Getting around Albania

By bus

Most people in Albania travel by private minibuses (called the "furgons"), which depart quite frequently to destinations around Albania. These furgons have no timetable (they depart when they are full). Also ask around for the directions and to where you can get these minibuses. From Tirana, many furgons a day depart to Shkoder, Durres and Berat. Furgons departing to the south like Gjirokaster or Saranda tend to depart fairly early in the morning. These furgons are fairly comfortable and are a quite fast way to travel. Buses are more comfortable and cheaper, but they are less frequent.

By train

Limited services operate between Tirana and Shkodra, Fier, Ballsh, Vlorë and Pogradec. The train route from Lezhe to Shkodra has scenic beauty. The Tirana-Durres trains (and vice versa) depart up to 8 times a day. As of 2006, the trains in Albania are still in extremely poor condition - despite the route from Tirana to Vlore looking convenient on a map, the more wealthy Albanians never use trains and if not traveling in their own cars, use the many mini-buses. If you do go anywhere by train, expect an extremely uncomfortable ride, and strange looks from your fellow passengers.

By car

The roads between the important destinations have been recently repaved and fixed, and offer all the security measures one would expect on a highway. There are no fees for using the highways. In the cities, and especially Tirana, many roads are being upgraded and fixed. Because of that, traveling by car inside the city will be slow. A very nice ride is the Vlorë-Saranda mountain road. It is a typical Mediterranean road and offers an amazing view of the sea from the mountains.

By bicycle

The pot holes, driving standards and lack of places to stay in many villages and towns make Albania a challenging cycling destination, but a rewarding one. Often, asking around to see if you can stay in somebody's home / camp in their garden is the only option. Food and water are easily available in the frequent roadside cafes and bars.

By thumb

Hitchhiking is not very common in Albania, however many people will pick you up if they are able. Cheap transport however, means that hitchhiking should usually be a emergency option only.