The complete guide to getting from Tirana Airport (TIA) to the city center — prices, times, and best options

Touching down in Tirana for business or leisure? Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA) is Albania’s main international gateway, with just the right balance of efficiency and compactness. Just 17 kilometers from the capital, you’re only a 20-30 minute ride from Tirana’s vibrant boulevards, the National Theater of Opera and Ballet at Skanderbeg Square or the charming cafés of Blloku.

Whether you’re here for a vacation, business trip, or family celebration, the journey from runway to city is swift and straightforward. So, how will you make your entrance? The shuttle bus offers a budget-friendly ride straight from Tirana Airport to the city center. But if you prefer a seamless and stylish ride, a private airport transfer is at your fingertips—perfect if you’ve got a little extra glamor in your luggage and want to explore the city without worrying about transport.

Read on to discover what’s available and make the best decision for yourself.

With Kiwitaxi’s private airport transfer, every mile of your journey from Tirana airport (TIA) to city center feels effortless and reliable. Whether you’re closing a deal or soaking in the city, your ride is tailored to be smooth, stylish, and hassle-free.

Still slightly dazed from jet lag? Relax knowing every detail is handled, from real-time flight tracking to ensuring your driver is ready the moment you land. No hidden fees, no surprises; what you see is what you pay. Kiwitaxi airport transfer is designed with your comfort in mind. Glide through Tirana’s streets in style and comfort, whether you’re heading to a boutique hotel, a sleek Airbnb apartment, or your first rendezvous with Albanian nightlife.

With enough luggage space to allow for your statement heels to stomp around Tirana streets and child safety seats for youngest passengers, we can’t think of any reason not to book one, can you?

Trip duration: 20–30 minutes to city center Fare: From €35–45 (fixed) Booking: Online in advance Best for: Comfort seekers, families, first-time visitors, business travelers

Taxis are a common option at Tirana Airport, but they’re often less convenient and less predictable than a pre-booked private transfer. Official airport taxis, operated by Auto Holiday Albania (AHA), wait right outside arrivals and are painted yellow with the AHA and Tirana Airport logos.

While they do provide a direct ride into the city, the experience can vary. Prices are usually around 2,200 Lek (€20–25), but not always fixed, and you may need to negotiate or double-check whether credit cards are accepted. Drivers speak some English, though misunderstandings are possible if you don’t have your address written down.

Other companies, like Speed Taxi or City Taxi, sometimes offer lower rates (€10–20 depending on time and traffic), but again, there’s no guarantee. Apps like UPs Taxi work locally, but international services such as Uber or Bolt don’t operate in Albania.

Trip duration: 20–25 minutes (traffic-dependent)

Fare: €10–45 (varies)

Booking: Not available in advance

Best for: Travelers who don’t mind queues, price variations, or less predictable service

Compared to a Kiwitaxi private transfer, where you book in advance with a fixed price, professional driver, flight tracking, and guaranteed comfort, taxis feel more like a backup option than the first choice.

The Rinas Express bus is the cheapest and most popular way to get from Tirana Airport into the city center. Operated by Luna SHPK, it’s the only dedicated shuttle service between the airport and downtown. Running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, buses depart every hour on the hour (for example, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00) from the airport and the city center. The trip usually takes 30–40 minutes, though it can stretch to 45–60 minutes during peak rush hour.

You’ll find the buses a short walk outside arrivals, just past the car rental booths, in parking bays 9 & 10, with a big LUNA logo on the side. The drop-off point is right in the heart of Tirana, next to Skanderbeg Square (behind the Palace of Opera and Ballet), within walking distance of most central hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

A one-way ticket costs 400 Albanian Lek (ALL), approximately €4 per passenger. Tickets can be purchased directly on board with cash or card, in Lek or Euros. Online booking is also available on the LUNA Travel website, though the English translation is sometimes unreliable and a €0.60 booking fee applies. No reservation is needed, and seats are generally guaranteed, though buses may occasionally delay departure slightly if several flights arrive at the same time.

Tips: Buses can be crowded, and driver experiences vary.

Trip duration: 30–40 minutes (up to 60 in peak traffic)

Fare: 400 ALL (~€4) one way

Booking: Not required (tickets onboard); Online available (optional)

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, solo visitors, backpackers, travelers staying near Skanderbeg Square

While the drive from Tirana Airport (TIA) to the city center can be done in as few as 20 minutes, opt for Kiwitaxi’s Chauffeur Hire Service to explore all of Albania beyond Tirana, at your own pace.

Whether you’re traveling for leisure, business, or a family escape, enjoy the freedom to customize your itinerary, soaking up Tirana’s culture and unwinding in the pristine beaches of the Albanian Riviera.

Glide through the country in comfort and style as we meticulously take care of every detail. Take in stunning views in Dhërmi and marvel at turquoise beaches in Himarë; snap that picture-perfect Insta shot, while your dedicated chauffeur expertly navigates the winding roads.

Committed to delivering exceptional service, your dedicated chauffeur goes above and beyond to make your Albanian journey memorable.

Trip duration: Flexible (depending on itinerary) Fare: Varies with vehicle and distance Booking: Online in advance Best for: Travelers seeking luxury, safety, discretion, and fully customizable experiences