How to Get from Tirana Airport to Durres in 2024 – Updated Bus, Taxi, and Rental Car Prices

The kortaste way from Tirana International Airport to Durres is the direct bus. Between the airport and the coast, three practical options exist–bus, taxi, and rental car–each with its own mix of costs, speed, and flexibility. If you travel with a personal plan for 2024, start by matching your time window and luggage to the option you prefer.

Costs and prices in 2024 show clear differences: Bus services typically charge 300–500 ALL (about 3–4 EUR) for a direct link; taxis usually run 35–60 EUR, depending on traffic and luggage; rental cars start around 25–60 EUR per day for a compact sedan, with higher rates for larger sedans or SUVs. Prices can vary by operator, season, and whether you book in advance, and they are often compared by travelers to pick the best value. Many operators offer fixed prices to avoid surge during peak times.

To lock in the best value, compare options before you land: check official desks at the airport, reputed rental firms, and trusted service providers offering pickup. Book ahead when possible to secure costs and avoid last-minute price spikes. For personal comfort, pick a sedan or larger car if you have luggage or plan day trips, or choose a compact car for city cruising and cheaper fuel and parking. They often provide English-speaking staff.

The distance between Tirana International Airport (TIA) and Durres city center is about 36–40 km. A direct bus typically takes 60–90 minutes; a taxi 40–60 minutes; a rental car 45–70 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route runs along the coast and passes the Durres Castle and seaside promenade, offering quick views of the Adriatic. The trip is very straightforward for international travelers, and you can time your arrival to enjoy a quick snack or a stroll along the port after you land.

Local arrangements and options vary: some gostivar-based partners samarbetar with local operators to offer cross-border shuttles, while others list finikas as a landmark or partner brand. If you travel with a group, many providers offer shared van or sedan service; varannan hour departures are common in off-peak days, so check schedules in advance. In all cases, read the service terms, compare costs, and choose a plan that fits your travel style and the countries you plan to visit; the overall experience remains practical and simple for most first-time visitors to Albania and neighboring countries.

Updated bus routes, schedules, and travel times from Tirana Airport to Durres (2024)

Best option in 2024: take the direct autobusave from flygplats to Durres. Buy a ticket at the airport desk or book online; the direct line offers the shortest, most predictable journey with fixed hourly departures. Check the timetable on arrival so you get an exact idea of when the next bus leaves.

Direct route details

• Route: flygplats (TIA) → Durres stacioni i autobuseve (Durres bus station).
• Operator: direct autobusave line; signs are in Albanian and English; exempEl of convenience: tickets can be bought at the airport kiosks or via online bookings.
• First departure: 05:15. Last departure: 22:15.
• Frequency: generally every 60 minutes on weekdays; every 75 minutes on weekends.
• Travel time: 60–70 minutes in light traffic; 75–90 minutes under heavier traffic.
• Ticket cost: kostar roughly 400–700 ALL (about 3–6 EUR); some vendors offer online bookings, and payments may be by cash or card.
• Stops: passes through the Durres Port area and ends near the central stacioni; if you need the kortaste route, this direct line is usually it.
• Check: always verify exact times on the operator’s page or at the airport information desk; schedules can change due to road works or traffic.
• Notes: railways in Albania are limited for this route, so autobusave remains the most reliable option; the experience is smooth and adults and kids alike find it easy.
• Where to sit: the bus stop at flygplats is clearly marked; for a smooth ride, arrive 5–10 minutes before the scheduled time to secure a good seat.
• Would this be the fastest option? Yes, generally, it is the quickest way to reach Durres if you want to avoid transfers.

