How to get from Tirana to Durres and Back in 2024
The ancient city of Durres is only 34 km from Tirana in Albania. It’s really worth a visit if you like history, enjoy the beach or can’t resist an ice cream! A visit to Durres makes a fantastic day trip from Tirana and in this post we detail exactly how to get from Tirana to Durres and back again.
How to get from Tirana to Durres by Bus
It is relatively straightforward to travel by bus in Albania, if you are prepared. There is, fortunately, a bus from Tirana to Durres making it a great day trip idea.
| Journey | Duration | Cost each way | Booking | Vehicle | Frequency |
| Tirana – Durres | 45 – 60 minutes | € 1.20 | Pay on bus (cash only) | Coach or mini bus | Every 30 minutes between 05:00 and 21:00 |
Which Bus Station do You Need?
Finding the correct bus station in Tirana can be difficult. Google maps isn’t always correct and there are several different bus stations across the city. For buses departing to Durres, you will head for the South and North Albania Bus Terminal in the north west of the city. This is Terminali i Autobusave të Jugut dhe Veriut in Albanian.
The bus from Tirana to Durres used to depart from the Dogana bus stop. However, there has been a lot of construction there recently and the bus stop no longer exists.
To get to the bus station from the centre of Tirana you can take the city bus which will cost 40Lek. Check out the Tirana Public Transport app on Android and Apple for the most up-to-date and relevant info. The Tirana IME 2.0 APP is also really useful.
The South and North Albania Bus Terminal
Once you arrive at the bus station, finding the correct bus from of the hundreds at the station is actually easier than it might seem. The bus drivers call out their destinations and will direct you to the correct stance. The destination is also written on the bus window. However, for many buses that stop in Durres, this is not their final destination. Ask any local or driver and they will be happy to help. It looks like total chaos but it seems to work.
It’s definitely advisable to check at the bus station in advance if you can. Or, try this BASHKIA TIRANA website for contact details and an online chat help in English. Buses depart from Tirana to Durres regularly between 05:00 and 21:00 each day.
How to Buy a Ticket
You will need cash to pay for your ride as card is only really accepted in larger shops. Although recent circumstances have helped to speed up the move from cash to card, we would recommend that you always have cash ready.
Ticket prices seem to vary between 150 and 200 Lek each way. Most of the time, the driver will have someone to collect the fare after the bus has departed but other times we paid the driver either when we boarded or when we got off the bus. There will be someone to keep you right!
Take a Bus from Tirana Airport to Durres
It is also possible to catch a bus from Tirana airport to Durres. These run at 10:00, 12:00, 15:30, 17:00 and 22:00 and cost 480Lek (€4). The journey only takes 35 minutes making Durres a really accessible town.
The Bus from Durres to Tirana
The return bus from Durres to Tirana takes the exact same route. Buses depart from Durres bus station regularly between 06:30 and 22:00 and will take you straight back to the South and North Albania Bus Terminal in Tirana. You can just buy your ticket on the bus for 150Lek. Remember to keep enough cash!
Address: Rruga e Dëshmorëve, Durrës, Albania
How to Get From Tirana to Durres by Car
The drive from the centre of Tirana to Durres should only take around 45 minutes. However, this is very dependant on Tirana’s often heavy traffic. Once you are out of the city, just take the new highway (SH2) all the way to Durres.
There is parking in the centre of Durres. Try somewhere like THIS that is right by the Mosque.
Should I Rent a Car in Albania?
This is really down to personal preference. Albania’s public transport is cheap and cheerful and most places are accessible by bus. However, there are very few railways in Albania. The buses – or furgons – are great for travelling between towns and cities. However, the timetable can be a bit restrictive. If you can haggle, a taxi driver will take you anywhere!
If you decide to rent a car in Albania, please make sure you take out the full insurance. Drivers in the Balkans have their own unique style… On our last visit to Saranda we spent 3 days in the town and witnessed 2 crashes.
We would also recommend that you check out several rental companies before you arrive as prices can vary wildly. There are plenty of rental options at Tirana airport and you can expect to pay between €20 and €30 per day.
Plan your journey in advance as there are many small roads that are not more than dirt tracks. Several mountain routes can be perilous if you do not plan ahead and take great care.
Tirana to Durres by Taxi
Another way to travel from Tirana to Durres is by taxi. You should expect this to cost you around 2200-2700 LEK (€19-€26) each way. So if you are travelling in a small group, it might be a good option. Just remember to agree on the price before travelling. The drive should take about 45 minutes from centre to centre so you will definitely save a bit of time this way.
Tirana to Durres by Train
There is not a good train service between Tirana and Durres. It is very dated and slow and the train station is over 7km outside of Tirana. Saying that, the carriages are very old school and the countryside is beautiful so it might be fun for the experience. The ride is only about €0.70 each way. So, if you have plenty of time, this might be a great option. There are 2 departures in the morning and for the latest timetable, click HERE. Recently, there have been developments in the railways of Tirana. Hopefully soon, there will be a more central station available.
Where to go next
Got more time in Tirana? Why not go north and explore the Accursed Mountains and their many hiking trails. Or perhaps you will head south and visit the mysterious, natural spring Syri i Kalter.
Final note: Things change in Albania all the time and there is not much information online. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.
Have you visited Durres or Albania? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
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Solid advice there! We played it extra safe and took the second to last bus back, just in case…
The return bus is from the same bus station and if my memory serves me well the last bus is at 7pm or something like that. Be sure to check or you will have to take a taxi back like I did!
Hi Maria, thanks for the heads up. We will add some info in about the return journey. If you need any tips in the meantime, send us a message, always happy to help.
You missed a trick here: no information for those who want to take the bus in the opposite direction.
Great info, thanks Philip!
Bus station has moved further up from the roundabout in Tirana on the other side of the road due to a new intersection being built. Tirana beach was lovely!
Great post! I’ve heard great things about Albania from people who have visited so it’s definitely on my list to visit soon. I love your photos!
I love this! So much helpful info!
I hadn’t heard of Durres before reading your post! It seems like a great option for a day trip though since it’s so close to Tirana. I love that there is a castle and Roman ruins there!
This has definitely been added to the bucket list! The photos are incredibly beautiful.
This has definitely been added to the bucketlist! How incredible!
I’ve always been curious about Tirana, and Albania in general. People say it’s quite challenging to travel in, but I love a good challenge 😁. Durres sounds great, btw. Will bookmark this page.
I’d never heard of Durres before. Thanks for sharing! I’ll definitely keep this city in mind if I ever go to Albania.
Love to see this! Never heard of these places before but immediately started googling. Thanks for sharing! Great post!
It seems like Durres is worth a visit for the pizza and ice cream alone… 🙂 But I’d definitely want to visit the castle and amphitheater too!
Wow! There is so much great information here. I love the architectural history and that pizza looks AMAZING. Thank you for sharing. I’m saving this for when we can travel again.
You’re very welcome! There is so much history in this part of the world
I’d heard mixed reviews too. If you don’t expect convenience and luxury and keep an open mind, you’ll love it! The people are really friendly and the countryside is stunning. There is so much history everywhere too.
Love to find out about corners of the world that are totally new to me. It would be so interesting to explore the Roman Amphitheatres and beaches here. Thanks for sharing
Katy, always love reading your posts. Albania was top on my list before I decided to leave the US but have heard so many mixed reviews, particularly from Europeans! I definitely need to get there at some point – especially for such cheap ice cream!! Thanks for sharing!