How to Get From Tirana Airport to Ksamil (2024 Guide)

In this blog post, the focus is on outlining the various transportation options available for traveling from Tirana airport to Ksamil. The primary modes discussed include taxi, bus, and car. How to get from Tirana airport to Ksamil by taxi, bus or car? One option is to hire a taxi, which typically costs between 160-190 EUR. Alternatively, renting a car is another feasible option, with prices starting at approximately 25-35 EUR per day. For those considering public transportation, note that there is no direct bus service to Ksamil from the airport. Instead, one can take a taxi to the bus terminal (costing around 25-30 EUR), then catch a bus from Tirana to Saranda (priced at 16 EUR), followed by another bus to Ksamil (costing approximately 1.50 EUR).

Read also: How to Get From Gjirokaster to Tirana (2024 Guide)

The blog post aims to provide comprehensive guidance for travelers embarking on this journey. It will include a comparative analysis of taxi rates offered by different companies for the Tirana airport to Ksamil route. Additionally, the post will detail the step-by-step process of utilizing taxis and buses to reach Ksamil, including the transition from Tirana to Saranda before heading to Ksamil. Furthermore, car rental options from Tirana Airport will also be discussed.

A noteworthy alternative to consider is flying into Corfu Airport on Corfu Island and then taking a ferry to Saranda, followed by a taxi ride to Ksamil. More details on this alternative route will be provided below for those interested.

Getting From Tirana Airport to Ksamil

Travelers have several options to reach Ksamil from Tirana airport, including taxis, buses, or personal vehicles. Here is a brief overview of the most convenient methods for this journey. More detailed information will be provided later in this blog post.

Read also: How to get to Albanian Riviera: Tourist Guide 2024

Tirana Airport to Ksamil by Taxi

To travel from Tirana airport to Ksamil by taxi, the cost typically ranges from 150 to 180 euros, depending on the taxi company you choose.

For example, the official Tirana airport taxi service charges 210 euros for this route.

Below, you can see a price comparison of various taxi companies offering this service.

Tirana Airport to Ksamil by Bus

To get from Tirana airport to Ksamil, you’ll need to take a few different transportation steps.

Firstly, there isn’t a direct bus, so you’ll need to transfer between buses. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Start with a taxi ride from Tirana Airport to the Bus Terminal near Tirana, which typically costs between 25 to 30 euros.
2. Next, catch a bus from Tirana to Saranda. The bus fare is around 16 euros per person.
3. Finally, from Saranda, you can continue your journey to Ksamil either by bus (costs about 1.50 euros) or by taxi (which ranges from 15 to 25 euros).

Tirana Airport to Ksamil by Car

Renting a car at Tirana airport starts at around 20-30 euros per day. During July and August, which are peak months, prices go up. Make sure to research before your trip. Keep in mind that driving in Albania might be difficult for foreigners. There are two route options: a faster inland road or a scenic coastal route along the Albanian Riviera.

Read also: Best Things to Do in Vlore (Guide 2024)

How Much is a Taxi From Tirana Airport to Ksamil?

A taxi ride from Tirana airport to Ksamil typically ranges from 160 to 190 euros, depending on the taxi company you choose.

Here’s a comparison of prices charged by popular taxi companies in Tirana for this route:

Taxi From Tirana Airport to Ksamil

• City Taxi Tirana: 170 euros for a taxi from Tirana airport to Ksamil.
• Smart Taxi Tirana: 17000 Leke (160 euros) for a taxi from Tirana airport to Ksamil.
• Green Taxi Tirana: 16000 Leke (150 euros) for a taxi from Tirana airport to Ksamil.
• Tirana Taxi Company: 150 euros for a taxi from Tirana airport to Ksamil.
• Speed Taxi Tirana: 170 euros for a taxi from Tirana airport to Ksamil.
• Merr Taxi Tirana: 180 euros for a taxi from Tirana airport to Ksamil.
• Ciao Taxi Tirana: 170 euros for a taxi from Tirana airport to Ksamil.
• Tirana airport taxi service: 200 euros for a taxi from Tirana airport to Ksamil.