Alternative routes and practical tips

• Alternative: if the direct line doesn’t align with your arrival, take a short taxi or walk to Stacioni Qendror i Autobusave in Tirana and catch a Durres bus from there; this may add 20–40 minutes but offers more flexibility.
• Checking live times: use the official operator page or airport information screens; changes can occur quickly, especially around peak traffic.
• Ticketing notes: kostar and bookings can vary by vendor; exempel: a standard seat might kostar around 500 ALL, and online bookings may reserve a specific seat.
• Prices and hour changes: costs are listed in lek (ALL) and can change with seasons; remember that peak hours can push travel time toward the upper end of the range.
• Urban experience: the ride provides Albanian language announcements and helpful English signs; some coaches use Dacia minibuses on shorter legs, though the direct line uses standard buses for Durres.
• Travel time expectations: under normal traffic you’ll reach Durres in about one hour; if you compare options with thessaloníki corridors or other routes, you’ll notice this is a simpler, more cost-effective choice.
• Check-in speed: if you arrive during high traffic, the line can be a bit longer; arriving early helps you avoid the rush and ensures you get the exact seat you want.
• Payments: many booths accept card payments; if you prefer cash, carry small change for quicker transactions.
• Staying informed: if you plan multiple legs (for example, a transfer to a rental car area), you can bookings separate tickets and combine options; this avoids problems if a single bus is delayed.
• Cost awareness: the total cost to Durres from the airport via the direct line is usually under 10 EUR; kostar remains stable for most travelers, including those who would like to budget precisely.
• Experience note: the ride is generally comfortable with air conditioning; drivers are accustomed to foreign travelers, and the itinerary is straightforward for first-time visitors.
• What would you do differently: if you want the shortest journey with minimal hassle, choose the direct line; if you prefer a cheaper or more flexible approach, combine a short taxi to the main station with the same service to Durres.

Current bus fares, ticket options, and payment methods for the Tirana Airport–Durres route

Take the shared bus option from tiranë airport to Durres as your go‑to choice for most travelers. It offers the best balance of price and reliability, with direct routes and minimal waiting between arrivals and departures. Tickets can be bought on the website of the operating company or at the airport counter, and you’ll typically reach Durres in about 40–60 minutes depending on traffic and the day of the week. In the coming months, speed and reliability on this route have remained solid, making it a straightforward choice for planning your trip to the coast.

Ticket options and price ranges

Ticket types include one‑way and, where offered, return options. Shared buses generally run with single‑ticket pricing that ranges from ALL 350–650 per person, while direct airport‑to‑Durres express services tend to be in the ALL 600–900 range. Those ranges fluctuate by time of day, day of week, and season, but jämfört pricing across the main företaget and its partners is common. On Saturdays you’ll find slightly higher demand and sometimes tighter seats, so it pays to buy ahead on the website or at the counter. Those routes would/did show similar price patterns for båda options, and you can compare directly by searching the operator’s list and scrolling through the options to pick what fits your budget. If you’re exploring outside Albania, you might see references to grekland or medan in sample itineraries, but for this route the official price ranges posted by the company remain the best guide. If you’re traveling during Bajram or other peak periods, expect a small uptick in price and a few more departures to choose from, and plan accordingly.

Payment methods and practical tips

Pay by cash at the airport counter or vending machines, or use a card for online purchases through the website. Most operators will support direct card payments and some offer mobile wallet options, which can speed up the process and reduce waiting. When you don’t see an option advertised, dont hesitate to ask at the counter, or check the website for the latest methods. If you would prefer a paper ticket, print or save the digital ticket on your device and scan it when you board. For those planning multiple trips, a return ticket (if offered) can save a bit of money; always confirm before checkout. Searching and scrolling through the official site will reveal current ticket types, price, and payment methods, ensuring you avoid overpaying. Supporting reviews from other travelers can help you gauge reliability, but the core data from the website remains the best guide for price and schedules on tiranuEB-to-Durres itineraries.

Taxi options, fare ranges, and estimated travel times from Tirana Airport to Durres

Book a private taxi at arrivals for a direct reach to Durrës; expect 45–60 minutes and a typical daytime fare of 60–85 EUR. In August, peak traffic can push prices higher, so confirm a säker fixed-rate option at the desk and keep the booking reference handy.

Taxi options and practical ranges

Official airport taxis operate from the terminal area and use a fixed-rate scheme to Durres along rruga e Durrësit; exact pricing is shown before departure. Typical ranges: 60–85 EUR during daylight hours, about 75–100 EUR after dark. If you’re arriving with multiple bagged pieces, ask for a vehicle with ample space and a comfortable seat for each traveler. Since the trips are door-to-door, you avoid transfers and can plan your arrivals to reach restaurants or your hotel without detours.

