If you are planning to visit Tirana, the capital of Albania, then Durres is a city you should definitely visit. Situated just 40 kilometers away from Tirana, taking a one-hour bus ride to Durres is definitely worth your while!
I am currently exploring Albania, my country number 39, and today, I had the opportunity to visit the coastal city of Durres. Being a passionate traveler and someone who enjoys observing local lifestyles, I decided to take the local bus for my journey.
Here’s how to get to Durres from Tirana (and back) quickly, cheaply, and stress-free, plus fresh prices from September 2023. Without further ado, let’s get straight to the point.
Tirana Center To Tirana Bus Station
The bus from Tirana to Durres is leaving from Tirana Bus station, located around 5 kilometers from the city center. The exact name of this station on Google Maps is “South and North Albania Bus Terminal (Bus Station), 8QVG+PQ2, Kashar, Albania” and it is right next to the “Dogana” roundabout.
Unfortunately, Google Maps doesn’t show any public transport in Tirana, so you have to rely on what you can find on the internet or use the Moovit app.
If you would like to save money or simply want to spend time with local people, definitely choose the public bus instead of a taxi. There are two lines that go to the Tirana bus station:
- Line 7 (Instituti)
- Line 2 (Tirana Re)
I personally took line 7 because it was close to my hotel. The stop I was leaving from was across the road behind the National Historical Museum. The bus runs from the side where the tourist center is located – on Rruga Ded Gjo Luli street. HERE is the exact location.
It’s definitely worth mentioning that not every bus has a number on it, so always look for the name (Instituti) in my case or ask the driver.
On The Bus (Line 7)
Once you board the bus and the door is closed, the person you pay for and get a ticket will go through the bus. The current price for public transport in Tirana in September 2023 is 40 LEK (0.38 EUR.) Make sure you have coins or smaller bills with you.
The bus ride takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic, and you will pass through 7 stops. The stop where you have to get off is called “Mbikalimi Kamez.”
At The Bus Station
Once you arrive at the bus station, go to the bus yard (follow the crowd for about 50-60 meters) and look for the bus marked Durres. It’s easier than I expected, and there’s really nothing to worry about. Simply enter the bus, sit down, and then when the bus starts moving, the “cashier” walks by.
I personally paid for the bus trip from Tirana to Durres 180 LEK (1.70 EUR). The trip takes about 40-60 minutes, and unfortunately, you can’t see much from the bus. The bus travels along a road that has various factories, car showrooms, and shops along it, so don’t expect to see nature.
The bus yard in Durres is very similar to the one in Tirana. From there, it will also go back to Tirana. Once you’re done walking in Durres, go back to this bus yard and look for the bus with “Tirana” on the front window.
Back In Tirana Bus Station
Once you are back in Tirana, take the bus line 7 from the opposite side of where you initially arrived. As soon as you leave the bus yard, you will see a gas station across the road. And there is a bus stop on the right side of it. HERE is the exact location.
Remember That..
- Most places, including public transport and the bus, can only be paid for in cash, so always have cash with you.
- As Google Maps does not show public transport in Tirana, I recommend downloading the Moovit app (it’s free.)
- The last bus from Durres to Tirana leaves at 22:00 (unfortunately, I don’t know if this time also applies at the weekend.)
