Taxi
Travelers can opt for taxi services available at Mother Teresa Airport or various points within Tirana. The journey to Vlore typically takes around two hours.
Bus
Direct buses between Tirana International Airport (Rinas) and Vlorë cost approximately €12 (1,200 Lek) one way. From Rinas to Vlorë, buses depart at 03:30, 11:00, 12:30, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00, 22:15, and 00:45. From Vlorë to Rinas, departures are at 01:30, 03:30, 06:00, 07:00, 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, and 20:00.
Rental Car
Renting a car in Tirana is one of the easiest ways to reach Vlorë and explore the Albanian Riviera at your own pace. Rental cars are widely available both at Tirana International Airport and in the city centre. The drive to Vlorë takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic, and follows a straightforward route south. Having your own car also makes it much easier to visit nearby beaches, Zvernec Island, the Karaburun area, and other coastal attractions during your stay.
Sea Routes
Vlorë can also be reached by sea, making the journey part of the experience rather than simply something to get through. Ferries connect Vlorë with Brindisi in southern Italy, offering travellers a scenic alternative to flying or driving. Another option is to arrive through the Port of Durrës, approximately 124 km from Vlorë, and continue south by car, taxi, or bus. It is a slightly more adventurous arrival — and considerably more memorable than staring at an airport baggage carousel.
Border to Greece
From Vlorë, travellers heading to Greece can continue by road through two main border crossings. Kakavijë, around 157 km from Vlorë, is one of the busiest Albania–Greece crossings and provides convenient access towards destinations such as Ioannina and other parts of northern Greece. Qafë Botë, approximately 148 km away, is another useful option, particularly for travellers heading towards the Ionian coast and northwestern Greece. Both routes make it easy to combine an Albanian Riviera trip with a few days across the border — because apparently one beautiful coastline is sometimes not enough.
Future Accessibility
Vlorë is also preparing to welcome its own international airport, bringing the Albanian Riviera even closer to travellers from abroad. Vlorë International Airport has already completed its first certification flight, although regular commercial passenger services have not yet begun and the airport’s official website still lists it as “coming soon.” Once operational, it is expected to make reaching Vlorë and southern Albania considerably easier, meaning less time on the road and more time deciding which beach to do absolutely nothing on.
Tour Operators
If you want to explore Vlorë, its beaches, nearby islands, or historic sites, the Lungomare is a good place to start. Along the promenade you will find numerous local tour operators offering boat trips, excursions, transfers, and guided experiences around the region. You can simply take an evening stroll, compare the options, and book whatever adventure appeals to you most — which is a pleasantly civilised way of organising a holiday.
Rent the Azar Boat
At Azar, we also offer private boat tours with a captain included, available as half-day or full-day experiences. It is an easy way to discover hidden beaches, caves, and some of the most beautiful spots along the Vlorë coastline without worrying about navigation. For availability, routes, and prices, simply ask at reception — the only difficult part is deciding how long you want to stay at sea.
Transportation in Vlora
Public Transportation
Getting around Vlorë by city bus is a practical and budget-friendly option, even if traffic during the high season occasionally has other plans. Each bus displays its route name in the front window, making it easier to know where you are heading. Services generally operate throughout the week on regular loops, although journey times can vary depending on traffic. A one-way ticket costs around 40 Lek per passenger and is usually collected by an attendant on board, while children under 10 travel free.
Interurban
Daily bus services connect Vlorë with destinations across Albania, making it easy to continue your journey north, south, or along the coast. Popular routes include Vlorë to Tirana, often passing through Fier, Lushnjë, and Kavajë, as well as direct services to Tirana International Airport. Travellers can also reach Sarandë via the coastal route, Gjirokastër through inland towns and villages, and nearby destinations such as Fier, Himarë, Tepelenë, and Orikum. Schedules can vary depending on the season and traffic, so it is always worth checking departure times before setting off.
Orikum Marina
Just 16 kilometers away from the city and 25 kilometers from the airport (under construction), lies the Orikum Marina, a private port serving for anchoring tourist vessels. Managed by an Italian company, Orikum Marina offers around 70 anchoring spots for yachts up to 15 meters in length and with a depth of up to 2.5 meters. It is also designed as a residence with 59 apartments, service areas for boat repairs, luxurious shopping areas, and recreational spaces.
The emergency numbers for Vlora
- Ambulance: 127
- Firefighters: 128
- Police: 129
- Maritime Operational Coordination Center: 125
- Port Authority: +35533409700
- Emergency Services:112
