Transportation in Albania: How to Get Around Safely and Easily

When people first arrive in Albania—especially in the south around Saranda—they often tell me the same thing: “I didn’t realize transportation would be so different here.” And it’s true. Albania has a charm that’s hard to explain until you see it, but that charm also comes with its quirks, especially when it comes to getting around.

I’ve been living and working in Saranda for years now, helping clients discover seaview apartments, beachfront property, and investment opportunities across the Albanian Riviera. And along the way, I’ve learned more than a few tricks about local transport. Some are practical, some a little funny. All of them are useful if you plan to spend time here—whether you’re on holiday, searching for Saranda apartments for sale, or exploring affordable properties for investment.

The Road Situation: Honest but Hopeful

Let’s start with the roads. You’ll hear all sorts of things about Albanian roads, and honestly, some of them are true. The main coastal routes—like the one from Saranda up through Himara and into Vlora—are stunning. You get those dramatic cliffside views, olive groves on one side, and the Ionian Sea stretching endlessly on the other. But they’re also winding, narrow, and not always in perfect condition.

Driving here takes patience. You’ll sometimes share the road with shepherds guiding goats, or you’ll suddenly hit a pothole in the middle of what looked like a perfectly good stretch of asphalt. It’s part of the adventure. But don’t let it discourage you—year by year, things are improving. Just last month, while driving with a client to view a villa in Borsh, we noticed a whole section of road freshly paved, smooth as glass.

And speaking of Borsh—if you’ve never been, the drive itself is worth it. Those mountain-and-sea views, followed by the long stretch of untouched beach… it’s breathtaking. Our own White Villas project in Borsh sits just seven minutes from that beach, tucked into a quiet, natural setting with private pools and wide verandas. Honestly, I think it captures what people mean when they talk about “quiet luxury.”

Buses and Minibuses: Albania’s Classic Transport

Now, if you don’t want to drive, you’ll probably find yourself using buses or minibuses—what we call “furgons.” These are the lifeblood of transportation here, especially between cities.

They’re not glamorous. There are no digital boards telling you the exact schedule. In Saranda, for example, the minibus to Tirana might leave at 7:00 am… or 7:15. Sometimes the driver waits a few minutes for extra passengers. But they’re affordable, reliable in their own way, and they give you a chance to sit back and enjoy the scenery without worrying about sharp turns or mountain passes.

I still remember the first time I sent an overseas client on a minibus ride to Ksamil. They were a bit nervous, expecting chaos. But when they arrived, they couldn’t stop talking about how friendly the driver was and how the ride gave them a glimpse into everyday Albanian life. That’s something you don’t get from a rental car.

Renting a Car: Freedom with a Few Surprises

That said, renting a car gives you freedom you just can’t match with buses. Imagine waking up in Saranda, deciding on the spot that you’d like to have lunch in a small taverna near Lukova, and then driving there within 30 minutes. It’s priceless.

Car rentals are widely available, though prices can spike during July and August. One thing to know: Albanian drivers have their own rhythm. It’s not aggressive exactly, but it’s assertive. Roundabouts, for example, don’t always follow the “official” rules you might be used to. My advice—stay calm, drive defensively, and you’ll adapt faster than you think.

And for those curious about property-hunting: renting a car can be a game changer. Some of the best seaview apartments or hidden beachfront property options aren’t right in the city center. Take the Gold Residence in Saranda, for example. It’s first-line to the sea, with private pool access and even its own private beach a minute away. You won’t get that kind of opportunity by sticking only to what’s visible on the main roads. Sometimes you need to drive just a little further to discover treasures like this.

Ferries: Crossing the Blue

One of the things I love most about living here is how connected Saranda is by water. The ferry to Corfu, for instance, is almost like a shuttle bus—it takes just 30–70 minutes depending on which line you choose. Many of my clients fly into Corfu International Airport and then hop across to Saranda. It feels effortless, like stepping through a hidden door into another world.

There are also smaller boats that connect you to beaches you simply can’t reach by car. I sometimes take clients on a short boat ride from Saranda’s harbor to show them a stretch of coast where villas overlook completely untouched coves. It’s a reminder that Albania’s magic isn’t only in its towns but also in those secret corners where the sea meets the mountains.

Insider Tips Only a Local Tells You

Let me share a few things you won’t always find in guidebooks:

• In Saranda, if you’re taking the minibus north, sit on the right-hand side for the best sea views. Trust me, it makes the ride unforgettable.

• In Ksamil, the “official” bus stop isn’t always where the bus actually stops. Just ask the café owner by the roundabout—they’ll point you in the right direction.

• And in Borsh, when you’re house-hunting or simply exploring, try to schedule your drive before sunset. The road down into the valley lights up in golden tones that make the whole place feel otherworldly. It’s the kind of small, magical detail that convinces people this is where they want their holiday home.

Tangent: Coffee Breaks and Albanian Time

I should pause here for a small tangent. Transportation in Albania isn’t just about the physical movement—it’s about timing, too. And timing here has its own flavor. Things run on what we often call “Albanian time.” If a bus is scheduled for 2:00 pm, it might leave at 2:10. If a contractor says a job will be done on Tuesday, sometimes it’s Wednesday.

At first, this can feel frustrating. But then you realize it’s tied to culture. We value conversation, coffee breaks, and human connection just as much as punctuality. Honestly, some of my best property deals have happened over an unplanned coffee at a roadside café while “waiting for the next bus.”

Why Transport Matters for Real Estate

So why am I talking so much about buses, cars, and ferries on a real estate blog? Because transportation is part of the decision-making process when buying property.

Investors want to know: Can renters reach this apartment easily? Will guests struggle to find the villa? Families want to know if their kids can get to the beach without needing a car every time.

That’s why when I present projects like the White Residence in Ksamil, I highlight not just the apartments themselves—luxurious, brand new, with a private residence pool and only seven minutes’ walk from the beach—but also the ease of access. You don’t need a car to enjoy life there. That’s a huge advantage, especially for international buyers who might not want the hassle of driving in Albania.

And when I walk someone through the White Villas in Borsh, I make it clear: yes, you’ll likely want a car. But the drive is part of the experience. Every curve in the road builds up to that breathtaking arrival at a villa surrounded by nothing but nature, sea views, and serenity. For many buyers, that’s not a downside—it’s the dream.

Final Thoughts: My Honest Advice

If you’re coming to Albania, don’t overthink transportation. You’ll figure it out as you go. Use buses and minibuses when you want to relax and observe daily life. Rent a car when you want freedom to explore hidden beaches or view properties off the beaten path. Take ferries when you want to feel the Mediterranean breeze and connect with nearby islands.

The roads aren’t perfect, the schedules aren’t strict, but that’s Albania. It’s part of what makes this country so refreshing compared to other parts of Europe that feel over-planned and over-priced.

And if you’re thinking about investing, remember: good transportation access is one of the biggest hidden factors in ROI. A beachfront property in Ksamil within walking distance to the sea, or a seaview apartment in Saranda with a private beach out front—these aren’t just nice details. They’re what make renters choose your property again and again.

I truly believe Saranda and the wider Albanian Riviera offer the best value on the Mediterranean right now. And I don’t say that lightly. After years of showing clients everything from affordable apartments to quiet luxury villas, I’ve seen how transport—and the way people experience it—shapes the story of each property.

So my advice? Embrace the quirks, enjoy the rides, and let Albania surprise you.