How to Get From Berat to Saranda (2024 Guide)
How to get from Berat to Saranda? If you are planning to travel from Berat to Saranda, you might be wondering about the best transportation options. This blog post provides information on how to travel from Berat to Saranda by bus, taxi, or car.
To get from Berat to Saranda, you can choose between taking a bus, hiring a taxi, or driving a car. The bus from Berat to Saranda departs at 8 AM and 2 PM, with a ticket costing 1200 LEK (12 EUR). A taxi ride from Berat to Saranda costs around 130 EUR. Renting a car will cost you at least 20-25 EUR per day.
Read also: Best Things to do in Saranda (2024 Guide)
In this post, you’ll find detailed information on bus schedules, terminal locations, ticket prices, and travel duration. It also compares the cost of hiring a taxi and renting a car. Additionally, you’ll find updates on train travel in Albania, advice on whether Saranda is worth visiting, information on how expensive Saranda is, and suggestions on how much time to spend in Berat.
How to Get From Berat to Saranda in Albania?
Traveling from Berat to Saranda can be done by bus, taxi, or car. There are no train services between these two cities. Below is a brief overview of the best ways to make the trip, with more detailed information available further down.
Berat to Saranda by Bus (Summary):
Buses from Berat to Saranda leave at 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM. A ticket costs 1200 Leke (12 euros) per person, and you can only pay in cash directly to the bus driver. To reach the Berat Bus Terminal, located outside the city center, you can take a city bus or a taxi. It’s advisable to arrive early to ensure you get a seat.
Berat to Saranda by Taxi (Summary):
A taxi from Berat to Saranda costs around 130 euros.
Berat to Saranda by Car (Summary):
Rental cars in Albania start at 20-25 euros per day, but prices increase in July and August due to the tourist season. Renting a car is worthwhile if you’re planning a round trip since most small, independent rental companies in Albania require you to return the car to the same city. You can take either the inland route, which takes 4-5 hours, or the longer and more scenic coastal road, which takes a full day.
Read also: Best Things to do in Berat, Albania (2024 Guide)
How to Get From Berat to Saranda by Bus?
To travel from Berat to Saranda by bus, there are two daily departures: one at 8:00 AM and another at 2:00 PM.
To catch the bus, head to the Berat Bus Terminal, which is about a 15-20 minute drive from the city center. You can get there by taking a city bus or a short taxi ride. You can find the location of the Berat Bus Terminal on Google Maps here.
It’s not possible to book your bus ticket online, so it’s best to arrive at the terminal early to make sure you get a seat. You’ll need to pay for your ticket in cash directly to the bus driver. The fare is 1200 Leke (around 12 euros) per person.
The bus ride from Berat to Saranda takes about 4-5 hours, depending on traffic. You’ll be dropped off at the Saranda Bus Station, which is in the city center near Friendship Park. You can find the location of the Saranda Bus Terminal on Google Maps here.
Berat to Saranda Bus Timetable
Buses from Berat to Saranda leave at 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM. A ticket costs 1,200 Leke (about 12 euros) per person. Passengers must pay the driver in cash for their tickets. It is recommended to arrive at the Berat bus terminal early to ensure getting a seat on the bus.
How Much is a Taxi From Berat to Saranda?
A taxi from Berat to Saranda costs 130 euros or 13,000 Leke. Taxi drivers can be easily contacted by email or WhatsApp. Another option is to go to Iljaz Vrioni Square, a central spot in Berat where taxis usually stop. Keep in mind that UBER Taxis are not available in Albania.
How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car and Drive From Berat to Saranda?
A rental car in Albania will cost at least 20-25 euros per day, with prices rising significantly in July and August due to the tourist high season.
Renting a car in Albania is only practical if you plan to make a round trip from Tirana Airport back to Tirana Airport, or perhaps from the Port of Saranda back to the Port of Saranda. Car rental companies in Albania are small, independent businesses, and they expect their cars to be returned to the same city.
When driving from Berat to Saranda, there are several routes to choose from. The fastest route is through Fier, Tepelene, and Kardhiq Castle to Saranda, following the inland highway. This drive takes about 4-5 hours. Avoid the old road that leads from Berat directly south towards Gjirokaster, as it is in poor condition.
