For investors and travelers in Albania

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Mother Teresa International Airport (IATA: TIA), also known as Rinas Airport, is Albania’s only international airport, located 17 km northwest of Tirana. It serves as the primary gateway for millions of tourists heading to the stunning coastal cities along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. In 2024, Albania welcomed 10 million visitors, and 2025 promises even more, with destinations like Durrës, Golem, Vlora, Saranda, and Ksamil leading the way. This comprehensive guide details how to travel from Tirana Airport to these and other coastal gems, covering transport options, approximate costs, routes, and travel times. Planning a trip or investing in Albanian real estate? Albanian Century is here to assist with travel arrangements and property purchases! Contact us at +355 69 517 3114  (Phone, Viber, Whatsapp, Telegram) or office@albaniancentury.com.

Why Choose Albania in 2025

Albania captivates with its affordable prices, pristine nature, and rich culture. Sandy beaches in Durrës and Golem, turquoise waters in Ksamil, historical landmarks in Vlora, and the vibrant atmosphere of Saranda make these cities perfect for vacations and investments. Tirana Airport is your starting point to these coastal treasures. Albania’s currency is the Albanian Lek (ALL), with 1 EUR ≈ 100 ALL (as of August 2025). Ready to explore? Here’s everything you need to know about getting there!

1. Durrës: The Adriatic Port Capital

Distance: 32 km
Why Go: Durrës, Albania’s second-largest city, boasts 15 km of sandy beaches, a Roman amphitheater, and a lively promenade. Perfect for families and history enthusiasts.
Travel Time: 30–50 minutes
Transport Options:

Bus

• Operator: Adis Travel & Tours
• Schedule: Daily at 10:00, 12:00, 15:30, 17:00 (check Tirana Airport’s website for updates).
• Cost: 580 ALL (€5.8)
• Route: Direct from the arrivals terminal to central Durrës (Rruga Pavaresia). The stop is near the terminal.
• Pros: Budget-friendly, tickets sold by the driver (cash in ALL).
• Cons: Limited schedule, buses may be crowded in peak season (July–August).
• Tip: Book tickets online via 12go.asia to secure a seat.

Taxi

• Cost: 4000–5000 ALL (€40–50)
• Travel Time: 30–40 minutes
• Where to Find: Taxi stands at the terminal or via apps (e.g., Speed Taxi).
• Pros: Convenient for groups or luggage, available 24/7.
• Cons: More expensive than buses, avoid unlicensed drivers.
• Tip: Agree on the price upfront or use official services.

Car Rental

• Cost: €20–40/day (varies by model and season)
• Route: SH2 highway to Durrës, well-paved and straightforward.
• Pros: Freedom to explore nearby spots like Currila Beach.
• Cons: Paid parking in central Durrës (€1–2/hour).
• Where to Rent: Avis, Europcar, Sixt at the airport. Book via Rentalcars.com.

Investment: Durrës is a real estate hotspot. 1+1 apartments start at €47,000 with 5–7% rental yields. Contact Albanian Century for listings!

2. Golem: A Beachside Oasis Near Durrës

Distance: 50 km
Why Go: Golem is renowned for its 10-km sandy beach, pine forests, and relaxed vibe, ideal for family vacations.
Travel Time: 40–60 minutes
Transport Options:

Bus

• Route: No direct buses to Golem. Take a bus to Durrës (580 ALL, 35 minutes), then transfer to a local “Durrës–Plepa” bus to Golem (40 ALL, 15–20 minutes).
• Cost: 620 ALL (€6.2)
• Transfer Point: Plepa stop in Durrës (near Rruga Pavaresia).
• Pros: Cheapest option.
• Cons: Requires a transfer, local bus schedules can be inconsistent (every 20–30 minutes).
• Tip: Confirm with the driver if the bus stops in Golem (Mali i Robit).

Taxi

• Cost: 5000–6000 ALL (€50–60)
• Travel Time: 40–50 minutes
• Route: Direct to your hotel or Golem Beach (e.g., Supreme Hotel).
• Pros: Comfortable, no transfers.
• Cons: Pricier, costs may rise in peak season.
• Tip: Book via your hotel or WhatsApp (+355 69 517 3114).