The Tirana Airport Taxi Service is the official taxi service at Tirana Airport. You’ll spot these taxis easily—they’re the yellow ones with the airport logo right outside the Terminal Building. Using them is definitely convenient and completely legitimate. However, they can be a bit expensive compared to other taxi options in Tirana.

Read also: How to Get From Vlore to Ksamil (2024 Guide)

How to Get From Tirana Airport to Ksamil by Bus?

To travel from Tirana airport to Ksamil by bus, you’ll need to change buses twice because there’s no direct service. There are direct buses from Tirana airport to Tirana, Durres, Fier, and Vlore, but not to Ksamil. Therefore, transferring buses is necessary to reach Ksamil. The journey starts with a trip to Saranda, a coastal town near Ksamil. Saranda is a short distance from Ksamil, about a 15-minute bus or taxi ride away.

Here’s how you can make the trip from Tirana airport to Ksamil by bus:

1: Take a taxi from Tirana Airport to the bus terminal near Tirana (costs between 25-30 euros).

2: Board a bus from Tirana to Saranda (fare is 16 euros per person).

3: Take another bus or a taxi from Saranda to Ksamil (bus fare is around 1.50 euros; taxi costs range from 15-25 euros).

Step 1: Taxi from Tirana Airport to Bus Terminal Near Tirana

Since there’s no direct bus from Tirana airport to either Ksamil or nearby Saranda, you’ll first need to reach the bus terminal near Tirana where the buses to Saranda depart.

To reach this terminal, you’ll need to take a taxi from Tirana airport, which typically costs between 25-30 euros using the official airport taxi service. Other taxi companies charge a similar rate.

The specific terminal you’re looking for is known as the “South and North Albania Bus Terminal” or “Terminali i Autobusave të Jugut dhe Veriut” in Albanian. It’s situated along the SH2 highway between Tirana airport and Tirana’s city center. You can find its location on Google Maps here: here.

Step 2: Bus From Tirana to Saranda

After arriving at the bus terminal near Tirana, you’ll catch a bus to Saranda. The ticket for this journey costs 16 euros per person.

Buses to Saranda depart regularly between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM. The schedule includes departures at 7:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 9:45 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM, and 10:00 PM.

The departure point for the bus is the “South and North Albania Bus Terminal,” situated on the outskirts of Tirana along the highway that connects Durres beach, Tirana Airport, and the city center. You can find the terminal’s location on Google Maps at this link: here.

Upon arriving in Saranda, the bus will stop at the central bus station. The bus stop is positioned on Rruga Flamurit (Flamurit Street), between Friendship Park and the archaeological ruins of the Synagogue-Basilica. Here’s the location of the bus stop in Saranda on Google Maps: here.

Step 3: Bus/Taxi From Saranda to Ksamil

Once you arrive in Saranda from Tirana, you’re almost there! Simply take a quick 15-minute bus ride or taxi to reach Ksamil.

The bus drops you off on Rruga Flamurit, nestled between Friendship Park and the Synagogue-Basilica ruins. From there, head towards the coastline. At the street’s end, you’ll find the bus stop for Ksamil.

To catch the bus to Ksamil from Saranda, head to the SOS Bar. You can locate the bus stop on Google Maps here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8GwcrwJkdZhJ4nca6

Buses from Saranda to Ksamil run frequently throughout the day, starting as early as 6:30 AM and continuing until 9:00 PM.

Tickets for the Saranda to Ksamil route cost 150 Leke (approximately 1.50 euros) per person, payable in cash. A bus attendant will collect payments on board, so have the exact amount ready, especially during busy summer periods.

The bus makes four stops in Ksamil along the main road toward Butrint. You can find their locations on Google Maps:

1st Stop: https://goo.gl/maps/2x3nAUx8ebGFoUWX9

2nd Stop: https://goo.gl/maps/ZZg5ryGUHEbcstET7

3rd Stop: https://goo.gl/maps/r9M7joTuuSisDPs47

4th Stop: https://goo.gl/maps/5WrAtBtAkNs9nuzx6

Alternatively, consider a short taxi ride from Saranda to Ksamil, which typically costs around 15-25 euros. Rates may increase during the summer, especially for tourists.

How to Get from Tirana Airport to Ksamil by Car?

