How to Get from Pogradec to Tirana (2026)
It’s easy to get from Pogradec to Tirana. You can take a bus, a private transfer (taxi), or rent a car and drive.
There is no train between Tirana and Pogradec. Albania has extremely limited rail service.
I recently took the bus from Pogradec to Tirana with my small dog. But I debated hiring a taxi, so have all the information about doing a private transfer too. I’ll also tell you how to get to the Tirana Airport from Pogradec.
How Far is Tirana From Pogradec
The centre of Tirana is 126 km from Pogradec. If you’re taking the bus it’s 117 km because the bus station (Tirana East Gate Terminal) is outside of Tirana.
The drive takes about 2.5 – 3 hours depending if you’re driving or taking the bus. Part of the route is through the mountains, so that always takes a little longer.
How to Get from Pogradec to Tirana
Tirana is well connected to all parts of Albania, so it’s fairly easy to reach from Pogradec.
Pogradec to Tirana by Bus
There are direct buses between 5:00 am and 4:00 pm every day from Pogradec to Tirana. A mix of furgons (mini buses or passenger vans) and coaches are used. The journey is 3 hours.
When I went to the Pogradec bus station to check the schedule there were furgons leaving for Tirana, but when I went to take the bus on a Sunday morning, it was a full coach.
The full coaches charge 600 lek ($7.25 USD), but the furgons may be less. Buy the ticket from the bus driver in cash (lek). Not all bus drivers will take euros.
The Pogradec bus station is on Rruga Industriale (Terminali Autobusave Pogradec on Google Maps), 1.1 km from the centre. You can walk there easily from the centre, or take a taxi for 400 lek ($4.80 USD).
Tirana has two main bus stations. The Pogradec buses go to Tirana East Gate Bus Terminal (TEG).
Check the Gjirafa Travel website for bus schedules. It may not be 100% accurate, but close enough to give you a good idea of the options. I use this website all the time.
Avoid Bus Connections if Possible
There are buses that depart Pogradec after 4:00 pm, but they are not direct. You have to change buses in Librazhd. I recommend avoiding these. Bus changes in Albania are not always straight forward.
When I travelled from Berat to Korce, there was a bus change in Elbasan. But it was not a bus connection at a station. It was me being dropped off at the side of the road and having to flag down buses from Tirana or Durres that were headed to Korce.
I had my small dog and suitcase with me – it was unexpected and not ideal.
How to Get From Tirana East Gate Bus Terminal (TEG) to the Centre
Once in Tirana, the TEG bus station is 8 km from the centre (Skanderbeg Square).
You can take a taxi for about 800 lek ($9.65 USD), or the local Tirana bus for 40 lek ($0.50 USD). You can get these buses right from the bus terminal, or from the back side of the TEG shopping mall. In fact, the bus stop was only about 25 metres away from where the Pogradec bus dropped us off.
Tirana bus fare is paid in cash to the bus conductor. They will accept euros, but they will charge one euro for the ride. Don’t expect any change.
Pogradec to Tirana by Private Transfer (Taxi)
Just about all Pogradec taxis will do a private transfer to Tirana. I was quoted 9000 lek ($110 USD) by a local taxi company. You’ll have to pay cash.
Just ask a couple of taxi drivers in the centre the day before you need the transfer. There are usually a bunch on the west side of Rruga Rinia.
I recommend also checking with Taxi Landi, a Tirana based company that specializes in intercity transfers. I have used them several times and they are reliable and dog friendly. They do transfers all over Albania, and across borders too.
Pogradec to Tirana By Rental Car
This is the least practical way to get to Tirana, unless you already have a rental car.
There are very few car rental agencies in Pogradec, and they will only rent a car for 2 or 3 days minimum. Also, the extra fee to drop off a rental in another city is expensive – at least €100. You may as well just take a private transfer – it will be easier and cheaper.
Of course, if you already have a car then it makes perfect sense to drive to Tirana. The roads are good and the section between Pogradec and Elbasan is very scenic.
How to Get from Pogradec to Tirana International Airport
There is no direct bus from Pogradec to Tirana’s airport. You have to take the Pogradec bus to Tirana, and then an airport shuttle from the centre, or a private transfer (taxi) from Pogradec to the airport.
Pogradec to Tirana Airport by Bus
Unfortunately, there is no direct bus from Pogradec, or Tirana’s East Gate Bus Terminal (where the Pogradec buses terminate) to the Tirana Airport.
You have to take the bus into Tirana first. From Tirana East Gate Bus Terminal there are two options:
- Take the city bus to the centre, and the airport shuttle bus from there. The airport shuttle departs every hour on the hour from the bus stand behind the Opera House, across the road from the Friendship Memorial. It costs 400 lek ($4.80 US) and takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour.
- Take a taxi from the bus terminal to the airport shuttle bus stop (800 lek – $9.65 USD), and then the airport shuttle bus.
- Take a taxi from the bus terminal to the airport. It will cost about 2000 lek ($24 USD).
Pogradec to Tirana Airport by Private Transfer
I would definitely shop around a bit for a price on this. Ask a couple of local taxis how much they charge and check with Taxi Landi.
The fare to travel from the airport to Pogradec is 13,000 lek ($157 USD), so you can expect the cost to travel from Pogradec to the airport to be similar, but maybe a little less since airport taxis usually charge a premium.
What to Do in Tirana
If you haven’t spent time in Tirana, it’s a great city and worth a couple of days. Tirana is extremely walkable, and almost all the sites are in the centre making it easy to explore.
You can see my 2 days in Tirana itinerary to help you make the most of your time there.
Popular sites in Tirana:
- Skanderbeg Square: The huge, main square in the centre of the city. A social and cultural meeting point. Historic Et’hem Bey Mosque is there.
- Bunk’Art 2: Museum inside a communist bunker focused on the activities of Albania’s secret police, the Sigurimi.
- House of Leaves: House formerly used for the surveillance of Albanians during the communist dictatorship.
- The Pyramid: Huge pyramid now used as public space, but originally built as a mausoleum for Albania’s communist dictator, Enver Hoxha.
- Blloku: Vibrant neighbourhood full of restaurants, bars and cafes, which was off limits to Albanians during communism. Enver Hoxha’s former home can be seen in Blloku.
- Namazgah Mosque: The largest mosque in the Balkans. Very beautiful.
Here is a full list of what to do in Tirana, including off the beaten path sites.
Where to Stay in Tirana
The best area to stay in Tirana is near Skanderbeg Square (within a 1 km radius). This is the centre and you will be within walking distance of the sites, restaurants and all amenities.
These are my favourite hotels in Tirana:
Luxury hotel: Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana
Mid-priced hotel: Hotel Colosseo
Budget hotel: Albanopolis
Hostel: Red Goat Hostel
Here is a more detailed guide on where to stay in Tirana.
FAQs
Yes, Pogradec is worth visiting. It has a lovely location right on Lake Ohrid. Pogradec doesn’t have many sites, but in summer visitors can enjoy the beach and lake activities.
Yes there are several direct buses every day from Tirana to Pogradec. Buses depart from Tirana East Gate Bus Terminal (TEG).
The fare is about 2200 lek ($26.50 USD) for a taxi from the centre of Tirana to the airport.
Last Words on How to Get from Pogradec to Tirana
Even though Pogradec is a bit off the usual tourist path, it’s still easy to reach Tirana by bus, taxi or driving. When I travelled from Pogradec to Tirana I took the bus, which was straight forward and budget friendly.
