5 best ways to get from Tirana to Saranda in 2023

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🚙 The most convenient way to get from Tirana to Saranda is by private transfer! 

Need to get from Tirana to Saranda? I’ve got you covered!

Albania is gaining popularity among tourists, particularly adventurous backpackers seeking one of Europe’s last hidden gems but tourism is still new in Albania and so it lacks substantial infrastructure.

Getting around Albania isn’t always easy (especially without a car!) and it can be difficult to find reliable information online.

During my travels in Albania, I had difficulty finding useful and up-to-date travel information. As a result, I frequently had to rely on the assistance of kind strangers.

Now I am creating these guides to provide you with clear and helpful directions, ensuring a hassle-free experience during your time in Albania.

Let’s dive in!

Is Saranda worth visiting? 

Saranda (also known as Sarandë) is the biggest town on the Albanian Riviera. Many travellers come here to explore the nearby beaches, roman ruins or to take a day trip to Corfu island.

Saranda is polarizing. I really enjoyed my time in Saranda but I met other backpackers there who couldn’t wait to leave.

At its core Saranda is a resort town. It’s a very popular holiday destination for Albanians and other holidaymakers from the neighbouring Balkan countries. It can get crowded, noisy, a little dirty, and suffer from all those other negative aspects that you can expect from any popular holiday destination.

Despite those negativities, there are a lot of good reasons to visit Saranda.

Some of the best luxury hotels on the Albanian Riviera can be found in Saranda. There are a ton of nice beaches to relax on, the nightlife is fantastic and best of all, it is a great place to base yourself to explore some of Albania’s top sites. Gjirokaster, Gjipe Beach, Himare, The Blue Eye Springs and Butrint are all within an easy day trip from Saranda.

So is Saranda worth visiting? Overall, I think yes!

How far is Saranda from Tirana? 

The Tirana to Saranda distance is around 265 km (~165 miles). Saranda is located south of Albania’s capital city, Tirana. It takes around 3 – 4 hours to drive there, depending on the traffic.

5 best ways to get from Tirana to Saranda

To get from Tirana to Saranda, you have 5 great options:

Private transfer – This is the most convenient option

Car Rental – Best for exploring at your own pace

Bus – Cheap and reliable

Hitchhiking – Great for adventure seekers!

Tour – Best option for making the most of your trip

I will go into more detail about each option below.

1. Private transfer from Tirana to Saranda

This is the most convenient and hassle-free way to get from Tirana to Saranda. 

A private transfer is basically like taking a taxi from Tirana to Saranda but because you have booked it in advance you don’t have to worry about haggling with drivers or dealing with the possibility of getting ripped off. 

When you book a transfer from Tirana to Saranda, you will be picked up at your hotel or wherever you are in Tirana and taken directly to your accommodation in Saranda.

Most transfers can accommodate up to 6 – 8 passengers, so it’s also a great option for groups and you can split the cost between you!

The drawback is that it is one of the most expensive options. However, Albania is generally a very affordable country to travel in. Even if you are on a budget I think that a transfer would still be worth the splurge if you value time and convenience, as you will easily be able to save money elsewhere.

Here are a few of the best picks for private transfers from Tirana to Saranda:

#1 Top Pick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Private Transfer From Tirana To Saranda

✅ Private transportation

✅ Air-conditioned vehicle

✅ Pickup from airport or hotel

Check Price

#2 Pick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Private Transport From Tirana to Saranda

✅ Scenic coastal route – enjoy the sights along the way!

✅ Air-conditioned vehicle

Check Price

#3 Pick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Private Transfer From Tirana or Durres

✅ Pick up from Tirana or Durres

✅ Recieve recommendations on where to go during your trip

✅ Air-conditioned vehicle

Check Price

2. Tirana to Saranda by Rental Car 

If you’re confident behind the wheel then renting a car is a great way to get from Tirana to Saranda. It’s about a 3-4 hour drive, depending on traffic and road conditions. You can pick up your rental car in Tirana at the airport or downtown.

The benefit of renting a car is that you will have the freedom to explore the surroundings at your own pace. However, you should be aware that driving in Albania can be intimidating and there are different rules of the road compared to other countries.

