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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 into the 5 best ways to get from Tirana to Saranda!
Saranda, Albania Essentials
🏨 Best Hotel in Saranda: I love Hotel Mano – The views are incredible
📌 Best Saranda tour: Check out this Albanian Riviera tour
🚙 Best day trip from Saranda: Visit Butrint, Ksamil and the Blue Eye
🚗 Rent a car: Public transport can be unreliable – consider renting a car
💸 Get insured for your trip to Albania with Ekta Travel insurance
Hi, I’m JJ!
I’m a travel blogger with a passion for unique travel destinations, discovering hidden gems, and adventurous solo travel.
During my month long trip around Albania, I found the lack of reliable transport info to be super frustrating. It took me forever to figure out how to get from one place to another.
That’s why I’ve created a bunch of Albanian transport guides to make it easier for you!
I hope you enjoy my free guides and travel tips! If so, please consider supporting my work 💕
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.
ebook: Albanian Riviera Guidebook
✅Just £5!
✅ Detailed 7 day itinerary
✅ Hidden gems!
✅ Printable ebook
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:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Private Transfer From Tirana To Saranda
✅ Private transportation
✅ Air-conditioned vehicle
✅ Pickup from airport or hotel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Private Transport From Tirana to Saranda
✅ Scenic coastal route – enjoy the sights along the way!
✅ Air-conditioned vehicle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Private Transfer From Tirana or Durres
✅ Pick up from Tirana or Durres
✅ Recieve recommendations on where to go during your trip
✅ Air-conditioned vehicle
Price range: €100 – €200
Average duration: 3 -4 hours
Best option for: Time and convenience
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.
Price range: €30-€100/day
Average duration: 3 -4 hours
Best option for: Exploring at your own pace
🚗 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.
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.
Price range: €15 one way
Average duration: 4 hours
Best option for: Budget travellers
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.
Price range: Free
Average duration: 3-4 hours – maybe longer if your driver stops for a coffee break or to show you something cool along the way
Best option for: Adventurous souls!
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:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✅ Private tour
✅Air-conditioned vehicle, all meals and accommodation included
✅ Fully customisable itinerary to suit your needs!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✅ Small group tour
✅ Private tour guide
✅ Bed & Breakfasts included
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✅ Visit Saranda, Ksamil and the Blue Eye
✅ Small group tour
✅ Hotel pickup/drop off
Price range: Dependent on the itinerary
Average duration: 3 days +
Best option for: Stress-free travel and an immersive experience
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
Is there a train from Tirana to Saranda?
No, there is no train from Tirana to Saranda. Albania does not have a passenger railway system.
Is Saranda Albania worth visiting?
Saranda is absolutely worth visiting! Saranda is a beautiful coastal town with stunning beaches, plenty of archaeological sites to explore and delicious food. It’s a great place to base yourself whilst exploring the Albanian Riviera.
How to get from Tirana airport to Saranda?
The easiest way to get from Tirana Airport to Saranda is by taking a private transfer. Private transfers are usually comfortable, reliable and reasonably priced (you can expect to pay around €120 for the journey). Alternatively, you can take an airport taxi however these generally aren’t as reliable and can be more expensive.
What is the closest airport to Saranda Albania?
The closest airport to Saranda is Corfu International Airport in Greece. You can take a flight to Corfu and then take the ferry from Corfu to Saranda. Alternatively, Tirana international airport in Albania is a 3 – 4 hour drive from 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.
ebook: Albanian Riviera Guidebook
✅Just £5!
✅ Detailed 7 day itinerary
✅ Hidden gems!
✅ Printable ebook
My Favourite Travel Resources
Travel Itineraries: I offer a range of pre-planned travel itineraries for many popular destinations. Use them to make planning your next trip a breeze!
Accommodation: I always use booking.com for hotels and Hostelworld for hostels. I’ve found some great bargains by using these sites!
Flights: My favourite tools to find the cheapest flights are WayAway, Expedia and Skyscanner
Ferries: For cheap ferry tickets I use Ferry Scanner
Activities: I use Viator and GetYourGuide to find the best tours and activities in every destination I visit. I’ve had some fantastic experiences using these sites!
Cashback: With the WayAway Plus membership plan, users get access to premium travel support, travel content prepared by locals, and cashback on flights, hotels, car rentals and other travel services. I love using Wayaway to get cashback on my travel expenses. In fact, it is one of my fave budget travel hacks 😉 Click here to get 10% off of a WayAway Plus membership
Foreign Currency: I highly recommend getting an international card to save you loads of money in expensive bank fees. The Wise Card allows you to spend in 150+ currencies and withdraw cash from ATMs anywhere in the world without paying any bank fees!
Travel Insurance: Never travel without proper travel insurance! I always use EKTA
Luggage Storage: Radical Storage is a Luggage storage network that operates in over 70 countries and 350 cities with more than 3500 storage points. I love using Radical storage to store my bags before or after checking in/out of my hotel as it gives me an extra day to explore without having to worry about dragging my luggage around with me.
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