Tirana International Airport, officially known as Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA), is the main air gateway into Albania. It serves as the arrival point for most international travelers visiting the country for tourism, business, or family visits. This Tirana Airport guide offers a complete overview to help you navigate the airport, understand your transportation options, and begin your Albanian journey with ease and confidence.
Whether you’re arriving for a short city break, a coastal escape, or a road trip across Albania, this guide provides all the information you need from arrival to departure.
Location and Accessibility
Tirana International Airport is located approximately 17 kilometers northwest of Tirana city center. Travel time to the capital varies between 20 to 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The airport is situated near the village of Rinas, which is why it is often referred to simply as “Rinas Airport” by locals.
Tirana Airport is the only international airport in the country and connects Albania with major destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
Airport Layout and Facilities
Tirana Airport has a single terminal, which handles both arrivals and departures. The layout is easy to navigate, even for first-time visitors.
Facilities and Services Available:
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Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
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ATMs and currency exchange desks
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Car rental desks including OB Car Rent
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Duty-free shops and travel essentials
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Cafes, snack bars, and restaurants
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SIM card providers (Vodafone, One, Albtelecom)
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Lost and found office
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Luggage wrapping service
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Information desk with multilingual staff
The terminal is clean, organized, and compact, which ensures a stress-free arrival experience.
Entry Requirements and Customs
Albania offers visa-free entry for many countries, including all EU member states, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and several others. Visitors are typically allowed to stay in Albania for up to 90 days without a visa. However, travel requirements may change, so it is important to check the latest guidelines from the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your airline before flying.
After disembarking, passengers will proceed through passport control, then collect their baggage. Customs procedures are typically smooth, but random checks may occur.
Transportation Options from Tirana Airport
Once you exit the arrivals terminal, you have several options for reaching your destination.
Car Rental (Recommended Option)
Renting a car is the most flexible and convenient way to explore Albania, especially for travelers planning to visit multiple cities, beaches, or mountainous regions.
At Tirana Airport, OB Car Rent offers direct airport pickup and drop-off services. Booking in advance through obrentcar.com guarantees vehicle availability and competitive rates. The benefits of booking with OB Car Rent include:
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A wide selection of vehicles for all travel styles
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Comprehensive insurance coverage
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No hidden fees or deposits
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24/7 pickup and customer support
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English-speaking assistance
This is the ideal option for tourists looking to maximize their freedom while traveling in Albania.
Taxi Service
Official taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal. Fares to the city center range from 20 to 25 euros. The trip takes about 25 minutes, depending on traffic. Always confirm the fare before departure. Avoid accepting rides from unofficial taxi drivers.
Airport Shuttle Bus
The Rinas Express shuttle bus operates hourly from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM between the airport and Tirana. The journey takes around 30 minutes and costs approximately 400 Albanian Lek (about 4 euros). The final stop is near Skanderbeg Square in central Tirana.
SIM Cards and Connectivity
To stay connected during your trip, purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival is highly recommended. Mobile data coverage in Albania is excellent, even in rural areas.
Major mobile operators with service desks at the airport include:
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Vodafone Albania
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One Telecommunications
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Albtelecom
Each provider offers prepaid tourist packages with internet, local minutes, and international calls. You will need your passport to register a new SIM card.
Currency and Payments
The official currency of Albania is the Albanian Lek (ALL). While some businesses in Tirana may accept euros, it is best to have Lek for daily transactions. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, but using ATMs is usually more cost-effective.
Most major credit and debit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets. However, smaller businesses may require cash payments.
Flight Connections and Airlines
Tirana Airport is served by a range of international airlines offering regular flights to and from Europe and beyond. Some of the key carriers include:
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Lufthansa (Germany)
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Wizz Air (Europe-wide)
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Ryanair (Europe-wide)
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Turkish Airlines (Istanbul)
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Air Albania (National carrier)
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ITA Airways (Italy)
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Austrian Airlines
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British Airways (seasonal)
Common destinations include Rome, Milan, Vienna, Frankfurt, Munich, Istanbul, and London.
Luggage and Lost & Found
Baggage claim is located immediately after passport control. The process is typically quick due to the airport’s manageable size.
If your luggage does not arrive, the Lost & Found office is located near the exit of the baggage claim area. Make sure to keep your luggage receipt tag, as it will be required to file a report.
Nearby Destinations and Suggested Itineraries
Tirana Airport’s central location makes it easy to explore Albania. After picking up your rental car from OB Car Rent, consider visiting:
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Tirana City Center: Albania’s capital offers museums, restaurants, and nightlife. Travel time is around 25 minutes.
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Durrës: A historic coastal city with sandy beaches, only 35 minutes away.
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Shkodër: A scenic northern town near the Albanian Alps, about 2 hours away.
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Berat: A UNESCO-listed city known for its Ottoman architecture, roughly 2 hours south.
For travelers with more time, road trips to the Albanian Riviera or the mountains of Valbona offer unforgettable views and cultural experiences.
Tips for First-Time Travelers to Albania
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English is spoken in most tourist areas, but learning a few Albanian phrases is appreciated.
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Driving is generally safe, but exercise caution in rural regions.
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Avoid drinking tap water; bottled water is widely available.
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Tipping is not mandatory but is welcomed (5–10% at restaurants is standard).
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Respect local customs, especially when visiting religious or historical sites.
Why Choose OB Car Rent for Your Albanian Journey
OB Car Rent is committed to making your travel experience smooth and stress-free from the moment you land. We provide:
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Transparent pricing and no hidden costs
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Vehicles suitable for all types of terrain and travel
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Immediate airport pickup and return options
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Simple online booking and customer-first policies
As a locally operated company, we understand the needs of international visitors and offer personalized support to ensure a great start to your Albanian adventure.
Visit obrentcar.com today to reserve your vehicle and travel with confidence.
Final Thoughts
This Tirana Airport Guide equips you with everything you need to start your trip to Albania smoothly. From airport services to transport tips and essential travel advice, our goal is to help you prepare confidently and comfortably.
Whether you are traveling for leisure, exploration, or business, Tirana International Airport is your gateway to a unique and welcoming country. For flexibility and convenience, renting a car with OB Car Rent is the best way to explore Albania at your own pace.