How to get from Tirana Airport to Tirana? Taxi, Bus, Timetable, Prices, Booking, Distance, Driving, Car, Train

If you are looking for the best way to get from Tirana Airport to Tirana, look no further. In this blog, I will outline how you can get from Tirana Airport to Tirana by taxi, by bus or by car. 

How to get from Tirana Airport to Tirana? You can get from Tirana Airport to Tirana with the 24/7 airport shuttle bus, by taxi or by car. The airport bus departs every hour on the hour, 24h a day and 7 days a week, costs 4 EUR p.p., takes 30 min. A taxi costs 22 EUR. A rental car is at least 20-25 EUR a day, more in the summer season.

In this blog post, I will give you all the information you need to plan your journey from Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre. I will outline bus timetables, bus ticket prices, booking the bus, bus stations, bus operator and more. I will also explain what you can expect to pay for a taxi and how to book one. And I will talk you through getting a good deal for a rental car. So let’s get started.

How do I get from Tirana Airport to the city?

You can get from Tirana Airport to the city centre of Tirana by bus, by taxi or by car. The train and railway are under construction.

Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre by bus

• Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre bus timetable: 1:00 AM, 2:00 AM, 3:00 AM, 4:00 AM, 5:00 AM, 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 13:00 PM, 14:00 PM, 15:00 PM, 16:00 PM, 17:00 PM, 18:00 PM, 19:00 PM, 20:00 PM, 21:00 PM, 22:00 PM, 23:00 PM and 24:00 PM. 
• The price for a one-way ticket from Tirana Airport to the city centre of Tirana  is 400 LEK or 4 EUR.
• You can pay cash, book online or pay by card.
• Duration: approximately 30 min from Tirana Airport to the city centre of Tirana
• Departure: Buses depart from the Tirana Airport parking area. When you get through airport security and walk into the Arrivals Hall take the exit to your left.
• Arrival: The Tirana Airport bus will drop you off at the bus station behind the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. It is very close to the central Skanderbeg Square.

Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre by taxi

• A taxi from Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre costs 22 euros.
• This is the price that the official Tirana Airport Taxi Service charges for a taxi from Tirana Airport to the city centre of Tirana.
• The Tirana Airport taxi service has a price list on their website.
• UBER Taxi does not exist in Albania. Although taxi apps do exist, those taxi apps do not offer reduced rates like UBER, you will pay the regular taxi price.
• To compare prices, you can send a WhatsApp message to popular taxi companies like Speed Taxi, Merr Taxi, City Taxi, Green Taxi and Lux Taxi.

Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre distance

• It takes about 30 minutes by car, by bus or by taxi to get from Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre. 
• The distance from Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre is about 18.5 kilometers.

Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre 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. 
• To get a good deal on a car rental, I recommend you go to the website of Tirana Airport and find the car rental list. Then send messages via WhatsApp or Email to several of the local car rental agencies on the list. So that you can compare prices and book in advance for a good deal. 
• It is very easy to drive from Tirana airport to the city center of Tirana. Signages at the airport will lead you to the SH2 highway that brings you straight to Tirana’s city center and the central Skanderbeg Square.
• Driving time: Approximately 30 min.

Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre train

• A new railway between Tirana-Tirana Airport-Durres is under construction.
• According to online news publications, the new railway is set to open in 2026. 
• Although the new railway is visible in the landscape, there are no operational trains yet at the time of writing this blog post.
• Until the new railway opens, you can only travel from Tirana Airport to Tirana by bus, by taxi or by car.

How to get from Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre by bus?

There is a direct bus from Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre. A bus ticket costs 400 LEK / 4 EUR per person. Buses depart 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, so you can take the bus to Tirana’s city centre at all hours of day or night.

The Tirana Airport shuttle bus operates 24/7, with departures every hour from 1:00 AM until 24:00 PM. Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre bus timetable: 1:00 AM, 2:00 AM, 3:00 AM, 4:00 AM, 5:00 AM, 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 13:00 PM, 14:00 PM, 15:00 PM, 16:00 PM, 17:00 PM, 18:00 PM, 19:00 PM, 20:00 PM, 21:00 PM, 22:00 PM, 23:00 PM and 24:00 PM. 

