Getting There & Getting About

International Airports

• Tirana Rinas (TIA): 29km from the capital. Entry tax payable on arrival.
• Full list of airports in Albania with associated airport codes >

Internal Transport

Albania has a limited rail network, serviced by overcrowded, dilapidated diesel trains. There are routes connecting Tirana to Shkodra, Vlora, Fier, Ballsh and Pogradec, and there are also plans for connections between Pogradec and Florina (Greece) and also with Kicevo (Macedonia).

A fast ferry service links Durres and Vlora.

The country's roads are in variable condition, and only 2,850 km (1,781 miles) of the entire 18,000 km (11,250 miles) system is paved, with 75% of these paved roads in poor condition. Due to the many potholes, 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. Visiting drivers should be aware that there is no street lighting except in urban areas and major inter-urban arterial routes, and petrol stations are not common in the countryside. They should also exercise extreme caution when driving, due to the unpredictability of local drivers and the poor condition of the roads.

Buses are the main form of transport within Albania, with routes from Tirana to Durres, Gjirokastra, Korça, Peshkopia, Saranda and Shkodra. There are also flat-fare urban bus services operating in the main cities, although these do tend to be very overcrowded. In Tirana, there are usually taxis available outside major hotels.