How to Get from Tirana to Kruja for the Perfect Day Trip 2025
In my opinion, Kruja is the perfect day trip from Tirana. Not only is Kruja just 40 km from Tirana, it’s easy to travel from Tirana to Kruja. And did I mention that Kruja is a beautiful, historic town?
The best way to go from Tirana to Kruja (and back again) is by minibus. The bus is easy and cheap. There’s no need to book a private transfer or pay for a day tour.
When I stayed in Tirana for a month I did exactly that. And it was a great day trip! This is how to do it, and what to see in Kruja once you get there.
How to Visit Kruja from Tirana for a Day Trip
Kruja is a beautiful mountain town, an hour from Tirana. If you’ve run out of things to do in Tirana, definitely visit Kruja.
How to Take the Bus from Tirana to Kruja and Back Again
The best way to reach Kruja from Tirana is by minibus (furgon). This is the main mode of public transportation in Albania.
Kruja buses leave from Tirana’s South and North bus terminal, which is 5 km from Skanderbeg Square in the centre.
Depending on where you’re staying in Tirana, you’ll probably have to take a Tirana city bus to get to the bus terminal.
I took the number 4 bus. There are several that go to the South and North Bus Terminal. You can use Google maps ‘directions’ for the bus options to the bus terminal (that’s what I do). Tirana city bus fare is 40 lek, which you pay in cash to the conductor on the bus.
Once you get to the bus terminal, the Kruja buses are on the left side not far from the entrance. All buses have destination signs in the windshield. Don’t get on a Fushe Kruja or F. Kruja bus by mistake – it’s a different town.
Kruja buses leave every hour on the hour (more or less), but if they’re full they leave early.
The first bus leaves Tirana at 7 am, and the last bus departs Kruja at 4 pm. The fare is 200 lek which you pay to the driver in cash when you exit. The journey is about an hour.
In Kruja, the bus stops on Rruga Kala, across the street from Dior Hotel. This is also where you catch the minibus to go back to Tirana.
Don’t want to take the bus?
You can book a private taxi and have them wait and return you to Tirana. I like and use Taxi Landi. I’ve used them several times, including a day trip to Berat. Just message them from the Facebook page.
Best Things to Do in Kruja
Kruja is a small town, but there’s enough to see for a relaxing day trip or overnight visit. Everything’s walking distance, not far from the bus stop.
Wear sensible shoes for your day in Kruja. The walkways around the castle (where most of Kruja’s attractions are located) are rough cobblestone. They would be a nightmare in any kind of heel!
1. Kruja Bazaar (Pazari i Vjeter)
If you’re headed to the Castle of Kruja, you’ll walk through Kruja’s historic bazaar.
Kruja Bazaar is an Ottoman style market, with wooden shops and cobblestone streets. The market itself is over 400 years old (one of the oldest in Albania), but the lanes and shops you see today were built in the 1960s and then restored again in 2015.
The bazaar is 100% geared for tourists, but it’s small and quaint. It’s a good spot to shop for Albanian handicrafts and products, like honey or mountain tea.
2. Castle of Kruja
The Castle of Kruja dominates the view of Kruja and is the town’s most significant site.
Kruja and the castle are very important for Albanians. The national hero Skanderbeg was born in Kruja, and it is here that he defended Albania against Ottoman rule in the 15th century.
The castle was originally built during the 5th or 6th century by the Byzantine Empire. Only parts of the original fortification walls remain of the ancient castle, and the ruined watchtower. The large round building on the castle grounds is the Gjerge Kastrioti Museum of Kruja, which was built in the 1980s.
It’s free to enter the castle grounds, and there’s some great views.
3. Gjerge Kastrioti Museum of Kruja (Skanderbeg Museum)
This is a well done museum all about Skanderbeg (Gjerge Kastrioti) and his military accomplishments. It’s the round fortress looking building on the castle grounds. Even though it looks old, it was built in the 1980s.
I don’t usually like military museums, but this one has some nice artwork. By chance I visited on International Museum Day so it was free. But admission is probably around 500 lek.
4. Ethnographic Museum of Kruja
The Ethnographic Museum of Kruja is also on the castle grounds. The building is a former home of the Toptani family, part of Albania’s ruling class. It was built in 1764.
The museum has a lot of original household items, furniture and a hammam. It’s an interesting look into the lifestyles of a wealthy Albanian family. Admission is 600 lek.
5. Hamami i Kalase se Krujes
If you take the stone walkway further down past the Ethnographic Museum you’ll come to the medieval baths (hammam) used by the castle. It was locked up when I visited, but the grounds are pretty, and I was the only person there.
Don’t bother if you’re not wearing flats. I found the cobblestone lane tricky even in hiking shoes.
6. Tekke of Dollma
Very near the Hamami i Kalase se Krujes is this Sufi site. Because of the mihrab (prayer niche) it was probably a mosque originally, but now houses the tombs of several Sufi dervishes and Dollma family members.
It was built in 1779, and Skanderbeg himself planted the enormous olive tree out front.
Where to Eat in Kruja
I totally lucked out in Kruja and stopped in Snack Bar Derexhiku which is in the Kruja Bazaar. Not only was the food delicious and very reasonably priced, I loved the little outdoor terrace overlooking the bazaar.
They serve traditional Albanian food and there were vegetarian options.
Try the Kruja traditional dessert, kabuni. It’s made with rice, cloves, raisons and lamb. Sounds awful, but it was really good.
I fully intended to eat at Restorant Bardhi also, but I was too full after lunch. It looks like a beautiful spot overlooking the castle and mountains. The wine and produce comes from the family farm.
Is Kruja Worth Visiting?
Yes! Kruja is absolutely worth visiting from Tirana. I think it makes a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the capital, and the scenery around Kruja is stunning.
Plus, it’s so easy to visit Kruja from Tirana. The day trip took me a total of 8 hours (from when I left my apartment door until I returned), and that’s with the bus.
If you’ve only got a couple of days in Tirana, I would just focus on that, but if you’ve got more time, Kruja is the perfect excursion and of the best things to do in Albania.
How Long Should You Spend in Kruja?
Unless you want to add on some hiking, one day is enough in Kruja. It’s not a big place, and the sites are all around the castle area.
If you have time, it would be really nice to stay overnight. Kruja is beautiful, and it’s wonderful being up in the mountains. Plus it’s peaceful to walk around once most of the tourists have left for the day (or before they arrive in the morning).
Planning a longer trip to Albania? See how I fit Kruja into this two-week highlights of Albania itinerary, with both car and bus versions.
Where to Stay in Kruja
There are some really nice properties in Kruja with gorgeous views of the castle and mountains.
My favourite Kruja hotels are:
- Villa Castriota: Charming boutique hotel offers double rooms from $50 USD, breakfast included. Located in the old town, just steps from the castle and bazaar. This hotel offers incredible value – it’s my top choice.
- Vila HK: Small, new property located 900 metres from the castle. Snug, but bright and clean double rooms start at $50 USD, including breakfast. The husband and wife who own and run the place are very friendly. Ask for a room with an unobstructed view.
- Dior Hotel: A new hotel, located across the street from the bus stop and 950 metres from the castle. Doubles start at $55 USD, breakfast included. Rooms are spacious and have balconies. Beautiful sunset views from the guest rooms.
Last Words on How to Get from Tirana to Kruja for the Perfect Day Trip
If you’re considering Kruja for a day trip from Tirana, do it! I honestly think this is one of the easiest and most pleasant day trips in Albania.
