Tour Guide, Tirana, Albania
| 4 mins read
Why Use Public Transport in Albania?
You might be wondering why you should use public transport in Albania when you can rent a car or join a tour group. Well, there are several reasons why public transport can be a great option for your Albania trip:
It’s cheap: Public transport in Albania is very affordable compared to other European countries. You can travel across the country for a few euros and save money for other expenses.
It’s eco-friendly: By using public transport, you are reducing your carbon footprint and helping the environment. Albania is a beautiful country with diverse ecosystems, and it deserves to be preserved.
It’s authentic: By using public transport, you are experiencing Albania like a local. You will get to see the real life of the people, interact with them, and learn more about their culture and history. You will also witness some amazing scenery along the way that you might miss if you travel by car.
It’s adventurous: By using public transport, you are adding some spice to your Albania trip. You will face some challenges, such as language barriers, delays, or changes in plans, but you will also have some fun and memorable stories to tell. You will never know what to expect, and that’s part of the charm of Albania.
Types of Public Transport in Albania
There are four main types of public transport in Albania: bus, train, ferry, and taxi. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your destination, budget, and preference. Here is a brief overview of each type:
Bus
The bus is the most common and convenient way of getting around Albania. There are buses that connect almost every city and town in the country. They’re usually minibuses or vans, called furgons in Albanian, that can fit up to 15 passengers. The buses are usually comfortable and air-conditioned. They usually leave when they are full or when the driver decides to go. The buses stop frequently along the way to pick up or drop off passengers or to take a break. Buses are the fastest and cheapest way of travelling between cities, but they can also be unpredictable and unreliable.
Taxi & Shuttles
Taxi is another option for travelling within Albania, but it is only recommended for short distances or specific situations. There are taxis that operate in every city and town in the country, as well as in some of the rural areas. The taxis are usually cars or vans that can fit up to 4 passengers. They are operated by licensed drivers, who can be found at designated taxi stands or hailed on the street. The taxis are usually metered and regulated, but they can also be negotiated and bargained. They run on demand, but they can also be reserved or called in advance. Taxis are the most flexible and comfortable way of travelling within Albania, but they can also be the most expensive and risky.
How to Plan Your Trip with Public Transport in Albania
Planning your trip with public transport in Albania can be a challenge, but it can also be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips and resources that can help you plan your trip:
Do your research: Before you travel, do some research on the destinations, routes, and schedules of public transport in Albania. You can try to find online information in order to find and compare the options and prices of the buses, trains, and ferries in Albania. You can also ask locals when you are here. You can also use offline sources, such as guidebooks, maps, or local contacts, to get more information and recommendations, but be aware that these might be outdated.
Be flexible: When you travel, be flexible and adaptable to the changing situations and circumstances of public transport in Albania. You might encounter some delays, cancellations, or changes in plans, but don’t let them ruin your trip. Instead, embrace them as part of the adventure and look for alternative solutions or opportunities. You might discover something new or unexpected or meet some interesting people along the way.
Be prepared: You might need some essentials, such as water, snacks, toilet paper, or headphones, to make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable. You might also need some extras, such as a book, a camera, or a pillow, to make your journey more fun and memorable. You might also need some backups, such as cash, a phone, or a map, to make your journey more safe and secure.