In this guide we’ll discuss traveling around Albania using public and private transportation, accommodations, low cost activities and budgeting for food.
Almost everyone has a budget in mind when traveling. Albania has plenty to offer the budget traveler. Using this guide you can plan a trip low budget to a mid-range budget with a few overindulgences.
Transportation In Albania
Public Transportation in Albania
The most budget-friendly ways to get around Albania are also the most popular forms of daily public transportation. We’re talking about buses and minibuses! You also have the option of taxis and even renting a car depending on your destination.
If you’re feeling exceptionally adventurous, you can bike around the country in a group! Here is what you need to know.
Buses in Albania
The first option for traveling around Albania while on a budget is the bus. When you land in Albania, most likely, your first destination will be the capital city of Tirana. From there, you can grab a bus to any number of destinations in the country.
Bus from Tirana Airport to the City
Catching the bus from Tirana International Airport to the capital city is pretty straightforward. Once you step outside the airport, you’ll see a ton of buses ready to pick you up. You can grab one that’s heading to downtown Tirana and only pay around $3 USD (300 LEK).
Not far from the airport, Kruje was the home to Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg. Kruje Castle should be at the top of your list of places to visit. We’ll talk more about this low-cost activity in a moment, back to the buses.
Northern and Southern Destinations
If you want to head south to Berat, Dhermi, Himare, Vlore, Durres, Gjirokaster, and Saranda, there is one bus station. If your plans are taking you north to Shkodra or Kukes, you can head to this same bus station.
The bus station is located about 1.5 miles from downtown Tirana, and here you can view the various schedules for each destination.
Southeast Destinations
You’ll want the Southeastern Albania Regional Bus Terminal if you want to head to Korce, Pogradec, Permet, and Elbasan. This bus terminal is about a mile outside of downtown Tirana. You can view the bus schedule here.
The cost of a bus ticket will depend on your destination, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $5-$12 per person! You usually pay for your ticket at a kiosk or pay when you get on the bus.
International Destinations
Though we want you to spend as much time as possible in Albania, you can take a bus to other countries, including Kosovo, Greece, Italy, Turkey, Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Montenegro. If you’re looking to expand your travels, check out all 36 bus options!
City Bus Routes in Tirana
There are about ten intercity bus routes in Tirana, with the average cost per ride around 35 cents USD (40 LEK). Kids under the age of seven ride for free. You can also purchase a general pass that will take you anywhere in Tirana for about $15 USD (1600 LEK).
You can see all the bus routes and schedules by clicking here.
Minibuses in Albania
The must-know Albanian word when traveling around the country is furgon, which is Albanian for minibus. Furgons are privately owned and are the most popular form of public transportation in the country, as many natives use minibuses to travel back and forth from different cities. During popular tourists months, it can be more cramped than usual.
It’s all part of the adventure of exploring a new country! And many of these minibuses head to major cities, as well as smaller, picturesque villages. If you change your mind and want to get off the minibus during the trip, no problem! Just let the driver know. And if you see another minibus heading somewhere else, flag them down and see if they have room. If they can squeeze you on, they will!
The cost of a minibus ticket is also inexpensive, and the cost will depend on where you want to go. You can expect to pay anywhere from $3 USD (300 LEK) to $12 (1,300 LEK). You can usually grab a minibus at the regular bus stations or just flag one down when you see one. The timetables are usually loose, so plan for some buffer time.
When in doubt, you can ask someone at your hotel or the bus station. If locals can speak English, they are usually happy to point you in the right direction.
Taxis in Albania
Like anywhere else, you can always grab a taxi when you need to get across town. It usually costs $2 (250 LEK) to turn on the meter, and then it’s $2 for every kilometer. So depending on where you need to go, or perhaps it’s just too hot outside to walk, you can grab a taxi.
Car Rental in Albania
If you’re a free soul that wants to travel on your own time, renting a car is certainly an option. All you need is your U.S. driver’s license, and you can expect to pay only about $20 a day for an economy car, but be careful driving! Many of the roads have seen significant improvement, but some are still in questionable shape.
See our blog post: 15 Reasons Why You Should Rent A Car When Traveling In Albania
Biking in Albania
If you want to bike your way around Albania, you’ll undoubtedly save money and have thighs of steel once you’re done. It’s a very mountainous country, but if you love a challenge, it’s feasible to bike your way to your destination!
