Tirana to Himarë and Dhërmi by Bus: Routes, Times & Fares
Updated 2026-11-01 · 4 min read · Prices and schedules change — check locally.
How to Take the Bus from Tirana to Dhërmi and Himarë
- Travel to the South and North Bus Terminal (Terminali i Autobusëve të Veriut dhe Jugut) outside Tirana city center.
- Find a bus or minibus displaying Himarë or Sarandë via Bregu (coastal route).
- Confirm with the driver that the bus stops at your specific destination, particularly if staying down at Dhërmi beach.
- Pay the fare in cash directly to the driver or the station attendant before departure.
- Get off at the designated stop on the SH8 highway in Dhërmi or the town center in Himarë.
Where do buses depart from in Tirana?
Buses depart from the South and North Bus Terminal located northwest of Tirana's city center.
The official terminal is known locally as Terminali i Autobusëve të Veriut dhe Jugut, situated near Kamza Roundabout. You can reach the terminal from central Tirana by taking the city bus toward Instituti from behind the National Historical Museum, or by taking a licensed taxi for approximately 500 to 1,000 ALL (€5 to €10).
At the terminal, look for vehicles marked with Himarë or Sarandë. Drivers and platform staff call out destinations, so ask for Dhërmi or Himarë to be directed to the correct platform.
What is the bus schedule and travel duration?
The trip takes 3.5 to 5 hours, with departures concentrated in the morning and early afternoon.
Travel time varies based on traffic entering Vlorë, seasonal congestion, and whether the driver uses the Llogara Tunnel or the mountain pass. Peak summer travel typically brings heavier road traffic and longer journeys.
Timetables change between summer and winter seasons. During the low season, there may be only two or three direct departures daily, whereas summer sees increased frequency. Exact departure times are not always published online, so verify schedules locally at the terminal a day in advance when possible.
| Destination | Estimated Travel Time | Typical Fare (ALL) | Typical Fare (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhërmi | 3.5 - 4.5 hours | 1,000 - 1,300 ALL | €10 - €13 |
| Himarë | 4 - 5 hours | 1,200 - 1,500 ALL | €12 - €15 |
How much is the bus ticket and how do you pay?
Tickets typically cost between 1,000 and 1,500 ALL (€10 to €15) per person one way, paid in cash.
Most bus operators do not offer card payment or reliable online reservations. You pay the driver, conductor, or on-site ticket counter in cash using Albanian Lek. Euros are sometimes accepted, but you will often receive change in Lek at an unfavorable exchange rate.
Ticket prices fluctuate with operational costs and season. Carry small bank notes to make payment straightforward, as drivers rarely carry enough change for large bills.
Where do the buses drop passengers off in Dhërmi and Himarë?
Buses stop on the main SH8 road in Dhërmi village, while in Himarë they stop near the town center.
In Dhërmi, the bus drops passengers on the upper highway passing through the old village. Dhërmi Beach is located several kilometers downhill; reaching the beach requires a steep 30- to 45-minute walk or a local taxi ride, which typically costs 1,000 to 1,500 ALL (€10 to €15).
In Himarë, the drop-off point is centrally located near Spile Beach, within walking distance of many guesthouses, restaurants, and the local waterfront promenade.
How do you ensure you get the coastal route?
Always verify that the bus travels via 'Bregu' rather than the inland highway through Gjirokastër.
Sarandë-bound buses run two different paths: the inland route via Tepelenë and Gjirokastër, and the coastal route (Bregu) via Vlorë, Dhërmi, and Himarë. If you board an inland bus, it will bypass the Riviera coast entirely.
Confirm your destination with the driver before loading luggage. Tell them explicitly that you are getting off at Dhërmi or Himarë so your luggage is placed where it can be unloaded easily at your stop.