Read also: How to Get From Shkoder to Berat (2024 Guide)
Another option is to drive along the coastline. This route is longer but offers beautiful views. The drive from Berat goes through Fier, Vlore, and Himare to Saranda. South of Vlore, you can either take the new Llogara Tunnel, which is shorter, or drive over the Llogara Pass for stunning views of the Ionian Sea. If you choose to drive along the coast and make stops, it could take a full day, so it’s best to start early.
Tip: Driving in Albania can be chaotic and challenging. If you are unsure about handling the unpredictable traffic on unfamiliar roads in a foreign country, it is safer to hire a taxi or take a bus. Safety should always come first.
How Long Does it Take to Get From Berat to Saranda?
The drive from Berat to Saranda takes about 4 hours, depending on traffic. The best route is through Fier and Tepelene because it’s a highway. While there are older roads from Berat directly to the south, they are in poor condition.
Is it Worth Going to Saranda?
Visiting Saranda might be a good option if you enjoy large coastal cities and want to take day trips to nearby attractions.
Saranda is a large coastal city with many hotels and apartments close to the shoreline. Along the bay, there’s a lively promenade filled with restaurants, cafes, shops, and bars. If you prefer a bustling city with plenty of amenities, you may really enjoy staying in Saranda, especially during the summer.
Read also: Best Things to do in Gjirokaster, Albania (Guide 2024)
However, if swimming is your priority, you might find Ksamil, a nearby beach village, a better option. Ksamil is known for its sandy beaches, where you can swim or snorkel. You can rent a beach chair with an umbrella or a small boat to explore the nearby Ksamil islands just off the coast.
Both Ksamil and Saranda have the advantage of offering wonderful day trips. You could visit the magical Blue Eye spring, explore the old town of Gjirokaster, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or discover the archaeological and nature park of Butrint, another UNESCO site. In Saranda, you can also visit Lekuresi Castle, which is located on a hilltop and provides stunning views of the city and coastline.
Is it Expensive to go to Saranda in Albania?
Saranda in Albania is relatively inexpensive compared to nearby countries like Greece and Italy, which are usually more costly.
Accommodation in Saranda starts at around 30-35 euros per night during the summer months. Travelers can expect to pay at least this amount for a basic hotel or Airbnb, but there are also more luxurious and expensive options available, depending on your budget.
Traveling from Tirana Airport to Saranda can be done in a few ways:
- By bus: 15 euros per person
- By taxi: about 200 euros per ride
- By rental car: at least 20-25 euros per day, but prices are higher in July and August due to the tourist season.
Currently, Saranda does not have its own airport, so visitors can fly into Tirana Airport in Albania or Corfu Airport in Greece and take a ferry to Saranda.
Travel options from Corfu Airport include:
- Bus or taxi to the Port of Corfu: 1.50 euros for a bus ticket or 15-25 euros for a taxi
- Ferry from Corfu to Saranda: 19-25 euros per person
Food in Albania can be as affordable or as pricey as you choose. Local bakeries, known as Byrektore, sell fresh pastries for around 2 euros each. You can also buy a full bag of bread for 1-3 euros. Meals at local restaurants may cost 10-15 euros per person, though more upscale restaurants will charge more for a better location and a more luxurious experience.
Read also: How to Get From Ksamil to Dhermi (2024 Guide)
How Long Should I Spend in Berat?
One or two days is a good amount of time to spend in Berat. It’s a lovely spot for a day trip from Tirana, just a two-hour drive away. On a day trip, visitors can check out the Castle of Berat (about an hour), the Onufri Museum (20-30 minutes), and the City of a Thousand Windows (which can take around two hours for lunch and photos).
The City of a Thousand Windows consists of two old neighborhoods in the Berat valley. Small houses were built on the hillsides, and from the valley, it looks like a thousand windows are peering down.
If possible, it’s nice to stay overnight in Berat. The city becomes magical in the evening, with the little houses on the hill lit up and looking beautiful. The next day, if you enjoy wine, you might want to visit one of the vineyards near Berat for a tasting.
Saranda to Berat Bus Timetable
A bus leaves from Saranda to Berat at 8:00 AM and 2:30 PM. Buses start from Rruga Skenderbeu (Skanderbeg Street) in Saranda’s city center. The location “Trans Dea” can be found on Google Maps. Each bus ticket costs 1400 Leke (14 euros), and passengers need to pay the driver in cash. The trip from Saranda to Berat can take 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic.
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