How far is Tirana Airport from the city centre?

Approximately 27 km north-west of central Tirana, near the town of Rinas. Journey time is 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.

What is the taxi fare from Tirana Airport to the city?

Official airport taxis charge approximately 2,500–3,500 ALL (roughly €25–35 as of 2026) for the airport-to-centre run. Agree a price before entering the cab — meters are not always used.

Is there a bus from Tirana Airport to the city?

The Rinas Express is the official airport-to-city bus service. It runs between the airport and the Selman Stërmasi football stadium area in central Tirana. The fare is approximately 250 ALL (about €2.50). Journey time is around 30–40 minutes.

Should I pre-book a transfer from Tirana Airport?

Pre-booking is particularly recommended for first-time visitors. The Tirana taxi market outside the official rank includes unlicensed drivers who quote inflated prices to new arrivals. A confirmed booking removes that uncertainty.

What currency is used in Albania?

The Albanian Lek (ALL). Euros are widely accepted in Tirana but change is usually given in lek. As of 2026, approximately 100–105 ALL = 1 EUR.

Tirana Airport Transfer | The Balkan Guide

Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA) sits near Rinas, about 27 km north-west of Tirana city centre. It is the main entry point for Albania and sees a mix of European budget carriers and full-service airlines. The transfer into the city is one of the longer airport runs in the region, so knowing your options in advance helps.

Rinas Express (Airport Bus)

The cheapest and most convenient public transport option.

Route	Frequency	Fare	Journey time
Airport → Selman Stërmasi (central Tirana)	Roughly every 30–60 min	approx. 250 ALL (€2.50)	30–40 min
Selman Stërmasi → Airport	Roughly every 30–60 min	approx. 250 ALL (€2.50)	25–35 min

The Rinas Express departs from outside the arrivals hall and terminates near the Selman Stërmasi stadium in central Tirana, within walking distance of Skanderbeg Square and most budget accommodation. Check the current schedule at the bus stop outside arrivals — frequency varies by time of day.

Buy your ticket: From the driver in cash. Have lek ready; the driver may not give change for large notes.

Note: Luggage space is limited on busy departures. If you have large bags, arrive at the stop early.

Taxis from Tirana Airport

The official airport taxi rank is immediately outside the arrivals exit. Registered airport taxis have a fixed rate published by the airport authority.

Typical fare: approximately 2,500–3,500 ALL (€25–35 as of 2026) to central Tirana.

Journey time: 25–35 minutes in normal conditions; 40 minutes or more during peak hours.

Important: Tirana’s airport is known for aggressive unlicensed touts who approach travellers inside the terminal and in the car park. Their rates are frequently double or triple the regulated fare. Use only the official rank directly outside the glass exit doors, or pre-book online.

Ride-hailing apps

Bolt operates in Tirana and can be requested from the car park area outside the terminal. Prices are significantly lower than both the official rank and especially the unofficial touts — typically 1,200–1,800 ALL for the airport-to-centre run. Check connectivity on arrival; the app works well in Tirana but requires a local or international SIM for data.

Private Transfer

A pre-booked private transfer is the most predictable option for first-time visitors and those arriving late at night when Bolt availability may be limited.

Book a private transfer from Tirana Airport via Kiwitaxi — fixed EUR price paid in advance, driver waiting with a name board at arrivals. No haggling, no currency confusion on arrival. Standard saloon rates start at approximately €30–40 for the airport-to-centre run.

Welcome Pickups also covers Tirana, with English-speaking drivers and a 60-minute free wait if your flight is delayed. Rates start from approximately €28.

Getting from Tirana to Other Albanian Cities

Tirana Airport is the entry point for the whole of Albania. From the city, buses and minivans (furgons) connect to:

Durrës (38 km west, 40–50 min by road) — beach resort and ferry port for Italy connections
Berat (120 km south, 2 hrs) — UNESCO World Heritage old town
Gjirokastër (230 km south, 3.5–4 hrs) — another UNESCO hill town
Shkodër (115 km north, 1.5–2 hrs) — gateway to the Albanian Alps

For most onward connections, take the airport transfer to central Tirana and then onward transport from the city. There is no direct bus service from the airport to provincial Albanian cities.

Currency and Payments

Albania uses the Albanian Lek (ALL). As of 2026, approximately 100–105 ALL = 1 EUR. Euros are widely accepted in Tirana but change is typically given in lek. ATMs are available in the arrivals hall if you need local currency immediately. The Rinas Express requires lek; taxis and private transfers generally accept euros.

Key Facts

Airport IATA code: TIA
Full name: Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (Mother Teresa)
Distance to city centre: approximately 27 km
Typical taxi fare to centre (2026): 2,500–3,500 ALL (€25–35)
Rinas Express bus fare: approx. 250 ALL (€2.50)
Journey time: 25–35 min (off-peak), 40 min (peak)
Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL); 1 EUR ≈ 100–105 ALL (as of 2026)

Plan Your Trip

Flights — Find the best fares to the Balkans
Travel Insurance — Get covered before you go
eSIM — Stay connected from landing
Car Rental — Compare prices across providers

Tirana Airport Transfer Guide: Mother Teresa International (TIA) to City Centre