Albania Guide
Tirana → Berat
I travelled from Tirana to Berat by bus and put together this guide with the information I found useful during my own trip.
My experience taking the bus from Tirana to Berat
I took the bus from Tirana to Berat during my travels around Albania, and I quickly realized that knowing where the bus leaves from is just as important as knowing the price.
The bus terminal is outside central Tirana, in Kashar, and it is quite different from the large, organized bus stations you may be used to in other European countries.
When I arrived, there were several buses and different destinations around the same area. My biggest advice is not to be afraid to ask where the Berat bus is. It is much easier than trying to figure everything out by yourself.
I made this page because I know how confusing it can be the first time you are trying to travel around Albania by bus. Hopefully, this makes your journey a little easier.
- Route: Tirana → Berat
- Departure: Tirana Parking – South & North Bus Terminal
- Location: Kashar, outside central Tirana
- Fare: approximately 500–1,000 Lek per person
- Journey: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
- Payment: cash
Tirana Parking – South & North Bus Terminal
Buses from Tirana to Berat depart from Tirana Parking – South and North Bus Terminal , located in Kashar, just outside central Tirana.
The address shown on Google Maps is 8QVG+PQF, Kashar, Albania .
This is not a traditional Western European-style bus station. It is more like a large parking and transportation area where buses leave for different cities throughout Albania.
When I was there, it felt much more like a busy transportation parking area than a conventional terminal. There are many buses around, so I recommend asking the staff or drivers where the bus to Berat is leaving from.
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Getting From Tirana To Berat
Travelling from Tirana to Berat by bus is one of the most affordable ways to reach Berat. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
The bus fare I found was approximately 500–1,000 Lek per person. The exact price can vary, so I recommend carrying some extra cash rather than arriving with only the exact amount.
If you are travelling around Albania on a budget, I think the bus is a great option. It is inexpensive and gives you the chance to see the countryside as you leave Tirana and make your way towards Berat.
Do not worry if the terminal seems confusing when you first arrive. There are several buses going to different parts of Albania. Simply ask someone for the Berat bus and confirm with the driver before getting on.
Getting To The Tirana Bus Terminal
The Tirana Parking bus terminal is outside the city centre, so you need to allow some extra time to get there.
If you are staying in central Tirana, you can use local transportation to reach the terminal.
I have seen travellers use buses such as 5B to reach the terminal from central Tirana. The journey can take approximately 15–20 minutes, depending on where you are starting and traffic.
Another option is Bus 13B. When you use the local bus, someone comes around to collect the fare, so make sure you have some cash available.
If you are unfamiliar with Tirana, give yourself extra time to get to the terminal. I would much rather arrive early and wait for my bus than arrive at the last minute and have to search for it while carrying my luggage.
What To Expect At The Bus Station
The first thing I would tell you is not to expect a large, modern European bus station.
Tirana Parking is primarily a large parking and transportation area with buses leaving for destinations throughout Albania.
When you first arrive, there can be several buses parked around the same area. If you are not sure which one is yours, simply ask for Berat.
I found that asking was much easier than trying to guess from the buses or signs.
Do not be afraid to ask
This is something I learned while travelling around Albania in general. Sometimes transportation is not explained as clearly as you might expect.
Instead of standing there wondering if you are in the right place, just ask someone. A simple "Berat?" is usually enough to start the conversation.
Food & Water
If you need water or something to eat before the journey, there are cafés and small businesses near the station. They are approximately a 5-minute walk from the bus station.
I recommend buying water before getting on the bus, especially if you are travelling during the warmer months.
I always prefer buying water before a longer bus journey rather than hoping there will be somewhere to stop along the way.
Buying Your Ticket
Tickets can be purchased from ticket offices around the bus station. The ticket offices are small sheds located around the parking area.
When you arrive, ask for a ticket to Berat. The staff can then direct you towards the correct bus.
Because there can be several operators and buses in the same area, I recommend confirming your destination with the driver before boarding.
Keep your ticket somewhere easy to reach. I also recommend keeping your cash, phone and passport with you rather than putting them away in your main luggage.
