Albania Guide
Vlorë → Sarandë
I put together this guide to help you travel from Vlorë to Sarandë by bus, including where to wait, what to look for, how much the ticket costs and what I would recommend knowing before you go.
Travelling from Vlorë to Sarandë
Travelling south along the Albanian coast is one of the routes I really wanted to make easier to understand because the bus stop in Vlorë is not necessarily the kind of place you would immediately recognize as a large bus terminal.
The location can be easy to miss, which is why I have included the exact Google Maps location and photos below. I always find it much easier when I can actually see what I am looking for before arriving somewhere.
The most important thing is to arrive early, keep an eye out for the Vlorë – Sarandë signs and confirm the destination with the driver before getting on.
I also would not rely on the timetable down to the exact minute. The information at the station indicates that buses can arrive a little earlier or later than expected.
- Route: Vlorë → Sarandë
- Bus stop: FF3P+R73, Rr. Kosova, Vlorë, Albania
- Departure times shown: 06:45 AM and 08:30 AM
- Ticket price: approximately 1,000 LEK
- Return times shown: 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM
- Important: bus arrival times may vary
- Payment: cash
Vlorë Bus Station
The bus stop used for buses towards Sarandë is located on Rr. Kosova, Vlorë, Albania.
The Google Maps location is: FF3P+R73, Rr. Kosova, Vlorë, Albania.
This is one of the locations where I recommend having Google Maps ready on your phone before you go. The bus stop can be easy to miss if you do not know what you are looking for.
There is a small kiosk near the stop, which is a useful landmark when you are trying to identify the area.
The buses may arrive earlier or later than the time shown, so I recommend getting there early and waiting at the stop rather than arriving at the exact departure time.
📍 OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS →
Getting From Vlorë To Sarandë
The bus is one of the most affordable ways to continue south from Vlorë to Sarandë.
The route follows the Albanian Riviera and takes you towards Sarandë, making it a useful option if you are travelling through southern Albania without renting a car.
The first thing I would make sure of is that you are waiting at the correct location. The Vlorë stop is on Rr. Kosova, near Sheshi Pavarësia.
When the bus arrives, look for Vlorë – Sarandë and confirm with the driver before getting on.
Where To Find The Sarandë Bus
The stop is around Rr. Kosova, near Sheshi Pavarësia.
There is a small kiosk close to the stop. I included the photos on this page because landmarks like this can be much easier to recognize than an address when you are standing on the street.
FF3P+R73, Rr. Kosova, Vlorë, Albania.
Save the Google Maps location before leaving so you do not have to search for it when you arrive.
Vlorë To Sarandë Bus Times
The timetable information shown at the station lists two departures from Vlorë towards Sarandë:
06:45 AM
08:30 AM
The same station information lists the following departures in the opposite direction:
11:30 AM
2:30 PM
Because local bus schedules can change, I would still confirm the departure locally on the day you travel.
Do Not Rely On The Exact Time
This is one of the most important things I would keep in mind when taking this bus.
The buses may not arrive exactly at the time shown on the timetable. The information at the stop indicates that the bus can sometimes arrive around 15 minutes earlier or later.
That means I would not walk up to the bus stop at the exact departure time and expect the bus to still be waiting.
Arrive early, stay near the stop and keep an eye on the road. Look for the bus marked Vlorë – Sarandë. If you are unsure, ask the driver "Sarandë?" before boarding.
How To Recognize The Bus
Look for a bus displaying VLORË – SARANDË.
The photos on this page show the route information displayed on the bus, which can help you know what you are looking for.
If you are still unsure, do not guess. Simply ask the driver: "Sarandë?"
It only takes a few seconds to confirm and it is much better than accidentally getting on the wrong bus.
Look For The Kiosk
One of the easiest landmarks near the bus stop is the small kiosk.
I included a photo of the area because I find visual landmarks much more useful when travelling than an address alone.
If you see the kiosk and the signs for Vlorë – Sarandë, you should be in the right area.
How Much Is The Bus From Vlorë To Sarandë?
The information shown at the Vlorë bus station lists the price at approximately 1,000 LEK.
I recommend having cash with you before getting on. Keeping the fare ready also makes the boarding process much easier.
Approximately 1,000 LEK for the Vlorë → Sarandë bus.
Bring cash.
What I Would Have With Me
For a bus journey like this, I would keep a few simple things easily accessible rather than putting everything inside my main luggage.
