Albania Guide
Tirana → Vlorë
How to get from Tirana to Vlorë by bus, where to catch it, how much it costs, how long it takes and what I recommend knowing before you go.
Travelling from Tirana to Vlorë
Vlorë is one of the places I would consider when continuing south from Tirana. If you are travelling around Albania and want to reach the coast without spending a lot of money on a private transfer, the bus is a practical option.
The part I would pay the most attention to is not actually the journey itself. It is getting to the correct bus at the Tirana terminal.
The terminal is outside the centre of Tirana and there are buses leaving for many different cities. If you are not familiar with the area, it can be confusing at first.
My advice is to save the Google Maps location before you leave your accommodation and, once you arrive, simply ask where the Vlorë bus is. There is no reason to stand around trying to figure everything out by yourself.
- Route: Tirana → Vlorë
- Departure: Tirana Bus Terminal North & South Albania
- Location: Kashar, outside central Tirana
- Bus fare: approximately 700 LEK
- Journey: approximately 2.5–3 hours
- Payment: cash
- Recommended arrival: at least 20 minutes before departure
Tirana Bus Terminal North & South Albania
Buses from Tirana to Vlorë depart from the Tirana Bus Terminal North & South Albania , located outside the city centre in Kashar.
If you are staying around central Tirana, you will need to make your way to the terminal before catching your bus south.
The terminal is a busy transportation area with buses going to destinations throughout Albania. Because there can be many buses in the same area, I recommend asking a driver or staff member where the Vlorë bus is leaving from.
I would arrive at least 20 minutes before departure. That gives you enough time to find the right bus and get yourself organized without rushing.
📍 OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS →
Getting From Tirana To Vlorë
Getting from Tirana to Vlorë by bus is one of the more affordable ways to travel towards the Albanian coast.
The journey generally takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, although traffic and road conditions can make the trip longer.
A standard bus ticket costs approximately 700 LEK, which is around €7 per person.
For me, this is one of those journeys where the bus makes sense if your priority is keeping transportation costs low.
Have Albanian Lek ready before you get on the bus. I would not rely on being able to book or pay for this journey online.
Tirana To Vlorë Bus Schedule
There are frequent departures from Tirana towards Vlorë throughout the day.
The departures listed for this route are:
5:00 AM, 5:30 AM, 5:55 AM, 6:20 AM, 6:45 AM, 7:10 AM, 7:35 AM, 8:00 AM, 8:25 AM, 8:50 AM, 9:15 AM, 9:40 AM, 10:05 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:00 PM, 4:30 PM, 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM.
That means there are generally departures approximately every 25–30 minutes during the main part of the day.
I would still confirm the departure when you arrive. Bus schedules in Albania can change, and a timetable you find online may not always reflect the exact departure on the day you travel.
Buying A Ticket From Tirana To Vlorë
For this route, you do not need to organize a complicated online booking.
Go to the terminal, find the bus heading to Vlorë and confirm the destination with the driver before getting on.
Payment is made in cash and the fare is approximately 700 LEK (€7) per person.
I recommend keeping your cash somewhere easy to reach. It makes the process much easier when it is time to pay.
Keep a few smaller Albanian notes with you when using local transportation. You will find this useful not only for this journey but also for buses and other transportation around Albania.
How Long Does The Bus Take?
The bus from Tirana to Vlorë takes approximately 2.5–3 hours.
The exact journey time depends on traffic, especially when leaving Tirana and during busy travel periods.
If you have a hotel check-in, tour or another booking waiting for you in Vlorë, I would leave some extra time rather than planning everything down to the minute.
Is There A Stop Along The Way?
Depending on the bus, there may be a stop during the journey after approximately two hours.
A stop can be useful for stretching your legs, using the restroom or getting something small to eat or drink.
Bring a bottle of water with you. Even when a bus makes a stop, I prefer having water in my bag rather than waiting until the next opportunity to buy some.
How To Get To The Tirana Bus Terminal
The terminal is outside central Tirana, so you need to allow some time to get there.
If you are staying near Skanderbeg Square or elsewhere in central Tirana, you can use a city bus to reach the terminal.
A metered taxi is another option if you have heavy luggage or simply want a more direct journey.
Do not leave getting to the terminal until the last minute. The bus journey to Vlorë is straightforward, but you first have to get out to the terminal in Kashar.
What To Expect At The Tirana Bus Terminal
If you have never used the Tirana bus terminal before, it may look a little different from the large, organized stations you may know from other European cities.
It is a busy transportation area where buses leave for many different parts of Albania.
Because there are multiple destinations, the easiest thing to do is simply ask for your destination.
Do not be afraid to ask
This is one of the most useful things I have learned while travelling around Albania.
You do not need to understand every sign or know exactly where every bus parks.
If you are unsure, say "Vlorë?" and ask a driver or someone working at the terminal. It is much easier than standing there wondering if you are in the right place.
Tirana Airport To Vlorë
If you are flying into Tirana International Airport and Vlorë is your destination, you may not need to travel into central Tirana first.
There are direct buses from the airport towards Vlorë. This can save you time and avoids travelling into the city only to return towards the south.
After leaving the airport, walk past the car rental and taxi areas and continue towards the bus area. Look for the bus marked Vlorë.
