How to Travel by Bus from Tirana to Podgorica
Travelling by bus from Tirana to Podgorica, Montenegro, is a really great way to explore this part of the Balkans. Bus travel in Albania can be complicated. However, once you get the hang of it, it is a really cheap and efficient way to get around. We have provided all the details you need to take the bus from Tirana to Podgorica. We have included up-to-date timetables and tonnes of practical tips for your journey.
Before we took the bus from Tirana to Podgorica…
Before taking the bus from Tirana to Podgorica, we spent three amazing days discovering Albania’s capital. There is so much to explore and learn about in this fascinating city. With such a long and complex history, the city is now an exciting and diverse metropolis with fantastic food, friendly people and beautiful architecture. You can check out 7 of the best things to do in Tirana here.
The Bus from Tirana to Podgorica
We had booked the bus from Tirana to Podgorica, Montenegro in advance. We were curious to see what we would, or wouldn’t, find in “Europe’s most boring city.” As this was our first international bus journey within the Balkans, we were a little apprehensive. However, after eventually finding the correct bus station – Tirana International Bus Station (just near Sheshi Karl Topia (Rilindja) roundabout – AKA Pallati Sportit Asllan Rusi Bus terminal) the trip was pretty simple and even relaxing.
Finding the correct bus station…
The city of Tirana has several bus stations and the departure station is dependent on the duration and destination of the journey. This, combined with our sub-par map reading skills, meant it took us longer than it should have done to find the correct bus stance. We were also easily side-tracked and spent far too long searching for one last byrek for the journey. For those not familiar, byrek is a delicious pastry filled with cheese, spinach, meat or all three!
After asking a few confused bus drivers where we might find the bus from Tirana to Podgorica (we were at the wrong bus station) one kind soul directed us to the correct location for the Tirana to Podgorica bus… and advised that we must hurry! After a mad sprint down the busy road, and an awkward creep behind the sports centre, we found the correct bus stance. Our bus was running 30 minutes late…
What we were looking for was Tirana International Bus Station. This bus station is not that easy to find so we have marked it out for you HERE. It definitely feels like you’re trespassing when walking round behind the sports hall, but it is the right way to go!
How to Buy Tickets for the Bus from Tirana to Montenegro
We had booked our bus tickets from Tirana to Podgorica online in advance of the travel date. The journey times vary from 3.5 hours to around 5.5 as it can depend on how busy the border crossing is.
The tickets cost €15 per person for a one way trip from GetByBus and you can book online here. The bus departs at 06:00, 8:00 or 10:15 depending on the day of travel. It is always a good idea to plan in advance.
There is a ticket office at the bus station but we didn’t use it. We did, however, use the café and the bathroom!
For more info on travelling within Tirana download the Tirana Public Transport App on Android or Apple.
The bus from Tirana to Montenegro – Tirana International Bus Station
| Transport | Duration | Cost | Booking | Vehicle | Border crossing |
| Bus | 3.5 – 5.5 Hours | 12 – 30 Euros | Online/bus station | Coach | Yes |
| Car | 3 Hours | 25 Euros | Na | Car | Yes |
| Taxi | 3 Hours | 150 Euros | Online | Car | Yes |
Practical Tips
Not all tickets have a QR code. Some companies insist that the tickets must be printed and presented to the bus driver. However, there are several printing shops near the centre of Tirana that will print these out for you – for about €0.10 per page – if you forget… like we did…
Journey times for the bus from Tirana to Podgorica can vary depending on the bus company used and how busy the border crossing are.
Some companies also have a surcharge for putting luggage in the hold. However, this is usually the equivalent of a few euros but will mostly likely need to be paid to the driver in cash.
Driving from Tirana to Podgorica
Taking the bus from Tirana to Podgorica was the easiest and most efficient option for us. There are no passenger trains running from Tirana to Podgorica so this was certainly out of the question. There are also no direct flights.
If you are driving, or considering a rental car, the journey is around 170km and takes about 3 hours. Take care when driving in Albania and plan your route carefully. Some drivers can be a bit erratic and country roads are sometimes little more than a dirt track. Alternatively, you can try car pool websites such as BlaBlaCar and share the cost of the journey.
Taking a Taxi from Tirana to Podgorica
Taking a Taxi from Tirana to Podgorica might be a good option if you are in a group of 3 or 4 people as it will save some time, hassle and is definitely more comfortable. The drive should take around 3 hours, depending on queues at the border. However, for individuals it is considerably more expensive. A private taxi costs around €150 for 1-4 persons.
