White Mercedes intercity bus with Tirane destination sign parked at Vlore bus terminal near Kastrati

How to Get from Vlore to Durres — 2026 Transit Guide, Bus Schedules & Prices

ByMaksim Ptitsyn

Planning a trip along the coast from Southern Albania to the north? Knowing how to get from Vlore to Durres efficiently saves you time, stress, and unnecessary expense.

Separated by about 120 km (75 miles) along the SH4 highway, Vlore and Durres are two of Albania’s premier coastal hubs.

Choose between a rental car, a direct intercity bus, or local coastal transfers. This guide explains every practical option with verified prices and route details.

Read more: One Day in Durres Walking Itinerary: Historic Sights & Beaches.

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 Vlore Bus Terminal

Autobus Interurban sign post at Vlore bus terminal with Mercedes minibus and waiting tourists
Official “Autobus Interurban” stop sign at the Vlore terminal.

If you are looking for how to get from Vlore to Durres by public transit, taking a regional intercity bus heading toward Tirana or Durres is the most reliable option.

  • Departure Location: Main Vlore Bus Terminal (Terminali i Autobuseve Vlore) near the Kastrati gas station.
  • Destination: Main Bus Terminal in Durres (Terminali i Autobuseve Durres).
  • Ticket Price: 700 ALL (~€7) flat rate per seat.
  • Operating Hours: First bus departs Vlore at 05:00 AM. The last bus leaves at 17:30 PM.
  • Frequency: Departs approximately every 1.5 hours throughout the day.
  • Payment: Cash directly to the driver or conductor upon boarding or disembarking.

📍 Vlore Bus Terminal Coordinates: 40.470800, 19.489100

The Plepa Flag Stop Secret (Disembarking near Durres & Golem)

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

If your accommodation is near southern Durres or Golem, you do not need to ride all the way into the crowded central Durres terminal.

All Vlore-to-Tirana buses travel along the SH4 highway and pass the Plepa intersection.

How the Plepa Stop Works:

  • Ticket Pricing: The standard fare from Vlore is 700 ALL (~€7) per seat, even if you get off early at Plepa.
  • Important Request-Only Rule: Drivers only stop at Plepa if a passenger explicitly asks to get off. If no one requests a drop-off, the bus speeds past without stopping.

Tell the driver or conductor “Plepa, ju lutem” (Plepa, please) when boarding or halfway through the journey so they know to pull over.

📍 Plepa Highway Bus Stop Coordinates: 41.288200, 19.508500

Local City Bus from Plepa to Central Durres

Yellow Durres city bus parked at the Plepa terminal near Rotonda shopping center
Yellow municipal bus at the Plepa terminal, located right in front of the Rotonda shopping center.

Plepa is also a major terminal and turning ring for the Durres city bus network.

Once you get off the intercity bus at Plepa, walk about 7 minutes along the road under the bridge toward the ROTONDO shopping center. You can easily switch to the yellow municipal city bus to reach the historical city center.

  • Fare: 40 ALL (~€0.40) per ride. Pay the conductor in cash inside the bus.
  • Frequency: Departs every 10–15 minutes throughout the day.
  • Route: Takes you straight to central Durres, placing you right at the starting point of a city walking tour.

💡 Local Transport Fact: Unlike in Vlore, Durres city buses actively employ ticket inspectors who board vehicles mid-route to verify receipts. Always keep your paper ticket until you disembark!

By Rental Car (Highway SH4)

DiscoverCars.com

Driving between the two coastal cities is fast and straightforward. The route follows the SH4 dual-carriageway through Fier and Lushnje directly to Durres.

Rent a car for your coastal road trip via DiscoverCars.

  • Travel Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes.
  • Distance: ~120 km.
  • Road Quality: Flat, paved, multi-lane highway without toll fees.

💡 Important: Watch for speed cameras and police patrols along the Lushnje–Fier highway segment. Keep to posted speed limits.

Taxi and Private Transfers

  • Average Fare: €60–€80 one way.
  • Travel Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes.
  • Best for: Families, travelers with heavy luggage, or early-morning flights.

Always confirm the total fare before starting your journey, or use licensed taxi apps like Speed Taxi or Merr Taxi.

Summary of Costs & Transit Options

  • Intercity Bus (Vlore Terminal to Durres or Plepa): 700 ALL (~€7)
  • Local City Bus (Plepa to Central Durres): 40 ALL (~€0.40)
  • Rental Car Drive: ~1.5 hours via highway SH4
  • Private Taxi: €60–€80

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does the intercity bus take from Vlore to Durres?

The intercity bus trip along the SH4 highway takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions and passenger drop-offs.

Can I buy bus tickets online from Vlore to Durres?

No, there is no official online ticketing system for this route. You simply buy your ticket in cash Albanian Lek (ALL) directly from the driver or conductor at the terminal.

How do I reach Golem beaches directly when coming from Vlore?

Ask the driver to drop you off at the Plepa highway stop (700 ALL). From Plepa, take a local yellow bus south toward Golem for 100 ALL or catch a 5-minute taxi.

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