How to Get From Tirana to Berat: the Best Ways (2026)
It’s easy to travel from Tirana to Berat. In fact, that’s one of the reasons Tirana is worth visiting – you can easily go anywhere in Albania from Tirana.
There are 3 ways to get to Berat from Tirana: bus, taxi or rental car. I’ve been to Berat a couple of times, by bus and taxi.
I’m going to give you the information on how to do all three. If none of them appeal to you, you can always take a day tour.
Click here to book this highly rated Berat day trip from Tirana
How to Get from Tirana to Berat
Whether you are doing a day trip from Tirana to Berat, or planning to say overnight (which I recommend, there’s lots to see in Berat and it’s beautiful), these are the best ways to get from Tirana to Berat.
I recommend 2 or 3 days in Berat. That’s enough time to explore the Castle, the old quarters and enjoy the beauty of the city.
Bus: the Cheapest Way
There are hourly buses from Tirana’s South North bus terminal.
Buses are supposed to depart every hour on the hour, but if the bus is full it will leave early, or it may leave late if waiting for more passengers.
The bus could be a large van, or a full size bus – it depends on season and demand.
The Berat buses are on the right side of the bus station, which is essentially a giant parking lot. There’s a proper bus terminal under construction beside it. You can ask any driver for the Berat bus and they’ll point you in the right direction.
The fare is 500 lek ($6 USD) which you pay to the driver. They do not accept cards.
The ride is about 2.5 hours, but this can vary depending on number of stops and how long of a coffee/smoke break the driver takes mid-way.
Once in Berat, the bus station is about 2 km from the centre. A taxi from the station to the centre is 700 lek ($8.50).
When I took the bus to Berat the driver asked if I was going to the bus terminal or Berat centre, and he dropped me off in the centre – much more convenient!
Taxi: the Easiest Way
Taxi is the easiest, but most expensive way to travel from Tirana to Berat.
I take the bus whenever I can, but if I have my large suitcase and dog with me I sometimes opt for a private transfer. The convenience of having door to door service is worth it sometimes.
From the city centre the fare is aprox. 8000 lek ($90 USD). Prices can vary depending on the taxi.
I like and use Taxi Landi. I’ve used them for several trips in Albania. Just message them from the Facebook page.
Make sure you have cash. Most taxis do not take credit cards.
Rental Car: the Most Convenient Way
It’s easy to rent a car in Tirana. There are many rental car agencies in the centre.
The best thing about travelling from Tirana to Berat in a rental is the freedom. Albania is so beautiful, you’ll probably want to take a few photo breaks. And the area around Berat is very scenic.
With a car you’ll be able to explore natural sites like Osumi Canyon, or the many vineyards in the region. Speaking from personal experience, driving in Albania is easy and the roads are good.
Car agencies in Albania have different policies about age of driver and international driver’s permit. Check the rental conditions ahead of time.
Book your car in advance to get the best rates.
Searching for affordable car rental in Albania?
I recommend using DiscoverCars to hire from local agents. Prices start from just $18 USD/day.
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How to Get from Tirana Airport to Berat
You can get to Berat from the Tirana Airport by bus, taxi or rental car.
Bus to Berat from Tirana Airport
There is no direct bus to Berat from the airport. You have to change buses at Tirana’s South North bus station, and take the Berat bus from there.
I recently did this, after dropping off my rental car at the airport.
On the far side of the airport beside the parking is where all the buses are. The bus to the South North bus station leaves every hour. Just ask the drivers and they’ll show you where the bus is.
I think it cost 200 lek ($2.40 USD), but I forgot to write down the amount.
Make sure you go to the South North bus station, that is where the Berat buses leave from. There is another bus terminal, Tirana East Gate (TEG), do not go there!
Taxi from Tirana Airport
Airport taxis charge 9000 lek ($105 USD). They are always just outside arrivals. The drive is less than 2 hours. Rates are posted right inside the cab, so you can’t get ripped off.
Not all drivers 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 highly recommend you make a reservation in advance.
Some car rental agencies have age limits and require an international driving permit, some don’t. Read the rental conditions carefully.
I like and use DiscoverCars.com to find the best deals.
Staying Overnight in Berat?
Visiting Berat is one of the best things to do in Albania, and I highly recommend you stay overnight if you can.
Berat Castle is one of the oldest continuously inhabited castles in Europe, and the historic city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are some wonderful guest houses and hotels in Berat.
I recommend these hotels in Berat:
- Hotel Ajka: Great budget hotel on the Gorica side with beautiful river views, breakfast included. From $30 USD.
- Hotel Mangalemi: Lovely traditional boutique hotel in the historic Mangalem area, breakfast included. From $60 USD. Close to the Berat Castle.
- Beratino Hotel: Beautiful traditional hotel in the historic Mangalem district, breakfast included. From $65 USD. Charming property.
Here’s how to get back to Tirana from Berat.
Last Words on How to Get From Tirana to Berat
Berat is easy to get to from Tirana, and you have a few choices about how. Consider staying overnight if you have time. Berat is well worth a few days – it’s Albania’s most beautiful historic city.
