How to Get from Tirana to Durres: the Best Ways (2025)

It’s easy to travel from Tirana to Durres. The popular seaside destination is only 35 km from Tirana. The best way to get there is by bus or taxi, but I’m going to explain all the options so you can choose what works best for you.

Best Ways to Get from Tirana to Durres (and Back Again)

Considering how close Durres is to Tirana, it’s surprising how different it feels. Boulevards lined with palm trees, an ocean breeze, ancient ruins, and an even higher density of coffee shops! Even the weather is different.

So how can you get to Durres from Tirana? The best ways are bus or taxi, but you can also rent a car.

How to Get from Tirana to Durres by Bus

Buses run about every half hour to Durres from the South and North Bus Terminal in Tirana. I say about, because if the bus is full it will leave early. Just know there are frequent buses.

The buses run from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm. The fare is 200 lek ($2.50 USD), which you pay in cash to the driver.

The South and North Bus Terminal is 5 km from the centre, and depending on where you’re staying in Tirana you might have to take a city bus to get there.

When I did my daytrip to Kruja, I took the number 4 bus to the South and North Bus Terminal, but there are others that go there too. You can check the Tirana bus routes map, but I found directions on Google maps much easier. Bus fare is 40 lek, which you pay in cash to the bus conductor.

In Durres, the buses terminate at the Durres Bus Station on Rruga Adria, right in the centre. This is also where you get the bus back to Tirana.

How to Get to Durres from Tirana by Taxi or Private Transfer

This was how I went to Durres from Tirana. I wish I could have taken the bus (I always prefer a budget option if it’s practical), but I had luggage, a yoga mat, and a dog in a carrier. I thought a taxi would be easier.

All Tirana taxis go to Durres. I used Taxi Lux, which I pre-arranged the day before. If you know an Albanian who can make the arrangements for you, better. My taxi driver went to pick me up in Durres by mistake, which I’m sure was a communication mishap.

It all got sorted in the end, but it was a little stressful at the time. The flat rate from Tirana centre to Durres centre is 2200 lek ($26 USD).

Another option is private transfer, which is basically another taxi service. I have used Taxi Landi several times in Albania. They have always been great about pick ups, and punctual. They charge 3000 lek ($35 USD) for Tirana to Durres, which is why I went with Taxi Lux.

Tirana to Durres by Rental Car

It’s pretty straight forward to drive from Tirana to Durres. Once in Durres, there’s lots of street parking, and I saw public parking lots in the centre.

Renting a car in Tirana is easy. But keep in mind car agencies in Albania have different policies about age of driver and international driver’s permit. Check the rental conditions beforehand.

For the best rates reserve a car in advance.

There is no Train Between Durres and Tirana

The government is rebuilding the rail network in Albania. Currently there is not operational train station in Tirana.

How to Get from Tirana Airport to Durres

There are 3 ways to get from the Tirana Airport to Durres: bus, taxi or rental car.

Bus from Tirana Airport to Durres

There is a bus from Tirana Airport to Durres. It leaves the airport every two hours from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. The fare is 600 lek ($7 USD).

The bus also does the return trip from Durres to Tirana Airport every two hours from 8:00 am until 7:00 pm.

Taxi from the Tirana Airport

Airport taxis charge 3000 lek ($35 USD). They are always outside arrivals. The drive is 30-45 minutes. Rates are posted right inside the cab, so you won’t get ripped off.

Most driver don’t accept credit cards, so make sure you have cash. There are ATMs inside the airport by the luggage carousels.

Car Rental from Tirana Airport

You can rent a car at Tirana Airport. I recommend you make a reservation in advance.

Some car rental companies have age restrictions and/or require an international driving permit. Read the rental conditions carefully.

I like and use DiscoverCars.com to find the best deals.

Is it Worth Visiting Durres?

I spent 10 days in Durres and enjoyed my time there. It’s a small seaside city with a completely different feel from Tirana. If you like the sea and a slower pace, you’ll probably enjoy Durres.

If you’re wondering which is better, Tirana or Durres, it depends on what you’re looking for. Tirana has a lot more going on, but Durres is charming in its own way.

Durres has a few sites, including Roman and Venetians ruins, but the main draw is the beaches.

To be honest, the beaches in Durres are not the most beautiful in Albania. But if you’re looking for a seaside getaway close to Tirana, Durres is a great choice.

If you’re strictly interested in glorious beaches, I would skip Durres and stay in Golem, or keep going further south to towns along the Albanian Riviera, like Himare, Saranda or Ksamil.

Where to Stay in Durres

I recommend these hotels in Durres:

• Old Town Villa: Very small family run property located in the centre. Simple but updated rooms from $55 USD. No breakfast in the villa, but there’s so many cafes and restaurants around you’ll find something easily. Free parking right in front.
• Cosmo Beach Hotel: Located on Durres Beach about 1.5 km from the centre. Double rooms start at $80 USD, including breakfast and parking. Really nice beachfront outdoor restaurant for breakfast. Excellent restaurant popular with locals also.
• Art Gallery Boutique Hotel: Contemporary and stylish rooms from $90 USD, including breakfast. Located in the centre of Durres, very close to the Durres Amphitheatre. Free parking in front of the hotel. Amazing location in the centre.

Last Words on How to Get to Durres from Tirana

Whether you take the bus, a taxi or rent a car, it’s easy to get from Tirana to Durres. The journey is less than an hour, and Durres is a nice change from Tirana.

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