How to Get from Vlore to Saranda (2026)
There’s 3 ways to get to Saranda from Vlore: bus, private transfer or renting a car and driving. I’ve done the trip by bus and private transfer (separate journeys), and also rented a car many times in Albania. There is no train service between Vlore and Saranda.
I’m going to over all the basic information (where, when, how much) and also the good to know stuff.
How to Get from Vlore to Saranda
It’s actually pretty easy to travel between Vlore and Saranda. Both cities are popular stops on the Albanian Riviera and only 120 km apart.
There’s direct buses, many options for private transfers, and it’s easy to rent a car in Vlore if you want to drive yourself.
Vlore to Saranda by Bus
This is always my preferred way to travel around Albania. It’s not fancy, but it’s cheap and I enjoy the more local experience. Of course the Vlore to Saranda bus is mostly tourists, but it is cheap.
At the moment (April 2026), the bus leaves from the north west corner of Rruga Kastrioti and Rruga Enver Jaho. There are two buses every day: 6:30 am and 11:30 am. Cost is 1200-1500 lek. On Google maps it’s “Bus Station to Sarande.”
If you can, it’s a good idea to confirm this is still the place for the bus before you leave (and bus schedule). The first time I was in Vlore in 2024, the Saranda buses were leaving from a different location – so it can change.
Good to know about the bus
Make sure you have Albanian lek for the bus. You’ll have to pay cash to the driver. Sometimes they accept euros, but there’s no guarantee.
Albanian buses will leave when full, so get there about half an hour before to ensure you get on the bus. Also be prepared for unscheduled stops along the way. The drive should be less than 3 hours.
One last thing – buses are often furgons, those big passenger style vans. They’re not the most comfortable, but they are very common in Albania. You may get lucky and get a full size coach – I’ve experienced both in Albania.
Where does the bus arrive in Saranda?
The bus arrives at the ‘bus station’ in Saranda, which is just a corner in the centre beside Friendship Park.
If you haven’t booked your hotel yet, these are the best areas and hotels in Saranda
Vlore to Saranda by Private Transfer
This is another way I often travel around Albania. Basically, if it’s convenient to take a bus I do – but the timing doesn’t always work out. In Albania, private transfers are mostly taxis that also do intercity transfers.
On my last trip from Vlore to Saranda, I used Albes Taxi. The cost was 8000 lek ($98 USD). To arrange a private transfer with Albes, it’s best to contact them on WhatsApp: 355 67 6000 200.
Finding a private transfer
I often use Taxi Landi for private transfers, but they quoted me a higher price for Vlore to Saranda. They’re based in Tirana, so they do charge more for journeys that don’t end or start there.
You don’t have to use Albes Taxi in Vlore. I saw a bunch of taxis parked on the street and just approached one who happened to be with Albes Taxi, and asked him how much the transfer would be. I did this a few days before I wanted to leave for Saranda. But Albes was good – efficient, polite and reliable.
Renting a Car and Driving to Saranda
I did not rent a car and drive to Saranda from Vlore, but I have rented cars in both Vlore and Saranda, so can give you important information on how to go about this.
If you’re planning to pick up the car in Vlore and drop it off in Saranda it honestly doesn’t make much sense. A private transfer is easier, and by the time you pay the extra fee for dropping off the rental in a different city, a private transfer will be cheaper too.
Most of my Albanian car rentals have been booked through Discover Cars. I like this site because it shows all the options, and I can compare prices. I’ve used them many times.
Good to know about renting cars in Albania
After completely destroying a tire driving into a pot hole in Durres, I recommend you don’t rent a compact. Opt for something a little bigger that can handle a serious pothole. For the most part the roads are good, but some areas are rougher than others.
Also take a video with your phone of the car when you pick it up and drop it off – it’s good to have in case there’s any claim of damage.
Don’t expect the car to be fully fuelled when you pick it up. For some reason, filling up the car before you return it is not a thing in Albania. I have never picked up a rental car in Albania with a full tank (and I’ve rented quite a few).
My Vlore rental had less than a quarter tank. The first place I drove to was the gas station. Very annoying – but it happens, a lot.
You may not need to buy insurance. Many credit card companies offer car rental insurance as one of their benefits. You can save a lot of money this way.
Here’s more information about renting a car and driving in Albania.
Two route options to Vlore: coast or mountains
The drive to Saranda from Vlore is beautiful. There are two very scenic routes: coastal or mountains.
The coastal route on SH8 is slower (more traffic), but those views of the Ionian Sea and cute little villages perched on the mountainsides are gorgeous.
You’ll pass all the towns along the Albanian Riviera. This route reminds me of Greece, especially driving past the white washed houses in the village of Dhermi.
The alternate route on SH76 runs along the Shuchice River and has gorgeous mountain views.
This way is a little faster and equally as beautiful, but different. It meets the coastal highway at Qeparo Fushe, so you will get some pretty coastal views for the last bit. This was the route my Albes Taxi driver took.
Last Words on How to Get From Vlore to Saranda
It’s not complicated to get from Vlore to Saranda. Both are major destinations on the Albanian Riviera, so well connected. If you have the time and can be a little flexible, the bus is good. But if not, a private transfer is very easy and convenient.