How Much Cash Should You Bring?
The fare I found for Tirana to Berat was approximately 500–1,000 Lek.
I would bring a little more than the expected fare just in case the price has changed or you need to buy water or a snack before leaving.
Having smaller notes is also useful when travelling by bus in Albania.
Minibus Or Coach?
You may see different types of buses and minibuses operating from the terminal.
Minibuses and vans can sometimes be quicker, but they can also become crowded.
Larger coaches can be more comfortable, especially for a journey of almost two hours.
If you have a choice, I would personally consider the larger bus if I am carrying a backpack or suitcase and want a little more space.
What Is The Journey From Tirana To Berat Like?
The journey takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. Traffic can affect the travel time, particularly when leaving Tirana.
I actually like travelling between Albanian cities by bus because you get to see the country changing around you.
Leaving the busy area around Tirana and heading towards Berat gives you a different view of Albania than you would get from simply taking a private transfer.
I recommend having water with you and keeping anything you may need during the journey in a small bag.
Before You Leave Tirana
Before boarding, I recommend checking three things: the destination, the price and where the bus is going to leave from.
This might sound obvious, but when several buses are parked together it is easy to become confused if you are in a hurry.
I would arrive early, buy my ticket, ask where the Berat bus is and then wait nearby rather than trying to find everything at the last second.
Arrive early → buy my ticket → confirm the destination → find the bus → keep my valuables with me → relax.
Arriving In Berat
Once you arrive in Berat, you can continue towards the historic centre and the areas around Mangalem and Gorica.
If you already have accommodation booked, I recommend having the address saved on your phone before you leave Tirana.
That way, when you arrive in Berat, you can concentrate on getting to your accommodation instead of trying to find the address while carrying your luggage.
What I learned from travelling around Albania by bus
Travelling around Albania by bus is a little different from travelling through countries with large train networks and very standardized transportation systems.
At first, I found it easier to think of the bus stations as places where you sometimes need to ask questions rather than places where every piece of information will necessarily be obvious.
Once I got used to that, I stopped stressing about whether I was standing in exactly the right place. I would simply ask someone, confirm my destination and go from there.
That is honestly my biggest piece of advice if this is your first trip to Albania: do not be afraid to ask for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the bus from Tirana to Berat?
The fare I found was approximately 500–1,000 Lek per person. Prices can change, so I recommend confirming the fare when you buy your ticket.
How long does the bus from Tirana to Berat take?
The journey takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Where does the Tirana to Berat bus leave from?
The bus leaves from Tirana Parking – South and North Bus Terminal in Kashar, outside central Tirana.
Is the Tirana bus station difficult to find?
It can feel confusing the first time because it is a large transportation and parking area rather than a traditional European-style bus station. My advice is to have the Google Maps location ready and ask for the Berat bus when you arrive.
Can I pay for the bus with a card?
I recommend carrying cash in Albanian Lek. Cash is the safest option when travelling by bus around Albania.
Should I arrive early?
Yes. I recommend arriving early enough to find the correct bus, buy your ticket and ask questions if you need help.
Can I buy food and water near the terminal?
Yes. There are cafés and small businesses near the terminal where you can buy water and snacks before your journey.
Is the bus from Tirana to Berat good for backpackers?
Yes. I think it is a good option if you are travelling around Albania on a budget. The fare is relatively inexpensive and the journey connects two of the country's most interesting cities.
Would I Take The Bus From Tirana To Berat Again?
Yes. If I were travelling around Albania again and wanted an affordable way to get from Tirana to Berat, I would take the bus.
The biggest thing I would do differently is simply give myself plenty of time at the terminal. Once you know where you are going, the journey itself is quite straightforward.
My advice is simple: have some Albanian Lek with you, save the terminal location on Google Maps, arrive early and ask for the Berat bus when you get there.
Do not worry if the terminal feels a little chaotic at first. I travelled through Albania myself and learned that sometimes the easiest way to get somewhere is simply to ask.