Traveling from Tirana International Airport (TIA) to the city center in 2025 is fast, simple, and affordable. Located just 17 km from downtown, the journey usually takes around 20–30 minutes, and travelers can choose between shuttle buses, official and local taxis, private transfers, or car rentals. This updated guide covers the latest 2025 prices, schedules, and travel tips to help you get from Tirana Airport to the city center quickly, conveniently, and within your budget.
| Option | Price | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | €20-25 / €10-13 | 20-25 min | Comfort, late arrivals |
| Shuttle Bus (Rinas Express) | €4 | 30-40 min | Budget travelers |
| Car Rental | Varies | 20-25 min | Long-term explorers |
| Private Transfer | €25-30 | 20-25 min | Families, groups |
Best ways to get from Tirana Airport to Tirana City Center
1. Shuttle Bus (Rinas Express)
Best for: budget travelers looking for a safe and cheap option.
LU-NA shpk offers a shuttle service that operates 24/7 between TIA and Tirana city center. The bus is stationed behind the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet, near Skanderbeg Square.
- Operator: LU-NA shpk
- Schedule: every hour, 24/7
- Departure: in front of the terminal exit, past the parking lot (near KFC)
- Arrival: behind the Opera building, near Skanderbeg Square
- Price: 400 ALL (~€4), cash only (ALL or €)
- Duration: 30–40 min (up to 60 min with traffic)
- Booking: Book your ticket here
- Tip: At late hours or with heavy luggage, a taxi may be more comfortable.
View the bus station location in Tirana
2. Taxi from Tirana Airport
Best for: travelers with luggage, business trips, or late-night arrivals.
Taxis are available 24/7 outside the airport terminal and offer a direct and comfortable option to reach the city center within 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. If you are considering a taxi from Tirana Airport to City Center, various options are available at competitive prices.
Price:
- Official airport taxis: 2500 – 3000 lek (20-25 €)
- Online taxis: 1000 – 1300 lek (10-13 €)
Here are some of the most popular taxi companies in Tirana with competitive prices:
- Lux Taxi
- Tirana to Airport: 1,100 ALL (€11)
- Airport to Tirana: 1,300 ALL (€13)
- Book here or via Taxi Lux App
- Blue Taxi
- Tirana to Airport: 1,100 ALL (€11)
- Airport to Tirana: 1,300 ALL (€13)
- Book via WhatsApp
- Green Taxi
- Tirana to Airport: 1,200 ALL (€12)
- Airport to Tirana: 1,200 ALL (€12)
- Round trip (with 30-min wait): 1,800 ALL (€18)
- Book via WhatsApp
- City Taxi
- Tirana to Airport: 1,000 ALL (€10)
- Airport to Tirana: 1,200 ALL (€12)
- Book here
- Smart Taxi
- Tirana to Airport: 1,200 ALL (€12)
- Airport to Tirana: 1,200 ALL (€12)
- Round trip (with 30-min wait): 1,800 ALL (€18)
- Book via WhatsApp
Tip: Book a taxi in advance to avoid waiting. Upon arrival, you may have to walk 5 minutes to the taxi rank, as only authorized taxis can enter the terminal area.
3. Car Rental options
Best for: those who want to explore Albania beyond Tirana.
- Price: from €20–25/day (economy), up to €50–60/day for larger or automatic cars
- Companies: Avis, Hertz, Sixt + local agencies (often cheaper)
- Requirements: driving license, passport, credit card for deposit (€200–300). For non-EU drivers, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
- Duration: 20–25 min to the city center
- Tip: Book in advance during summer; most cars are manual.
Check available car rental companies here
4. Private Transfers
Best for: families, groups, or travelers who want maximum comfort.
- Advantage: Door-to-door service, no waiting, no uncertainty
- Price: €25–30 per car (up to 3 people)
- Service: meet & greet at the terminal, flight monitoring, luggage assistance
- Booking: online (Welcome Pickups, GetYourGuide, Viator) or through your hotel
5. Currency Exchange & Travel Tips
Currency exchange offices are available at the airport; however, their rates are usually higher compared to city exchange agencies.
Insider Tip: Bring some cash euros to pay for your transport and first-night stay. Once settled, find a currency exchange agency in the city for better rates. We suggest Iliria98
✈️ Whatever option you choose, planning ahead will save you time and stress. Tirana is just a short trip from the airport, so you can immediately start enjoying the capital and your journey through Albania.
Recommendations by Traveler Type
- Budget / backpackers: Shuttle Bus (400 ALL)
- Comfort + speed: Official or local taxis
- Families / groups: Private transfer (€25–30 per car)
- Long-term explorers: Car rental (€20–25/day)
FAQ
Around €20–25 with official companies, but it may be cheaper through local ride apps.
Yes, the Rinas Express runs every hour, day and night.
About 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Yes, several international and local companies offer rental cars.
Shuttle bus 400 ALL
If you are interested in car rentals, check this link: Car Rentals in Tirana: Everything You Need to Know Before Booking