To travel from Tirana airport to Ksamil, consider renting a car. Rental options at Tirana airport start at around 20-30 euros per day, but during peak tourist months like July and August, prices tend to rise, so it’s wise to plan ahead.

Read also: Exploring Ksamil, Albania: Must-Do Activities in 2024

Here’s a breakdown of rental rates from various agencies at Tirana Airport:

• iRent Albania offers a volkswagen golf 7 (2016) for 45 euro/day.
• Easy Rent Tirana’s Fiat Panda is priced at 30 euro/day.
• Hertz provides a Suzuki Ignis (2019) at 22 euro/day
• Eurocar Rentals offers a Kia Rio (2021) at 25 euro/day.
• G Rentals offers an Opel Corsa (2021) also at 20 euro/day.
• ARA Auto Rental Albania has a Fiat Punto (2018) for 25 euro/day.
• Avis Rent a Car at Tirana Airport lists an Opel Corsa (manual, 2022) for 25 euro/day.

Be mindful of the high tourist season, as availability and prices can change. Visit Tirana Airport’s website for a comprehensive list of car rental providers. Contact several agencies before your trip to compare rates and secure the best deal.

Driving in Albania can be demanding due to local driving habits, so be sure you’re comfortable behind the wheel. Avoid driving at night due to limited street lighting—safety is key.

When traveling from Tirana airport to Ksamil, you can opt for either the inland route via Durres, Lushnje, Fier, Tepelene, Kardhiq Castle, and Saranda, favored by taxis and buses, or the scenic coastal route via Durres, Lushnje, Fier, Vlore, Himare, and Saranda, which boasts stunning views along the Albanian Riviera.

What is The Closest Airport to Ksamil?

The nearest airport to Ksamil is in Corfu, a Greek island situated just off the Albanian coastline. Corfu Airport is closer to Ksamil than Tirana Airport. To reach Ksamil from Corfu Airport, you’ll need to take a ferry from Corfu to Albania.

Read also: How to Get From Ksamil to Blue Eye? (2024 Guide)

Here’s a step-by-step guide from Corfu Airport to Ksamil:

Step 1: Fly to Corfu Airport

Corfu Airport is well-connected to many European airports, with most flights operating seasonally during the summer months.

Step 2: Take a bus or taxi to the Port of Corfu

From Corfu Airport, it’s a quick 20-minute ride by bus or taxi to the Port of Corfu. A taxi costs around 22-25 euros, while a bus ticket ranges from 1.20 euros to 1.70 euros, depending on when you buy it.

Step 3: Ferry from the Port of Corfu to the Port of Saranda

Board a ferry at the Port of Corfu bound for Saranda in Albania. The ferry ride costs between 19-25 euros per person, depending on the season. The journey takes either 30 minutes (high-speed ferry) or 65 minutes (slower car ferry).

Step 4: Take a bus or taxi from the Port of Saranda to Ksamil

Upon arriving at the Port of Saranda, you can continue your journey to Ksamil by bus or taxi. A bus ticket to Ksamil costs 150 Leke (about 1.30 euros), while a taxi ride ranges from 13-25 euros. During peak tourist seasons, some taxi drivers may charge higher rates for tourists.

This step-by-step process will guide you from Corfu Airport all the way to Ksamil, making your travel experience smoother and more straightforward.

Is Ksamil Albania Worth Visiting?

Ksamil in Albania is definitely worth a visit, but the timing of your trip matters.

Known as the “pearl of the Albanian Riviera,” Ksamil boasts the most beautiful beaches in Albania, including Ksamil Beach and the Ksamil Islands. Pictures of these pristine spots with their white sand, turquoise waters, and charming islands truly resemble paradise right here in Southern Europe!

Read also: The Best Beaches in Albania near Tirana

However, it’s crucial to consider when you plan to visit. During July and August, the peak tourist season, Ksamil becomes quite crowded. Given its small size, the village quickly feels bustling and the beach access roads get jam-packed.

For a more enjoyable experience, I always recommend visiting Ksamil at the end of May, in June, or September—just before or after the busy season. This way, you can fully appreciate its tranquility and beauty without the crowds.