- Cash in Albanian Lek for the bus fare.
- Water, especially during the warmer months.
- Your phone with Google Maps ready.
- Your accommodation address saved for when you arrive in Sarandë.
- Small personal belongings somewhere easy to reach during the journey.
Why Take The Bus?
If you are travelling through Albania on a budget, the bus is a much more affordable option than arranging a private transfer.
It also means you can continue travelling south without having to rent a car.
For backpackers or travellers moving between different coastal towns, this type of local transportation can make it much easier to explore Albania without spending a large part of your budget on taxis.
What I Would Do Before Leaving Vlorë
Before heading to the bus stop, I would save the location on Google Maps and check the departure time again.
I would also make sure I had approximately 1,000 Lek in cash.
Once I arrived at the stop, I would look for the kiosk, watch for the Vlorë – Sarandë sign and confirm with the driver.
Save the location → arrive early → find the kiosk → watch for the Vlorë–Sarandë bus → confirm with the driver → pay in cash.
Arriving In Sarandë
Once you arrive in Sarandë, you will be in one of the main tourist destinations in southern Albania.
From Sarandë, you can continue towards destinations such as Ksamil or explore the city itself.
If Sarandë is only one stop on a longer trip, I recommend having your next accommodation or transportation information ready before you arrive.
That way you can get off the bus and concentrate on your next step instead of trying to organize everything while carrying your luggage.
What I Have Learned About Buses In Albania
One thing I have learned while travelling around Albania is that bus transportation sometimes requires a little more flexibility than you might expect.
You can have a timetable, a location and a destination, but the bus may still arrive a little earlier or later than the time written down.
I actually think the easiest way to deal with this is not to stress about it. Arrive early, stay near the stop and ask if you are unsure.
A simple question to the driver can save you a lot of confusion. You do not need to speak perfect Albanian; just saying "Sarandë?" is enough to confirm that you have found the right bus.
Vlorë To Sarandë Quick Summary
📍 Bus stop: FF3P+R73, Rr. Kosova, Vlorë, Albania
⏰ Departures shown: 06:45 AM and 08:30 AM
💰 Price: Approximately 1,000 LEK
📍 Return times shown: 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM
⚠️ Important: Buses may arrive around 15 minutes earlier or later, so arrive early.
🗺️ Best way to find it: Use the Google Maps location above and look for the kiosk and the Vlorë–Sarandë signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the bus from Vlorë to Sarandë?
The station information lists the fare at approximately 1,000 LEK.
Where does the Vlorë to Sarandë bus leave from?
The bus stop is on Rr. Kosova, Vlorë, near Sheshi Pavarësia. The Google Maps location is FF3P+R73.
What time does the Vlorë to Sarandë bus leave?
The timetable information shown at the station lists departures at approximately 06:45 AM and 08:30 AM. Always confirm locally because schedules can change.
Does the bus always arrive exactly on time?
Not necessarily. The information at the stop indicates that buses can arrive around 15 minutes earlier or later. That is why I recommend arriving early.
How do I know which bus is going to Sarandë?
Look for the Vlorë – Sarandë sign on the bus. If you are unsure, simply ask the driver "Sarandë?" before boarding.
Do I need cash for the bus?
Yes. I recommend having approximately 1,000 LEK ready for the fare.
What landmark should I look for?
There is a small kiosk near the bus stop. The kiosk, the Google Maps location and the Vlorë – Sarandë signs can all help you identify the correct area.
Is the bus a good option for backpackers?
Yes. If you are travelling around Albania on a budget, the bus is a practical way to continue south without paying for a private transfer.
What if I miss the bus?
Because the timetable can change, I recommend confirming the schedule locally before travelling. If you miss a departure, ask locally about the next available bus rather than relying only on an older timetable.
My Final Advice For Vlorë → Sarandë
If you are travelling from Vlorë to Sarandë, I would keep things simple.
Save the Google Maps location before leaving, bring around 1,000 Lek in cash and arrive early.
Once you get to the stop, look for the kiosk and the Vlorë – Sarandë sign. If you are not 100% sure, ask the driver before getting on.
The biggest thing I would remember is not to rely on the timetable down to the exact minute. Give yourself some extra time and keep an eye out for the bus.
Once you know where the stop is, the journey becomes much less complicated. This is exactly why I like including the actual Google Maps location and photos on my transportation guides — you can see where you are going before you even leave.