How to Get to Albania

How to Get to Albania

How to Get to Albania

Albania is a well-connected destination in the Balkans, easily reachable by air, sea, and land. Whether you’re flying in, taking a scenic ferry ride, or driving through the neighboring countries, here’s how you can get here:

By Air

The easiest way to reach Albania is by flying into Tirana International Airport (TIA), also known as Mother Teresa Airport. The airport is located just 17 km from the capital, Tirana, and is serviced by a wide range of international airlines.

Tirana is served by several major international airlines, including British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, and Austrian Airlines, providing extensive global routes and premium services. Additionally, well-known European carriers like Swiss International Air Lines, Iberia, and ITA Airways offer direct connections, making travel to Tirana convenient from across Europe.

Among the most prominent budget-friendly carriers serving Tirana are Wizz Air and, more recently, Ryanair, offering travelers affordable flight options from various destinations across Europe. Wizz Air connects Albania to destinations such as London, Milan, Paris, Berlin, Budapest, and Vienna, serving over 50 routes across 16 countries. Ryanair offers a total of 22 destinations.

By Sea
If you prefer a more scenic route, you can arrive by ferry from Italy or Greece. Albania has regular ferry connections from the Italian ports of Bari, Brindisi, Ancona, and Trieste, arriving at the Albanian ports of Durrës, Vlorë, and Saranda. Additionally, there is a ferry service from Corfu, Greece, to Saranda.

Popular ferry operators include:

Ferry travel is an ideal choice for those looking to combine their trip with a stop in southern Italy or Greece or for those traveling with their own vehicles.


By Land

Albania shares land borders with Greece, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Montenegro, making it accessible by car, bus, or organized tours from these neighboring countries.

  • From Greece, the crossing at Kakavia is the most commonly used, with buses running regularly between Athens and Tirana.
  • From North Macedonia, you can enter Albania via the Qafë Thanë border, which connects to the city of Pogradec.
  • The Muriqan crossing is commonly used for travel from Montenegro to the coastal city of Shkodra.

International bus services are available from major cities like Athens, Thessaloniki, Skopje, Pristina, and Podgorica. You can book your bus tickets in advance through platforms like FlixBus or GetByBus.


By Car

Driving to Albania is a fantastic option if you enjoy the freedom of road trips. The country is connected to the European motorway system, and border crossings are generally straightforward. Be sure to check if you need an International Driving Permit and ensure your car insurance covers Albania.

Travel Tips:

  • Make sure to check visa requirements based on your nationality. Albania allows visa-free entry for most European and North American travellers.
  • Consider renting a car for exploring the stunning countryside, coastlines, and mountains once you arrive. Major car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, and Sixt operate in Albania.

Whether you arrive by plane, ferry, or car, Albania offers stunning scenery, friendly locals, and endless adventures waiting for you!