4 Ways To Get From Tirana To Saranda (& Saranda To Tirana)

Written by our local expert Drita

Drita is a shy Albanian girl. Her Mom is from Kosovo, her Dad from Serbia. She loves to travel & share travel trips to help first-time travelers exploring Albania & the Balkans.

This detailed transportation guide tells you how to get from Tirana to Saranda and how to travel from Saranda to Tirana.

Albania is a country growing in tourism interest, so it’s very likely that it may be on your visit list. If that’s the case, why not consider getting around by public transport and visiting a few different places during your stay?

For sure, this is a beautiful country, and getting out and about will allow you to explore the local customs, traditions, and, of course, food!

Tirana is the capital city of Albania, and it’s a must-visit spot. If you love architecture, this city should be on your visit list, with colorful Ottoman examples, as well as Soviet-era buildings.

You should also check out Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum, and enjoy delicious authentic food at one of the many traditional restaurants.

However, it may be that you really want to dip your toes in the sea, and in that case, Saranda is a great choice! Located on the up-and-coming Albanian Riviera on the south coast, the Ionian Sea glitters amongst olive groves and high hills.

When you get bored of the beach (is that possible), why not check out Lekuresi Castle, with stunning views over the town?

How To Get From Tirana To Saranda

Let’s get down to business and talk logistics. There are three ways to get from the capital, Tirana, to Saranda – bus, taxi, or car.

Here are some quick facts you should know about traveling between Saranda and Tirana:

• There is no train option between Saranda and Tirana
• Public transport in Albania has improved markedly in the last decade, now featuring functioning bus stations and timetables
• The only viable travel options from Tirana to Saranda are by bus, taxi, or private car
• Driving a car is the cheapest option, but not by much if you are a small group of 2
• The North-South Bus Terminal in Tirana is the starting point for these trips, with the bus journey
• The bus journey might be uncomfortable due to minimal AC and cramped seating conditions
• An alternative service, the Riviera Bus, offers more comfortable travel and includes stops at popular tourist destinations along the Albanian Riviera. This service runs from June to September, with specific departures on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays

Now let me explain each of the options:

1. How To Get From Tirana To Saranda By Bus

There are seven buses per day from Tirana Regional Bus Terminal, located about 20 minutes outside the city center. The earliest bus leaves at 6.15 am and the last at 4 pm. The journey takes 5 hours, costing 53 USD per person.

2. How To Get From Tirana To Saranda By Shuttle Bus

3. How To Get From Tirana To Saranda By Taxi Or Private Transfer

If you prefer to have a personal driver, you can take a taxi or private transfer but know that the cost will be much higher than if you choose public transport. There are many different taxi companies to choose from, and you’re looking at something between 230-250 USD one way. 

NOTE: The prices listed were correct at the time of publication. But, the cost of transportation in Europe has increased a lot this year and is expected to rise again next year, so please keep this in mind when budgeting. 

4. How To Get From Tirana To Saranda By Car

Suppose you have your own car with you. In that case, driving is a scenic and relaxing way to get from A to B. However, you can also hire a car for around 25 euros daily. Petrol will cost you about 80 euros – however, note that fuel is on the rise, so this isn’t an accurate figure and just an estimate.

The roads between the two locations are not so bad, but probably not to the standard you may be used to in other European locations. That being said, the roads between Tirana and Saranda are major roads, so as long as you drive carefully, you should be fine. You take the SH4 and then the E853 or SH4, following the signs all the way.

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How To Get From Saranda To Tirana

To get between the two locations, you reverse the information above.

For the bus, it’s important to know there is no bus station in Saranda and simply a main street where all the buses wait. You must go to the crossings between Rruga Onhezmi, Rruga Flamurit, and Rruga Lefter Talo. The earliest bus leaves Saranda at 5.30 am and the last at 2 pm, with the same journey time of 5 hours.