Tirana has several intercity bus terminals that connect the city to various destinations within the country and beyond. Whether you’re planning a trip to the north, south, or east of Albania, or even venturing into neighboring countries, understanding these bus terminals is essential for a smooth journey. In this write up, we’ll explore the main bus terminals in Tirana and provide you with valuable information to navigate them effectively.
South and North Albania Bus Terminal
- Getting There: Several city buses can take you to this terminal. (Such as 13B from the centre). Alternatively, you can WhatsApp BlueTaxi: +355 67 444 4444 or Grand Taxi: +355 69 502 2222.
- Finding Your Bus: Walk around the station to find the bus with your destination city displayed on the window. Alternatively, ask someone nearby for assistance.
- Tickets: Pay the driver or a conductor on the bus. Prices range from 200 to 1500 Albanian Lek. Payments are accepted in both Albanian Lek and Euros, but not by card, except for the airport shuttle.
The South and North Albania Bus Terminal, conveniently located near the Casa Italia mall, is a major hub for intercity travel.
You can see a more visual representation of this mall with this video:
This terminal is easily accessible via several city buses and can be found on Google Maps under the name “South and North Albania Bus Terminal.” or by clicking here.
While the terminal may appear chaotic at first glance, finding your desired bus is relatively straightforward. Buses are typically marked with the name of the destination city with a card on their front window. (In the bottom left.) If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask someone standing near a bus for assistance – People are generally friendly.
Timetables at this terminal are more of a guideline than a strict schedule. Buses may depart a few minutes earlier or later than the designated time.
To purchase your ticket, you can either pay the driver directly while boarding, or someone on the bus will collect the fare after departure. Ticket prices range from 200 to 1,500 Albanian Lek, and you can pay in either the local currency or euros. Keep in mind that only the airport shuttle accepts card payments; other buses require cash.
East Bus Terminal (Terminali Lindor)
- Amenities: Public toilets, shops, eateries, and a more structured layout.
- Getting There: Accessible via two city bus lines.
- Finding Your Bus: Similar to other terminals, you need to walk around to find your bus and check schedules.
- Destinations: Buses to Kosovo and some international routes.
The East Bus Terminal, located next to the TEG shopping center, is the newest addition to Tirana’s bus station network. (It is also referred to as Terminali Lindor.) This modern facility offers a more organized and comfortable experience compared to the other terminals. It’s below the Tirana East Gate shopping center, and features sheltered waiting areas, public toilets, shops, and eateries, making your wait for the bus more pleasant. On my last trip, I was able to stop by the hypermarket before my bus departed and grab some snacks for the trip, making it far more relaxing. (Additionally, there’s a movie theatre just 3 escalator rides away, so don’t hesitate to arrive early, and sneak in a movie while you wait for departure.)
To reach the East Bus Terminal, you can take one of the two dedicated city bus lines that connect it to the city center. (8A or 2, it will say “TEG” on the bus display, which stands for Tirana East Gate.) Once you arrive, you’ll need to walk around the terminal to locate your specific bus and departure time, as there are no centralized information displays. Another thing to keep in mind is there are multiple companies offering similar destinations, so it may be worth walking around to each company (pictured below) and inquiring about leaving times, and prices.
This terminal serves as a departure point for buses heading to Kosovo, Macedonia, Greece and some other international destinations. It has quickly become a popular choice for travelers due to its convenient location and amenities.
International Bus Station
- Amenities: Kiosks for water and snacks, and a small café.
- Destinations: Limited international routes, as many have been moved to the East Terminal.
Recently, many international routes from this international bus station have been transferred to the East Bus Terminal by TEG, leaving only a few destinations operating from the International Tirana Bus Station.
For those embarking on international journeys, the International Bus Station is located right behind the Asllan Rusi Sports Palace. This open-air terminal consists of a parking area where buses line up, with ticket offices, kiosks selling snacks and water, and a small café nearby. It’s also about a 5 minute walk from the Tirana Ring Center shopping mall.
Southeast Terminal
- Usage: Mostly used by inhabitants and tourists visiting nearby attractions like the Pellumbas Canyon and Cave within Albania.
- Buses: Limited daily services due to lower demand.
The Southeast Terminal, situated near the Faculty of Economics, primarily serves shuttle buses that connect Tirana to nearby villages such as Krrabe and Pellumbas. These villages offer unique attractions for adventurous travelers, including the stunning Pellumbas Cave and the picturesque Erzen River.
The Southeast Terminal operates on a limited schedule, with only a few buses running per day due to the lower demand. However, it remains an important link for locals and tourists alike who wish to explore the natural wonders surrounding Tirana.
Navigating Tirana’s intercity bus terminals may seem daunting at first, but with a little knowledge and a sense of adventure, you’ll find that traveling by bus in Albania is a rewarding experience. Whether you’re heading to the north, south, east, or beyond, these terminals provide a gateway to the country’s diverse landscapes and hidden gems.
Remember to be flexible with your schedule, carry cash for ticket purchases (see our Tirana ATM guide), and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. With this guide in hand, you’re well-equipped to embark on your next Albanian bus adventure from the heart of Tirana.
