Tirana to Himare: How to Get There by Car, Bus & Taxi
There are 3 ways to get to Himare from Tirana: car, bus or private transfer (taxi). Albania does not have a rail network.
I’m going to give you all the details about each option, including if you’re travelling to Himare straight from the airport, and how to get back to Tirana from Himare.
How to Travel from Tirana to Himare
It’s pretty easy to travel around Albania. I’ve rented cars, travelled on the buses, and used taxis (private transfers) for intercity travel.
When I travelled to Himare I was coming from Ksamil and used a pre-arranged taxi. To return to Tirana from Himare I used the bus.
By the way, Himare is worth the time to get there. If you’re a philhellene or culture nut you’ll love it – it’s very Greek!
How Long Does it Take to Get to Himare from Tirana?
This is not a day trip by an stretch of the imagination. Tirana is 225 km from Himare and even by car it’s over 3 hours. The journey will be longer if taking the bus, or stopping along the way.
Tirana is almost right in the middle of Albania, while Himare is in Southern Albania on the Ionian Sea, halfway between Vlore and Saranda. Himare is part of the Albanian Riviera.
A Closer Seaside Alternative
If you don’t want to travel that far for a seaside location, consider Durres or Golem instead. Durres is 30 minutes from Tirana and although much bigger than Himare, it’s charming in its own way. Golem is just a few km down the coast from Durres.
Tirana to Himare by Car – Most Flexible
Renting a car and driving to Himare from Tirana is very convenient. The roads in Albania are pretty good, especially down to Himare. It takes about 3.5 hours.
The drive is extremely scenic, through the Llogara Pass before Vlore, and then along the coastal SH8 highway to Himare. It’s actually one of the most spectacular drives in Albania.
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I’ve had good luck using DiscoverCars to hire from a local agent. They often have the best rates.
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Tirana to Himare by Taxi (Private Transfer) – Easiest but Most Expensive
This is by far the easiest way to get to Himare, but it is the most expensive. It costs about 17,000 lek ($205 USD), and may vary depending on the taxi service.
For these kind of intercity transfers I use Taxi Landi. They are reliable, and the cars are always clean and in good condition. I’ve also used Taxi Landi to travel to Montenegro from Vlore.
When possible I use the bus, but there are times when a private transfer (taxi) makes more sense.
Tirana to Himare by Bus – Cheapest
There are direct buses to Himare from Tirana’s South North Bus Terminal. The bus terminal is not in the centre, but closer to the airport.
The bus ticket costs 1500 lek ($18 USD) and the journey is about 3.5 hours. Try to get on a direct bus and not one that stops in Vlore. The ride will be closer to 5 hours if stopping in Vlore.
You can check this website for bus schedule and fares, but buy your ticket from the bus driver, and keep in mind the website schedule may not be exact.
The Bus to Vlore Option
In the event you can’t get a bus to Himare from Tirana, another option is to take a bus to Vlore (lots of buses all day long from the South North Bus Station), and get a bus to Himare from Vlore.
There are frequent buses from Vlore to Himare. However, this route will be longer – use this as a backup only!
How to Get to South North Bus Terminal from Tirana Centre
From Skanderbeg Square you can take the Tirana bus 4, 13B or 5B to the South North Bus Station. The fare is 40 lek ($0.50 USD) and a bus conductor will collect it in cash.
Anytime I try to figure out the Tirana bus system, I use Google maps directions and select the bus option. It’s always worked for me.
How to Get from Tirana Airport to Himare
To get to Himare from the Tirana International Airport you can rent a car and drive, take the bus, or take an airport taxi.
Renting a Car at the Tirana Airport – Most Flexibility
There are lots of car rental companies at the Tirana airport. The kiosks are just outside the terminal.
I highly recommend reserving a car in advance. Don’t forget to check the deposit policy, and if an international driver’s license is required.
I use DiscoverCars.com in Albania. Just make sure you select the ‘in terminal’ or ‘meet and greet’ option to avoid having to go into the centre of Tirana to pick up your car.
From the airport the drive to Himare is 220 km and takes just over 3 hours. It’s a very scenic route through the Llogara Pass, and then along the coastal SH8 highway to Himare.
