Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA) is Albania’s main international gateway, serving the capital city. It’s one of only two international airports in the country, and I’ve found its compact size to be a genuine advantage. Navigating through security and immigration is usually a breeze, making it quite a joy to fly in and out.
As one of the busier airports in the Balkans, TIA punches above its weight with modern facilities you’d expect from larger hubs. The airport is easily accessible from the city, and I love that Albanian hospitality is always on full display, creating a warm atmosphere not always found at other airports. Here are my tips for your next visit.
Getting to and from Tirana Airport
The main transport options for getting to and from the airport are bus, car and taxi. Buses are the only public transport option. They are budget-friendly and convenient to use, with tickets available for purchase directly on board.
Shuttle buses run between TIA and Tirana every hour, with the journey taking about 30 minutes. Buses stop behind the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Tirana, and at the bus station next to P1 parking at the airport,about a one-minute walk from the terminal exit. Direct buses also connect the airport to other Albanian cities including Durres, Fier and Vlore, operating less frequently but with plenty of departures each day if you want to start exploring the country as soon as you arrive.
Taxis and parking at TIA
When I want a little more comfort, I use a taxi service. Taxis are available at the airport and throughout the city, and while more expensive than public transport, they’re quicker than the bus and ideal if you’re traveling with luggage or in a group. Be sure to agree on a fare or ensure the meter is running before starting your journey.
The official airport taxi service is operated by Auto Holiday Albania (AHA) with online booking available through tiataxi.al, though most people still opt for regular taxis.
For those driving to the airport, there are several parking areas with covered and uncovered sections. The first five minutes are free for quick drop-offs or pickups. P1 parking is more expensive, while P2 and P3 offer cheaper rates and long-term parking by the day.
Security and check-in procedures at TIA
I’ve always found Tirana Airport to be really streamlined. If you’ve checked in online, you can use the self-service machines in the departure hall, do a quick baggage drop and proceed to passport control. On a quiet day, you can go from check-in to your gate within 20 minutes.
That said, you should still show up two to three hours before your flight, just to be sure. Summer holidays get busier and lines can lengthen considerably. For security, follow standard procedures and have your carry-on items ready for screening. I always wear easily removable footwear and avoid excessive accessories to speed up this process.
Tirana Airport layout
Tirana Airport has definitely improved since its initial construction in the 1950s. My favorite later addition is the large, modern glass building designed by Malaysian architect Hin Tan, officially completed in 2007.
TIA keeps things simple with everything under one roof. You can literally walk from one end to the other in just minutes. Upon entering the terminal, you’ll find all the check-in counters directly in front of you, followed by security and passport checks before the departure gates.
There’s also an arrivals hall to one side of the terminal for those waiting for pickups. The whole setup flows quite nicely, with efficient processes for both departures and arrivals.
Airlines flying in and out of Tirana
Most of Europe’s biggest airlines operate flights to and from Tirana, including Aegean Airlines, Air Albania, ITA Airways, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, EasyJet, Lufthansa, Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Wizz Air. There are daily flights to many popular destinations across Europe, along with regular flights to cities in Türkiye, the Middle East and the Gulf states.
TIA is a base for budget airline Wizz Air with multiple aircraft stationed here, and Ryanair has announced they’ll open a new base soon. Both offer an extensive flight schedule to cities across Europe. There are additional services in the peak summer period. But many of these low-cost flights are carry-on only, so check before jumping on board a cheap flight deal.
Food and restaurants at TIA
As it’s a relatively small airport, don’t expect a generous choice of food and be sure to plan accordingly. Near the entrance, you’ll find a KFC that always seems to have a long line. However, there’s a handful of cafes and small bars around the arrivals and check-in hall, including an American pizzeria, Albanian cafe and Italian dessert bar. I grab a coffee and gourmet snack before or after each flight.
Conad, a small market, is near check-in. Here you can grab all your favorite little snacks and drinks, plus other travel essentials for your flight if you have forgotten anything. Once you’re through to the departure gates, you’ll find a couple of coffee bars selling drinks and snacks while you wait for your flight, but keep in mind that the options are limited at this point.
Business Lounge
If you want to avoid the crowded terminal, head up to the one of my favorite spots at TIA, Business Lounge. You’ll be surprised how comfortable and spacious the lounge is, with a dedicated work space and a large seating area with comfortable furnishings.
The whole area is decorated in art pieces from Albanian folklore with indoor plants, so it’s quite a cozy place to sit for a while. You can also take advantage of the fast and free internet access, which is better than the public Wi-Fi in the terminal.
The lounge is located on the second floor on the departure side. It’s open to all frequent flyer customers and eligible VIP guests, so check with your airline whether you’re able to get access to the lounge.
Other services at Tirana International Airport
For travelers entering Albania for the first time, there are helpful services to get your holiday started on the right foot. You’ll find ATMs from banks like Tirana Bank, Raiffeisen and OTP, plus currency exchange services through Iliria 98, both after immigration (before the baggage belts) and in the main departure hall. Save time by organizing your money while waiting for your luggage to arrive on the carousel.
If you want to stay connected, mobile phone shops in the arrivals hall—including Vodafone and One Albania—offer local SIM cards with data bundles for foreign nationals, helping you avoid expensive roaming charges. Free Wi-Fi is also available across the whole terminal. It’s easy to select and log on without hassle, though I’ve found it can be slow at times.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
