How to Get from Durres to Shkoder

It’s easy to get from Durres to Shkoder by bus, taxi or rental car. There is no train service between Shkoder and Durres. I’m going to give you all the details on each option.

How to Get to from Durres to Shkoder

There’s actually good connectivity between Durres and Shkoder. Both are major Albanian cities, and only 111 km apart.

Durres to Shkoder By Bus

Thanks to decades of communist rule and Albanians not being allowed to own vehicles, Albania has a decent bus system.

There is one direct bus every morning at 7:30 am from Durres to Shkoder. It departs from the Durres bus station, takes just over 2 hours and cost 600 lek ($7.30 USD).

If you miss that bus, you’ll have to change buses in Tirana. There are buses all day from Durres to Tirana, and from Tirana to Shkoder. Tirana has 2 main bus stations – East Gate and South North. Shkoder buses depart from both. Most Durres buses go to the South North bus terminal.

The fare from Durres to Tirana is 200 lek ($2.50 USD), and from Tirana to Shkoder the fare is 500 lek ($6 USD). Buy your tickets from the bus driver, in cash.

The ride to Tirana takes about 30 minutes, and Tirana to Shkoder takes 2 hours.

You can check this website for bus schedules, but when I checked it didn’t look like any Durres buses were going to South North bus terminal, which I know is not correct because I’ve seen them there and taken the bus myself.

I wouldn’t worry too much about the schedule as long as you’re travelling in the daytime. There are buses all day to Shkoder from Tirana.

See my guide to Shkoder to help you plan your visit.

Durres to Shkoder By Taxi (Private Transfer)

The easiest way to travel from Durres to Shkoder is by taxi or private transfer. When I’m arranging an inter-city transfer I check and compare prices with several companies.

I recently took a taxi from the airport to Shkoder and it cost 7000 lek ($85 USD). It would be around the same price from Durres.

These are my recommended private transfer/taxi services for Durres to Shkoder:

• Taxi Lux: Tirana taxi company I use in Tirana.
• Taxi Landi: Taxi service specializing in city to city transfers and day trips. Based in Tirana. I’ve used them a couple of times and been happy.
• daytrip: Transfer service with nicer cars.

Durres to Shkoder By Rental Car

There’s nothing like having your own vehicle for complete flexibility.

I found the driving in Albania fine. Roads are pretty good (as long as you stay on the numbered ones), and drivers are no worse or more aggressive than in other European countries.

The route up to Shkoder from Durres is fairly direct and should take less than 2 hours.

For the best rates reserve a car in advance. I’ve been using DiscoverCars.com to book my car rentals in Albania.

Is Shkoder Worth Visiting?

Shkoder is a lovely city, considered the gateway to the Albanian Alps. It’s very different from Durres.

While Durres has more of a laid back, seaside vibe with its cafes and palm trees, Shkoder is known more for its culture and proximity to the mountains. It’s a hub for hikers and full of cyclists, often dubbed the Amsterdam of Albania by locals.

Even if you’re not using Shkoder as a base for hiking in the mountains, it’s worth visiting. There’s enough things to see in Shkoder to keep you busy for a few days. Rent a bike and cycle to Lake Shkodra, hike up to Rozafa Castle, explore Shkoder’s historic centre. If it’s summer take the bus to Velipoja Beach.

One thing I did notice about Shkoder is that it’s more expensive than Durres. Durres is actually the least expensive major Albanian city I have visited.

When to Visit Shkoder

It’s best to visit Shkoder during shoulder season, April 15 to June 15, or September and October. This is also the best time for hiking, which is why a lot of people come to Shkloder.

Summers can be very hot because of Shkoder’s inland location. Occasionally the temperature goes past 40 C (104 F). Winters are cold and damp with rain.

Last Words on How to Get From Durres to Shkoder

It’s easy to get from Durres to Shkoder and should only take a few hours, even if taking the slowest option and changing buses in Tirana.

Personally, I usually opt for the bus unless the timings don’t work for me, or if I have to take taxis to and from the bus stations and it ends up costing not much more for a private transfer door to door.

Whichever way you choose, it’s not a long journey.

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