First Impressions of TIA
I’ve flown into Tirana 5-10+ times in the last year, and wanted to write a few notes of things I knew would help when I landed for the first time.
I always enjoy the compact size. It’s a single building with just two floors. This isn’t your typical frustrating sprawling international hub. It has plenty of shops, a great lounge, and my flights have generally been on time.
The Arrival Process
De-boarding and Transport
I’ve found that from touchdown to door opening, it’s usually under 15 minutes – impressively quick. Most flights I’ve been on allow de-boarding from both front and rear, but here’s a tip: don’t rush. We all end up on the same bus to the terminal anyway. I’ve only been on one flight where we were able to walk directly to passport control.
Passport Control
Once inside, passport control is a breeze. I’ve never spent more than five minutes here, even with a line. There are automated gates for U.S., Albanian, and EU passport holders (including the UK, I believe). If you want a stamp or aren’t eligible for the automated system, there are usually 4-6 manned booths. To go through the automated stations, you’ll scan your passport ID Page, scan your face, then when the gates turn green, walk through them. There’s usually a few guards around who are quite helpful.
Baggage Claim and Exchange
The baggage area has about four claims and two money exchanges.
Word of advice: I’d avoid these exchanges unless absolutely necessary.
For the sake of this blog, on my last landing in September 2024, I used one of the exchanges. 🙁
I gave them 50 Euro, and received 4500 Albanian Lek in return. (It was a 1 Euro = 90 Lek exchange rate.)
On that day, I took a screenshot of the exchange rate from google:
TDLR: There are better options once you’re out of the arrivals area. I have had good experiences with the Iliria’98 Currency Exchange’s around Tirana.
Another note, there are no fee free ATM’s I’ve been able to find in Albania. More on that here.
If you didn’t bring any physical debt cards and need a tap to pay ATM, you can find those here.
Exiting the Rinas Airport
Navigating the Crowd
As you exit, be prepared for a bit of a crowd. Taxi drivers and phone plan sellers always ask me a dozen times if I want a SIM card or taxi. I usually head past the KFC to a quieter spot to gather my thoughts.
Transportation Options
- Bus: For budget travelers, head straight through the parking lot to find Sprinter vans and buses. A trip to Tirana Center costs about 400 Lek (4-5 Euro). They usually leave hourly. More details on that here.
- Taxi: This is my preferred option, especially if I’m not alone. It costs about 10-12 Euro, depending on the time of day. (Night times are more expensive.) Pro tip: I never take airport taxis. Instead, I use one of the taxi companies I’ve mentioned in this article, and negotiate via WhatsApp.
The Journey to Tirana
On a good day, it takes about 20 minutes by taxi to reach my destination in Tirana. The bus takes a bit longer, around 30-40 minutes. Of course, traffic can change everything, but I’ve generally had smooth rides.
Final Thoughts
Tirana Airport might be compact, and it’s efficient and charming in its own way. The Scanderbeg Lounge is a hidden gem for Priority Pass holders, offering delicious Albanian dishes and a perfect spot for a pre-flight drink.
After a year of living in Tirana and numerous flights in and out, I’ve come to appreciate this airport’s simplicity and effectiveness. It’s a fitting gateway to the vibrant, evolving city of Tirana.
