Getting Around Albania: A Practical Guide
Openness: The First Step to Traveling
Traveling in Albania might seem challenging, but in reality, it’s a fascinating experience. With a bit of an open mind, the country will reward you with amazing landscapes, hospitality, and unexpected adventures. Here’s how to best get around Albania, using public transport, taxis, and hitchhiking.
Intercity Transport: Buses and Minibuses
If you want to explore Albania, don’t be afraid to use public transport. Despite appearances, it works quite efficiently. Many of my friends have visited remote parts of the country and always arrived safely – even when traveling to lesser-known villages far from resorts.
Instead of relying on the internet, it’s best to ask locals – they know best where and when buses depart. Definitely avoid asking taxi drivers, who often overcharge or try to discourage you from using cheaper options.
Where to Find Bus Stops?
Not all bus stops in Albania are marked. Sometimes it’s just a gas station, a roundabout, an exit road, or a central square. It’s worth asking locals – they’ll show you the exact spot and offer practical advice.
Buses and minibuses usually run on schedule, but I recommend arriving early, preferably fifteen minutes before the scheduled departure.
Timetables
In Albania, you’ll rarely find a paper or online timetable. Fortunately, the website http://gjirafa.com/Autobus comes to the rescue. It’s very helpful, although it doesn’t always cover smaller towns. In such cases, again – ask the locals.
How to Pay?
You usually pay when you get off, but it’s worth asking about the price when you board to avoid surprises. Drivers rarely issue tickets. Here are some example fares:
- Shkodra – Kruja: 250 LEK
- Durres – Berat: 300 LEK
- Berat – Elbasan: 350 LEK
- Elbasan – Korça: 500 LEK
- Korça – Vlora: 1200 LEK
- Vlora – Dhërmi: 300 LEK
- Dhërmi – Qeparo: 300 LEK
- Saranda – Gjirokastra: 300 LEK
For shorter distances (25–40 km), you’ll pay around 150 LEK, and for every additional 100 km – around 250–300 LEK. Most buses run in the morning, so it might be harder to find a connection in the afternoons.
Taxis in Albania
Taxis are convenient, but you need to know how to use them. Most don’t have meters, so you
Always ask for the price before departing. This way, you’ll avoid surprises upon arrival.
Urban Transport in Large Cities
In Tirana, Shkodra, Elbasan, and other larger cities, classic bus transport operates. A ticket costs around 50–70 LEK, and you buy it directly from the conductor, who walks through the bus. It’s a rather unusual solution, but it works very efficiently.
Hitchhiking: Fast, Free, and Safe
Hitchhiking in Albania is a real adventure! Drivers often stop, are friendly, and usually don’t expect payment. They often just happen to be going your way and are happy to give you a ride.
Northern Albania is an exception – there, it’s worth checking beforehand if the driver expects a fee. There are situations where a sum comparable to a taxi fare is demanded. Fortunately, this is rare, and most people will not only give you a ride but also tell you something interesting about the area.
If the driver expects payment, it’s usually a symbolic amount, comparable to a bus ticket price. For many Albanians, it’s simply a way not to drive alone – and you get convenience and speed without waiting at a bus stop.
Summary – Key Takeaways
Transport in Albania might not resemble German punctuality, but it works surprisingly well. Just approach it with an open mind and… ask the locals. They will always help, show you the way, and suggest where to stop. Albania is a country of warm-hearted people – and the journey through their country can be an adventure in itself. 🌍🚍🇦🇱
