A large high-capacity intercity coach parked at Durrës terminal bound for Tirana, showing all passenger doors and the side luggage hold open. A group of bus drivers stands nearby in conversation.

How to Get from Tirana to Durres — 2026 Transit Guide, Bus Prices & ADIS travel Route

ByMaksim Ptitsyn

Planning a coastal trip from the capital or landing at Tirana International Airport? Knowing how to get from Tirana to Durres efficiently can save you time, money, and hassle.

Located just 35 km (22 miles) west of Tirana, Durres is Albania’s primary port city and beach gateway.

You can get there by bus, take a direct airport shuttle, rent a car, or order a taxi.

This guide covers every practical way how to get from Tirana to Durres with current pricing.

Essential Travel Resources

Before you head out, sort your travel essentials to secure the best rates:

  • Car Rental: Compare local deals and prices on DiscoverCars.
  • Excursions & Guides: Book top excursions and local guides on GetYourGuide.
  • Mobile Internet: Instant internet connection upon arrival via Yesim eSIM.
  • Where to Stay: Find top-rated hotels and apartments on Expedia.
  • Travel Insurance: Protect your trips with SafetyWing.

Intercity Bus from Tirana Terminal to Durres Terminal

Tourists boarding a large intercity bus bound for Tirana at the Durres terminal.
Passengers boarding the main intercity bus to Tirana at the Durrës bus terminal.

To travel between the main terminals, take the direct intercity bus.

  • Departure Terminal: Regional Bus Terminal North and South Albania (Terminali i Autobusëve të Jugut dhe Veriut).
  • Ticket Price: 200 ALL (~€2) flat rate per seat.
  • Operating Hours: First bus leaves at 05:30 AM. The last bus departs at 09:00 PM.
  • Bus Interval: Departures run every 30 minutes in peak season.
  • Travel Time: 30–40 minutes total.
  • Payment: Pay cash to the driver upon exiting through the front door.

📍 Tirana bus station coordinates 2026: 41.346031, 19.775505

💡 Important lifehack: This is the best option. It is fast, regular, comfortable, and cheap.

How to Get from Downtown Tirana to the Regional Bus Terminal

Long municipal city bus at the central stop in Tirana with illuminated destination display showing QENDER.
City bus operating the Qëndër–Instituti route at the central bus stop in Tirana (40 ALL fare).

Reaching the Tirana Regional Bus Terminal (Terminali Ndërqytetas) from downtown is simple:

  • Departure Point: Catch the bus at Skanderbeg Square behind the National History Museum (Muzeu Kombëtar).
  • Bus Lines: Take the Instituti or Kamëz municipal line heading west.
  • Fare & Payment: Tickets cost 40 ALL. Pay cash to the conductor inside during the ride.
  • Travel Time: 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.
  • Arrival: Get off right at the main terminal entrance.

📍 The coordinates of the bus stop in Tirana 2026 are: 41.330179, 19.816654

Direct Airport Shuttle ADIS travel from Tirana Airport (TIA) to Durres

Rear view of a large ADIS travel bus at Durres terminal with an aeroport direction sign in the background.
ADIS travel shuttle bus at Durrës terminal, providing transfer to Tirana International Airport.

Landing at Tirana International Airport (TIA)? The ADIS travel shuttle is your most convenient choice for direct transfer to Durres.

  • Provider: ADIS travel Bus Service.
  • Destination: Main Bus Terminal in central Durres (Terminali i Autobusëve Durrës).
  • Ticket Price: 600 ALL (~€6) one way.
  • Frequency: Departures run every 1.5–2 hours.
  • Boarding: Buses wait right outside the main arrivals exit at TIA.
  • Website: www.adis.al
Official schedule board of the ADIS travel shuttle listing departure times between Durres terminal and Tirana Airport.
Official departure timetable for the ADIS travel shuttle connecting Durrës Terminal and Tirana International Airport.

