How to Get From Shkoder to Berat (2024 Guide)
If you’re searching for the best way to travel from Shkoder to Berat, this guide will help you. It compares the options of traveling by bus, taxi, or rental car.
How to get from Shkoder to Berat? There are three main options: bus (with a transfer), taxi, or rental car. To travel by bus, first, take a bus from Shkoder to Tirana, which costs about 5 EUR and runs from 6 AM to 5 PM. Then, take another bus from Tirana to Berat for 5 EUR, available from 5:40 AM to 5:30 PM. If you prefer a taxi, it will cost between 140-200 EUR. Renting a car will cost at least 25-35 EUR per day.
This guide provides all the details you need to know about traveling by bus, including bus schedules, bus terminal locations in Shkoder, Tirana, and Berat, how to transfer between buses, ticket prices, and how to purchase tickets. It also compares taxi prices for a trip from Shkoder to Berat, discusses rental car prices, driving routes, what it’s like to drive in Albania, and tips on getting a good deal.
Read also: How to Get From Berat to Saranda (2024 Guide)
Getting From Shkoder to Berat by Bus, Taxi or Rental Car
Here’s a summary of the best ways to get from Shkoder to Berat by bus, taxi, or car. More detailed information is provided further down.
How to Get From Shkoder to Berat by Bus (Summary)
There is no direct bus from Shkoder to Berat. To make this journey, travelers need to first take a bus from Shkoder to Tirana and then transfer to a bus from Tirana to Berat.
A bus ticket from Shkoder to Tirana costs 500 Leke (about 5 euros) per person. Buses from Shkoder to Tirana leave at the following times: 6:00, 7:00, 7:45, 8:30, 9:15, 10:00, 10:45, 11:30, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, and 17:00.
From Tirana to Berat, buses depart at these times: 5:40, 6:30, 7:15, 7:45, 8:15, 8:50, 9:20, 9:50, 10:20, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 16:30, 17:00, and 17:30. The ticket price for this leg of the trip is also 500 Leke (5 euros) per person.
More detailed information about the bus terminals is provided below.
Shkoder to Berat by Taxi (Summary)
Taking a taxi from Shkoder to Berat typically costs between 140 and 200 euros. Many taxi companies quote prices around 150 to 180 euros, so the most realistic expectation is in this range. Below is a comparison of prices from different taxi companies in Shkoder for a ride to Berat.
Shkoder to Berat by Car (Summary)
Renting a car in Tirana or Shkoder will cost you at least 25-35 euros per day for a basic vehicle. Prices tend to be higher in July and August due to the peak tourist season. While international car rental companies are available in Albania, it may be worth contacting local rental companies through WhatsApp for better deals. Driving in Albania can be challenging for foreigners because Albanian drivers often have a chaotic and sometimes aggressive driving style, so it’s important to be a confident and experienced driver.
How to Get From Shkoder to Berat by Bus
There isn’t a direct bus from Shkoder to Berat. If you want to make the trip by bus, you’ll need to change buses in Tirana. First, take a bus from Shkoder to Tirana, and then, at the Tirana bus terminal, switch to a bus heading to Berat.
Read also: How to Get From Shkoder to Tirana Airport (2024 Guide)
Step 1: Bus from Shkoder to Tirana
To get from Shkoder to Berat by bus, start by taking a bus from Shkoder to Tirana.
Buses from Shkoder to Tirana leave from the “Shkoder bus station.” You can find its location on Google Maps here: Shkoder Bus Station.
Although it’s called a bus station on Google Maps, don’t expect a traditional bus terminal or ticket office. Instead, it’s a bus stop by the roadside with a sign. You can wait by the road, and the bus driver will stop to pick up passengers. The bus stop is near Sheshi Demokracia (Democracy Square).
A ticket from Shkoder to Tirana costs 500 Leke (about 5 euros) per person. Buses depart at 6:00, 7:00, 7:45, 8:30, 9:15, 10:00, 10:45, 11:30, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, and 17:00.
You’ll pay for your ticket in cash when you board the bus. Since card payments aren’t accepted, it’s a good idea to carry cash in euros and Albanian Leke while traveling in Albania.
The bus ride from Shkoder to Tirana takes about 2 hours. The bus will drop you off at the Tirana Bus Terminal North and South Albania. From there, you can catch a bus to Berat to continue your journey.
The location of the Tirana Bus Terminal North and South Albania is available on Google Maps here: Tirana Bus Terminal.
Step 2: Bus from Tirana to Berat
Once you arrive at the Tirana bus terminal, you can transfer to a bus from Tirana to Berat.