Private transfers booked in advance offer a predictable option. Prices commonly run 50–70 EUR for up to four passengers in one vehicle, with a single seat reserved for each traveler. Opting for a booked transfer reduces surprises when you land in August, and many operators provide a fixed quote even before you leave home, because you’ll avoid on-the-spot surcharges at the terminal.

Shared shuttles and minibuses present a budget-friendly alternative. These services typically charge per person and can total 20–25 EUR each, with a collective reach to Durres that may take longer if several stops are needed. Check the schedule ahead of time; if you arrive on a Sunday or during a peak arrivals window, book early to secure a seat on the next available run.

Rental car option and tips for travelers

Rental cars allow freedom to explore at your own pace. Typical rates in August start around 25–40 EUR per day for a compact model, with insurance adding about 5–10 EUR daily. Fuel costs run roughly 1.4–1.8 EUR per liter, depending on market prices. Expect 40–60 minutes of driving, depending on traffic on rruga e Durrësit and tolls along the route. A rental gives you a dedicated seat for each traveler and lets you reach multiple destinations along the coast or inland without fixed schedules. Based on your plans, you can navigate to tetovo or other nearby destinations as part of a wider tour, and you’ll find GPS options provided by most rental desks helpful for navigating binary routes around the terminal and along the major railways corridors that connect regional towns.

For travelers who want a seamless start, combine a rental with a short walk to a nearby restaurant row or a quick stop at a bakery after arrivals; this keeps your approach simple and lets you enjoy Durres on your own timetable rather than relying on public schedules. If you book a rental in advance, you’ll confirm the exact pickup location and the driver’s contact, which helps when coordinating with bokas confirmations or changes in your plans during August tourism peaks.

Summary: for most travelers, a taxi from the arrivals area provides the quickest, most predictable reach to Durrës with clear price bands; a booked private transfer offers the best balance of cost and convenience, while a rental car delivers maximum flexibility to explore destina tions along the coast. If you’re opting for the cheapest option, a well-timed public bus from central Tirana is available, but note it involves more scheduling and longer travel times. Both options cater to different tastes and itineraries, so choose the path that fits your tour plans and Sunday or August schedules, and you’ll arrive ready to start your stay in Durres.

Car rental at Tirana Airport: daily rates, insurance, and fuel costs for the Tirana–Durres drive

Recommendation: Rent a compact car with full-inclusive insurance at Tirana Airport. Daily rates typically sit around 40–60 EUR, rising to 60–75 EUR in August for popular models. Booking in advance helps you find a rate that includes CDW and TP, which keeps costs predictable for a foreigner visiting Tirana. Collect the car at the Tirana International Airport counter to avoid chaotic outside taxi lines, and use the rruga toward Durres to reach landmarks along the coast with ease.

Insurance and extras: Most national providers include CDW (collision damage waiver) and TP (third‑party liability) in the base rate. Expect an optional zero‑excess cover at about 7–12 EUR per day, plus an extra driver fee of 2–5 EUR daily where applicable. If you plan a longer stay, check whether the bolag offers a bundled policy that covers cross‑border trips to Vlore or makedonien routes; some tendersar packages can be slightly cheaper when you need only modest coverage. Always confirm what is included before you sign, and be aware that aggressive upsells can occur at public counters outside the terminal. If you speak English and perhaps a bit of languagealbania, you can negotiate more easily, and locals will appreciate your effort to use полезный phrases in Albanian as well; that can save costs and time at the desk.

Fuel costs and practical math: A typical compact car averages about 5–6 L per 100 km. The Tirana–Durres round trip is roughly 76 km, so expect around 4.5–5.0 L of fuel depending on air conditioning use and driving style. With petrol prices near 260 LEK per liter (about 2.1 EUR) in August, the round‑trip fuel bill lands around 9–11 EUR (roughly 1,100–1,400 LEK). If you add a detour to Vlore or a few city stops, budget an extra 5–15 EUR, depending on distance. These figures help you compare the once‑off fuel cost against a more expensive public transport option, and they make it easier to plan the overall Tirana–Durres drive. Outside peak season, slightly lower prices are common; you’ll find that the cost varies with fuel policy and whether the rental includes prepaid refueling. For a foreigner, keeping track of leke costs and euros is straightforward, and you can easily convert at the counter if needed.

