Airports
Flying to Albania in 2027 — Tirana (TIA) and the new Vlorë airport, plus how to reach the Riviera.
Tirana International (TIA, "Nënë Tereza") is Albania's main gateway and for now the only airport with scheduled flights from Romania — Wizz Air flies Bucharest–Tirana several times a week, around 1h45 in the air. From TIA it's a 4–5 hour drive or transfer south to the Riviera (Sarandë/Ksamil), so many beach travellers instead fly to Corfu and take the 30-minute ferry to Sarandë.
The new Vlorë International on the mid-coast is the one to watch for 2027 — once it runs regular flights it will cut the transfer to the Riviera dramatically. Check current schedules before you book, and see the "getting here" guide for the drive from Romania and airport-to-beach transfers.
Tirana3.6Tirana International Airport — Nënë Tereza
Twenty minutes north of central Tirana at Rinas, Nënë Tereza is Albania's main gateway, and the numbers back the reputation: 3.6 stars across nearly 6,750 reviews, with travellers repeatedly praising the airy modern terminal, its distinctive metal-lattice facade and the mountain backdrop framing the runway. Security and passport control move briskly here. The friction shows at the edges — taxis drop off behind the building via a ramp, the departure hall gets crowded around midday, and seating runs short for the frequent pre-dawn charter departures to the coast.
Vlorë3.0Vlorë International Airport
Still rising on the flat coastal plain outside Akërni, Vlorë's new international airport sits inside one of the most contested landscapes in the Riviera's transformation: the Vjosë-Narta lagoon, a stopover on the Adriatic Flyway where flamingos gather and migratory birds rest between Europe and Africa. Conservationists have pushed back hard since construction began, wary of what expanded tourism might mean for the wetland. None of that changes the practical picture — commercial flights are slated for 2026, putting the coast roughly half an hour from touchdown for the first time.
Kukës International Airport — Zayed
Kukës International Airport sits in the mountainous northeast of Albania, closer to the Kosovo border than to any coastal resort, and its Zayed name points to the international backing behind a runway built for a region otherwise reliant on a long, winding drive from Tirana. The status here reads limited for a reason: expect a handful of seasonal or charter departures rather than a daily timetable. For hikers bound for Valbona or the Accursed Mountains trailheads, though, it can shave hours off the journey — don't plan on much beyond a check-in counter and a quiet gate.
Plan your trip
Everything you need to get here and get around — vetted partners, booked in a tap.
Book your Albania adventure today
Tours, activities and hotels — all with free cancellation and best-price guarantee. Book now, pay later.
Guided Tours
Day trips, boat tours, food walks and hidden gems in Albania. Skip the line, book ahead.
Browse tours on ViatorTop Activities
Water sports, wine tasting, cooking classes and local experiences in Albania.
Explore on GetYourGuideBook Your Hotel
Compare prices from Booking.com, Airbnb, Hotels.com & VRBO on one map.
Find your perfect stayAffiliate links — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps keep myAlbania.online free.
Explore more in Albania
Travel guides & tips
All articles →
Common questions about airports
How do I get from Tirana airport to the city?
Three options: Rinas Express bus (€5, every hour, ~30 min, drops at Skanderbeg Square), official taxi (€15–25 fixed price, 25 min), or Bolt app (€12–18, works at the airport). Avoid unmarked drivers offering rides outside the terminal — stick to the official taxi rank.
When does Vlorë airport open?
Commercial flights are scheduled to start in 2026. Once operational, Vlorë will halve transfer times to the southern Riviera (Sarandë and Ksamil drop from 4h to 2.5h via TIA). Watch for charter routes from Italy, Germany and the UK opening first.
Can I rent a car at Tirana airport?
Yes — Hertz, Sixt, Avis, Europcar and several local rentals have desks in the arrivals hall. Off-season prices start €25/day, rising to €40–60 in August. Manual transmission is cheaper. Always inspect the car for existing damage before signing.