As I’ve seen many confused comments around the web about Tirana Bus stations (and international bus hubs), I made it a point to walk over and check out the Ring Center (Asllan Rusi) Bus Station. This spot, known by many names, sits near the Asllan Rusi Sports Palace and the Olympic Sports Complex. It’s a place that’s seen better days, but still serves as a key transport hub for some travelers.
Names I’ve heard for this station: Ring Center Bus Terminal, Asllan Rusi Bus Terminal, Pallati i Sportit Station, International Bus Terminal, Tirana International Terminal, Sports Palace Terminal…you get the idea. Lots of names for the same place.
The TLDR in 2024:
Asllan Rusi (Ring Center) Bus station: ~2 International Companies leave directly from here
Tirana East Gate Bus Terminal/Mall: 10+ International Companies leave directly from here
From what I can tell, this used to be a major international station, but companies have now moved to Tirana East Gate Terminal. On Google Maps, it’s marked as permanently closed.
A Station in Transition
The Ring Center Bus Station isn’t what it used to be. Many routes have moved to the Tirana East Gate (TAG) Bus Station. (The South and North terminal is only regional, no international buses.) This newer station is about a 15-20 minute drive away from the city center at the TEG mall. (Vs. The Asllan Rusi Station is a ‘walkable’ distance, or under a 10 minute drive in light traffic.)
If you’re hoping to hop on a quick bus out of the city from Ring Center, you might be in for a surprise. I found only one or two companies still running buses from here. Most buses now start at TEG and just stop by Ring Center on their way out.
International Connections
Despite its decline, Ring Center Station still has some life. I discovered a company that runs buses to Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Prizen, and Greece right from this station. These buses pull up on the street side, blending in with regular traffic. (It doesn’t appear as if they pull into the parking lot area anymore.)
The Companies I Could Find
The company I spoke with that runs routes directly from this area is Arjani Travel, you can see all their routes, prices, and bookings here: https://www.arjanitravel.com/
The Upside of Downsizing
The station’s smaller size has its perks. It’s far less crowded than its busier counterparts. And its location has a few shops nearby. The Tirana Ring Center mall is just a three-minute walk away, with shops like Conad, Rossmann & Lala, and many cafes.
For a quick, cheap meal, I often hit up Le Bon, a cafeteria-style eatery nearby. The food’s good and the prices are even better.
Another stop that I love grabbing coffee at in the area is Streha Coffee, about a 10 minute walk away.
Planning Your Trip
If you’re set on using Ring Center, here’s my advice:
- Message the bus companies directly for schedules and prices. (See WhatsApp numbers in images above.)
- Be flexible – some routes run daily, others just twice a week.
- Bring Cash (The Tirana Ring Center nearby has ~8 ATM’s right below the ground floor.)
The Verdict
While Ring Center wouldn’t be my first choice for a wide range of options, it has its charm. It’s easily accessible from central Tirana, unlike TEG or the South and North Terminal which require a city bus or taxi ride.
If you’re staying near Skanderbeg Square, Ring Center is within ‘walking’ distance. (A long walk) For a slower-paced, less hectic bus experience in Tirana, it might just be your best bet.
