Albania Transport: Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Around Albania
Last Updated on September 12, 2022
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Finding information about public transportation in Albania online is a long and gruelling task and you will find virtually no information.
To save you time and headache here’s a complete guide on how to get around Albania and to show you that Albania travel isn’t that bad!
When travelling Albania, you will have to learn to trust the Albania transport system. It might seem daunting, but it’s the best way of getting around in Albania without a car.
There are timetables for the public transport in Albania, but quite often they are wrong or have been changed. But they will come – eventually!
There’s no rail system or trains in Albania, so if you are planning on getting around Albania without a car it’s all about furgons, buses and hitchhiking!
And that is why I have put together this guide on Albania transport and how to travel in Albania if you don’t have a car.
📚 P.S. Grab access to my Travelling Albania Guide to get a comprehensive insight into more places to visit in Albania (including secret spots that are not recommended in the usual guides!)
If this method of Albania transportation seems daunting – or you want to do a mix of public transport and car hire in Albania – read my full post on how to hire a car in Albania.
Table of Contents
Furgons
This is the most popular way of travelling around Albania. Furgons are essentially minibuses that are privately-owned and not licensed.
If you want a truly Albanian experience, a furgon is the most unique Albania transport option.
Sometimes they have a timetable, sometimes they don’t. They will usually travel to smaller villages and also more popular routes like from Saranda to Gijrokastёr and Berat.
The furgon is usually crammed with a lot of people in so in the high season, it can be a little cramped, but this is usually my preferred transport choice.
They will drop you off at any point along the way, you just have to let them know.
I had an interesting/wonderful experience on a furgon that was going from Saranda to Berat.
When we stopped halfway for a break we ended up drinking multiple rakis (the local alcohol) and got extremely drunk within the 15-minute stop.
We ended up dancing and making a complete fool of ourselves (or in other words, having a lot of fun) with the entire bus.
It made the rest of the trip fly by. Furgons are definitely more intimate than big coaches!
They can take some getting use to, but I think Furgons are definitely the best way to get around Albania – and the most fun!
The good thing about furgons is you can flag one down and they will usually stop for you and let you on if it’s not full.
So, if hitchhiking fails then you always have that as a backup option as long as you’re not in the middle of nowhere.
In terms of the timetables there are some but most of the time they change. The best option is to ask a local as they always seem to know everything about transport.
Most likely the bus driver will probably be a relation or friend!
If you are wanting information about furgons and buses leaving Saranda then read my ultimate Saranda guide where I list a rough schedule.
🛌🏼 Book accommodation in albania
Buses
Buses in Albania run for more popular and longer routes like for example from Saranda to Tirana. They also have rough timetables.
Be prepared to share any bus in Albania with car motors, washing machines, and other household essentials.
Usually, the buses are a delivery service as well. You can do the same as with the furgons and tell the driver where you want to get off, they will usually stop.
The buses in Albania will sometimes stop for hitchhikers too if they aren’t full.
If you are planning to travel Albania by bus, I have a whole post on the Albania bus timetables for the most popular routes.
IMPORTANT: Only use my Albania bus schedule post as a guide. The Albania bus routes and times are more of a guideline. You should ALWAYS double-check the day before you plan to leave by going to the bus station and getting your ticket and/or asking your accommodation supplier.
Bus + furgon stations
In each city, there’s either a bus station or a bus road/s. Albania’s bus stations are a lot less official than you think and most of the time it’s just a carpark with a whole lot of buses.
Tirana
The public transport in Tirana is pretty straightforward. There are two bus stations in Tirana – one for buses going north and one for buses going south.
They are about a 15-minute walk from each other so make sure you get the right one! The station for buses going south is the further one away from the city.
As soon as you turn up to either of these bus stations you will hear an array of men asking where you’re going.
Just scream which place you want to go and one of them will show you to the bus. They are not asking for a tip, they usually are the guys who help the driver fill the bus up with people.
If you are visiting Tirana, be sure to read my full guide on the best things to do in Tirana.
You can find a Google map of Tirana bus stations here.
💡PACKING TIP: Make sure you bring a good snorkel, water shoes and a fast-drying towel for all of the beach-going you’re about to do!
Saranda
The buses go from a few places, but they are all very near to each other. There is a couple of ‘bus roads’ in the middle of Saranda.
Usually, the ones to and from Greece go from outside the ticket office, which is opposite the red building called Partizani.
The buses that go within Albania are found on the street Rruga Flamurit, near the ruins and the park.
If you ask anyone there where you want to go, they will lead you to the right bus. The buses and furgons will have a sign in the window saying where they are going.
Make sure to check out my guide on the top things to do in Saranda, including local secrets!
Shkoder
There are two bus locations in Shkoder:
One for buses going south to Tirana, which is located opposite the radio station. The other one is on the opposite side of the big roundabout near the mosque.
Again, just yell where you’re going, and someone will take you to your bus.
Berat
The bus station is located just outside of the city. You will need to catch a bus, which is situated next to the petrol station (across the road from the bus station).
