Traveling from Tirana International Airport (TIA) to the city center of Tirana in 2025 is fast, simple, and affordable. Located just 17 km from Skanderbeg Square, the trip usually takes 20–30 minutes. You can choose between shuttle buses, official taxis, local ride apps, private transfers, or car rentals.
This 2025 guide includes the latest prices, schedules, and travel tips to help you reach the city quickly and within your budget whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler to Albania.
Overview of transport options
| Option | Price | Duration | 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 |
1. Shuttle Bus (Rinas Express) – The Cheapest Option
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: If you’re traveling late at night or carrying heavy luggage, a taxi might be more convenient.
📍 View the bus station location on Google Maps
2. Taxi from Tirana Airport to City Center (Prices 2025)
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.
Prices
- Official airport taxis: 2500 – 3000 lek (20-25 €)
- Online taxis: 1000 – 1300 lek (10-13 €)
Most popular taxi companies:
- 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. Only authorized taxis can enter the terminal area, so you may need to walk about 5 minutes to reach the main taxi rank.
3. Car Rental from Tirana Airport
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 in Albania are manual.
📍 Check available car rental companies here
🚘 Private Transfers to Tirana City Center
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
💶 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 euros in cash to cover your transport and first-night stay. Once in the city, exchange money at a licensed agency for better rates for example, Iliria98 near Skanderbeg Square.
✈️ 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
| Traveler Type | Recommended Option | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Budget / Backpackers | Shuttle Bus | 400 ALL (€4) |
| Comfort & Speed | Official Taxi | €20–25 |
| Families / Groups | Private Transfer | €25–30 per car |
| Long-term Explorers | Car Rental | €20–25/day |
FAQ – Getting from Tirana Airport to Tirana City Center
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
✈️ Tirana Airport is only 20 minutes away and with this guide, you can choose the fastest, cheapest, or most comfortable way to reach Albania’s vibrant capital. Plan your ride, save time, and start exploring Tirana right away!
Read also:
• Tirana Nightlife Guide 2025
• Top 5 Restaurants in Blloku Tirana 2025
