2025 Guide: Get to Tirana International Airport by Taxi, Bus, and More

You’ve enjoyed your time in Tirana, and now it’s time to return home. I’ll guide you on getting to Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (Rinas). Here’s your detailed guide on how to navigate this journey effectively. I’ve tried a few different ways – For me: Typically for early flights, I end up booking a taxi. For mid-day flights I tend to be near the center, so a bus is easiest to grab.

Getting to Tirana Airport: Your Options

By Bus:
The primary public transport link between Tirana city and its airport is facilitated by Luna SHPK. (Private company, not public transport.)

Here are the essentials:

• Cost: 400 Albanian Lek per person. You can pay with cash or card, and they usually accept Euros too.
• Schedule: Buses operate every hour on the hour, 24/7. Whether you’re heading to the airport from Tirana or vice versa, you’ll find a bus at the strike of the clock. (e.g. 1pm, 2pm, all the way to 1am, 2am, etc.)
• Exact pickup/dropoff point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uzBcFscAhx8kpVPo7 (Right near Skanderbeg Square.)

I have not found a way to get to the airport via public city buses, but if there’s a way, please reach out!

By Taxi:

• Cost: Varies between 1000-2000 Lek, a price range that depends on several factors including time of day, traffic conditions, and your starting point within the city.
• Patoko App: For a more modern, transparent experience, use Patoko. Typically, a ride through Patoko costs around 1650 Lek. The app shows your driver’s progress, providing peace of mind and clarity. You can see the price up front, just by downloading the app.

By Scooter or Bike (Partially):
This method involves:

• Borrowing or renting a scooter to get to a key transfer point like Tirana center, then catching the hourly bus to the airport. This hybrid approach can be a fun and efficient way to travel, especially for solo adventurers or those with minimal luggage. If you just have a backpack, it’s usually under a 10-15 minute scooter ride from most places in Tirana to the center.

By Train:

There is currently no train system in Tirana city, and no train from Tirana to Tirana airport.

The Calculation: Choosing The Right Mode

Luggage and Location:

• If you’re hauling multiple bags from a location away from the city center, a taxi is your best bet. Dragging bags through multiple transfers makes for an arduous journey, and taxis provide direct transportation with minimal stops.

Solo or Group Travel:

• Solo Travelers: With light or no bags, opting for the bus is straightforward and economical.
• Groups: Here’s where your calculation kicks in. For two people, bus fare sums up to 800 Lek, which isn’t far from the cost of a taxi. With three or more, the cumulative expense of bus tickets can surpass the cost of a taxi ride.

Timing:

• The bus departs on the hour, so if you miss one, you’re looking at an hour’s wait. For those with tight schedules, a taxi’s flexibility can outweigh the bus’s scheduled rigidity.

Choosing Your Ride:

• Bags: More bags = Taxi/Private Car.
• Group size: Two people might consider a taxi, three or more definitely should.
• Schedule: If time is of the essence, a taxi is your time-saver.

Whether you’re sipping on a specialty coffee at a local café or using your smartphone to call for a ride through Patoko, with this background, your trip can be as seamless as the urban landscape you’re navigating.

Next time you find yourself pondering transportation to Tirana Airport, remember this guide. (Or if you have friends visiting, feel free to share!) Choose wisely, pack smartly, and enjoy your trip. May your journey be as smooth as the Dhallë you frequent in this city that’s become a home away from home. If it was your first time in Albania, we hope you come back soon.

Common Questions:

Is there a train service to Tirana Airport?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a train service directly to Tirana Airport. Currently, the city of Tirana does not have a comprehensive train system, which means the airport isn’t connected by rail. However, the bus and taxi options provide a reliable alternative.

Can I bike to Tirana Airport?
You can, but be prepared for a journey that’s not entirely cyclist-friendly. Some have taken this route, but it involves navigating several roads with few to no bike lanes. If you’re an experienced cyclist in Tirana and looking for an adventurous ride, pack light, be safe, and enjoy.

What’s the cost difference between a taxi and the bus?
A taxi ride can cost between 1000-2000 Lek, depending on various factors. Conversely, the bus fare is a steady 400 Lek per person. The difference really depends on how many people are traveling with you. For solo travelers or pairs, the bus might be more economical, but for groups, the cumulative bus fare can exceed the cost of a taxi.

How early should I arrive at the bus terminal for a transfer to Tirana Airport?
Aim to be at the bus terminal at least 10-15 minutes before the bus departs. This buffer allows you to secure your seat, purchase your ticket (usually done en route or post-boarding in my experience), and grab some byrek.