Sarandë is the main town of the Albanian Riviera, but it's a long way from the country's only big international airport. Tirana International Airport (TIA) is 250 km away, and the drive takes 3–3.5 hours. Here are your options, honestly compared.
Option 1: Private transfer
A driver meets you in arrivals and takes you door to door. On BetterTransfer, drivers typically offer €120–140 for this route, per car, not per person. That price depends on the car size and the season. You post your trip, local drivers send offers, and you pick one. You pay the driver in cash when you arrive.
For two or more people with luggage, or after a late flight, this is usually the easiest option by far.
Option 2: Bus
The cheapest way, at around €7–10, but slow: about 5–6 hours door to door. There is no direct bus from the airport to Sarandë. You first need to get to a bus terminal in Tirana, then take a long-distance bus or minibus (furgon) south with stops on the way.
Good for backpackers on a tight budget with time to spare. Hard with big suitcases or kids.
Option 3: Rental car
Renting at the airport gives you freedom to explore the south. The main road is fine, but parts of it are winding mountain road, and parking in Sarandë in July and August is hard. Check that your rental includes full insurance, and ask before you book if you plan to cross into Greece or Montenegro.
What the drive is like
Most of the way you head south through the mountains, then drop down to the Ionian Sea at the end. It is a beautiful drive, but a long one: plan for a tired arrival and book your first night close to where you land.
Gjirokastër, a UNESCO-listed stone town, is roughly halfway. If you go by private transfer, you can ask the driver for a short stop. Agree any extra waiting fee with them in advance.
Tips
- Book ahead in June to September: it is high season on the Riviera and good drivers get busy.
- Going on to Ksamil? It's just past Sarandë. Book straight through to Ksamil instead of changing cars.
- Late-night arrival? Drivers work 24/7. Confirm the pickup time with your driver on WhatsApp after you accept the offer.
- Ignore drivers who approach you inside the terminal. Agree the price before you get in any car.