Buses from Tirana to Berat depart from the same terminal where you arrived. The bus departs at 5:40, 6:30, 7:15, 7:45, 8:15, 8:50, 9:20, 9:50, 10:20, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 16:30, 17:00, and 17:30. A ticket costs 500 Leke (5 euros) per person.
Again, you’ll need to pay in cash when you board the bus.
The journey from Tirana to Berat takes about 2.5 hours. The bus will drop you off at the Berat Bus Terminal. The location of the Berat Bus Terminal is available on Google Maps here: Berat Bus Terminal.
It’s important to note that the Berat Bus Terminal is located outside the city center. To reach the city center for sightseeing or to get to your hotel, you’ll need to take a bus or taxi. A bus runs every 30 minutes from the terminal to the city center, and it costs 30 Leke (0.30 euro cents).
Read also: Best Things to do in Berat, Albania (2024 Guide)
How Much Does a Taxi from Shkoder to Berat Cost?
The cost of a taxi from Shkoder to Berat ranges between 140 and 200 euros. Many taxi companies charge around 150 to 180 euros, so that’s the most common price range.
Here are some examples:
- Lux Taxi Shkoder: 150 euros
- Taxi Internacionale Shkoder: 180 euros
- Class Taxi Shkoder: 140 euros
- Speed Taxi Shkoder: 200 euros
- Premium Taxi Shkoder: 150 euros
- Taxi Shkoder Luli: 180 euros
Since Uber doesn’t operate in Albania, the easiest way to book a taxi or ask about prices is through WhatsApp. You’ll usually get responses from several companies within minutes.
How to Get From Shkoder to Berat by Car?
Renting a car is another option to travel from Shkoder to Berat. If you’re planning a road trip around Albania, you can rent a car at Tirana Airport when you arrive. Basic rental cars at Tirana Airport cost around 25-35 euros per day.
While international companies like Hertz and Avis operate in Albania, you might also want to check out local rental companies. The Tirana Airport website has a list of car rental companies, including their contact details.
Here’s a general idea of rental car prices at Tirana Airport:
- iRent Albania : 50 euros/day for a 2016 Volkswagen Golf VII
- Avis Rent a Car: 25 euros/day for an automatic Opel Corsa
- Pepa Rent a Car: 25 euros/day for a Skoda economy car
- G Rentals: 25 euros/day for a Dacia Stepway
- Sixt Car Rental: 25 euros/day for a Mitsubishi Space Star
Keep in mind that car rentals can be more expensive during the peak tourist season in July and August. It’s best to contact several companies before your trip, as prices can vary significantly, with some tourists paying as much as 50-70 euros per day.
Important: Driving in Albania can be challenging for foreigners due to the aggressive and chaotic driving style of local drivers. If you’re not confident about driving, consider hiring a taxi, booking a tour, or taking the bus instead.
Driving From Shkoder to Berat
The drive from Shkoder to Berat is straightforward. Take the national road from Shkoder towards Tirana, then continue on the highway through Durres to Berat. Avoid the older road from Tirana through Elbasan, as it’s in poor condition and will slow you down. The route through Durres is faster and better.
Read also: Best Things to do in Shkoder, Albania (2024 Guide)
How Long Does it Take to Get From Shkoder to Berat?
The drive from Shkoder to Berat takes about 4 to 4.5 hours. The journey from Shkoder to Tirana is around 2 hours, and from Tirana to Berat, it’s another 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. The road from Shkoder to Tirana has only one lane in each direction, so large trucks can slow you down. The best route from Tirana to Berat is via the coastal highway through Durres.
Is Berat Worth Visiting?
Yes, Berat is definitely worth visiting. It’s a beautiful and historic town, often referred to as “The City of a Thousand Windows” because of the unique look of its old white houses built on hillsides. Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features a large hilltop castle, an interesting Iconography Museum called “Onufri,” and picturesque white houses in the valley.
In Berat, you can enjoy a walk along the boulevard, relax at cafes and restaurants, and take in views of the city and river. There are also nearby vineyards and wineries to explore.
How Many Days do You Need in Berat?
You can explore Berat in 1 or 2 days. It’s an excellent day trip if you’re staying in Tirana, Durres, or Vlore. You can visit Berat Castle, the Onufri Icon Museum, and the City of a Thousand Windows in just a few hours. For a memorable experience, consider staying overnight to see the town’s lights in the evening. Spending 1 night and 2 days also allows you to visit a local winery or vineyard. Berat is a charming and romantic destination you won’t regret visiting.
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