Albania Without a Car: 10-Day Bus Itinerary That Actually Works
Updated 2026-10-19 · 8 min read · Prices and schedules change — check locally.
10 days in Albania by public transport
- Days 1–2: Tirana — Skanderbeg Square, Bunk'Art, Mount Dajti cable car.
- Days 3–4: Bus to Berat (~2.5 h) — castle, Mangalem, Osum canyon trip.
- Days 5–6: Bus to Gjirokastër (~4 h, often via Fier) — castle, bazaar, Zekate house.
- Days 7–8: Bus to Sarandë (~1.5 h), day trips to Ksamil, Butrint and the Blue Eye.
- Day 9: Bus north along the coast to Himarë (~1.5 h) for beaches.
- Day 10: Bus to Tirana (~5 h) or onward to the airport.
Can you travel Albania without a car?
Yes. All main tourist towns are connected by buses and furgons, and they're cheap.
What you lose without a car is hidden beaches and remote villages — taxis or day tours fill those gaps.
How long are bus journeys between towns?
Most legs take 1.5–5 hours and cost 400–1,500 lek.
| Leg | Time | Fare (ALL) |
|---|---|---|
| Tirana – Berat | ~2.5 h | ~500 |
| Berat – Gjirokastër | ~4 h | ~1,000 |
| Gjirokastër – Sarandë | ~1.5 h | ~400 |
| Sarandë – Himarë | ~1.5 h | ~500 |
| Himarë – Tirana | ~5 h | ~1,300 |
How do I add the north (Theth, Koman)?
Add 3–4 days: Tirana → Shkodër by bus, morning furgon to Theth, hike to Valbona, Koman ferry back.
What are the biggest problems without a car?
Few afternoon departures, no reliable online timetables and unmarked stops.
Travel in the morning and ask locally the day before.