How to Get to Komani Lake & the Shala River in 2026
Komani Lake is one of the most beautiful, but remote places in Albania. If you’re wondering how to get to Komani Lake, the best way is to take the bus operated by one of the ferry companies.
When I went to Komani Lake I took the mini-bus from Shkoder, and there are buses from Tirana also. It’s also possible to self-drive, but the road is not great.
The Shala River (aka Lumi i Shales) runs off Komani Lake. The only way to reach it is by ferry from Komani Lake.
How to Get to Komani Lake & Shala River
Here’s a quick summary of how to get to Komani Lake and the Shala River (Lumi i Shales). The Shala River is only accessible by ferry from Komani Lake. There is no road.
- From Tirana: bus direct to Koman ferry dock
- From Shkoder: bus direct to Koman ferry dock
- From Valbona: bus direct to Fierze ferry dock (on Komani Lake)
- From Theth: no direct transfer – must go through Shkoder
Some people drive to Komani Lake, but I don’t recommend it – especially if you’re in a rental car.
Should You Drive to Komani Lake?
It is possible to drive to Komani Lake, but inadvisable. Much of the road is unpaved and windy. You also have to park about 1 km from the lake and walk through a dark tunnel with no sidewalk to reach the dock.
When I took the mini-bus to Komani Lake they were working on the road. Sections of it were being widened, and I’ve heard it is partially paved now – but I’m not sure how much.
If you have a rental car, you may not be permitted to drive on gravel roads or take it on the ferry to Fierze. The car rental agency I used in Shkoder specifically told me no gravel roads, and I’ve seen the ‘no ferries’ rule on lots of car rental agency stipulations.
How to Get to Komani Lake by Bus – the Best Way
The buses to Komani Lake are operated by the same companies that operate the ferries. They generally run from April to November. Each one offers slightly different services, so I’ll briefly summarize them.
Book your tickets online through their websites, and don’t forget to make sure you book the return bus trip if heading back to Shkoder or Tirana (something I forgot to do).
The drive to Komani Lake is 2 hours from Shkoder and 3 hours from Tirana.
1. Berisha Ferry
This is the company I used to get from Shkoder to Lake Komani and the Shala River. They are the only ones that have a bus service from Tirana.
The drive to Komani Lake was interesting at times, but everything was punctual.
- bus service from Tirana and Shkoder to Lake Komani (depart from Rruga Mine Peza, Tirana or Rozafa Hotel, Shkoder)
- ferry to Fierze (with or without a car) and the Shala River
- bus service from Fierze to Valbona
- bus service between Shkoder and Theth
For tickets, schedule and prices, check the Berisha Ferry website.
2. Komani Ferry
This is another popular company. They have a bus service between Shkoder and Komani Lake, as well as ferry service on Lake Komani.
- bus service from Shkoder to Lake Komani (depart from the Shkoder bus station)
- ferry to Fierze (with or without a car) and the Shala River
- bus service from Fierze to Valbona
Book tickets and check schedule and prices through the Komani Ferry website.
3. Rozafa Boat Tours
Rozafa Boat Tours has a bus service between Shkoder and Komani Lake, and quite a few boat tours.
- bus service from Shkoder to Lake Komani (depart from Migjeni Theatre, Shkoder)
- ferry to Fierze (with or without a car) and the Shala River
- ferry from Fierze to the Shala River
- bus service from Fierze to Valbona
Book tickets, and check prices and timings on the Rozafa Boat Tours website.
How to Get From Theth to Komani Lake
There is no road between Theth and Komani Lake. You have to drive to Shkoder and then onto Komani Lake. The drive is about 4 hours.
Berisha Ferry operates daily bus services between Theth and Shkoder, and Shkoder and Komani Lake, but you would need to do an overnight in Shkoder as the bus timings are not aligned.
Which Ferry Should You Take: Fierze or Shala River?
There are two ferry routes to choose from: Shala River (Lumi i Shales) or Fierze. Here’s the main differences:
Shala River is best for a scenic day trip from Shkoder. The boat ride is part of the appeal, with a few relaxed hours by the river before returning the same way. There’s no road access, so it’s a simple in-and-out experience.
You can read more about my experience doing the Komani Lake and Shala River day trip here.
Fierze suits travellers heading onward. The longer Komani–Fierze ferry connects to Valbona National Park (popular with hikers) and routes into Kosovo. It carries both passengers and vehicles, making it a better option for multi-day trips.
FAQs
These are common questions about how to get to Komani Lake:
Yes, it is worth taking the Komani Lake ferry. The scenery is recognized as some of the most spectacular fjords in Europe. In my opinion it’s one of the top 5 experiences in Albania.
There is no road between Theth and Komani Lake. From Theth you must go through Shkoder to get to Komani Lake. There are buses that travel these routes.
The passenger and car ferry takes about 3 hours, and the Dragobia boat (passengers and motorcycles) may take longer depending on how many stops it makes.
Last Words on How to Get to Komani Lake & the Shala River
Now that you know how to get to Komani Lake, I hope you’ll make the journey. The Komani Lake ferry is one of my most memorable Albanian experiences. It is absolutely worth the time and effort to see Lake Komani and ride the ferry.