By Airport Taxi – Easiest but Expensive
Airport taxis will drive to Himare. The fare is 17,000 lek ($205 USD) which is posted right inside the cab. By law, Albanian taxis must post their rates.
The taxis are located just outside of arrivals.
By Bus – Cheapest
There is no direct bus from the Tirana airport to Himare. There are two options:
Take the airport bus to the Tirana South North Bus Station. This bus goes to the city centre, but you can ask to be dropped off by the bus station. From the South North Bus Terminal take the Himare bus.
Take the airport bus to Vlore. There is an airport shuttle to Vlore. Bus ticket costs 1200 lek ($14.50). Check the Tirana International Airport website for the schedule. From Vlore take the bus to Himare.
What to Do in Himare
Himare is pretty small, and apart from the beaches there isn’t much going on. And that is exactly what is so great about Himare! It’s all dramatic coastal views, mountain walks, chickens and olive trees.
Here’s some of the best things to do in Himare:
- Enjoy the beaches: Spille Beach and Prinos Beach are in the centre. A little further out are Livadhi and Llamani Beaches. If you’ve got a car check out the more secluded Gjipe, Jale or Aquarium Beaches.
- Walk the beachfront promenade: Himare has a lively promenade in the centre along the water.
- Visit Himare Castle & Old Town: A historic walled castle and ancient village is less than 3 km from Himare. Wonderful mountain views and a culturally unique site.
- Scenic hikes: My dog and I took lots of morning coastal walks and hikes up into the hills around Himare.
- Take a boat tour: Visit secluded beaches, some of which can only be accessed by boat. The boat tour kiosks are along the promenade.
Where to Stay in Himare
In Himare it’s best to stay close to the centre unless you have a car. I prefer the area by Spille Beach as opposed to Prinos Beach. It’s closer to all amenities and the public (free) beach.
- Rea Boutique Hotel: Luxury boutique hotel located at the quiet end of Spille Beach. Lovely restaurant right on the water.
- Guesthouse 1932: Mid-priced guest house on the main promenade in front of Spille Beach. Great location for being in the middle of everything. Nice outdoor terrace overlooking the beach.
- Elpis Guesthouse: Mid-priced family run guesthouse. Located on the main road about 100 metres from the centre. Breakfast is served in a lovely garden with mountain views.
- Ylli’s Rooms: Budget friendly apartments at the far end of Himare near Spille Beach. I stayed here for a week with my dog and was very comfortable. Great location near the centre, beach and hills. Walk to the water in 5 minutes.
How to Get Back to Tirana from Himare
To return to Tirana from Himare, you can drive yourself, take a private transfer (taxi) or the bus.
Himare to Tirana by Car
Drive back by the same coastal route and through the Llogara Pass. It’s a beautiful drive and never gets boring. The distance is 221 km and takes about 3 hours.
Himare to Tirana by Taxi
Himare doesn’t have a lot of taxis, so I highly recommend arranging this transfer in advance. This will be the most expensive option, but also the easiest.
I have used an English speaking taxi driver in Himare and can pass on his information if you contact me.
Himare to Tirana Bus
There is a direct bus from Himare to Tirana. It departs several times a day across the street from the Riviera Tours office on SH8.
You have to buy your ticket at the Riviera Tours office in advance. The cost is 1500 lek ($18 USD). I’ve taken this bus and it was a long ride, just over 5 hours. The bus stopped many times along the way to let people off, and stopped in Vlore.
The bus terminates at the South North Bus Terminal in Tirana.
By the way, Tirana is a great little capital city. If you can, spend a few days there on your way in, or out of Albania.
FAQs
These are common questions about travelling from Tirana to Himare:
You can drive, take a private transfer or the bus from Himare to Tirana. Riviera Tours in Himare operates a bus to Tirana that has several departures every day.
The Tirana International Airport is 221 km from Himare.
Yes, Himare in Albania is very nice. It’s a lovely town on the Ionian Sea with beaches and a predominantly Greek culture.
Last Words on Tirana to Himare: How to Get There By Car, Bus & Taxi
It’s not difficult to get to Himare from Tirana. Whether you make the journey by rental car, taxi or bus, allow yourself half a day. In Albania it’s always a good idea to leave a buffer for last minute delays or cancellations!
