Tirana

How to Get to Tirana

Tirana is served by Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA), located approximately 19 kilometers from the city center. There is currently no train service to the airport; construction of a new railway line is ongoing with expected completion in 2026–2027.

From Airport

• Airport Shuttle Bus: The most reliable and affordable option is the "Rinas Express" shuttle bus operated by Luna Travel.
  • Journey Time: Approximately 30 minutes (may vary with traffic).
  • Price: €4.00 (or 400 LEK).
  • Frequency: Departs every hour, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • How to Board: Exit the arrivals hall, turn left, and walk past the car rental offices toward the bus parking area.
  • Payment: Tickets can be purchased directly from the attendant on the bus. While some services may accept card payments, carry cash (Euros or Albanian Lek) in case card machines are unavailable. Having exact change is highly recommended.
  • Arrival: The bus terminates behind the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet, near Skanderbeg Square.

From City Center

• Airport Shuttle Bus: The same shuttle bus operates in reverse from the city center to the airport.
  • Departure Point: Behind the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet.
  • Frequency: Departs every hour on the hour, 24/7.
  • Journey Time: Approximately 30–35 minutes.

By Taxi

• Official Airport Taxis: Available 24/7 directly outside the arrivals exit.
  • Journey Time: 20–30 minutes.
  • Approximate Cost: €20–€25.
  • Pro Tip: Always confirm the price with the driver before starting your journey to ensure a transparent, fixed fare. Official airport taxis are yellow and feature the airport logo.

Navigating the current rail landscape in Tirana requires an understanding that the city’s railway infrastructure is currently undergoing a significant transition. As of March 2026, there is no operational passenger railway station located in the city center. The historic station was demolished in 2013, and while a modern, multi-modal transport hub is under construction to serve the capital, passenger rail services between Tirana and the surrounding regions—including the upcoming connection to the international airport—are not yet active.

For travelers planning future trips, it is important to note that the long-awaited rail project connecting Tirana to Durrës and the airport is expected to begin operations in the first quarter of 2027. Once completed, this new terminal will replace the current reliance on bus and taxi services for intercity travel. Because the station is still in the final stages of construction and testing, there is currently no platform layout or active train schedule to navigate.

If you are currently in Tirana, please rely on the well-established bus and taxi networks for all intercity transit. The main hub for these services is located near the city center, often referred to by locals in relation to the New Boulevard or the central bus terminals. Do not look for train platforms at this time, as they do not exist for public use.

When the new terminal eventually opens in 2027, it will be a straightforward, modern facility designed to integrate train, bus, and potentially tram services. Until that time, the "station" is effectively a construction zone. For your travel needs, check with your hotel or local tourist information points for the most current bus departure schedules, as these remain the primary, reliable method for reaching destinations like Durrës or the airport. Rest assured that once the new rail infrastructure is fully commissioned, it will offer a far more seamless experience for visitors entering the Albanian capital. For now, plan your movements via the city's robust road-based public transport system and keep an eye on official government updates regarding the 2027 rail launch.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

I wish someone had told me before I arrived that Tirana does not currently have an active passenger train station. The city’s old station was demolished in 2013, and all rail transport is suspended while new infrastructure is under construction. Do not waste time searching for train schedules or platform maps; you will not find them.

Before You Arrive

• Ditch the train apps: Do not waste space downloading apps like DB Navigator or Trainline for travel within Tirana; they will not work here.
• Use local transport apps: For getting around the city, download a local taxi app like Taxi.al or VrapOn to avoid overpaying.
• Prepare for cash-only buses: City buses are extremely cheap (around 40 Lek), but you must pay the conductor in cash on the bus. Always carry small denominations of Albanian Lek (ALL).

At the Station (Bus Terminals)

• Know your terminal: Because there is no central station, bus "stations" are often just open-air areas or specific street corners. Ask your hotel or host exactly where your specific bus departs from, as there may be multiple locations depending on your destination.
• Agree on taxi fares: If you take a taxi, always agree on the price before getting in. There is no Uber or Bolt in Albania.
• WiFi and Facilities: Do not expect station-based facilities like those in major European rail hubs. Most bus travel is informal. For reliable internet, get a local SIM card from providers like Vodafone or One; they offer affordable 3-day or 1-week data packages.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming rail exists: The biggest mistake is arriving expecting to take a train to the airport or other cities. You will need to use the express bus or a taxi.
• Over-exchanging currency: While you need cash for buses and local markets, many restaurants and hotels now accept cards. Only exchange small amounts of Euro to Lek at a time to avoid being left with unusable local currency.

Terminus station serving Tirana, Albania. Originally opened in 1949, the historic station was demolished in 2013 to accommodate urban redevelopment, leaving the city without an active passenger rail hub for over a decade. As of early 2026, a major infrastructure project is underway to restore railway connectivity to the capital. This initiative includes the rehabilitation of the line to Durrës and a new rail link to Tirana International Airport. While construction of these new stations is projected to finalize throughout 2026, passenger services have not yet resumed.

For first-time international travelers, it is important to note that you cannot currently arrive in or depart from Tirana by train. The city’s rail infrastructure is undergoing a complete modernization, and the upcoming facility will be a significant upgrade from the previous structure. Once operational, this new terminal is designed to provide a direct, efficient link between the airport and the city center. Until the new system is fully commissioned, travelers should rely on bus, taxi, or private transfer services. You should expect these alternative transport options to be the standard for your arrival, as the rail network remains a future development rather than a current travel convenience.