To get from Tirana airport to the city centre, take the airport bus, which runs hourly to a stop near Skanderbeg Square and takes about 30 to 40 minutes, or an official airport taxi, which takes around 20 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. Pre-booked transfers and hire cars are also available at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza, about 17 kilometres from the city.
The airport, often called Rinas after the village where it stands, is Albania’s main international gateway, so most visitors begin their trip here before exploring Tirana and the rest of the country. Below, we compare every way into the capital, with tips on what to expect when you land.
Option 1: the airport bus
The cheapest way into the city is the airport bus line between the terminal and central Tirana. According to the airport, it runs every hour in both directions around the clock, and the journey takes about 30 to 40 minutes. In the city, the bus stops behind the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet, on the edge of Skanderbeg Square.
- Where to find it: the bus leaves from a stop a short walk from the arrivals exit.
- Tickets: usually paid on board in cash, so carry some lek in small notes.
- Best for: solo travellers and anyone staying near the centre with light luggage.
A second line links the airport with Tirana’s South and North Bus Terminal, which is useful if you are heading straight on to other cities. Timetables and fares change, so check the airport’s official bus information before you travel.
Option 2: official airport taxis
Taxis are the quickest door-to-door option, taking around 20 to 25 minutes to the centre, or longer in rush-hour traffic. The airport’s licensed taxis are yellow and carry the airport’s branding; they wait in front of the terminal and at the pick-up area, and they can also be booked online in advance. The airport publishes an indicative fare to the city centre on its website, so check it before you fly.
- Use licensed taxis only. Look for the yellow cars with airport branding and ignore unofficial offers.
- Confirm the price first. Agree the fare with the driver before you set off.
- Best for: late arrivals, families, heavy luggage and two to four people sharing the cost.
Option 3: a pre-booked private transfer
A pre-booked transfer means a driver waiting for you in arrivals with your name on a sign, a price agreed in advance and no need to find cash or a taxi after a long flight. Many hotels can arrange one, as can local tour operators. It is the most relaxed option for families, groups, night arrivals and anyone continuing straight to Durrës, Shkodër, Berat or the coast.
Albania Inbound arranges private transfers with professional drivers in its own vehicles, from vans for small parties to full-size coaches for large groups; you can see the fleet on our transport page. Several of our tours also include the airport pick-up, with the guide waiting outside the terminal holding an Albania Inbound sign.
Option 4: hiring a car at the airport
Car hire desks for international and local companies are based at the airport, which also has large car parks if someone is collecting you. Driving into the centre is straightforward via the airport road and the Tirana–Durrës motorway, but central Tirana’s traffic and parking can be challenging. If you are spending your first days in the capital, consider collecting a car only when you are ready to leave the city.
Getting to Durrës and other cities from the airport
You do not have to travel through central Tirana. The airport lists direct buses to Durrës several times a day and shuttle services to cities including Shkodër, Fier and Vlorë, plus the bus to the intercity terminal. Shared shuttles also connect the airport with Pristina, Podgorica and Skopje. Timetables vary by season, so check them shortly before you fly.
What about the train?
A new railway linking Tirana, Durrës and the airport has been under construction for several years, with a planned journey time between Tirana and the airport of around 12 minutes. Its opening has been delayed more than once and, at the time of writing, passenger services are not expected before 2027, so for now the airport can only be reached by road.
Tips for arriving at Tirana airport
- Get some lek. The airport has ATMs and currency exchange, and small notes are handy for the bus and tips.
- Get connected. A local SIM card or an eSIM makes it easier to call taxis, use maps and message your hotel.
- Check your hotel’s location. If it is on a pedestrianised or hard-to-find street, a taxi or transfer may be easier than the bus.
- Allow extra time when leaving. Traffic on the way out of the city can be heavy at peak times, so build in a margin for your departure flight.
Our guide to the Albanian lek explains cash and cards, and if you are spending a few days in the capital, try our two- to three-day Tirana itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Tirana airport from the city centre?
Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza is at Rinas, about 17 kilometres from Tirana. By taxi the drive usually takes 20 to 25 minutes, while the airport bus takes around 30 to 40 minutes to its stop near Skanderbeg Square. At peak times, traffic on the roads into the city can make either journey longer, so leave a margin when you are catching a departing flight.
Is there a bus from Tirana airport to the city centre?
Yes. A dedicated airport bus line runs between the terminal and central Tirana, stopping behind the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet near Skanderbeg Square. The airport says it runs hourly in both directions, around the clock. Fares are usually paid on board, so carry some lek. A separate line serves the South and North Bus Terminal for onward connections to other cities.
How much is a taxi from Tirana airport to the centre?
The airport publishes an indicative taxi fare to the city centre on its website. Prices change, so check the current figure before you travel and confirm it with the driver before setting off. Use only the licensed yellow taxis with airport branding, which wait in front of the terminal, or book one online in advance through the official airport taxi service.
Is there Uber at Tirana airport?
No. Uber does not operate in Albania at the time of writing, so you cannot book one from the airport. Instead, use the licensed airport taxis, book a taxi online in advance, pre-arrange a transfer through your hotel or tour operator, or take the airport bus. Local taxi-booking apps work in Tirana and can be useful once you are settled in the city.
Can I get from Tirana airport directly to Durrës?
Yes. The airport lists direct buses between the terminal and Durrës several times a day, which avoids going into Tirana first. A taxi or pre-booked transfer is quicker and more convenient with luggage, especially for late-night arrivals. Shuttle services also run from the airport to other cities, including Shkodër and Vlorë. Timetables change by season, so check them before you fly.
Want a smooth start to your trip? Book a tour that includes your airport pick-up, such as the Long Weekend in Albania, or tell us your arrival details through our private tour request form and we will plan your transfers and itinerary together.