Tips for a smooth ride: pickup at the airport often avoids chaotic taxi lines, and the rruga to Durres has public signs and recognizable landmarks, so you can navigate without worry. Always check the car for dents or fuel policy before departure, and verify the toll policy on the deposit. If a counter offers a language mix–English plus some basic Albanian–use it to clarify the terms; some departs from TIA happen with language support that makes the process faster, while others may require you to show a valid license and a credit card for the security hold. If you plan to extend your trip to nearby towns like Vlore, confirm the cross‑border policy in advance and note any additional charges or tenderar restrictions.

What the daily rate typically covers

The standard rate usually includes CDW and TP, plus a basic mileage allowance. Expect optional extras such as a second driver, GPS, child seats, and zero‑excess insurance to add 2–12 EUR per day. Fuel policy is usually paid on return if you don’t prepay, which means you should plan the Tirana–Durres leg with the real cost in mind. Always verify the exact inclusions with the bolag before you depart, and check whether taxes or airport surcharges are included in the quoted rate. This helps you avoid surprises when you arrive to depart in a new city and you’re balancing cost with convenience.

Fuel strategy and route tips for the Tirana–Durres drive

Drive times are typically 25–40 minutes each way, depending on traffic and the time of day. The route via rruga along the coast offers straightforward driving and access to coastal landmarks before you reach Durres. Price considerations aside, keeping a simple plan saves time: fill up before you return the car to avoid refueling penalties, know the exact mileage limit of your rate, and keep the receipt to reconcile with your ticket. If you plan a longer trip to nearby coastal towns, you can map out a day trip that includes a quick stop in Vlore for a late lunch, but remember that detours increase both time and cost. For a well‑priced option that still covers basic needs, look for a national brand at the airport that offers transparent terms; many travelers have found that these bolag deliver reliable service with minimal hassle, which is particularly helpful for first‑time visitors.

Driving from Tirana to Durres: recommended routes, travel time, tolls, and parking tips

Hit SH2 toward Durres from Tirana for the fastest, most reliable drive. This coastal corridor keeps you on a single express route and minimizes city delays, making a 40-60 minute trip common outside peak hours.

Route options: 1) direct SH2 coastal highway all the way; 2) scenic detour via Kavajë that adds about 20-25 minutes but yields seaside views. If you choose the detour, follow SH2 west, then turn toward Kavajë after Vorë and reconnect with SH2 near Durres.

Travel time varies with traffic and season. Typical distance is 40-50 km; expect 40-60 minutes off-peak, 60-75 minutes during hot summer rush hours. In the early morning you may shave 5-10 minutes; in late afternoon, add 5-15 minutes.

Tolls: The main Tirana–Durres SH2 route is toll-free for private cars as of 2024. If you use any newly opened bypass segments, signs will indicate charges. Always verify on-site signage and be prepared for possible changes at construction zones.

Parking tips: In Durres, use official lots along the promenade or near the amphitheater and port. On-street parking is limited in peak season; opt for paid lots with clear hour rates. Arrive early on weekends in summer to secure space and avoid circling blocks.

Planning and decision tips: Check advance information from providers and offers when you plan a trip. For a flexible ground trip, a rental car offers freedom, while autobusave options can be cheaper sometimes. Compare the cheapest options with a quick comparison across bolag and providers, and read reviews before you commit. If you plan a longer stay, the investment in a reliable vehicle can pay off.

Signs and local resources: Signs are typically in languagealbania with key directions shown in English at tourism sites. If you need help, WhatsApp groups for travelers there can provide live tips. For ticketing or transfers, billet options may appear depending on your plan; use advance search to confirm availability and pricing. There are opportunities to choose offers that fit your schedule, and you can check below for practical details on routes and parking.