How to Get from Tirana Airport to the City Center by Bee Taxi Tirana

Landing in Albania? Here’s how to get from Tirana International Airport (TIA) to the city center — including taxis, buses, transfers, and the best local tips to start your trip right.

It starts with the descent: that moment your plane glides over the Albanian Riviera, the Adriatic gleaming just off the wing, and you land at Tirana International Airport (TIA) — a modest hub nestled in a green valley just outside the capital.

TIA, also called Rinas Airport, may not be a mega-terminal, but it’s fast becoming one of the Balkans’ busiest. As Albania opens to the world, its gateway airport is welcoming more curious travelers than ever before — drawn by the promise of mountains, beaches, and a capital that’s anything but conventional.

But once you’re off the plane and through customs, the real question is: how do you get from Tirana Airport to the city center?

Here’s everything you need to know to hit the ground running — or at least riding.

First, the Basics

• Distance from airport to city center: ~17 km (10.5 miles)
• Average travel time: 25–35 minutes
• Options: Taxi, airport shuttle bus, private transfer, car rental

1. Taxi: The Fastest (and Easiest) Way

If convenience is your top priority, especially after a late-night or long-haul flight — taking a taxi is your best bet.

Taxis are available just outside the terminal exit, clearly marked and lined up in an official queue. These airport-approved taxis are usually safe and professional, though prices can vary.

What to Expect:

• Travel time: ~25–30 minutes (depending on traffic)
• Cost: €20–25 (2,000–2,500 ALL) to the city center
• Payment: Cash is preferred; some drivers accept cards

If you prefer to skip the line or want more certainty with pricing, pre-booking a taxi online or via an app is a smart move. Services like Bee Taxi Tirana offer pre-arranged pickups with English-speaking drivers and fixed fares. Their app makes booking easy, even if your Albanian isn’t quite ready for the street yet.

Pro Tip: Always confirm the fare before getting in, and avoid unmarked taxis offering unsolicited rides inside the terminal.

2. Airport Shuttle Bus (LU-NA): The Budget-Friendly Choice

On a tighter budget? The LU-NA shpk airport shuttle is a clean, reliable option that connects Tirana Airport to the city center every hour, on the hour.

Key Details:

• Cost: 400 ALL (~€4)
• Schedule: Every hour from 8 AM to 2 AM (from the airport)
• Drop-off point: Behind the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet, near Skanderbeg Square

The buses are air-conditioned, with space for small luggage. However, they can get crowded in peak season, and there’s no onboard Wi-Fi or bathroom.

This option is ideal for solo travelers, backpackers, or those arriving during the day who don’t mind a short walk or ride from the bus stop to their hotel or Airbnb.

3. Private Transfers: Comfort Without the Chaos

If you’re traveling with a group, have lots of luggage, or simply want a stress-free arrival, a private airport transfer offers next-level comfort.

Many companies offer online booking with flat-rate prices and driver meet-and-greet services inside the terminal. You’ll be escorted straight to your vehicle and driven directly to your door — no stops, no surprises.

• Typical cost: €25–€35
• Recommended for: Families, first-time visitors, business travelers

Transfers can be booked through major providers like Welcome Pickups, or local services including Bee Taxi Tirana, which offers customized routes and optional return-trip packages.

4. Car Rental: For the Independent Explorer

Planning to explore Albania beyond Tirana? Renting a car at the airport is straightforward. All the usual suspects — Hertz, Europcar, Sixt — have desks inside the arrivals hall.

But keep in mind:

• Driving in Tirana can be chaotic, especially for newcomers.
• GPS isn’t always reliable; offline maps are essential.
• Parking in the city center is limited and often tight.

Renting makes more sense if you’re heading directly to places like Berat, Shkodër, or the Albanian Riviera. Otherwise, it may be easier to use taxis or public transport within Tirana itself.

First Impressions Matter

There’s something deeply satisfying about arriving in a new country and knowing exactly what to do next. Whether you hop into a clean, app-booked taxi or roll into the city on a shuttle bus full of fellow travelers, the journey from Tirana Airport to downtown sets the tone for your Albanian adventure.

And what a city awaits: Tirana is electric, eccentric, and alive in ways guidebooks still can’t quite capture. So breathe in the mountain air, glance out at the minarets and murals — and get ready to experience a capital unlike any other.

TL;DR – Best Ways to Get from Tirana Airport to the City