Car Rental

• Cost: €20–40/day
• Route: SH2 to Durrës, then SH4 to Golem. Roads are good, with clear signage.
• Pros: Flexibility to visit Mali i Robit beaches.
• Cons: Traffic in Durrës during July–August.
• Where to Rent: Hertz, Enterprise at the airport.

Investment: Studios in Golem start at €54,000 with 5–8% yields. Albanian Century offers exclusive properties!

3. Vlora: The Jewel of Two Seas

Distance: 151 km
Why Go: Vlora, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet, features a modern promenade, historical sites, and proximity to Llogara National Park.
Travel Time: 2–3 hours
Transport Options:

Bus

• Operator: Limited direct buses, often via Fier or Durrës.
• Schedule: Bus to Fier (2 daily trips, 1000 ALL, 2 hours), then to Vlora (500 ALL, 30–40 minutes). Direct buses to Vlora are rare, check on-site.
• Cost: 1500 ALL (€15) with transfer
• Route: Airport → Fier → Vlora (Lungomare).
• Pros: Affordable, buses are comfortable.
• Cons: Long transfer waits, unreliable schedules.
• Tip: Check schedules on albania360.ru.

Taxi

• Cost: 12,000–15,000 ALL (€120–150)
• Travel Time: 2–2.5 hours
• Route: SH2 to Fier, then SH8 to Vlora.
• Pros: Fast, ideal for groups.
• Cons: Expensive, prices may increase in season.
• Tip: Split the fare with 3–4 people to save.

Car Rental

• Cost: €25–50/day
• Route: SH2 → SH8, a scenic coastal drive.
• Pros: Stops in Fier or Llogara Pass for photos.
• Cons: Narrow sections on SH8, drive cautiously in mountains.
• Where to Rent: Airport or Rentalcars.com.

Investment: Apartments in Vlora from €60,000 with 6–9% yields. Albanian Century can assist!

4. Saranda: Gateway to the Ionian Sea

Distance: 278 km
Why Go: Saranda is a vibrant resort with azure seas, a lively promenade, and proximity to Butrint National Park (UNESCO).
Travel Time: 4.5–5.5 hours
Transport Options:

Bus

• Route: No direct buses from the airport. Take a bus to Tirana (250 ALL, 30 minutes), then from Tirana’s South Bus Terminal to Saranda (1500–2000 ALL, 4–5 hours).
• Cost: 1750–2250 ALL (€17.5–22.5)
• Schedule: Buses from Tirana to Saranda run 5–7 times daily (05:00–14:00).
• Pros: Budget-friendly, scenic route via Llogara Pass.
• Cons: Long trip, requires a transfer in Tirana.
• Tip: Book Saranda tickets on 12go.asia or check schedules on-site.

Taxi

• Cost: 20,000–25,000 ALL (€200–250)
• Travel Time: 4.5–5 hours
• Route: SH2 → SH8 → SH4, via Vlora and Himara.
• Pros: Direct to your hotel, comfortable.
• Cons: High cost.
• Tip: Book a transfer via Albanian Century for reliability.

Car Rental

• Cost: €30–60/day
• Route: SH2 to Fier, then SH8 via Vlora and Llogara Pass to Saranda.
• Pros: Stops in Himara or Dhermi for swimming.
• Cons: Mountain roads on SH8 require experience.
• Where to Rent: Sixt, Avis at the airport.

Alternative: With a Schengen visa, fly to Corfu (Greece), then take a ferry to Saranda (30 minutes, €15–25). The 5-hour drive from Tirana Airport can be tiring.
Investment: Apartments in Saranda from €50,000 with 7–10% yields. Contact Albanian Century!

5. Ksamil: Albanian Maldives

Distance: 290 km
Why Go: Ksamil is a paradise with white-sand beaches and turquoise Ionian waters, just 10 km from Saranda.
Travel Time: 5–6 hours
Transport Options:

Bus

• Route: To Tirana (250 ALL, 30 minutes), then to Saranda (1500–2000 ALL, 4–5 hours), followed by a local bus or taxi to Ksamil (100–300 ALL, 20–30 minutes).
• Cost: 1850–2550 ALL (€18.5–25.5)
• Schedule: Saranda–Ksamil buses run every 30–60 minutes (06:00–18:00).
• Pros: Cheapest option.
• Cons: Two transfers, tiring journey.
• Tip: Check local bus schedules in Saranda.