Or you can catch a taxi (500lek) or hitchhike into Berat as it’s about a 10-minute drive away.
🧳 MUST-HAVE: Before you head out on your trip, make sure you have travel insurance. I recommend either SafetyWing or World Nomads.
Tickets: For the longer bus rides you will usually need a ticket beforehand, especially if its high-season. In low season you can just buy it on the day. For the furgons sometimes you will buy a ticket from the driver or just give him cash when you arrive at the destination.
Hitchhiking
If unreliable bus schedules and crowded minibuses stress you out, and you still want to know h ow to get around in Albania, then hitchhiking is another great option.
Hitchhiking in Albania is incredibly popular with tourists and locals. It’s very normal to hitchhike here and you will never wait for more than 20 minutes (usually).
In my experience, it’s taken no longer than 5 minutes! There’s no real art to hitchhiking.
Stick your thumb out, make sure you’re visible and that you’re in a spot that’s easy for someone to pull over.
Although in Albania they will stop in the middle of the street for you – that’s Albanian driving for you!
Is it safe?
Yes, as long as you listen to your instincts. If someone pulls over and you don’t get a good feeling, then just wave them on and try again.
From all the travellers I met this summer, most of them hitchhiked and none of them had any problems with it so that is saying something!
Additionally, I have done my share of solo travel in Albania and never once felt unsafe. Albanians are incredibly friendly.
You can read my full guide on safety in Albania for more information.
Fun fact: In the summer I always hitchhiked to the clubs just out of Saranda! I met the funniest and craziest people by hitchhiking, some which are now good friends!
🛌🏼 Book accommodation in Albania
Frequently Asked Questions
No, sadly Uber does not work in Albania. However, taxi apps are becoming more popular and there are some options like Speed Taxi app or Ups Taxi App. However, this is still a new Albania transport option, so don’t expect it to be like taking an Uber at home.
Unfortunately, there is no train in Albania. So the best way to travel in Albania without a car is the Albania public transport system.
Yes and no. The Albania transport options are cheap, but generally unreliable.
I hope this answered all your questions on how to travel around Albania using public transportation. If you have any further questions about Albania travel, please leave them below and I will try to answer them for you!
Other articles you might love:
- Albania Weather: Best time to Visit Albania
- A Guide to the Albanian Riviera: The Best Beaches in Europe
- Albania beaches: The Most Beautiful Beaches in Albania
- Your ultimate guide to Ksamil, Albania
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The Comments
Agness of a Tuk Tuk
This is such a detailed and exceptional travel guide for Albania, Anita. Hitchhiking there should be fun. Did you try it?
Anita Hendrieka
> Agness of a Tuk TukThanks for reading. Yes, I’ve tried hitchhiking in Albania, it’s fun!
Raul (@ilivetotravel)
Very helpful – love the maps!
Anita Hendrieka
> Raul (@ilivetotravel)Thank you! 🙂
Tamara
Super handy guide! I’m interested in travelling to Albania as the beaches look gorgeous- do you know if you can get to them via public transport?
Chris Bloomfield
Hitchhiking is something I have never done, but should really try just for the thrill of it. I love the information you provide in the article. What was the rakis like? I have never heard of it.
Steph and Zach Dorworth
Love this post! Learned a lot about what furgons are. Love your story about how you got drunk on a furgon trip! haha You did a great job too with the detailed maps.
Anita Hendrieka
> Steph and Zach DorworthThanks guys\! 🙂
Victoria
Omg thanks for this! I’ve always wanted to go to Albania but I’ve heard it’s super difficult to get around so I’m scared but this is so helpful! The mini bus thing is how they got around in Peru too! It was confusing for sure but we used Uber
Indrani
Good list of transports there. Furgons is new to me.
Hitch hiking is something I have never tried, but I believe you get to meet interesting people like you mentioned.
Claudia
You’ve provided some very helpful transportation tips for getting around Albania. The furgons are a very interesting way to travel between towns and villages in the countryside. Albania still seems like an off-the-beaten path destination in may ways but at least know I know how to get around when I visit!
Kiyoko
Thanks for the great info! Figuring out transportation is probably one of my least favorite parts of trip planning as it usually causes me the biggest headache because I struggle to find the information I need. Will definitely save this for if I ever go to Albania!
Francesca Murray
Taking the Furgon sounds fun! Especially your experience during that 15 minute break, lol! I would just be a little nervous without an actual timetable, but as you said, locals usually know best
Aleah
I’ve been planning so long to visit Albania because I heard it’s very beautiful there, cheap, and generally friendly to digital nomads. I also heard it can be difficult to travel around if you don’t have a car so it’s nice you have a whole post on getting around. The furgons sound like the public transport in South America or Asia, so I should feel right at home LOL I doubt if I’ll get drunk though. As a solo traveler, I’m very careful where I drink haha Bookmarking this for my visit next year!
