Daily buses from at least three bus companies plough the route from the Greek capital, Athens, to the Albanian one, Tirana. They also serve other Albanian cities along the route. In this blog post, we explain how much the tickets cost, where to buy them and what to expect from the journey.
We like to go slow. When we travel, we relish every stop along the way. But sometimes, necessity dictates a different approach. I needed to get from Greece to Albania to make a story about a Belgian NGO’s work in cleaning up rivers. Although there are daily flights from Athens to Tirana, the idea of flying to a neighbouring country felt decadent and not very environmentally sound. With no train connections between the two countries, one option remained: the bus.
Where to buy bus tickets from Athens to Tirana?
At least three bus travel operators make the journey from Athens to Tirana: Top Lines, Star Travel, and Alb Trans. The former seems to have an option to buy tickets online nowadays – not sure if it already existed when we made the trip. A few days before our intended departure, we simply took a metro to Metaxourgeio Square, the area from which international buses leave. Multiple offices sell the tickets – to Albania, but also to other countries. The square serves as a hub for Balkan-bound travellers, offering tickets to Bulgaria, Serbia, Turkey, and North Macedonia. We bought our tickets at Eleana Tours.
How much do bus tickets from Athens to Tirana cost?
In May 2022, a one-way ticket from Athens to Tirana cost €40. That price also applies to other destinations along the way (Gjirokastër, Fier, Durrës, Vlora) – because you take up a seat in the bus, regardless of how far you travel. For reference, flights were over €100 at that time.
Where does the bus depart?
The bus from Athens to Tirana from the vibrant Metaxourgeio square, but make sure to ask the ticket office where exactly you need to wait. Take advantage of the surrounding restaurants for one last taste of Greek cuisine before embarking on your Albanian adventure. As you wait for your bus, you’ll start to feel the atmosphere of Albania. You’ll notice men wearing all black and sporting hats. The bus is predominantly occupied by Albanians; it’s uncommon to find Greeks travelling on this route.
How was the bus ride?
- The bus was modern, with A/C and wifi (although I didn’t check the latter). It left and arrived more or less on schedule.
- Expect music to be played on the bus. Earbuds are a wise idea if you want to try to sleep early.
- Yet, don’t anticipate a restful slumber. Each stop is loudly announced, ensuring you’re well aware of the progress, with a midnight border crossing adding to the excitement.
- Albania and Greece occupy different time zones. Time adjustments at the border mean you’ll gain an hour.
- The bus makes a few stops at roadside restaurants for breaks, where you’ll see men hastily puffing on cigarettes, women lining up for the restrooms, and both gorging on large plates of pilaf.
- Our bus was quite full. If you’re travelling alone, you might end up sitting next to a fellow passenger.
- After ten hours on the bus, somewhere near Durrës, the sun rose beautifully on the horizon.
Where does the bus arrive?
Finally, after twelve hours, we entered Tirana. Please note that the bus arrives at the international bus station. Not at the busier regional bus station, from where buses depart to various destinations across Albania. The latter is pictured in the header, as I didn’t take any pictures at the international bus terminal.
Is it worth it to take the bus from Athens to Tirana?
For us, yes. The longer journey was outweighed by the gains for the climate. And while flying may seem like the obvious choice, opting for the bus not only saves you money but also offers a unique, local experience. Hop on board and let the adventure begin!