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How to Get from Tirana Airport to Albania’s Coastal Resort Towns

Albania, a gem of the Adriatic, boasts stunning beaches, crystal-clear seas, and affordable prices. Landing at Tirana International Airport (TIA), the country’s main gateway located 17 km from central Tirana, sets you on the path to its coastal resorts. In 2025, Albania’s transport infrastructure is improving with new shuttles and better roads, though buses (furgons), taxis, and car rentals remain dominant. This guide details how to reach key coastal destinations—Durres, Vlora, Saranda, Shengjin, Himara, Ksamil, and Dhermi—covering routes, transport options, travel times, costs (based on October 2025 data), and key tips. Prices vary by season (peak in July-August), time of day, and group size. Check schedules on Gjirafa Travel or Rome2Rio, and for taxis, use apps like MerrTaxi or Speed Taxi. For luggage or families, opt for taxis or transfers. Let’s dive into each destination!

1. Durres — The Closest Coastal Gem

Durres, just 35 km from TIA, offers golden beaches, ancient ruins, and a lively promenade. It’s the easiest resort to reach.

• Bus (Shuttle or Furgon): Direct shuttles by Adis Travel or Hermes Airport Bus run every 2-3 hours from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Time: 35-45 min. Cost: 600-1000 ALL (~€5-9). Tips: Buy tickets on-site or via Gjirafa. Peak season buses may be crowded; expect delays in rain. Stops at the arrivals terminal.
• Taxi: Official yellow taxis or app-based services. Time: 30-45 min. Cost: €13-45 (varies by time and luggage). Tips: Avoid unofficial taxis; use MerrTaxi. Night fares are 20-30% higher. Group travel splits costs.
• Car Rental: Agencies like Sixt or Europcar at TIA. Time: 30-45 min via SH4. Cost: From €20/day + fuel (~€5). Tips: Roads are good, but watch for local drivers. International license required. Parking in Durres: €1-2/hour.
• General Advice: Ideal for short trips. Choose taxis for late arrivals as buses stop early.

2. Vlora — Southern Resort with Beaches and Mountains

Vlora, 130 km from TIA, is a Riviera hub with pristine beaches and seafood. The scenic SH4 route makes it a delight.

• Bus (Shuttle): Hermes Airport Bus offers direct trips 6 times daily (e.g., 00:45, 03:30, 11:00). Time: 2.5-3 hours. Cost: 1200 ALL (~€10-12). Tips: Book online or on-site. AC may struggle in heat. Alternative: furgon via Tirana (+1 hour).
• Taxi/Transfer: Direct transfer. Time: 2 hours. Cost: €67-110. Tips: Great for groups (up to 4). Book in advance during peak season. Night fares +20%.
• Car Rental: Via SH4. Time: 2 hours. Cost: €20-25/day + fuel (~€15). Tips: Paved road with some curves. Stop at Llogara Pass for stunning views.
• General Advice: Buses are popular in summer, but taxis are safer in rain. Choose transfers with AC for kids.

3. Saranda — Southern Jewel with Views of Corfu

Saranda, 250 km away, is a vibrant resort with a promenade and proximity to Greece. The long drive is worth the views.

• Bus: Direct via Hermes or with a Tirana transfer. Time: 5-7 hours. Cost: €26-28. Tips: Schedules vary; check Gjirafa. Seats sell out in peak season. Alternative: bus to Vlora + furgon.
• Taxi/Transfer: Direct. Time: 3.5-4 hours. Cost: €150-215. Tips: Comfy for families. Book via apps for fixed rates. Night fares higher.
• Car Rental: Via SH81. Time: 3.5 hours. Cost: €20-30/day + fuel (~€30). Tips: Windy roads; drive cautiously. Stop at Llogara for lunch.
• General Advice: Buses for budget travelers, taxis for speed. Parking in Saranda is tricky in summer.

4. Shengjin — Quiet Northern Beaches

Shengjin, 60 km from TIA, is a serene beach escape near Tirana.

• Bus: Furgon via Tirana or Lezha. Time: 1.5-2 hours. Cost: €5-10. Tips: No direct airport bus; take a Tirana shuttle first (600 ALL). Flexible schedules.
• Taxi/Transfer: Direct. Time: 1 hour. Cost: €59-75. Tips: Cost-effective for 2-4 people. Book MrShuttle for fixed rates.
• Car Rental: Via SH1. Time: 1 hour. Cost: €20/day + fuel (~€7). Tips: Straight road, but Lezha traffic can slow you down.
• General Advice: Buses for budget, taxis for convenience. Arrive early in summer to beat beach crowds.

5. Himara — Wild South with Crystal Bays

Himara, 200 km away, is a haven for nature lovers seeking seclusion.

• Bus: Via Vlora. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: €12-20. Tips: Seasonal schedules; check ahead. Low comfort level.
• Taxi/Transfer: Direct. Time: 3 hours. Cost: €170-185. Tips: Ideal for comfort, especially with luggage.
• Car Rental: Via SH8 (Riviera). Time: 3 hours. Cost: €20-25/day + fuel (~€20). Tips: Stunning but winding roads. Stop at Llogara Pass.
• General Advice: Cars for flexibility, buses for budget. April-May roads are quieter.

6. Ksamil — Albania’s “Maldives” with White Sands

Ksamil, 260 km from TIA, is a southern paradise with islets.

• Bus: Via Saranda. Time: 6-7 hours. Cost: €26-28. Tips: Long journey, but budget-friendly. From Saranda, 15-min taxi ride.
• Taxi/Transfer: Direct. Time: 4 hours. Cost: €150-180. Tips: Comfortable; book for fixed rates.
• Car Rental: Via SH81. Time: 4 hours. Cost: €20-30/day + fuel (~€35). Tips: Good roads, but summer traffic.
• General Advice: Transfers for groups. Book early in summer.

7. Dhermi — Mountain Beach with Whitewashed Homes

Dhermi, 210 km away, is perfect for eco-tourists.

• Bus: Via Vlora. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: €15-20. Tips: Seasonal schedules.
• Taxi/Transfer: Direct. Time: 3 hours. Cost: €117-148. Tips: Safe for winding roads.
• Car Rental: Via SH8. Time: 3 hours. Cost: €20-25/day + fuel (~€20). Tips: Scenic but steep roads.
• General Advice: Cars for independence. Winter roads may be snowy.

Conclusion: Travel Tips

• Key Notes: Prices rose 10-15% in 2025 due to inflation. Book online. Albanian lek is preferred, but euros are accepted. Transfers save money for groups. Night arrivals require taxis as buses stop early.
• Safety & Eco: Albania is safe, but guard belongings. Use Uber-like apps.
• Alternatives: For southern resorts, consider Corfu-Saranda ferries (from Greece).

This guide draws from Rome2Rio, Albania Tour Guide, and official sources (2025). Verify schedules before travel. Enjoy your Albanian adventure!