How to get from Tirana to Budva: all about bus, taxi and car

The route from Tirana to Budva has become one of the most popular among those exploring the Balkans. Travelers often choose this route to combine a holiday in Albania with the resorts of Montenegro. The distance between the cities is about 180 kilometers, and the journey can take from 4 to 6 hours – depending on the mode of travel. You can get from Tirana to Budva by bus, taxi or rented car, each option has its advantages. Such a trip gives the opportunity to see two countries at once and feel the atmosphere of the real south of Europe.

How to get from Tirana to Budva

Travel between Tirana and Budva can be organized in several ways. Each option has its own characteristics – from cost to level of comfort and freedom of movement. Everything depends on the budget, schedule and desire to visit interesting places along the way.

Ways to get from Tirana to Budva:

1. Bus
   The most economical and popular way. Buses depart from the main bus station in Tirana, run several times a day, and the journey takes from 5 to 6 hours. Tickets can be bought on site or online, and cost from 20 to 30 euros.
2. Taxi
   Fast and comfortable, but more expensive. A taxi ride will cost around 120-150 euros. You can negotiate with local drivers or book a transfer in advance online. Travel time is around 4-5 hours, depending on the traffic at the border.
3. Car rental
   Suitable for those who want flexibility and stops along the way. Car rental in Tirana starts from 30 euros per day, but do not forget to check whether it is allowed to cross the border. The trip by car will take about 4 hours, and on the way you can stop, for example, in Shkodra or Lake Skadar.

The choice of transport depends on what is more important to you – savings, comfort or freedom of movement. A bus is a good budget option, a taxi is for those who value convenience, and a rental car is for independent travelers. The Tirana – Budva route is popular, and regardless of the method of getting there, it will give you beautiful landscapes and interesting impressions.

Advice: when renting a car, check whether international insurance coverage is included – without it, you won’t be able to cross the border.

Bus from Tirana to Budva

The bus is one of the most affordable ways to get from Tirana to Budva. The route is used by tourists and locals, especially in the summer season. The trip takes several hours, but it allows you to save money and not worry about parking or navigation.

Information about buses:

1. Schedule
   Buses from Tirana to Budva depart daily, usually in the morning or around midday. The most reliable companies are Old Town Travel, Eurobus and others, especially during the tourist season from May to September.
2. Departures
   Buses depart from Tirana’s main bus station (Regional Bus Terminal South and North Albania ). It is located a little outside the city, but is easily accessible by taxi or local transport.
3. Ticket price
   The price varies from 20 to 30 euros depending on the carrier. Some companies include luggage in the ticket. You can pay in cash at the station ticket office, online or from the driver if there are free seats.
4. Travel duration
   Travel time is 5 to 6 hours, including border crossing. Delays are possible during high season, especially at checkpoints.
5. Where to buy a ticket
   Tickets are sold at the station ticket offices, on the official websites of carriers, and also through services such as Gjirafa Travel or BusTicket4.me.

The bus is perfect for those who want to get from Tirana to Budva inexpensively and without hassle. You won’t have to worry about parking or navigation, and you can enjoy the views of the mountains and coastline along the way. The main thing is to check the schedule and buy a ticket in advance, especially in the summer when the routes are busy.

Interesting fact: in summer, tickets for the direct bus from Tirana to Budva sometimes sell out within 24 hours – don’t leave your purchase until the last minute.

Taxi ride

A taxi ride from Tirana to Budva is a convenient and fast way to get to your destination. This option is suitable for those who do not want to depend on the bus schedule and value comfort. The cost is higher than other options, but the travel time is reduced.

Cost and features of taxi:

1. Cost
   The average price for a taxi ride from Tirana to Budva is between 120 and 150 euros. The rate may vary depending on the season, time of day and carrier company.
2. Taxi services
   You can order a taxi through international services, such as Bolt, as well as local companies and private drivers. Transfers are often booked in advance online through websites or applications.
3. Travel time The
   taxi journey takes approximately 4-5 hours depending on road conditions and border crossing time.
4. Travel comfort
   Taxi allows you to travel without transfers, with comfort and the possibility of stopping at the passenger’s discretion. This is the best option for those who travel with large luggage or in a group.

When choosing a taxi, you should consider the higher price compared to a bus, but the trip will be comfortable and fast. For tourists who value comfort and speed, this is an excellent choice. It is better to order a transfer in advance, especially during the peak season, to avoid problems with the availability of cars.

Advice: agree on a price with the driver in advance to avoid overpayments and unpleasant surprises.

Car rental

Renting a car is a great way to explore the route from Tirana to Budva and the surrounding area on your own. This option gives you freedom of movement, the opportunity to stop in picturesque places and plan your time at your own discretion. However, it is worth considering the peculiarities of crossing the border and the condition of the roads.

Key points of car rental:

1. Where to rent
   You can rent a car from major rental companies such as Europcar, Sixt, Hertz, as well as from local agencies in Tirana. It is recommended to book a car in advance through official websites or aggregators.
2. Rental price
   Rental prices start from 30 euros per day and depend on the class of the car, rental period and season. Insurance and border crossing fees may be charged additionally.
3. Rental conditions
   To arrange a rental, you will need a passport, an international driver’s license and a credit card. It is important to check in advance whether it is allowed to drive a rented car from Albania to Montenegro.
4. Border crossing and road conditions
   Delays are possible at the border due to document and insurance checks. Roads along the route vary from good highways to bumpy sections, especially in the mountains. It is important to be careful and follow the traffic rules.

Renting a car is suitable for those who want to manage their own route and not depend on the transport schedule. With proper preparation and planning, this is a very convenient option. It is important to take into account the rules for crossing the border and the condition of the roads so that the trip goes smoothly.