If you are not sure, simply ask the driver to confirm that the bus is going to Vlorë before getting on.
Airport Bus Price
The airport bus to Vlorë costs approximately 1,200–1,500 LEK, or around €12–€15 per person.
Airport Bus Departures
The listed departures from Tirana Airport to Vlorë are:
1:20 AM, 3:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 8:00 PM, 10:15 PM and 11:30 PM.
Before travelling into the centre of Tirana, check whether a direct airport bus to Vlorë works with your arrival time. It could save you an unnecessary trip across the city.
Should You Bring Cash?
Yes. I recommend carrying Albanian Lek when travelling by bus in Albania.
For the Tirana to Vlorë bus, the fare is approximately 700 LEK.
Euros are commonly used in many tourist areas, but having Albanian Lek makes paying for local transportation much simpler.
I also recommend carrying a little more than the exact fare in case you want to buy water or a snack before leaving.
Tirana To Vlorë By Taxi
A taxi is another option if you want a private and more direct journey.
It can make sense if you are travelling with several people, have a lot of luggage or simply prefer not to use the bus.
The taxi journey generally takes around 2.5 hours, although traffic can affect the total travel time.
If you choose a taxi, you can arrange one through your accommodation or use a local taxi service.
Always agree on the total price before starting the journey. This is especially important for longer trips such as Tirana to Vlorë.
Can You Take A Train From Tirana To Vlorë?
There is currently no regular passenger train connection operating between Tirana and Vlorë.
For travellers making this journey, the bus is therefore the more straightforward public transportation option.
What About Vlorë Airport?
A new airport is being developed in Vlorë, which could eventually change how travellers reach the city.
However, airport opening dates and flight schedules can change, so I would not plan a trip around an airport service until flights are actually operating.
For now, if you are travelling to Vlorë from Tirana, the bus remains one of the simplest budget options.
Is The Bus Good For Backpackers?
I think the bus is a particularly useful option if you are backpacking around Albania.
You do not need to spend a large amount of money on a private transfer, and there are frequent departures throughout the day.
The route also makes sense if Vlorë is simply one stop on a longer Albania itinerary and you are continuing south afterwards.
If you are travelling with a backpack and want to keep your transportation costs under control, I would definitely consider the bus.
A Few Things I Would Do Before Leaving
Before heading to the terminal, I would have three things ready:
- The Google Maps location for the terminal.
- Some Albanian Lek for the bus fare.
- The address of my accommodation in Vlorë saved on my phone.
Having these simple things ready makes the journey much less stressful.
Save the location → arrive early → ask for Vlorë → confirm the destination → pay in cash → keep your water and valuables with you.
My Recommendation
For most travellers, I would choose the bus from Tirana to Vlorë.
The fare is approximately 700 LEK, departures are frequent and the journey takes only a few hours.
The biggest thing I would plan carefully is getting to the correct terminal. Once you are there and have found the Vlorë bus, the rest of the journey is relatively straightforward.
If you are arriving at Tirana Airport, I would also check the direct airport-to-Vlorë option before going into central Tirana.
What I Want Other Travellers To Know
One thing I really like about travelling around Albania is that you do not need to have every single detail figured out before you arrive.
The bus system can sometimes feel less obvious than what you might be used to, especially when you first arrive at a busy terminal.
But asking for help makes a huge difference. If you know your destination, have some cash and give yourself enough time, you can usually work things out without much stress.
So if you are worried about taking the bus from Tirana to Vlorë for the first time, my biggest advice is: don't overthink it. Get to the terminal early, ask for the Vlorë bus and confirm before you board.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the bus from Tirana to Vlorë?
The bus costs approximately 700 LEK (€7) per person.
How long does the bus from Tirana to Vlorë take?
The journey takes approximately 2.5–3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Where does the Tirana to Vlorë bus leave from?
The bus leaves from the Tirana Bus Terminal North & South Albania in Kashar, outside central Tirana.
How often do buses run from Tirana to Vlorë?
There are frequent departures throughout the day, with the listed schedule showing departures roughly every 25–30 minutes during much of the day.
Do I need to book the bus online?
No. You can go to the terminal, find the Vlorë bus and confirm the destination with the driver before boarding.
Can I pay for the bus with euros?
I recommend using Albanian Lek for the bus fare. Having local currency with you makes paying for transportation easier.
Can I go directly from Tirana Airport to Vlorë?
Yes. There are direct airport buses to Vlorë. Check the departure closest to your flight arrival time before travelling.
Is there a train from Tirana to Vlorë?
There is currently no regular passenger train connection between Tirana and Vlorë, so the bus is the more straightforward public transportation option.
Is the bus good for budget travellers?
Yes. At approximately 700 LEK per person, the bus is a much cheaper option than a private taxi and is a practical choice for backpackers and budget travellers.
My Final Advice
If you are heading from Tirana to Vlorë, I would keep things simple.
Save the terminal location, bring some Albanian Lek, arrive at least 20 minutes early and ask for the Vlorë bus when you arrive.
If you are flying into Tirana, check the direct airport bus before making your way into the city.
And most importantly, do not worry if the terminal feels a little confusing at first. Travelling around Albania sometimes requires a little flexibility and a willingness to ask questions. Once you get used to that, getting around the country becomes much easier.