Taxi

• Cost: 22,000–27,000 ALL (€220–270)
• Travel Time: 5–5.5 hours
• Route: SH2 → SH8 → SH4 → Ksamil.
• Pros: Direct to Ksamil’s beaches.
• Cons: Expensive, long drive.
• Tip: Share the fare for savings.

Car Rental

• Cost: €30–60/day
• Route: Same as Saranda, then 10 km on SH81 to Ksamil.
• Pros: Visit Butrint National Park en route.
• Cons: Limited parking in Ksamil.
• Where to Rent: Europcar, Hertz at the airport.

Alternative: Ferry from Corfu to Saranda (30 minutes, €15–25), then taxi to Ksamil (€10–15, 20 minutes). Requires a Schengen visa.
Investment: Properties in Ksamil from €35,000 with 8–10% yields. Albanian Century can help!

6. Other Coastal Cities

Shëngjin

• Distance: 60 km
• Why Go: A quiet resort with sandy beaches, 7 km from Lezha.
• Travel Time: 1–1.5 hours
• Bus: To Tirana (250 ALL, 30 minutes), then to Lezha (500 ALL, 1 hour), followed by a taxi to Shëngjin (500 ALL, 10 minutes). Cost: 1250 ALL (€12.5).
• Taxi: 6000–8000 ALL (€60–80).
• Car Rental: €20–40/day, via SH2 to Lezha, then SH21.
• Investment: Apartments from €40,000, yields 4–6%.

Himara

• Distance: 223 km
• Why Go: A charming Ionian town with pebbly beaches and Greek flair.
• Travel Time: 3.5–4.5 hours
• Bus: To Vlora (1500 ALL, 2–3 hours), then to Himara (1000 ALL, 1.5–2 hours). Cost: 2500 ALL (€25).
• Taxi: 18,000–22,000 ALL (€180–220).
• Car Rental: €25–50/day, via SH8 through Llogara.
• Investment: Apartments from €55,000, yields 6–8%.

Borsh

• Distance: 239 km
• Why Go: Home to Albania’s longest beach (7 km), quiet and scenic.
• Travel Time: 4–5 hours
• Bus: To Saranda (1750–2250 ALL, 4.5–5 hours), then taxi (1000 ALL, 30 minutes). Cost: 2750–3250 ALL (€27.5–32.5).
• Taxi: 20,000–24,000 ALL (€200–240).
• Car Rental: €30–60/day, via SH8.
• Investment: Properties from €50,000, yields 6–9%.

Practical Tips

1. Best Time to Travel: June–September for beach season (water 22–26°C); April–May or October for sightseeing (fewer crowds, 15–20°C).
2. Payment: Buses accept only cash (ALL). Taxis and car rentals may take cards, but confirm in advance.
3. Language: English is limited; Italian is more common. Use Google Translate.
4. Luggage: Buses have limited luggage space; taxis are better for large bags.
5. Safety: Use licensed taxis and check bus operator reviews.
6. Internet: Buy a Vodafone or ALBtelecom SIM at the airport (€5–10 for 5–10 GB) for navigation.
7. Investment: Albania offers residency through property purchases from 20 m². Albanian Century assists with paperwork!

Why Travel with Albanian Century?

In 2025, Albania is an affordable paradise with sandy and pebbly beaches, rich history, and a booming real estate market. Albanian Century, with 11 years of expertise, offers not just transfers and tours but also exclusive properties in Durrës, Golem, Vlora, Saranda, and Ksamil. Looking for a sea-view apartment or a rental studio? Visit https://albaniancentury.com, call +355 69 517 3114  (Phone, Viber, Whatsapp, Telegram), or email office@albaniancentury.com. We ensure a seamless journey from the airport to your dream home!

Conclusion: Your Path to Albania’s Coast

From the sandy shores of Durrës and Golem to the turquoise waters of Ksamil and Saranda, Albania’s coastal cities await. Mother Teresa Airport is your gateway to an unforgettable vacation. Choose buses for budget travel, taxis for comfort, or car rentals for freedom, and let Albanian Century make your trip and investments hassle-free.