How to Get to Albanian Riviera. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

The main international airport serving Albania is Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA). For the southern Riviera, flying into Corfu (CFU) in Greece and taking a ferry to Sarandë is an alternative.

Flight Details

TIA Routes: Wizz Air, Ryanair, Air Albania, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines connect TIA to major European cities.
Global Hubs: No direct flights from North America, Asia, or Australia. Connections typically happen through European cities like Rome or Istanbul.
Corfu (CFU): Many European low-cost carriers operate seasonal flights to CFU, with a short ferry to Sarandë.

Seasonal Availability & Transfers

Flight frequency and prices fluctuate with the seasons. Planning transfers from the airport to your final destination is important.

Flight & Transfer Information

Seasonal Prices: High season (June-Aug) has increased frequency and higher prices. Shoulder (May, Sept-Oct) has more competitive prices. Low season (Nov-Apr) has reduced frequency and lowest prices. Find deals with Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.
TIA Transfers: Rinas Rapid bus to Tirana city center. Taxis and rental cars are available available at the airport.
Corfu to Sarandë: Ferry from Corfu Port (30 min - 1h 15 min). Book in advance, especially in high season.

Tirana International Airport TIA

The main gateway for international flights to Albania, located near Tirana.

Transfer to Riviera

From TIA, intercity buses or rental cars (DiscoverCars.com) provide onward travel to the Riviera.

No Direct Long-Haul Flights

Travelers from outside Europe require layovers in European hubs.

Airport Facilities & Services TIA

Available Amenities

Duty-free shops for last-minute purchases.
Cafes and restaurants.
Atms & currency exchange services.
Free Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal.

On-site Services

Several international and local car rental agencies.
Official yellow taxis await outside the terminal.
Information desks for traveler assistance.
Open 24 hours a day for arrivals and departures.

Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza

Location

Near Tirana, serving as Albania's busiest air hub.

Connectivity

Connects to numerous European cities. For reaching the Riviera.

Passenger Experience

Features contemporary amenities for a smooth travel experience.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings & Buses

Albania shares land borders with Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece. Bus and furgon networks connect cities and towns.

Land Travel Points

Border Crossings: Kakavia (Greece), Morina (Kosovo), Hani i Hotit (Montenegro) are common. Standard passport control.
Furgons (Minibuses): The most common interurban transport. Informal, depart when full. Connects all major Riviera towns.
Long-Distance Buses: Larger coaches on main routes, fixed schedules. Tirana to Vlorë/Sarandë.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Renting a car (from DiscoverCars.com) offers the most flexibility. Understand driving requirements plus road quality for a smooth journey.

Driving Considerations

Requirements: Valid national driver's license + International Driving Permit (IDP). Green card insurance.
Road Conditions: Main roads (SH8, SH4) are generally good. Secondary roads can be unpaved/poorly maintained. Llogara Pass is winding.
Safety Concerns: Area drivers can appear aggressive. Watch for potholes, unmarked speed bumps, livestock, pedestrians, and poor night lighting.

No Trains for Tourism

Albania's rail network is limited and outdated, mainly serving local routes. It isn't a recommended mode of intercity transport for tourists seeking to explore the Riviera effectively.

Train System Overview

Train services are infrequent and slow.
Does not connect to major tourist destinations on the Riviera.
Opt for omnibuses or furgons for intercity travel instead.

Main Bus Terminals

Departure Points

Tirana: South and North Bus Terminal (Terminali i Autobusave të Jugut dhe Veriut) for tracks to the south.
Riviera Towns: Bus stops are typically central or in designated areas.
Popular routes: Tirana-Vlorë, Tirana-Sarandë, Vlorë-Himara, Himara-Sarandë.

Driving Safety Alerts

Local drivers can be aggressive and overtake dangerously.
Watch for potholes, unmarked speed bumps, and debris on roads.
Livestock and pedestrians may be present on roads, especially beyond the town limitss.

Poor lighting on many roads at night.
Signage can be limited or only in Albanian in rural areas.
Parking can be challenging and unregulated in popular beach regions in high season.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Ports

For those approaching the Riviera from around the Adriatic or Ionian seas, ferry services offer an unique and often scenic way to arrive.

Ferry Connections

Major Ports: Durrës (to Bari, Ancona, Trieste), Vlorë (to Brindisi), Sarandë (to Corfu, Greece).
Sarandë provides the most direct sea entry point for the Southern Albanian Riviera.
Ferry companies include A-Ships Management, European Seaways, and Ionian Seaways.

Port Procedures & Connections

Immigration procedures at seaports mirror airport arrivals. Seamless connections to land transportation are available at major ports.

Arrival Logistics

Immigration: Passengers proceed to passport control upon disembarkation. Customs checks may occur.
Durrës Port: Well-connected to Albania's bus network; buses/furgons to Tirana and Vlorë are available.
Sarandë Port: Central location, easy access to local taxis and furgons for continuing your journey.

Scenic Arrivals

Arriving by ferry has picturesque views of the Albanian coastline.

Sarandë: Port

Sarandë is the most direct sea entry point for the southern Albanian Riviera.

No River Transport

No significant river transportation options are relevant for tourist travel.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

Currently, no specific exit fees or taxes apply to tourists departing Albania by air, land, or sea. Airline tickets usually include all airport taxes.

Departure Procedures

Airports (TIA): Arrive at least 2-3 hours before international flights, especially during peak season.
Ferry Ports: Arrive at least 1-2 hours before scheduled departure for international routes.
Bus/Furgon Stations: Arrive 15-30 minutes before intended departure.

Airport/Station Facilities for Departing Travelers

Major departure points offer various facilities for traveler convenience.

Amenities at Departure Points

TIA: Duty-free shops, cafes, restaurants, currency exchange, and lounges.
Ferry Ports: Basic facilities including ticket offices, waiting areas, and sometimes small cafes.
Online check-in for flights is a strong recommendation if available.

Departure Preparation

Online Check-in

Streamlines the airport process.

Document Readiness

Have passport and boarding pass ready.

Arrive Early

Allows for unforeseen delays, especially during peak times.

Departure Reminder

Check the latest travel advisories and airline requirements before your departure for any last-minute changes.

How to Get to Albanian Riviera