Advice: check with the rental company about international insurance and permission to enter Montenegro to avoid fines and troubles at the border.

Border control

The border crossing between Albania and Montenegro is usually smooth, especially for European citizens and tourists with biometric passports. However, in summer there may be delays due to the tourist flow. Having documents prepared in advance and staying calm at the border will help save time.

How to pass border control:

1. Prepare documents
   You will need a passport (preferably biometric). If you are traveling by car, you will also need documents for the car, insurance (green card) and permission to leave the rental country, if the car is rented.
2. Keep track of the deadlines
   Check the expiration date of your passport – it must be valid for at least 3 months after entry. Make sure that there are no restrictions on exit or entry if you have a residence permit in one of the countries.
3. Consider the season
   Queues are possible during the summer and on holidays. It is better to leave in the morning and avoid weekends when the flow of cars and buses is especially large.
4. Drivers and passengers
   All passengers are required to pass passport control. The driver may additionally be asked to present documents for the car or luggage.
5. Behavior at the border
   Be polite, answer calmly, do not get out of the car unless necessary. The questions are usually standard – purpose of the trip, length of stay, route.

Border control between Albania and Montenegro is not difficult if you follow the basic rules. Seasonal delays do occur, but with the right approach they can be avoided. It is better to prepare in advance so that the trip goes smoothly and without unnecessary stress.

Advice: if you rent a car, remind the rental company in advance to obtain permission to travel abroad – without it they may not let you out.

What to see along the way

If you drive from Tirana to Budva by car, you will come across beautiful places along the way that are worth including in the route. Balkan landscapes, ancient cities and lakes make the road not just a drive, but a real journey. Stops will add vivid impressions and give you the opportunity to rest a little.

What to see along the way:

1. Shkoder
   An ancient Albanian city almost on the border with Montenegro. Here you can visit the Rozafa fortress with a view of the city and the river, and also stroll through the cozy historical center.
2. Lake Skadar
   Partially located in Albania and Montenegro. Along the way, you can stop at viewpoints or take a boat ride. It is the largest lake in the Balkans and an important natural area.
3. Scenic routes
   If you don’t drive directly, but through mountainous areas, you will have stunning views of valleys, villages and lakes. The roads around Skadar and along the border are especially beautiful.
4. Local cafes and farms
   Along the route there are authentic cafes with home cooking. Some farms offer fresh products – honey, cheese, fruit.
5. The Boyana River
   Not far from the border flows the picturesque Boyana River, along which you can make a short stop or take a photo on the bridge.

The route between Tirana and Budva can become a bright part of the trip if you spend some time at places along the way. Such stops will not take much time, but will fill the trip with atmosphere and colors. The landscapes of the Balkans will definitely remain in your memory for a long time.

Advice: leave with plenty of time to spare so you don’t have to rush and can calmly make at least a couple of stops – especially at Lake Skadar.

What to see in Budva

Budva is one of the most popular resorts in Montenegro and a great end to a trip from Tirana. This city combines ancient architecture, clean beaches and an active nightlife. Even a short visit to Budva will leave a lot of impressions.

What to see in Budva:

1. Old Town of Budva
   Narrow streets, medieval walls, churches and cozy squares. A great place for a walk and atmospheric photos.
2. The beaches
   Slavyansky Beach and Mogren are the most famous. Clean sea, sun loungers, bars nearby. There are also more secluded areas behind the rocks.
3. Citadel
   Located in the old city, the citadel offers stunning views of the coast. Inside there is a museum and an observation deck.
4. Nightlife
   Budva is famous for its clubs, bars and live music on the coast. It is especially fun in the summer when a lot of young people come.
5. Embankment
   A nice place for an evening stroll. Lots of cafes, street performers, souvenirs. You can take a sea excursion right in the port.
6. St. Nicholas Island
   You can reach the island by boat in 5-10 minutes. It is quiet, there are beaches and small paths.

Budva is perfect for both active and relaxing holidays. It is not only the final destination from Tirana, but also an opportunity to stop for a couple of days and enjoy the Adriatic. There is something for everyone here – the sea, history, parties or solitude.

Advice: during the season it is better to book accommodation in advance – Budva fills up with tourists very quickly.

Useful tips

When is the best time to travel from Tirana to Budva?
The most comfortable time is from May to September. At this time, the sea is warm, sunny and all routes and services work. In spring and autumn, there are fewer tourists and the heat is milder.

Do you need insurance?
Formally, no, but for peace of mind and coverage of unforeseen events (medicine, border, car breakdown) it is better to arrange it in advance.

Where is it better to change money?
In Albania – in exchange offices, in Montenegro – in banks or official points. The currency of Montenegro is the euro. It is better not to change at the border – the rate is unfavorable.

Is it possible to cross the border with a rented car?
Yes, but it is important to check with the rental company in advance whether it is allowed to leave the country and whether insurance coverage is included in Montenegro.

Is there roaming between Albania and Montenegro?
Yes, especially if you have an Albanian SIM card. It is better to find out the conditions from the operator in advance or buy a local SIM card in Montenegro.

Is there a language barrier?
In Albania, Albanian and a little English are spoken, in Montenegro – Serbian and English. In tourist areas there are usually no problems.

Do I need a visa?
EU and Ukrainian citizens do not need a visa to travel between Albania and Montenegro. It is important to have a valid passport.

How to avoid getting into trouble when crossing the border?
Don’t lose your immigration papers (if they give you one), don’t joke about smuggling, prepare your documents in advance and don’t argue with border guards.

Traveling from Tirana to Budva is not just a move, but a whole adventure through two countries, filled with the beauty of the Balkans, new impressions and bright stops. Regardless of the chosen method, the route promises to be rich and memorable. Prepare in advance – and the road will bring not troubles, but pleasure.