The bus from Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre is operated by Luna Travel. Upon arrival at Tirana Airport, you will take a bus to the Airport Terminal Building. You will pass through passport control and luggage collection and walk into the arrivals hall. Take the exit to your left from the airport arrivals hall to the parking area/bus station. 

The airport shuttle buses operated by Luna Travel are waiting at the parking area for buses number 9 and 10. The parking area and bus station are only a one-minute walk from the airport exit.

The price for a one-way ticket from Tirana Airport to the city centre of Tirana  is 400 LEK or 4 EUR. Your ticket can be paid in cash to the driver or using card payment. Luna Travel accepts Albanian Leke, as well as foreign currencies such as EUR, USD, and GBP. Children pay the same fare as adults, if they are sitting on their own seat.

You don’t need to make a reservation for the shuttle bus, as seats are always guaranteed. I have personally checked with Luna Travel and you do not need to make a reservation beforehand. Because if there is a rush hour, they will start an additional bus to accommodate all passengers.

Of course, if you prefer, you can book your bus ticket online in advance on the website of Luna Travel, the bus operator: https://luna.al/aeroport/  

If you are taking large luggage or a bicycle, you can bring those onboard the airport bus during day time hours. As the airport buses are equipped to handle larger items comfortably. 

The bus journey from Tirana airport to the city centre of Tirana takes around 30 minutes. Upon arrival, the bus will drop you off at the bus station behind the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. This is very close to the central Skanderbeg Square. So if you book a hotel near Skanderbeg Square you will be able to walk to your hotel upon arrival.

You can see the location of the bus station in the city centre on a Google Map here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/A4xQmaCz8Tb1KvP67 

To avoid confusion. Tirana Airport has a few names and that can sometimes cause confusion. Officially the airport is called Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza/Mother Teresa. But locals call it Rinas International Airport, because the airport is in the Rinas village near Tirana city. You might see “Rinas” as you look for bus timetables online.

Tirana Airport to city bus timetable

Buses from Tirana Airport to the city centre of Tirana operate 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Buses depart from Tirana Airport every hour on the hour, between 1 AM and 24:00 PM. 

• Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre bus timetable: 1:00 AM, 2:00 AM, 3:00 AM, 4:00 AM, 5:00 AM, 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 13:00 PM, 14:00 PM, 15:00 PM, 16:00 PM, 17:00 PM, 18:00 PM, 19:00 PM, 20:00 PM, 21:00 PM, 22:00 PM, 23:00 PM and 24:00 PM. 
• Bus ticket price: 400 LEK / 4 EUR
• You don’t need to book in advance, you can simply pay cash on the spot and board the bus.

Tirana Airport shuttle bus

There are direct shuttle buses from Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre, Durres, Vlore, Fier, Shkoder and the Tirana Bus Terminal. Let me give you an overview of the bus timetables of shuttle buses leaving directly from the airport.

• Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre shuttle bus – Bus timetable: 1:00 AM, 2:00 AM, 3:00 AM, 4:00 AM, 5:00 AM, 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 13:00 PM, 14:00 PM, 15:00 PM, 16:00 PM, 17:00 PM, 18:00 PM, 19:00 PM, 20:00 PM, 21:00 PM, 22:00 PM, 23:00 PM and 24:00 PM. Bus ticket price: 400 LEK / 4 EUR
• Tirana Airport to Durres Bus Station shuttle bus – Bus timetable: 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 14:00 PM, 15:30 PM, 17:00 PM, 19:00 PM and 21:00 PM. Bus ticket price: 600 LEK / 6 EUR.
• Tirana Airport to Vlore bus – Bus timetable: 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. Bus ticket: 1200-1500 LEK / 12-15 EUR.
• Tirana Airport to Shkoder bus – Bus timetable: 5:00 AM, 9:20 AM, 10:45 AM, 12:45 PM, 15:30 PM, 17:30 PM, 20:10 PM and 22:15 PM. Bus ticket price: 1000 – 1300 LEK / 10-13 EUR.
• Tirana Airport to Fier bus – Bus timetable: 1:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 14:00 PM, 15:30 PM, 16:30 PM, 17:30 PM, 19:30 PM and 21:00 PM. Bus ticket price: 1000 LEK / 10 EUR. 
• Tirana Airport to the Tirana Bus Station North and South Albania shuttle bus – Bus timetable 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. Bus ticket price: 300 LEK / 3 EUR. 

