There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Tirana into a quick city adventure. From TIA, the Rinas Express Bus can get you into town in around 60 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Before heading into Tirana, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Albania vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Tirana is roughly 60 minutes from TIA via Rinas Express Bus. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in ALL. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
Getting from TIA to Tirana
From TIA, the Rinas Express Bus gets you to Tirana in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Rinas Express Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Money & Budget Tips
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Tirana, budget roughly $36 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $17 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $9 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Tirana.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Luggage storage options at TIA can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Tirana for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
What to See and Do in Tirana
Two recommendations for your time in Tirana:
Start with Skanderbeg Square. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Tirana. Then, if time allows, make your way to Bunk’Art 2. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
If you’d rather stay inside TIA — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Tirana Airport Business Lounge
- Tirana Airport Duty Free Shops
Best Bites Near TIA
- In the city: Era Vila and Oda – Traditional Albanian Restaurant are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Tirana.
- At the airport: Pista Grill – TIA and Coffee & More – TIA will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Sleep & Lounge Options at TIA
Long overnight layover? Your options at TIA include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Albania also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at TIA, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Tirana itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Albania that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Tirana genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.