Hitchhiking from Tirana to Podgorica
Another travel option that is very popular in Albania is hitchhiking. This is not something either of us have tried but many travellers say it is the best way to get around the country. If you are considering this option, I would recommend checking out Hitchwiki for some practical tips.
The Train from Tirana to Podgorica
Unfortunately, there are no passenger trains from Tirana to Podgorica. However, when you arrive in Podgorica you will be able to take the train to many interesting places!
Stop at Shkoder on the Bus from Tirana to Podgorica
Once on board, the bus was spacious and comfortable. It was a large coach rather than the furgons (minibus) we had become used to in Albania. Due to the time of year – April – there were only around 4 or 5 other passengers, so we had plenty of space.
We made one stop, over halfway, where we could get off and stretch our legs. Shkoder was the town we stopped in and I wish we had longer there! One of the most ancient cities in the Balkans and resting at the foothills of the Albanian Alps, this city has plenty to offer. Even from the bus window, the scenery was breathtaking.
The next time we take the bus from Tirana to Podgorica we will set aside a couple of nights in Shkoder to explore the 4th century city and the spectacular mountains to the east. So keep this in mind when planning your Balkan itinerary.
Practical Tip
Bring an audio book, if you can’t read on the bus, and enjoy the incredible scenery out the window.
The bus from Tirana to Montenegro – View of lake Shkoder from the bus window
Albania to Montenegro Border Crossing by Bus
Not long after leaving Shkoder we arrived at the border crossing. This process is simple but can be time consuming. When our bus arrived at the gate, we took our passports and stepped off the bus. All 5 passengers formed a queue to have our passports checked at the booth. After a brief break for some fresh air, we boarded the bus again and moved on. We passed through without issue (no passport stamp though) and arrived in Podgorica before the scheduled time.
Tirana to Budva and Kotor
The bus we took goes from Tirana to other towns in Montenegro, we just happened to get off in Podgorica. The same bus route continues on from Podgorica to Budvar and then Kotor. So if you enjoy the beach, this is a great option. You can also continue on to Croatia and spend some time in captivating Dubrovnik.
Podgorica gets a bad rep from many travel bloggers and has been dubbed “Europe’s most boring Capital city”. We certainly didn’t find this to be the case. Read our blog detailing 7 + of the Best Things to do in Podgorica or try 10 Incredible Day Trips from Podgorica. We have also provided a great guide for Accommodation in Podgorica so all your Podgorica questions can be answered!
Useful Tips when Travelling by Bus from Tirana to Podgorica
If you are new to travelling in Albania, it can seem a little bit daunting. However, with a bit of forward planning, some patience and a sense of humour, you will manage to see a lot of this beautiful country and meet some really nice people. To make your trip from Tirana to Podgorica by bus a little easier, we have summarised some super useful tips.
- Pack plenty of water in the summer (the old buses have no AC and it gets HOT)
- Bring snacks that won’t melt easily
- Have a good supply of wet wipes, not just for kids!
- Maybe bring a handheld fan in the hotter months
- An audio book allows you to enjoy the scenery outside
- There isn’t a luggage hold so pack light and prepare to sit with you bags if they don’t fit in the rack above
- Always have cash for your ticket
- Large luggage will cost extra to store in the hold
- You may need to print your ticket if bought in advance. More companies now are providing a QR code but others prefer a printed ticket – best to check
- Keep travel documents handy for crossing the border
- Leave yourself plenty of time and expect delays
More Info
Where to go next?
After a short stay in Montenegro, we took the bus from Podgorica to Dubrovnik where we explored the beautiful old town for a few days.
Final note: Things change when travelling in the Balkans 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 Albania or Montenegro? 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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Thats amazing! We did consider hitchhiking from Tirana to Podgorica but chickened out 😀
I really appreciate practical posts about transportation information. Sometimes it can be really confusing to figure out!
I hitchhiked from Tirana to Croatia and stopped at some of these places, such a beautiful part of the world! The bus route also looks so fun!
This is such a helpful guide! The pictures and the views of the entire journey are so beautiful. 🙂
Really helpful info, particularly with regard to the border crossing. I’m hoping to get to Montenegro sometime this summer, maybe I’ll also look into flights to Tirana. Thanks for sharing!
Sounds like a great bus ride to take. The scenery looks beautiful.
Montenegro is definitely on my bucket list for my next trip to Europe. I hope I get to use these tips soon!
Thanks for such an informative post. I hadn’t thought about visiting Albania but the photos looks beautiful here and I will definitely consider it now.
This is such a helpful, detailed guide! Saving it for a future trip to Albania!
I would love to take a bus ride between the two places because I like to look at landscapes through the window. Thanks for the tips!
Thank you for those useful tips Katy! The landscapes in this area look so beautiful!