, stay overnight in Vlore
• Start from Berat or Vlore on the second day
• Vlore Beach
• Zvernec island
• Llogara Pass
• Dhermi Beach
• Jale beach
• Himare beach
• Castle in the Bay of Porto Palermo
• Arriving in Saranda in the evening

If you have the time, it is really worth driving or touring along the Albanian Riviera coastline. Of course, the inland highway is quicker, but the Albanian Riviera offers beautiful views and lovely spots for stops en route.

Can you get from Tirana to Saranda by train?

You cannot get from Tirana to Saranda by train. There is no train station in Tirana. There is no train station in Saranda. And there are no rails connecting Tirana and Saranda. 

About trains in Albania

Train travel within Albania is very limited. The railway network constructed during the communist period is mostly not operational. 

Only a handful of trains operate within Albania every week. At the time of writing this there is 1 x train per day on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday between Durres Beach and Peqin. And there is 1 x train per week between Shkoder and Gjorme. The other old railway tracks are not in operation. So there are no trains to Vlore, no trains to Pogradec, no trains to Elbasan, no trains to Fier and no trains to Lushnje. And you cannot travel by train from Shkoder to Durres. 

You can always check the latest train timetables online on the website of HSH Hekurudha Shqiptare here: https://hekurudha.al/ 

Since train travel within Albania is very limited, the Albanian locals travel by bus or car to any destination. Trains are old fashioned, slow and unreliable in Albania.

New railway under construction in Albania

A new railway is under construction between Durres, Tirana Airport and Tirana. However, this railway has not opened yet. And is predicted to open in 2026. This is very good news from Albania, since trains and railways needed an investment. 

Can you get from Tirana to Saranda by ferry?

You cannot take a ferry from Tirana to Saranda. There are no ferries from Durres to Saranda.

Tirana is not next to the sea. The nearest port or harbour is in Durres. The Port of Durres is about a 45 minute drive from Tirana city. However, from the Port of Durres, there are no ferries to other beaches or harbours in Albania. From Durres, you can take a ferry to another country only.

From the Port of Durres, you can take a ferry to other countries, like Italy. There are popular ferry routes from Durres to Bari in Italy or from Durres to Ancona in Italy. 

What is the distance from Tirana to Saranda?

The driving distance from Tirana to Saranda is 265 kilometers, if you drive via the inland highway. The quickest route to drive from Tirana to Saranda is:

Tirana -> Durres -> Kavaje -> Lushnje -> Fier -> Tepelene -> Kardhiq Castle -> Saranda.

• Tirana to Saranda distance – 265 kilometers via the inland highway (around 5 hours)
• Tirana to Saranda distance – 279 kilometers via the Albanian Riviera Coastline (6-7 hours or full day)

If you take this route via Durres, Fier and Kardhiq, I would expect you to drive approximately 5 hours. Buses on this route promise to bring you to Saranda in 4 hours and 20 minutes, but as a foreign driver not familiar with the route, I think 5 hours is more realistic. 

If you look on Google Maps, you may also see a suggested route from Tirana to the south via Elbasan. This is not a quicker route. You will face older national roads and small roads if you drive via Elbasan or Belsh. The route via the Lakes of Belsh is quite pretty, but not quicker for sure.

If you have 1 x full day available, you could consider driving via the Albanian Riviera coastline for beautiful views. The coastline route is 279 kilometers. However, it takes much longer. I would expect you to drive 6-7 hours. You might leave Tirana at 8:30 AM and arrive in Saranda round 19:00 PM, as you will most definitely make stops en route for coffee, picture taking, swimming, lunch and sightseeing.

The route along the Albanian Riviera from Tirana to Saranda is:
Tirana -> Durres -> Kavaje -> Lushnje -> Fier -> Vlore -> Llogara Pass OR Llogara Tunnel -> Dhermi -> Himare -> Porto Palermo -> Saranda.

IMPORTANT: Google maps suggested the coastal route from Tirana to Saranda can be driven in 5 hours. This is impossible. Since the coastal road turns and twists over the mountains along the coast, you cannot drive this road quickly. You will need to slow down your speed to drive this route safely and controlled. I would say 6-7 hours is more realistic.

How long does it take to travel from Tirana to Saranda?

If you take a taxi or bus from Tirana via the inland highway to Saranda, it takes between 4 hours and 20 minutes and 5 hours to travel from Tirana to Saranda. The quickest route is from Tirana via Durres, Fier, Tepelene and Kardhiq to Saranda.

If you take a sightseeing tour from Tirana via the Albanian Riviera to Saranda, it will take you a full day starting at 8:30 AM and finishing at 19:00 PM. Of course, you will be able to visit sightseeing spots like Durres Amphitheatre, Zvernec island, Llogara Pass, Dhermi Beach, Jale Beach, Himare Beach and Porto Palermo en route.

Is it worth going to Saranda, Albania?

Saranda can be worth going to if you enjoy staying in a buzzing and large coastal city. Saranda is a big city, so you can expect lots of hotels, apartments, restaurants, shops, clubs and bars along the coastline. 

In the city there is a harbour and a big promenade along the waterside with many seafood and local restaurants. 

Saranda is a central place to stay from where you can make day trips to destinations like Butrint UNESCO city, Ksamil beach & islands, the Blue Eye spring and Gjirokaster UNESCO city.

If you would rather stay in a smaller beach village, you can look at nearby villages like Qeparo, Borsh, Himare or Ksamil.

How to get from Tirana airport to Saranda?

