Getting From Tirana to Ksamil: It’s Simpler Than You Think!

Albania might look small on a map, but navigating between cities takes a bit of planning. While the trip down south can feel daunting, making the journey from Tirana to Ksamil is actually much simpler than you think, especially with the tips I’ll be sharing.

Having travelled this route myself, I’ve put together this guide so you can handle the logistics with total confidence.

PS: I’ve added a couple of recommendations on where to stay in Ksamil throughout, just in case this guide convinces you to stay overnight!

Driving from Tirana to Ksamil: Renting a car and the best routes

Renting a car is undoubtedly the most efficient way to travel from Tirana to Ksamil, and from our own experience, it certainly makes for an eventful journey. While we picked up our vehicle directly at Tirana International Airport, you will also find plenty of reputable car rental companies located within the city centre if you are starting your journey from there.

That said, we learned the hard way that the platform you use matters much more than the actual rental company. The first time we ever rented a car, we booked through a major airline platform. When we arrived at the local rental desk, we were told the insurance we had already paid for online didn’t count, forcing us to pay a second time.

Since switching to QEEQ for our car rentals, we’ve never had issues with local operators. In fact, their Worry-Free Service Guarantee specifically protects you from aggressive upselling at the desk, making the entire pickup process completely seamless.

The journey to Ksamil

By car, the journey is the quickest option, taking just under four hours. There is essentially one main route to Ksamil, and while the roads are entirely paved, you will need to keep an eye out for occasional potholes. Interestingly, these tend to accumulate in the right-hand driving lane, so don’t be surprised if you see locals cruising in the left overtaking lane even when the right lane is empty.

You should also be prepared for local driving habits. Overtaking at any opportunity is standard practice here, so stay alert. Additionally, make sure to strictly follow the speed limits; the traffic police are active along this route. Fortunately, when you book through QEEQ, they should send you a handy driving guide ahead of your trip, with Albanian road rules.

Day trips from Tirana to Ksamil

This is the most stress-free way for a day trip to Ksamil, and the ideal way if you want to avoid hours of planning the trip.

These are the two day trips we recommend, which can actually be cheaper than travelling independently. That said, you can also arrange a private day trip to Saranda, Ksamil, and the Blue Eye, which are three of the main attractions in the south of Albania. Make sure you don’t leave Ksamil with things you regret missing.

Private transfer from Tirana to Ksamil

This will be the most expensive option. That said, it is undoubtedly the most comfortable, since you can just sit back and relax.

Given the long distance, you definitely want to pre-book online and avoid haggling with taxi drivers on the spot. We have two recommendations, and they are both pretty much the same price:

• GetYourGuide (€250 one-way). It is important to note that pickup is exclusively from Tirana International Airport. If you are already staying in the city centre, this service won’t be suitable for you. Additionally, booking a round-trip transfer requires making two entirely separate transactions, which is slightly less convenient if you prefer a single booking.

• WelcomePickups (around €255 one-way or €493 return). This is personally our top recommendation, as it gives you the flexibility to choose your exact pickup and drop-off locations. Plus, being able to book your return transfer all at once makes the entire process incredibly convenient and stress-free.

Public bus from Tirana to Ksamil

This is the budget option, and easily the slowest. Realistically, it can take anywhere between 6 and 7 hours to get from Tirana to Ksamil.

One important thing to keep in mind is that there are no direct buses from Tirana to Ksamil. Instead, you’ll need to catch a bus heading down to Saranda or Durres first, and then transfer to a local bus for the last leg of the trip.

• From Tirana Airport
  • Option 1: Step 1: Catch a taxi or the bus from the airport to the South North Albanian Bus Terminal. Step 2: Buy a ticket in person for a bus to Sarande. It runs several times daily and costs around €15-20 (be aware this timetable may have changed: 5:30 AM, 7:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 9:45 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 14:15, 16:00 and 22:00). Step 3: From Sarande, take a local bus or taxi to Ksamil, which will take around 20 minutes and will cost €2 for a bus or €10-15 for a taxi.
  • Option 2: Step 1: Bus from Tirana airport to Vlore (2.5 hours and costs €12-€15). Step 2: Bus from Vlore to Saranda (2-3 hours and costs €10). Step 3: Bus from Saranda to Ksamil (15-30 min and costs around €2)
• From the city
  • Follow steps 2 and 3 in option 1.

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