Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA), also known as Rinas International Airport, acts as the main gateway to Albania. This modern airport sits approximately 17 kilometers (11 miles) northwest of Tirana’s city center.
TIA offers a range of facilities and services designed for passenger experience. Transfer options from TIA to downtown or your accommodation vary and convenience is a feature.
Bolt, the most popular ride-sharing app, operates at the airport. You can pre-book a lift or hail one via the app. Prices compare favorably with licensed taxis and offer cashless payment convenience.
Many hotels or specialized online services allow you to pre-book private transfers. This has the most convenience, especially if you arrive late at night or carry a lot of luggage.
Sign up for flight alerts from airlines that take a flight to Tirana. You can receive notifications when prices drop for your desired travel dates. Use sites like Skyscanner.
The Rinas Express bus service offers a highly affordable option for transfers to the city center.
Official airport taxis and pre-booked private transfers offer door-to-door service and save time.
Bolt ride-sharing app provides real-time tracking and cashless payment options.
Albania shares land borders with Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece. Border crossing procedures are standard: present your passport for control.
Albania’s railway network is limited. Train travel is not a main mode of intercity transport for tourists. Long-distance bus options provide the most extensive plus budget-friendly way to travel by land to and from Tirana.
Self-driving in Albania offers flexibility, for exploration of rural areas and reaching destinations not easily accessible by public transport.
Driving in Albania has special points to consider. Roads can be different, and area driving behaviors are able to seem aggressive to foreign drivers.
Tirana, being an inland city, has no direct sea or river arrivals. The closest major port is Durrës, approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) west of Tirana. Durrës functions as Albania's main port and offers sea connections mainly with Italy.
Immigration procedures at seaports like Durrës are similar to airport arrivals. Upon disembarking the ferry, you will proceed to passport control and customs.
Present your valid passport at control. Be willing to answer questions about your purpose of visit and duration of stay. The process is straightforward.
No options for travel on the river exist for tourist getting to Tirana, as no navigable rivers join the city to international waters or other large cities via river.
Durrës, Albania's main port, is roughly 35 kilometers (22 miles) west of Tirana, serving as the sea entry point.
Your departure from Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza involves standard international travel procedures. No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied directly on departing travelers at TIA.
After clearing security and passport control, you will find yourself in the leaving hall. TIA features different facilities for departing travelers.
For international flights, you will go through passport control, where officials check your identity and exit stamp your passport.
ATMs are available if you need to withdraw any last-minute local currency or convert remaining Lek prior to boarding.
Prepare all your travel documents, including your passport, boarding pass, and any necessary onward travel documents, in an easily accessible place for a smooth departure.
