Tirana International Airport Nënë Tërza Tia serves as Albania’s main air gateway. Located about 11 kilometers from the city center, it handles flights connecting Tirana to European cities and beyond. The terminal provides basic amenities such as ticket counters, baggage claim areas and a small café for travelers. Flights operate daily with options from major carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air. The airport supports both domestic routes and international travel, making it practical for visitors arriving by air. Its layout remains straightforward for efficient passenger movement.
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Albanian Lek (ALL) £1 ≈ ALL 108 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common in major cities but cash is still widely used.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. A 5-10% tip in restaurants is typical. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is tolerated but not common outside of designated areas or festivals. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is common in public outdoor spaces and restaurants, but restricted indoors. |
| National Day (November) |
Government closures, celebrations. |
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| Easter (March/April) |
Religious celebrations, some closures. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 |
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| Taxi apps: | Bolt, Albania Taxi |
| Other: | Albania is known for its beautiful Adriatic coastline, historical ruins, and rugged landscapes. |
Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza is located about 17 km northwest of Tirana's city center. Named after Mother Teresa, it has undergone significant modernization to handle increasing international travelers. The airport blends essential amenities with efficient layouts, though it remains smaller than those found in larger European capitals.
The airport offers basic services such as shops, cafes, car rental desks and free Wi-Fi, ensuring travelers' practical needs are met. Despite recent improvements, some passengers note that facilities are still developing, especially in peak tourist seasons when congestion may occur.
Transport to and from the airport includes buses, taxis and shuttle services, but schedules can be irregular, so it’s advisable to plan ahead. Albania’s Mediterranean climate means warm summers and mild winters, though travelers should stay aware of occasional delays or disruptions.
The airport acts as a friendly and functional entrance to Tirana, with a growing network of European and regional flights offering easy connections.
Tirana Airport’s VIP Lounge offers a quiet retreat with comfortable seating, refreshments, Wi-Fi, and newspapers. Access is usually reserved for business class passengers, lounge members, or available on a pay-per-use basis. It provides a pleasant break from busy terminal areas.
Tirana’s city center offers a good range of accommodations, from international hotel chains and trendy boutique stays to budget guesthouses. Staying centrally provides easy access to city highlights and convenient transport links to the airport.
To Tirana City Center:
The airport is about 17 km from Tirana city centre. Bus line Rinas Express runs frequently, taking approximately 30-40 minutes and costing around €2.50 (£2.11). Taxis and ride-hailing services provide quicker rides of about 20-30 minutes, with fares typically between €20 – 25 (£16.85 – 21.06). Many hotels also offer shuttle services.
To Durres:
Durres, the coastal city, is roughly 40 km from the airport. Accessible by car or bus from Tirana city centre, it takes about 40-45 minutes by road. Public transport options require transfers, so private transfers or taxis are often preferred.
To Shkoder:
Shkoder is around 90 km from the airport to the north and reachable by car, bus, or train from Tirana. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and most travellers opt for bus or car hire for convenience.