📍 TIA Airport Bus Terminal Coordinates: 41.414700, 19.721200

The “Plepa” Drop-Off Secret (Tirana–Vlore Route)

Plepa highway bus drop-off location near Durres with disembarking passengers and departing bus
The Plepa highway drop-off point near Durrës, located right along the SH4 bypass.

💡 Important lifehack: You can also use transit buses heading to Vlora. They pass near Durrës and will stop at “Plepa” upon request.

Key Rules & Pricing for the Plepa Route

  • Flat Rate Pricing: The fare from Tirana to Plepa is 700 ALL (~€7). Drivers charge the fixed Vlora rate per seat even if you get off early. Pay cash upon exiting.
  • Return Pricing: Returning from Plepa back to Tirana on a northbound bus also costs 700 ALL (~€7).

What is “Plepa”?

Panoramic view of the Plepa bus terminal in Durres with a local city bus parked near the ROTONDO shopping center and highway.
The final stop for local city buses in Plepa near the ROTONDO shopping center, connecting Durrës with the southern beach area.

Plepa means “poplars” in Albanian. It is a major transit node connecting Durres, Golem, and the SH4 highway.

Local yellow buses run every 10–15 minutes from Plepa into central Durres or south to Golem beach resorts.

📍 Plepa Highway Durres-Vlora Bus Stop Coordinates: 41.290261, 19.511706

💡 Important lifehack: Walk under the bridge toward the ROTONDO Shopping Mall. The terminal stop for local city buses is right there.

By Rental Car (Highway SH2)

DiscoverCars.com

Renting a car provides maximum flexibility. It is ideal for exploring beaches beyond Durrës, like Golem or Qerret.

Book in advance through DiscoverCars.

  • Route: Follow highway SH2 directly west from Tirana to Durres.
  • Travel Time: 35–45 minutes under normal conditions.
  • Road Quality: Well-paved multi-lane highway without toll gates.

Avoid driving out of central Tirana during peak traffic hours (08:00–09:30 and 17:00–18:30). Heavy congestion can double your travel time.

Read our full itinerary: One Day in Durrës Walking Itinerary: Historic Sights & Beaches.

Taking a Taxi or Private Transfer

Green and white LEO taxi parked at the entrance of the Tirana Regional Bus Terminal with the TERMINALI NDERQYTETAS sign in the background.
The entrance to the new Tirana Regional Bus Terminal (Terminali Ndërqytetas) featuring a green and white LEO taxi and intercity buses in the background.
  • Average Rate: €25–€35 one way.
  • Travel Time: ~35 minutes.
  • Best for: Late-night flight arrivals or travelers with bulky luggage.

Always confirm the total fare before putting luggage in the trunk. Alternatively, use licensed apps like Speed Taxi or Merr Taxi.

Summary of Costs & Transit Options

Choosing how to get from Tirana to Durres depends on your budget, schedule, and luggage requirements. Here is a quick price comparison:

  • Intercity Bus (Tirana Terminal to Durres Terminal): 200 ALL (~€2)
  • ADIS travel Airport Shuttle (TIA to Durres Terminal): 600 ALL (~€6)
  • Intercity Bus to Vlora (Tirana Terminal to Plepa/Durres): 700 ALL (~€7)
  • Private Taxi: €25–€35

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does the bus from Tirana to Durres cost, and how do I pay?

The fare for the main intercity bus is 200 ALL (around €2). Pay cash directly to the driver upon exiting through the front door.

Where do buses between Tirana and Durres arrive and depart?

In Tirana, buses depart from the Tirana Regional Bus Terminal (South and North Terminal). In Durres, they arrive at the main Durres Bus Terminal right next to the train station.

How often do buses run, and is there a direct transfer to Tirana Airport?

Main intercity buses run every 30 minutes from 05:30 AM to 09:00 PM during peak season. If you need to go directly to Tirana International Airport (TIA), use the dedicated ADIS travel shuttle (600 ALL, ~€6), which operates approximately every 1.5–2 hours.

Author content.

If this article helped you, you can support the author with a coffee.

Similar Posts