In Tirana, how you travel shapes your whole experience. Picture yourself walking through colourful neighbourhoods and then driving to a quiet hillside café. You’ll find busy markets, historic landmarks, and trendy hangouts all around. Deciding whether to rent a car or use public transport affects how far you can go and how easy it is to travel. In this guide, you’ll learn the best way to travel in Tirana.
Tirana has an extensive local bus network that connects most neighborhoods, and it’s a budget-friendly way to travel. Alternatively, visitors can easily find car rental services at Tirana International Airport and in the city centre. Below, we break down what to expect from public transport in Tirana versus renting a car.
Tirana’s public transport is centered on a system of city buses (and a few minibuses) that run on dozens of routes throughout the city. A single bus ride costs about 40 Lek (around €0.35) and you usually pay a conductor in cash on board for each trip.
There are no day passes for tourists, so you’ll pay per ride. Buses operate from 6:00 AM until 11:00 PM daily, and during the day you typically wait around 30 to 45 minutes for the next bus at a stop. Most lines pass through or near Skanderbeg Square, the central plaza, so it’s easy getting around Tirana. Popular areas like the Blloku district are also served by bus routes.
Each bus is labeled with its destination, usually in Albanian. For example, you might see lines going to neighborhoods like Kombinat, Kinostudio, or Tirana e Re. Many main lines start or end at “Qender” near Skanderberg Square. So if you’re unsure, heading to the centre is a safe bet, and you can walk or catch a taxi from there. On the downside, buses can become crowded during rush hours. One thing to note is that Tirana currently doesn’t have trams or a metro. Buses and informal minibuses called “furgon” for some suburban routes, are the primary public transit. If you plan to stay out late, remember that regular buses stop running by about 11 PM. After that, you’d need to take a taxi back to your hotel.
For travellers who want maximum freedom can rent a car in Tirana. You can pick up a rental car as soon as you land at Tirana International Airport, which is about 17 kilometres from the city. Major international agencies have desks at the airport and around the city centre. There are also local car hire companies offering competitive prices and a wide range of vehicles.
To rent a car in Albania, you’ll need a valid driving licence from your home country. An International Driving Permit isn’t officially required if your licence is in Roman script, but it’s still recommended. The minimum age to rent is usually 21 years old. Rental companies also ask for a credit card for the security deposit when you pick up the car.
Daily rental rates can vary by car type and season. A small economy car might cost around €20 to €30 per day in low season, while larger or luxury models can be €40 to €50 per day or more. These prices typically include basic insurance, but you may need to pay extra for full coverage to reduce your liability. Roads in Albania have improved, but minor scratches or dents can happen, so extra insurance brings peace of mind. Fuel prices are around €1.7 to €1.8 per litre.
The biggest benefits of a rental car are comfort and freedom. You can easily drive to Dajti Mountain’s base station, head out to Durrës Beach, or visit remote castles without worrying about bus connections. It’s also ideal if you have a lot of luggage or your accommodation is outside the city centre. Navigation in Tirana is easy with a smartphone. Navigation apps work well, and many rental cars offer GPS options.
When deciding between renting a car or using public transit, you should weigh a few key factors.
In terms of pure money, taking the bus is the most economical choice by far. Local bus fare is only about 40 Lek per ride (roughly €0.30), so even if you make several trips a day, you might spend just a couple of euros total on transport in a day. If you’re visiting major sights within Tirana, you can get around all day for loose change. Public transport wins for budget-conscious travellers. Even taxis within the city are reasonably priced. For example, a trip across town might be 400 to 500 Lek, which is €3 to €4, so combining buses and the occasional taxi can still be cheaper than renting a car.
With a rental car, the costs add up higher. Let’s break down typical daily costs for a car in Tirana:
So, a day of driving could easily run 4,000+ Lek (€34+) when you include rental, fuel, and parking. If you’re travelling solo on a tight budget, public transport is the cheaper but less flexible option. On the other hand, if you are a group of four friends or a family, splitting the cost of one car is more reasonable. It’s also worth considering the value of your time: a car might shorten travel times for certain trips.
With your own car, you have total freedom to set your itinerary. You can venture to hidden places that buses don’t reach. For instance, you could drive to the Mount Dajti cable car station on the outskirts or visit Petrela Castle, a medieval fortress on a hill outside Tirana. You can take a detour to a quaint village restaurant. You’re not tied to any bus timetable. This means you could eat breakfast in Tirana, have lunch in Krujë, and be back in time for dinner in Blloku. Exploring Tirana by car or taking road trips from it lets you go on spontaneous adventures.
By contrast, public buses follow fixed routes and schedules. You’ll need to plan around when and where the bus goes. If you want to visit a specific attraction, you have to figure out which bus line gets closest and at what times. Sometimes you might need to walk the last mile or take a taxi for that final stretch.
For example, the bus can take you near the Dajti Express cable car, but you’ll still have a short walk or taxi from the last stop to the cable car station. Similarly, to see sights around the outskirts, like the Grand Park of Tirana or the Teleferiku, you might manage with buses but it requires more effort. Public transport also means you’re on a set schedule. If the last bus back from a museum is at 10 PM, you have to wrap up your evening by then.
Another convenience factor is direct access. With a car, you can often park at your destination whether it’s at the door of a museum or up a hill at a panorama point. With buses, you always have a bit of walking, which in summer heat or rain can be less pleasant. However, Tirana’s city centre is quite walkable, and many tourists enjoy strolling around. If your plans are mostly within the well-trodden tourist sites and you don’t mind adapting to bus routes, public transport is sufficient.
Think about what kind of travel experience suits you. Renting a car in Tirana offers comfort and freedom. You control the air-conditioning, play your own music, and stop whenever you like. You can take scenic photos, rest when you wish, and travel at your own pace. Driving also makes it easier to visit nearby spots or stay longer at your favourite places. This flexibility turns the trip itself into part of the adventure.
Public transport in Tirana gives you a different view of city life. Buses can be crowded during rush hours, and air conditioning might not always work. Still, it’s a local experience where you can watch daily life or chat with friendly locals. You also avoid parking stress while someone else handles the traffic.
Should travellers rent a car or use public transport in Tirana? The answer really depends on your priorities and plans. If you crave adventure and autonomy, go for the car. You’ll enjoy Albania’s landscapes and have stories from the road. If you prefer simplicity and savings, ride the bus and enjoy observing the city like a local. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to get around and make the most of your visit.
Book your car rental in Tirana with Final Rentals. You can pick up your car right at Tirana International Airport or downtown. With instant confirmation, you avoid long waits or uncertainty. Choose from compact cars for short city drives or SUVs for scenic road trips across Albania. Every booking includes transparent pricing with no hidden fees, so you can plan your trip confidently. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
