Ad: this article contains partner links.

A journey that begins before you leave

Anyone considering Albania often pictures it already at the airport, at the early-morning departure: what it will be like to arrive, step out into the summer air and see the sea for the first time. Before that happens, it helps to know how to get there. You are not alone in this: people travelling to Albania for the first time often ask the same questions.

In this article we look at how to reach Durrës from Budapest, what to pay attention to before the trip, and what is worth taking with you.

By air from Budapest to Tirana

The simplest route is the Budapest–Tirana flight. Travel search sites show direct flights by several airlines (for example Ryanair and Wizz Air), and the flight time is roughly an hour and a half. The timetable changes with the season, so always check the current flights on the airlines’ websites before booking.

What to look out for when booking:

• the rules for cabin baggage and checked luggage differ from airline to airline, so read the conditions before booking;
• prices depend on the season and on when you book, so it is worth comparing several dates.

From the airport to Durrës

From Tirana airport you can continue in several ways: taxi, bus and transfer services are all available (according to the airport’s official website), and you can also rent a car on site. One transfer provider quotes about 35 minutes for the trip between the airport and Durrës. This may vary depending on traffic and the mode you choose.

If you would like to clarify before you arrive how you will get to your accommodation, it is worth arranging this before departure and asking your host in advance as well.

Entering Albania: what to check before you go

For a short tourist trip, citizens of many countries can enter Albania without a visa. In every case, check the exact conditions in an official source before you leave.

• Passport: according to the Albanian foreign ministry, a visa-free traveller needs a travel document that remains valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure.
• ID card, length of stay, travelling via Kosovo: for these, consult the Albania page of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Consular Service, because the rules may change.

If you plan to spend a longer period in Albania, or to buy property, ask a specialist about the residence rules. We are happy to help so that you know whom to turn to.

If you have a free day

Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a popular day trip from Tirana. An organised full-day tour also visits Lake Belshi.

If you are coming to view a property

If you are travelling to Albania to view a property, you do not have to set out alone. We will discuss what you would like to see and agree the time with the local partner. We can guide you through the process, and if anything is unclear, feel free to ask.

Write to us on the Contact page

Advertisement: this article contains partner links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.