How to Get to Vlorë: Every Route from Tirana, Greece, and Beyond

One of the practical questions about any Albanian trip is logistics — how do you actually get there? The answer has improved considerably in recent years, and there are now several reasonable options depending on where you're starting from.

From Tirana Airport (the most common arrival)

Tirana's Mother Teresa Airport connects to most major European hubs: London, Rome, Milan, Vienna, Istanbul, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and more. Most visitors to the Albanian Riviera arrive here first.

From the airport to Vlorë, the easiest option is the direct bus. Buses run several times daily and take around two hours, costing roughly €5–8. They depart from near the airport and from Tirana city centre — the journey includes a stop in the capital if you want to break up the trip. Alternatively, a taxi from the airport to Vlorë costs around €50–70 and takes the same time without the stops. For groups of three or more, a taxi becomes competitive with bus tickets once you factor in convenience.

If you're planning to explore the Riviera and do day trips, renting a car at Tirana airport is a strong option. The drive south is straightforward motorway to Fier, then a good road through to Vlorë. European rental companies operate at the airport; local Albanian companies often offer lower rates for longer rentals.

From Italy via ferry

Ferries run between Brindisi and Vlorë through the summer season, typically leaving in the evening and arriving the following morning. The crossing takes around eight hours. It's not the fastest option, but it's one of the more enjoyable — particularly if you have a vehicle or want to avoid another flight. Grimaldi Lines and Ventouris Ferries both operate this route; check schedules in advance for summer as they book up, especially in July and August.

From other Italian ports, the Ancona–Durrës and Bari–Durrës routes are more frequent. Durrës is about an hour north of Tirana and 2.5 hours from Vlorë — viable if you're already coming from central Italy.

From Greece overland

If you're travelling from Corfu or the Greek mainland, the route via the Kakavijë border crossing is well-established. From Corfu, a ferry to Saranda takes 45 minutes, then a bus or taxi north to Vlorë takes about two hours along the Riviera road. This is a scenic route and well worth doing if you have time.

From Athens overland, the drive via Ioannina and the Kakavijë crossing takes around six hours. This is a practical option if you're already in northern Greece, though the road on the Albanian side gets mountainous. Bus services also operate this route.

Getting around once you're there

Within Vlorë, taxis are cheap and reliable — roughly €2–4 for most journeys within the city. For day trips along the Riviera, a hire car gives you the most flexibility. Alternatively, minibuses (furgons) run south toward Himara and can drop you at beaches along the route, but schedules are irregular and they don't always go all the way. For the boat trips to Sazan and Karaburun, bookings are usually made through your accommodation or at the port the evening before.