Tirana to Gjirokastër by Bus: Schedule, Terminal & Price
Updated 2026-11-01 · 4 min read · Prices and schedules change — check locally.
How to Take the Bus from Tirana to Gjirokastër
- Take an urban bus or taxi from central Tirana to the Regional Bus Terminal South and North.
- Locate the bus or furgon displaying Gjirokastër in the front windshield.
- Confirm departure time with the driver and take your seat.
- Pay the fare in cash (Albanian lek preferred) directly to the conductor or driver.
- Get off at the Gjirokastër junction on the SH4 highway and take a local taxi or city bus up to the old town.
Which bus terminal in Tirana has buses to Gjirokastër?
Buses to Gjirokastër depart exclusively from the Regional Bus Terminal South and North (Terminali i Autobusëve të Jugut dhe Veriut).
The terminal is located near the Kamza overpass on the western outskirts of Tirana. You can reach it from central Tirana by taking the urban bus line marked Instituti or Kamëz from behind the National History Museum, which costs about 40 ALL. Alternatively, a taxi from Skanderbeg Square takes roughly 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic and costs 700 to 1,000 ALL (€7 to €10).
Once at the terminal, walk through the bays to find vehicles labeled Gjirokastër or ask station staff. Buses and furgons (minibuses) line up by destination and depart from designated platforms.
How much does the bus ticket cost and how do you pay?
A one-way ticket typically costs between 1,000 ALL and 1,400 ALL (€10 to €14), subject to change.
Payment is almost always cash only. Drivers and conductors accept Albanian lek, and many will accept euros, though you may receive change in lek at an unfavorable exchange rate. Card machines are not standard on domestic intercity lines.
You do not need to buy tickets days in advance. You pay either at the driver's window before boarding, at an on-site agency counter, or to a conductor who walks down the aisle after the bus departs.
What is the bus timetable and travel duration?
The trip takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours, with departures generally running from 06:00 to 18:00 every 1 to 2 hours.
Travel time depends on road traffic leaving Tirana and the number of passenger drop-offs along the highway through Fier and Tepelenë. Most drivers make one 15-minute rest stop at a roadside service station along the way.
Exact departure schedules fluctuate seasonally. It is best to arrive at the terminal in the morning between 07:00 and 11:00, when departures are most frequent, or ask station staff the day before.
| Departure Window | Average Duration | Typical Price (ALL) | Typical Price (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning (06:00–11:00) | 3.5 to 4 hours | 1,000–1,400 ALL | €10–€14 |
| Midday (11:00–14:00) | 4 to 4.5 hours | 1,000–1,400 ALL | €10–€14 |
| Afternoon (14:00–18:00) | 4 to 4.5 hours | 1,000–1,400 ALL | €10–€14 |
Where does the bus arrive in Gjirokastër?
Buses drop passengers off along the SH4 national road at the base of Gjirokastër, not in the historic center.
The drop-off point is near the lower, modern part of town, usually near a designated gas station or roadside bus shelter. The historic center (Old Bazaar and castle area) is located high on the hill above this stop.
Walking uphill with heavy luggage is steep and takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes. You can take a local city bus for around 40 to 50 ALL from the main road, or hire a local taxi waiting near the stop for 400 to 600 ALL (€4 to €6) to take you directly to your accommodation.
Can you reserve Tirana to Gjirokastër bus tickets online?
Most domestic bus routes in Albania do not use centralized online booking systems.
While third-party aggregators occasionally list regional bus routes, domestic operators still rely on physical boarding and cash collection. Booking online often leads to confusion or unconfirmed seats.
To ensure a seat, simply arrive at the Tirana South and North Terminal 20 to 30 minutes prior to your preferred departure time. Seats are rarely completely sold out outside of peak national holidays.