To get from Tirana airport to Saranda, you can take a direct taxi costing around 200 euros. If you want to travel by bus from Tirana airport to Saranda, you must transfer buses, since there is no direct connection.

• Tirana airport to Saranda taxi – around 200 euros

Tirana airport to Saranda bus

Since there is no direct bus from Tirana airport to Saranda, you must transfer buses. You could either transfer at the Tirana Bus Terminal or in Vlore. 

Bus routes from Tirana airport to Saranda:

• Option 1: Tirana airport via Tirana Bus Terminal to Saranda
• Option 2: Tirana airport via Vlore Bus Stop to Saranda

Option 1: Tirana airport via Tirana Bus Terminal to Saranda

Since there is no direct bus connection from Tirana airport to Saranda, you could transfer buses at the Tirana Bus Terminal.

• Step 1: Bus from Tirana airport to Tirana Bus Terminal
• Step 2: Bus from Tirana Bus Terminal to Saranda

First, take a bus from Tirana airport to the Tirana Bus Terminal. Luna Travel operates a shuttle bus from the airport to the Tirana Bus Terminal North and South Albania. A bus ticket costs 300 LEK (3 EUR). The bus departs from Tirana airport at 6:30 AM, 7:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 13:30 PM, 14:30 PM, 15:30 PM, 16:30 PM, 17:30 PM, 18:30 PM, 19:30 PM, 20:30 PM, 21:30 PM and 22:30 PM. 

Once the airport shuttle bus drops you off at the Tirana Bus Terminal North and South Albania, you can transfer onto a bus from Tirana to Saranda.

Buses from Tirana to Saranda depart at 5:30 AM, 7:00 AM (via coastline), 7:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 9:45 AM, 10:30 AM (via coastline), 12:30 PM, 14:00 PM, 15:30 PM (via coastline), 16:00 and 22:00 PM. 

There are quicker buses from Tirana via the inland highway to Saranda. These buses take only 4H20min-5 hours. These buses depart at 5:30 AM, 7:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 9:45 AM, 12:30 PM, 14:00 PM, 16:00 PM and 22:00 PM. These buses are operated by Tisa Travel.

And there are buses that drive from Tirana via the coastline to Saranda. This takes longer, maybe 6-6.5 hours,  but it is a very scenic route with beautiful views. These buses depart at 7:00 AM, 10:30 AM and 15:30 PM. These buses are operated by Olgeno Travel and Tours. 

A bus ticket from the Tirana Bus Terminal North and South Albania to Saranda will cost you 1500 LEK (15 EUR). I recommend you buy your bus ticket in person by cash at the bus terminal. Since locals in Albania always pay for your bus tickets in cash. Buying bus tickets online is not common in Albania and often not possible.

The bus from Tirana to Saranda will drop you off in the city centre of Saranda near Friendship Park and the archaeological ruins of the Basilica. 

Option 2: Tirana airport via Vlore Bus Stop to Saranda

Another option is taking a bus from Tirana airport to Vlore and then transferring onto a bus from Vlore to Saranda.

• Step 1: Tirana airport to Vlore bus
• Step 2: Vlore to Saranda bus

Since there is no direct bus from Tirana airport to Saranda, what you could do is take a bus to Vlore beach. Vlore beach is also a part of the Albanian Riviera coastline, but it is closer to Tirana airport. From Vlore, you could then take another bus to Saranda.

Buses from Tirana airport to Vlore depart at 00:45 AM, 3:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 14:00 PM, 16:00 PM, 18:00 PM, 20:00 PM and 22:15 PM. A bus ticket from Tirana Airport to Vlore costs 1200 LEK (12 EUR) during day time hours or 1500 LEK (15 EUR) during the night. Buses from Tirana airport to Vlore depart from the Tirana Airport parking area and are operated by Hermes Airport. 

Once you are in Vlore, you can ask the bus driver to drop you off at “Bus Terminal Vlore” in Rruga Demokracia. So that you can transfer onto a bus from Vlore to Saranda.

Buses from Vlore to Saranda depart at 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 13:00 PM and 14:30 PM. A bus ticket will cost you 1000 LEK (10 EUR). And the journey might take you 2-3 hours depending on the route and traffic. Buses are operated by Interbuz Vlore and Trans Butrinti.

Buses from Vlore to Saranda will drop you off in the city centre of Saranda near Friendship Park. 

Related Questions

How to get from Tirana to Ksamil by bus? There is no direct bus from Tirana to Ksamil. Step 1: Bus from Tirana Bus Terminal to Saranda. Price: 15 EUR. Duration: approx. 5 hours. Between 5:30 AM – 22:00 PM. Step 2: Bus from Saranda to Ksamil. Price: 1.50 EUR. Duration 15min – 30 min, heavy traffic. 6:30 AM – 18:30 PM. 

How much is the bus ticket from Tirana to Ksamil? A bus ticket from Tirana to Ksamil costs 150 LEK (1.50 EUR) per person. You must pay in cash. An employee will pass through the bus whilst the bus drives to Ksamil. So it is best to have the exact amount of cash ready.

How to get from Saranda to Ksamil by bus? Buses from Saranda to Ksamil depart from the Port of Saranda and make a stop near SOS Bar and Friendship Park in the centre of Saranda and drive on via Ksamil to Butrint. A bus ticket costs 150 LEK (1.50 EUR). Buses depart every 30-60 min between 6:30 AM and 18:30 PM. Duration 15min – 30 min, heavy traffic.

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