🚗 Check prices to rent a car in Albania

3. Tirana to Saranda by bus 

The bus is one of the most popular and affordable ways to get from Tirana to Saranda. 

The Tirana to Saranda bus leaves 6 times a day from the regional bus station and it takes around 4 hours depending on road conditions and traffic.

The downside of getting the bus to Saranda is that Albania buses can be crowded, uncomfortable, and often late. Still, if you don’t mind a bit of an adventure then it’s worth considering.

Where is the Tirana bus station?

Buses from Tirana to Saranda depart from the North South Bus Terminal which is located about 20 mins outside of the city centre.

Save this Google map 

Tirana bus timetable

There is no official bus timetable because Albania bus drivers often prefer to wait until the bus is full before departing, causing delays.

Schedules are a lot more laid back in Albania than what you may be used to in Western Europe. It’s just the way things are so you need to be prepared to just go with the flow. Travelling Albania by bus is not recommended if you have a rigid schedule that you need to stick to and don’t have time to factor in possible delays. 

I’ve recently checked with my friends in Tirana and they have told me that generally the buses to Saranda leave at around the following times:

• 7:30 am
• 8:30 am
• 9:45 am
• 12:30 pm
• 4:00 pm
• 10:00 pm

Buying tickets

There is no option to book a bus ticket online, you will need to pay the driver in cash. They accept euros and Albania Lek.

Where is the Saranda bus station?

There isn’t an official bus terminal in Saranda but all the buses and furgons stop near the crossings next to the friendship park and ruins of the old synagogue. This is located right in the centre of town so it should be fairly easy to get to your accommodation.

The buses from Saranda to Tirana also leave from here. 

Save this Google map

🚌 There is now a tourist bus from Tirana to Saranda. It is slightly more expensive than the public bus but it is more comfortable and leaves on a set schedule 

4. Tirana to Saranda hitchhiking

For those of you who are looking for adventure, there is the option of hitchhiking. This is an incredibly popular way to travel in Albania and it’s not uncommon to get a lift from people who are just being friendly or who might even invite you over for dinner when they find out that you’re a visitor!

Hitchhiking in Albania is safe but it’s best to practice common sense. I wrote a whole other post on my tips for hitchhiking in Albania, so be sure to check that out.

5. Tours from Tirana to Saranda 

If you want all the travel logistics arranged for you so you can just sit back and soak in your surroundings then maybe a multi-day tour is the best option for you!

Tours usually include accommodation, meals and transportation and a professional Albania tour guide who will explain the culture and history of Albania while you travel from Tirana to Saranda.

Here are some tours that I highly recommend:

#1 My Top Pick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4-Day Albanian Riviera Tour

✅ Private tour

✅Air-conditioned vehicle, all meals and accommodation included

✅ Fully customisable itinerary to suit your needs!

Check Price

#2 Pick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

3 day Albanian Riviera Tour

✅ Small group tour

✅ Private tour guide

✅ Bed & Breakfasts included

Check Price

#3 Pick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Day trip to Saranda

✅ Visit Saranda, Ksamil and the Blue Eye

✅ Small group tour

✅ Hotel pickup/drop off

Check Price

Can you get a Tirana to Saranda flight?

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Tirana to Saranda as Albania only has one airport which is in Tirana.

Technically, the closest airport to Saranda is in Corfu, Greece so you could fly there from Tirana and then take a ferry from Corfu to Saranda. However, that is not a very convenient option and there are better ways to travel from Tirana to Saranda.

FAQs: Best ways to get from Tirana to Saranda

Final Thoughts: 5 best ways to get from Tirana to Saranda

Figuring out how to get to Saranda can be a little tricky but travelling from Tirana to Saranda can also be a great adventure, depending on which option you choose.

From taking the bus or private transfer to hitchhiking and even taking part in an organized tour – there are plenty of ways for budget travellers and adventurers alike to get from Tirana to Saranda!

Taking into account your preferences, needs and budgets it should not be hard at all to find the perfect way of getting from Tirana to Saranda.

Need more help with your Albania travel plans? Check out all my guides to Albania.