Durrës

How to Get to Durrës

Durrës is well-connected for international arrivals. Please note that there are no train services in Albania suitable for airport transfers.

From Airport

The nearest airport is Tirana International Airport (TIA), located approximately 30 km from Durrës.

• Direct Bus: The most practical option is the direct bus operated by Adis Travel.
  • Journey Time: 35–40 minutes.
  • Price: €6.00.
  • Payment: Cash only. Drivers expect payment in Albanian Lek or Euros upon boarding. Always carry small denominations, as drivers may struggle to provide change for large bills.
  • Frequency: Buses run daily, typically departing every 2–3 hours between 08:30 and 21:00 (with some late-night options).
  • Location: The bus station is located directly outside the airport terminal building.

From City Center

Durrës is a compact city, and most central areas are highly walkable. For local transit:

• Local Buses: Local bus lines connect the city center to surrounding beach areas (such as Golem) and suburbs. These are frequent, inexpensive, and primarily used by locals.
• Walking: If your accommodation is in the central port area or near the historic amphitheater, you will likely find walking the most efficient way to navigate.

By Taxi

• From Airport: A taxi to Durrës takes approximately 25–30 minutes. The cost is typically between €25 and €30. Always confirm the price with the driver before starting the journey.
• Tip: Taxis are readily available at the airport arrivals area. Ensure you have cash (Euros or Lek) ready, as card payment terminals are not standard in all vehicles.

Welcome to Durrës. As a first-time visitor, you will find navigating this station remarkably straightforward. Unlike large, multi-level transit hubs that can feel overwhelming, Durrës Railway Station is a compact, single-level facility designed for ease of use. Think of it as a small, local terminal where everything you need is visible the moment you step into the main waiting hall.

The station features a simple layout with three platforms arranged in a single row. Because it operates as a terminus station, all tracks come to a dead end here. This means you do not need to worry about finding an "upper" or "lower" level; all boarding areas are accessed directly from the main station building at ground level. This level-access design is particularly helpful if you are traveling with heavy luggage, as there are no stairs or elevators to navigate between the station entrance and your train.

Given the small scale of the station, you can easily walk from the main entrance to the furthest platform in just a couple of minutes. There is no need to allow for long connection times or complex platform changes. Once you arrive at the station, simply head to the main concourse where you will find the ticket counters. From there, the platforms are clearly accessible just beyond the waiting area.

If you are connecting to the nearby Port of Durrës, the station’s location is highly convenient. The port terminal is within comfortable walking distance, usually taking about 5–10 minutes on foot from the station exit.

The primary tip for first-time visitors is to check the current train schedules in the waiting hall upon arrival, as service frequency can vary. Because the station is quite intimate, you will find the layout very intuitive—if you can see the tracks, you are exactly where you need to be. Just keep an eye on your belongings in the public areas, and enjoy the straightforward, stress-free experience of navigating one of Albania’s most historic transport hubs. Whether you are arriving from the capital or heading out to explore the region, the station’s clear, single-level design ensures you will find your train without any confusion.

Navigating the transport hub in Durrës can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but with a few insider tips, you will avoid the common pitfalls I wish I had known about.

Before You Arrive

• Connectivity is Key: Do not rely on finding public WiFi at the station. Albania is not in the EU, so roaming can be expensive. Download an eSIM or a local SIM card before you arrive to ensure you have data for navigation and local apps.
• Plan Your Transit: Passenger rail services in Albania are very limited and often unreliable. Most travelers rely on buses and "furgons" (minibuses). Don't expect to rely solely on trains for your onward journey; check Gjirafa Travel or ask your hotel to arrange transfers.
• Offline Maps: Download offline maps of Durrës in advance. The station is centrally located, but having a map ready will save you stress when you first step out.

At the Station

• Cash is King: The station is a cash-only environment. You will need Albanian Lek (ALL) for almost everything, including small snacks or tickets at the counter. Do not expect to use credit cards for small purchases or at the station kiosks.
• Facilities: The station building is modest. While there is a waiting hall, do not expect modern amenities like high-speed WiFi or charging stations. If you need supplies, head to the nearby city center or the port area, where you will find plenty of bakeries and cafes for a much better (and cheaper) meal than anything found inside the station.
• Getting Around: The station is compact and on a single level, which makes moving with luggage relatively easy. However, there is no specialized luggage storage; if you need to stow bags, you must ask the duty staff directly, though this is not guaranteed.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming Card Acceptance: The biggest mistake visitors make is assuming they can pay with a card. From taxi drivers to small station kiosks, cash is the standard. Always carry enough Lek.
• Confusing Bus and Train Terminals: The intercity bus terminal is located right next to the railway station. It is easy to get them confused. Double-check your departure point, as the bus terminal is actually the more active hub for long-distance travel.
• Over-relying on Rail: Don't get stuck waiting for a train that may not be running. If your schedule is tight, always look for bus alternatives immediately if the train status is unclear.

Terminus station serving Durrës, Albania. Originally opened in 1947 as the starting point for the country’s first standard-gauge railway, the station serves as a central hub for the Albanian rail network. The modernist terminal building underwent significant modernization in 2014, and as of 2026, it is undergoing further upgrades as part of the broader rehabilitation of the national railway infrastructure.

You may be wondering if this station is huge and confusing for first-time travelers. In reality, the facility is quite compact and straightforward, making it manageable even for those unfamiliar with European rail hubs. While the station historically featured three platforms, the ongoing infrastructure projects mean that active operations are limited as the network undergoes extensive, EU-supported modernization.

Because the Albanian rail system is currently in a period of transition, signage and passenger facilities may be basic. Travelers should allow extra time to navigate the area and confirm departure information upon arrival, as updates to schedules can occur. The station is located conveniently in the city center near the Port of Durrës, with an adjacent bus terminal that provides easy onward connections. Expect a quiet environment compared to major European transit hubs, and always verify your departure platform on-site, as these can change periodically.