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Tirana “Nënë Tereza” International Airport (IATA code: TIA, ICAO code: LATI) is Albania’s only international civilian airport and the country’s primary air gateway. Located in the Rinas area, within Krujë municipality in Durrës county, it sits approximately 17 km north-west of Tirana city centre, reachable in 20–30 minutes under normal traffic conditions. The airport is named after Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who was born in Albanian territory, and bears the Albanian name Nënë Tereza in her honour.
The terminal underwent a complete renovation from 2005 onwards and received a striking new exterior in 2023, designed by Italian architect Marco Casamonti. A €120 million expansion plan, completed between 2024 and 2025, has increased annual capacity to over 11 million passengers. In December 2024, the airport surpassed 10 million annual transits for the first time, recording 48% growth compared with 2023 and positioning itself among Europe’s fastest-expanding airports. From its location, the airport is approximately 38 km from Durrës (40 minutes), 120 km from Berat (around 1 hour 40 minutes) and 105 km from Shkodër (1 hour 15 minutes), making it a convenient starting point for exploring the entire country.
From Tirana Airport, several transport options are available to reach the capital’s centre in 20–30 minutes. The distance is approximately 17 km, and the available transport options cover a wide range of prices and comfort levels, catering to all types of traveller.
The most economical option to reach the city centre is the shuttle bus operated by LU-NA shpk, commonly known as Rinas Express or Luna Line. The bus departs from the terminal’s arrivals exit and goes directly to Skanderbeg Square (Sheshi Skënderbej), the capital’s beating heart, with a stop in front of the Opera and Ballet Palace. The journey takes around 30 minutes, with possible variations depending on traffic.
A ticket costs approximately 400 lek (around €4) and can be purchased on board, with payment accepted in both Albanian lek and euros, as well as by credit card thanks to the card reader available on the vehicles. The service from the city centre to the airport operates from 06:00 to 24:00, while departures from the airport run throughout the day. LU-NA shpk provides service 24/7. The airport-side bus stop is on the opposite side of the forecourt from the terminal exit: after collecting your baggage, simply cross the forecourt and follow the signs.
The official taxi is the most direct and convenient option, available 24 hours a day outside the terminal. The only company authorised to operate from the airport is ATEX – Airport Taxi Express, identifiable by yellow cars with a red stripe and logo on the doors. Simply follow the “taxi” signs in the arrivals area to reach the taxi stand easily.
The average fare to Tirana city centre is approximately 2,500 lek (around €20). The journey takes 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Only authorised ATEX taxis can access the terminal area, so you may need to walk about 5 minutes to the main taxi rank. It’s advisable to agree on the fare before getting in, as not all vehicles have a meter.
An alternative to TAXIs is to book in advance a private transfer to or from Tirana Airport airport. A driver will pick you up at the airport arrivals (thus avoiding taxi queues), at your hotel or wherever you prefer, to take you to the desired address.
It is the best solution if you do not want to waste time, do not want to use public transport, have a lot of luggage or are travelling in a group. To book a private transfer to or from Tirana Airport airport visit this site.
On the ground floor of the terminal, in the arrivals area, you’ll find desks from major car hire companies, including Avis, Hertz and Sixt, alongside numerous local agencies that are often more competitive on price. Hiring a car directly from the airport is ideal if you’re planning to explore Albania beyond the capital, without relying on public transport.
With a hire car, you can easily reach Durrës and its beaches in 40 minutes (38 km), Berat (a UNESCO World Heritage city, known as “the city of a thousand windows”) in around 1 hour 40 minutes over 120 km, and Shkodër in just over an hour. For southern destinations such as Vlorë (150 km, around 2 hours) and Sarandë (283 km, around 3.5 hours), a car remains the most flexible option. Those planning to reach the Albanian Alps (Theth and Valbona) would do well to opt for an SUV or a vehicle with good ground clearance, given the nature of the mountain roads. The road from the airport to Tirana centre is well signposted: leave the airport and take the SH2 heading south, and you’ll reach the centre in around 20 minutes.
To rent a car in Tirana we always recommend comparing the rates of all companies with DiscoverCars because in our opinion it offers the best prices, allows cancellation up to 48 hours before rental and offers a very cheap comprehensive insurance policy.
For those arriving from Durrës, there is also a direct connection between Durrës Central Bus Station and Tirana Airport, operated by companies such as Adis Travel & Tours. The journey takes around 35 minutes and a ticket costs approximately €7–9. This option is particularly useful for travellers arriving in Albania by ferry who need a direct connection to the airport without going through Tirana city centre.
Below you can see real-time departure and arrival times at Tirana Airport.
By entering the dates of your stay in the following form, you can check the rates and availability in real time of the facilities near theTirana Airport.
Below is a list of recommended hotels near Tirana Airport.
Below are the cheapest prices for car hire at at the tirana Airport, to book click here.
According to reviews by other travellers, the following are the best car rental companies at the tirana Airport. To compare rates click here.
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