Siddhartha Joshi
Thanks for sharing this post Anita…I think it’s a great resource for anyone if finding online information about Albania is so tough! I really like the word Furgons though…but traveling in the these without a timetable could be tough, but then they must be great for spontaneous travel plans. And of course, hitchhiking works everywhere…I do the same as you – follow my instincts 🙂
afisindhu
Thank you so much for sharing this post Anita. I heard it can be difficult to travel around if you don’t have a car so it’s nice you have a whole post on getting around. 🙂 I really enjoyed this post. 🙂
Rob
Nice, and informative Blog! Thanks. We know from your FAQ page that you are not rich and work hard….but what do you do to earn money on the move? My wife and I are retiring around Oct and looking around for good destinations. Do you know if Albania is considered a Schengen Member? Would like to know if the 90 day clock resets while in Albania. Have you checked out Patreon? It funds artists. One video blogger I follow in Ecuador receives funds thru them. Really interested in finding economical longer term rental there but concerned the language barrier will make it difficult. Wishing you the Best! Rob
Linda
This is gold! Thank you so much! We were getting confused about all the bus traveling, even though we have lived 7 months in Asia and traveled just by public transport, coming back to Europe seemed like a bit of a challenge!
Thanks again!
Anna
Hi Anita,
Great reading, I had actually just been researching travelling through albania and was getting quite anxious that I might have to pass, as I couldnt find any info. I am going in August this year and now feel confident that I’ll be able to get around no problems! Yay! Are furgons quite obvious mini vans? And what about luggage restrictions?
Also what would you say are a definite to see. I am coming from Montenegro and probably going to Corfu.
Thanks so much Anna
Lane Beck
Hitchhiking through Albania! Now that would definitely be outside my comfort zone… but I might just be up to it! Just don’t tell MissTIC. I think she would freak.
Anita Hendrieka
> Lane BeckIt’s the best way to get around and you meet the most interesting people!
Thijn
Great read Anita! Going to Albania in September and will be trying out these spots. Thanks:)
Deborah Jane
Hi Anita – my family and I are travelling to Albania this summer (from the UK) and thinking of hiring a car. We’re flying into Tirana and staying in Shiroka, Shkoder. We want to travel to possibly Berat and Gjirokaster. Would you recommend driving in Albania? So difficult to get reliable opinions. Thank you.
Anita Hendrieka
> Deborah JaneHey Deborah,
That’s great! Yes, driving in Albania is a good idea. This way you can see lots of little villages and sites along the way that you would miss otherwise. Driving in Tirana is hard because the traffic is so bad all the time but it’s great to travel around the rest of the country. Just beware that Albanians are renowned for being ‘crazy’ drivers – speeding, overtaking on blind corners etc. If you worried about the drivers then you can also easily catch buses between those places you mentioned.
Kim
Hi Anita,
Thanks for your detailed guide! I have a question I hope you can answer.
We want to go to Butrint on Sunday, June 9. We’re in Saranda but not close to the main square. (2 km down the road) Can we just wave at the bus to stop and buy the ticket in de bus? (I don’t know if June is high season)
Best regards,
Anita Hendrieka
> KimHi there, yes you buy the ticket on the bus always and you should be able to just wave the bus down 🙂
Joe Sherwood Taylor
Thanks for your great guide, definitely the best source of info about the country. I am travelling there in a couple of weeks, stating in Durres, travelling north to Shkoder to walk in the ‘Accursed Mountains’. You say there are no trains but many sources say there is a limited network more or less centred on Durres, does this still exist? I love to travel by train.
Liz
How would you recommend a family of 4 travel through Albania? Car hire seems somewhat expensive and buses seem temperamental for travelling with kids especially when time is short.
zeno
> LizI would like to know too….. travelling there next month. How did you get around? What are Coaches exactly ???
Aloka
Hey Anita, loving your content as I am planning my trip to Sarande. Wanted to know what is the best way to travel within Sarande and nearby places like Ksamil (I do not drive).
Talvetar
Hi. Happy I found you. I have been In Albania for one week now. Where do you live? I am In Golem. Is it possible To get the copy of your book here so I dont need To order it.. As you know.. Here are no address3s where To deliver. I sta here until the end of April.
Thanks
Talvetar
Ismi Voestermans
Hi.
Wij are planning to go hiking in Bogë, Albania next June (2023). My question is how is the best way to go there from Tirana. How much cost for taxi for example. I don’t have driving license.
We are from The Netherland and will fly to Tirana.
Thank you.
gary Chamberlain
Hi, we are planning to travel to Albania riviera in mid September, are there still bus direct from Tirana to Himare or best to go via Vlore or Sarande ????
Mona Dimitri
Bus station from Golem to Vlore . Where is it in Golem?
Frequency of the bus, if any.
Than you for your reply.
Mona
Parul
Thank You Anita for sharing your experience. This blog is definitely useful in planning my trip. However, I am traveling with family (2 little kids). The final inference is – its better to hire a car but again how safe is it to drive around in Albania is the question. We are up for using the local transport because i believe that’s the best way to explore :). Thank you again for sharing. I will go through all the links for Albania. Keep up the good work.