There are also different cycling tour groups you can join. Joining a bike tour is also inexpensive, starting at around €950/person, and is all-inclusive, including hotels, food, and a support van.
What About Trains in Albania?
Tourists and natives love using trains throughout Europe, so if you’re wondering where are the trains in Albania, the answer is: well, they don’t really have any. When the country transitioned from communism to democracy, the new government destroyed most of the passenger trains in an effort to erase anything built under communism.
There are very few trains operating, but any local will tell you not to waste your time or money. The trains are extremely slow and unreliable.
The good news is there are plans to build and upgrade railways. By summer 2023, there will be an upgraded railway from Tirana to Durres and a new railway connecting the Tirana International Airport to the capital city.
Low Cost Accommodations in Albania
There are so many great quality hostels in Albania, and they are super affordable. You can choose the ‘dorm room’ style for around $12/night (1,200 LEK) or a private room for about $23/night (2,450 LEK). Some high-rated and affordable hostels include:
The English Hostel in Tirana
Stone City in Gjirokaster
Saranda Backpackers in Saranda
You can also look on Airbnb and Couchsurfing if you’re looking to stay with a local. Not only do you get an extremely affordable place to sleep, but also the help of a local Albanian.
If you’re more of a hotel person, you can find a comfortable hotel room for about $28/night (3,050 LEK). You can easily search for hostels and hotels by browsing agoda.com and hostelworld.com.
But depending on how you define “affordable,” you could even stay at a “luxury” hotel for only about $47/day (5,000 LEK)!
Low Cost Activities in Albania
Now that we covered transportation and accommodations, we can focus on what fun activities you can do without breaking the bank! The good news is you don’t need a ridiculous budget to have fun in Albania.
Honestly, you may not even have to worry about a budget at all. That’s how affordable the country is!
Low Cost Activities in Tirana
Tirana definitely offers plenty of entertainment that is free or extremely affordable.
- Sign up for a free walking tour of the city
- Enjoy the parks, including the Artificial Lake of Tirana
- Take in the sights and sounds of the markets, including the New Bazaar
- Grab the bus to nearby Kruje and visit the castle of Skanderbeg, the national hero of Albania. The entrance fee is about $4 USD.
- Get lost in history by visiting the National History Museum. The entrance fee is only $2/person (200 LEK).
Low Cost Activities Around Albania
1. Relax on the beach
Albania is known for its crystal blue waters and white, perfect beaches. The Albanian Rivera is home to some of the best beaches in the country. You can read more about them here.
2. Visit amazing historic castles
Albania has an incredible history, and you can feel like you’re stepping back in time by visiting any number of castles. Some of our favorites include:
- Berat Castle: Entrance fee $1 USD.
- Kruje Castle: Entrance fee $4 USD.
- Elbasan Castle: You can walk around the city and view Elbasan Castle!
- Butrint: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that will guarantee to blow your mind. One of the more “expensive” entrance fees is $10/person (1,000 LEK).
You can view more ancient castles by clicking here.
3. Connect with nature by visiting national parks, hiking, and camping
One of the most notable national parks in Albania is Drilon Park in Pogradec. There are several small cafes for a quick coffee, and you can spend time feeding the swans that float in the picturesque lakes.
Check out blog post: The 14 Most Amazing Natural And Historical Wonders of Albania
There are also incredible campsites available where you can choose to pitch your tent in the mountains, stay in a beautiful cottage in a valley, or sleep along the beach. You can view some of the most amazing campsites here.
You can view hiking trips, cycling groups, and more by checking out these options.
The Cost of Food in Albania
We covered transportation, accommodations, and activities, but of course, we can’t forget about budgeting for food! We are also happy to share that food is both delicious and inexpensive. So no matter your budget, you will not go hungry while in Albania.
- Most conservative budget: $10 USD/person/day (1,000 LEK), including cooking some of your meals
- In the middle budget: $25 USD/person/day (2,500 LEK), includes eating out for all meals with drinks
- Luxury budget: $47 USD/person/day (4,800 LEK), includes eating out for all meals plus drinks and probably anything else you could want with your meals!
****
Budget travel possibilities are endless in Albania. In Albania your must-see/must-experiences are most low cost, you could splurge sporadically and still stay under $50 a day.
A majority of our best experiences in Albania involved very little to no money. The atmosphere is relaxing, especially on the beaches, in the cafes and while moving from place to place.
Recent Blog Posts
This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you I may earn a commission if you make a purchase.
Nice blog! Thanks for sharing