Luna bus Tirana Airport timetable

The direct bus from Tirana Airport to the city centre of Tirana is operated by Luna Travel. The bus departs 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, every hour on the hour. 

• Luna Travel bus timetable from Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre: 1:00 AM, 2:00 AM, 3:00 AM, 4:00 AM, 5:00 AM, 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 13:00 PM, 14:00 PM, 15:00 PM, 16:00 PM, 17:00 PM, 18:00 PM, 19:00 PM, 20:00 PM, 21:00 PM, 22:00 PM, 23:00 PM and 24:00 PM. Bus ticket price: 400 LEK / 4 EUR

Bus from Tirana Airport to Skanderbeg Square

The bus from Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre will drop you off at the bus station behind Skanderbeg Square.

Skanderbeg Square is the city centre of Tirana. Skanderbeg Square is the central square right in the middle of the city. 

The direct bus from Tirana Airport to the city centre of Tirana drops you off at the bus station at the back of the Palace of Culture / National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. From the bus station, you can walk to Skanderbeg Square in just 2 minutes. 

If you book a hotel near Skanderbeg Square, you can walk to your hotel from the bus station. 

The Tirana Airport shuttle bus drops passengers off at this location (Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/ydFQA8TfkZ3Jw8ZG7 

Can I pay with a card for the Tirana Airport bus?

You can pay with a card for the Tirana Airport bus, however, cash payments are always preferred in Albania.

The shuttle bus from Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre costs 400 LEK or 4 EUR per person. Your ticket can be paid in cash to the driver or using card payment. Luna Travel accepts Albanian Leke, as well as foreign currencies such as EUR, USD, and GBP. Children pay the same fare as adults, if they are sitting on their own seat.

I strongly recommend you always carry some cash euros and a small amount of Albanian Leke with you whilst travelling in Albania. Euros are widely accepted in Albania. And cash payments are strongly preferred, as the locals in Albania pay 99% of their transactions in cash. Once you get to the city centre, exchange a small amount of euros for Albanian Leke for small expenses, like bottled water or Byrek pastries.

How to book the bus from Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre?

You can book the bus from Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre on the website of Luna Travel online in advance. However, it is not necessary. You can just as easily pay cash to the bus driver upon boarding the bus. And should there be a rush hour, a second bus will drive to the city centre at the same time. 

How to pay for the bus from Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre?

You can pay for the bus ticket from Tirana Airport to the city centre of Tirana by cash foreign currency (EUR/GBP/USD), local currency (Albanian Leke), by card or you can book online in advance. 

Cash payments in foreign currency or local currency are strongly preferred in Albania.

How much is a taxi from Tirana Airport to the city centre?

A taxi from Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre costs 22 Euros. That is the price the official Tirana Airport Taxi Services charges for a taxi from Tirana Airport to Tirana. 

• Tirana Airport to city taxi price – 22 euros

The official Tirana Airport taxis are operated by Auto Holiday Albania. These taxis are white and have the airport logo displayed on both sides of the taxi. The advantage of these taxis is that they have a price list published on the website, so you won’t be surprised with the price you pay. 

You do not need to book a taxi in advance, there are always taxis waiting in the taxi bay in front of the Tirana Airport Arrivals Hall. If you prefer to book online you can book on their website of course. 

If you would like to compare prices and see if you can get a cheaper deal, I recommend messaging several taxi companies via WhatsApp. Try popular taxi companies like Speed Taxi, Merr Taxi, Green Taxi, City Taxi or Lux Taxi. Usually, you get taxi price quotes in minutes via WhatsApp. 

UBER Taxi does not exist in Albania. Although there are some local taxi apps, those do not offer reduced taxi rates like UBER. 

Are taxis from Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre expensive?

A taxi from Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre costs 22 euros. Of course, taking the bus is much cheaper at 400 LEK or 4 euros per person. But of course, you won’t need a taxi to depart, like you would need to wait for the bus. And the taxi driver can bring you to the door of your hotel. 

Can I take an Uber taxi from Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre?

UBER Taxi does not exist in Albania. There are some local taxi apps, but those taxi apps charge regular prices, not reduced rates like UBER. 

If you want to find a lower taxi rate, I would recommend you simply reach out to several taxi companies via WhatsApp or Messenger. Try popular taxi companies like Green Taxi, City Taxi, Lux Taxi, Speed Taxi or Merr Taxi.

