Tirana airport to Borsh: your options

Tirana International Airport, also called Rinas, is Albania's main international airport and has flights from many European cities. From there to Borsh is about 4.5 hours by car. It is a long drive, but a beautiful one, and it is the only part of the trip that takes planning.

The route by car

The usual route heads south past Fier to Vlora, then follows the SH8 along the coast through Dhërmi and Himara to Borsh.

• Between Vlora and Dhërmi the road crosses the Llogara mountains. Since 2024 the Llogara tunnel offers a faster way through, and the old road over the pass is still there if you want the view.
• South of Llogara the coast road has many bends and climbs. It is not difficult, but it is slow, so do not judge the time by the distance.
• If you can, drive the coast section in daylight. It is easier and you will see the Riviera on the way.

Navigation apps sometimes suggest an inland route via Gjirokastër and Saranda. It can work, but the coast route via Vlora is the one we would normally pick.

Rental car

Several international rental companies have desks at the airport; the airport website lists them. A car is the most flexible option if you plan day trips to Porto Palermo, the Blue Eye or Butrint. Book ahead for July and August.

Taxi or private transfer

The airport has an official taxi service (tiataxi.al). For a journey this long, agree the price before you set off. If you would rather book a private transfer, ask us when you enquire and we will tell you what we recommend.

By bus

There is no direct bus from the airport to Borsh, but you can get here by public transport with a change:

1. Airport to Vlora: the airport website lists a shuttle to Vlora, run by Hermes Airport, which can be booked online. From Vlora, look for a bus heading south along the coast towards Himara and Saranda.
2. Airport to Tirana's bus terminal: a bus links the airport with the South and North Bus Terminal in Tirana. From there, take a bus towards Saranda.

Not every bus to Saranda uses the coast road; some go inland. Ask for one that goes via Vlora and Himara, tell the driver you are going to Borsh, and check the current timetable locally, because services change with the season.

Arriving late

If your flight lands in the evening, consider a night near Tirana or in Vlora and drive the coast road the next morning. You arrive rested, and you see the coast in daylight.

Before you set off

Let us know your flight and roughly when you expect to arrive, so we can plan to welcome you. If you have not booked yet, ask us for your dates. Prefer a shorter transfer? Compare this route with Corfu and the Saranda ferry.