Can I pay for my taxi from Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre in euros?

You can pay for your taxi from Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre in euros. Euros are widely accepted in Albania. So you can absolutely bring some cash euros with you to Albania. Local people might give you change in Albanian Leke.

Taxi drivers often quote prices in euros as well, if they know you are a foreigner. I would recommend you always carry some cash money with you whilst travelling in Albania. In Albania, the locals pay all their expenses in cash, so cash payments are the norm. Carry some cash euros and exchange a small amount for Albanian Leke when you are in the city centre. 

Is there Uber at Tirana Airport?

There is no Uber at Tirana Airport or anywhere in Albania. UBER does not exist in Albania. You can take a regular licensed taxi, but those taxis charge regular taxi prices, not reduced rates.

If you want to gain some insight into what taxis cost in Albania there are two ways. First, the Tirana Airport Taxi Service has a price list on their website. Which is helpful at least you could get an idea of what taxis cost for short and long distance destinations within the country. 

Alternatively, you can send some WhatsApp messages to different taxi companies to request prices. Try popular taxi companies like Speed Taxi, Merr Taxi, Lux Taxi, City Taxi or Green Taxi.

Can I take a train from Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre?

A new railway is under construction connecting Tirana Airport with Tirana city and Durres beach. At the time of writing this blog post, the new railway is visible in the landscape, but not finished yet and not operational. So right now, it is not possible to take a train from Tirana Airport to Tirana. 

News publications online promise that the railway between Tirana-Tirana Airport-Durres will open in 2026. However, as of right now the railway is not operational.

In the communist period in Albania, there were railways and trains connecting Tirana, Durres, Elbasan, Pogradec, Shkoder and Vlore. However, over the past four decades and since the fall of communism, these railways became old, in need of maintenance and refurbishment. Many of the old railway tracks are visible in the landscape, but not in operation. 

The investment by the European Bank of Reconstruction into the Tirana – Tirana Airport – Durres railway is very welcome and a major step in upgrading and refurbishing the old railways. 

Until the new railway opens you can only take a car, taxi or bus from Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre.

How much is renting a car and driving from Tirana Airport to Tirana’s city centre?

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.

The driving route from Tirana Airport to the city center of Tirana is very straightforward. Follow signage from the airport to the SH2 Highway. The SH2 highway leads to the center of Tirana and the central Skanderbeg Square. 

It takes approximately 30 minutes to drive from Tirana Airport to the city center of Tirana, but of course traffic can slow your journey down. 

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.

Related Questions

Are taxis expensive in Tirana? Taxis are relatively expensive in Tirana and Albania. Especially in comparison to very cheap local buses. A taxi from Tirana Airport to Tirana costs 22 EUR. A taxi from Tirana Airport to Durres costs 30-35 EUR. A taxi from Tirana Airport to Saranda costs 200 EUR. You can see a price list on the Tirana Airport Taxi Service website. Within Tirana’s city centre, taxi drivers use the taxi meter.

Do taxis in Tirana accept euros? Taxis in Tirana do accept euros. Euros are widely accepted in Albania. I always recommend you carry some cash euros, as those are widely accepted everywhere in Albania. And exchange a small amount for Albanian Leke upon arrival in the city centre at an independent currency exchange office. In Albania, cash is preferred over card payments.

Tirana Airport bus to Durres – There is a direct bus from Tirana Airport to Durres. Buses depart at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 14:00 PM, 15:30 PM, 17:00 PM, 19:00 PM and 21:00 PM. Bus ticket price: 600 LEK / 6 EUR. Duration: 30-45 min. Operator: Adis Travel.

Tirana Airport bus to Vlore – There is a direct bus from Tirana Airport to Vlore. Bus timetable from Tirana Airport to Vlore: 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. Bus ticket: 1200-1500 LEK / 12-15 EUR.

Tirana Airport bus to Shkoder – There is a direct bus from Tirana Airport to Shkoder. Buses depart at 5:00 AM, 9:20 AM, 10:45 AM, 12:45 PM, 15:30 PM, 17:30 PM, 20:10 PM and 22:15 PM. Bus ticket price: 1000 – 1300 LEK / 10-13 EUR. 

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