Let's get this out of the way immediately: the Himara bus station is not a station. There's no building, no ticket counter, no electronic departure board, and no waiting room. The bus stop in Himara is a patch of roadside on the SH8 highway where buses pull over, passengers climb on, and the whole thing is over in two minutes. If you've been picturing a proper terminal, adjust your expectations now. This guide tells you exactly where to stand, when to show up, and how the whole thing actually works.
TL;DR — Routes at a Glance
| Route | Duration | Frequency | Price (ALL) | Price (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Himara → Tirana | 3.5–5h | 3–5 daily | 1,500–2,500 ALL | 12–15€ |
| Himara → Saranda | 1–2h | 5–7 daily | 800–1,200 ALL | 8–10€ |
| Himara → Vlora | 1.5–2.5h | 3–5 daily | 800–1,200 ALL | 8–10€ |
| Himara → Gjirokaster | 3–4h | 1–2 daily | 1,200–1,500 ALL | 10–13€ |
Prices and schedules shift by season. Summer (June–August) has the most departures. Winter service drops sharply — sometimes to one or two buses per day on some routes.
Where Exactly Is the Bus Stop?
The main Himara bus stop sits on the SH8 highway at the crossroads with Rruga 25 Marsi, across from the Big Market supermarket. If you're walking from the promenade, head inland and uphill toward the main road — it's about a 5–8 minute walk. You'll see the road that runs through town above the beachfront strip.
GPS coordinates: 40.1009, 19.7469 — search "Bus Station Himara" on Google Maps and it shows up.
What you'll actually see: a section of roadside with enough space for a bus to pull over. Sometimes there's a small cluster of people waiting. Sometimes there's nobody and you'll wonder if you're in the right place. You are. There's no shelter, no bench, and no signage beyond whatever Google Maps shows on your phone. The Alpet gas station nearby (coordinates: 40.1196, 19.7327) is another reference point — some buses stop there on request.
Which side of the road matters. Buses heading south toward Saranda stop on the seaward (west) side. Buses heading north toward Vlora and Tirana stop on the mountain (east) side. Stand on the wrong side and you'll watch your bus go past.
A few tips for finding it your first time:
- Ask your hotel to point you to the "stacioni i autobusave" — every local knows where it is
- The Big Market supermarket is the most reliable landmark
- If you see a white minibus (furgon) idling by the road with its door open, you're probably in the right spot
Routes and Schedules
Himara to Tirana
The longest and most popular route. Buses head north through Vlora, then inland to Tirana. Some services use the Llogara Pass (scenic, slower), others take the Llogara Tunnel (faster by 25–30 minutes).
| Departure | Duration | Operator | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~5:15 AM | 3.5–5h | Various | 12–15€ |
| ~7:30 AM | 3.5–5h | Olgeno Travel & Tours | 15€ |
| ~10:00 AM | 3.5–5h | Various | 12–15€ |
| ~1:00 PM | 3.5–5h | Riviera Tours | 15€ |
| ~7:30 PM | 3.5–5h | Various | 15€ |
These times are approximate. Himara is a mid-route stop for most Tirana–Saranda buses, meaning the bus left Saranda (or Tirana) earlier and arrives in Himara whenever it arrives. Don't expect Swiss punctuality. A "7:30 AM" departure could roll in anywhere from 7:15 to 8:00.
The full guide on this route: How to get to Himara from Tirana.
Himara to Saranda
The quick coastal hop south. Buses follow the SH8 through Porto Palermo and Borsh — one of the prettiest stretches of road on the Riviera.
| Departure | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ~7:00 AM | 1–2h | 8–10€ |
| ~9:00 AM | 1–2h | 8–10€ |
| ~11:00 AM | 1–2h | 8–10€ |
| ~2:00 PM | 1–2h | 8–10€ |
| ~4:00 PM | 1–2h | 8–10€ |
| ~6:00 PM | 1–2h | 8–10€ |
Saranda service is the most frequent. In peak season, you may see 7+ departures. These are often furgons (minivans) rather than full-sized buses, and they genuinely do leave when full — or close to it.
More on this route: Himara to Saranda transport guide.
Himara to Vlora
Buses head north over the Llogara Pass or through the tunnel to Vlora.
| Departure | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ~8:00 AM | 1.5–2.5h | 8–10€ |
| ~10:00 AM | 1.5–2.5h | 8–10€ |
| ~12:30 PM | 1.5–2.5h | 8–10€ |
| ~2:30 PM | 1.5–2.5h | 8–10€ |
Vlora service runs less frequently than Saranda. Confirm departures locally the day before, especially in shoulder season.
More on this route: Himara to Vlora transport guide.
Himara to Gjirokaster
This is the least frequent route. Usually one or two departures per day, often requiring a transfer through Saranda or a direct service via the inland road. Gjirafa Travel sometimes lists direct services at around 12.50€. Check the app for current schedules.
How to Buy Tickets
There are three ways, and the first one is by far the most common.
1. Cash on the Bus (Default Method)
Most people pay the driver directly when boarding. Hand over cash, get a nod, take a seat. That's it. No printed ticket for most local furgon services, though some larger operators give you a receipt.
Bring exact change or small bills. Drivers carry limited change. Having 1,000 ALL and 2,000 ALL notes saves hassle. Euros are accepted on most routes at a rough conversion — but you'll get a worse rate than the bank, so pay in lek if you can.
2. Gjirafa Travel (Online)
Gjirafa Travel is Albania's main bus booking platform. You can search routes, see departure times, and buy tickets online. The app works well and shows real-time availability for participating operators.
The catch: not every bus in Himara is on Gjirafa. The platform covers the bigger operators (Olgeno, Riviera Tours, Albanian Bus), but local furgon drivers running the Saranda–Vlora corridor aren't listed. Think of Gjirafa as the "official" schedule and cash-on-the-bus as the reality on the ground.
For the Tirana route specifically, booking through Gjirafa is worth it — you get a confirmed seat, which matters in August when buses fill up.
3. Hotel or Guesthouse
Ask your accommodation to book or confirm a bus for you. Most hotels in Himara know the drivers personally and can reserve a seat with a phone call. This is especially useful for early morning departures or if you're nervous about the informal system.
What to Expect at the Bus Stop
Here's what first-timers need to know, because this is where expectations clash with reality.
There is no shelter. No roof, no bench, no shade structure. In July, you'll be standing in full sun. Bring water, wear a hat, and don't arrive 30 minutes early unless you enjoy baking.
There is no departure board. You won't see a screen listing times. You're working from the schedule you looked up on Gjirafa, the time your hotel told you, or word of mouth. The bus comes when it comes.
Buses run late. A 15–30 minute delay is normal, not an exception. The bus started its route in another city, picked up passengers along the way, and may have stopped for fuel. If your bus is 20 minutes late, don't panic. If it's 45 minutes late, ask a local if they've heard anything — Albanians waiting for the same bus are your best source of real-time information.
Furgons leave when full. The smaller minivans on the Saranda and Vlora routes don't always follow a strict clock. The driver waits until enough passengers board to make the trip worthwhile. In peak summer, this happens fast. In October, you might wait.
Luggage goes below or on your lap. Full-sized buses have a luggage compartment underneath — no extra charge. Furgons are tighter. A backpack is fine. Two large suitcases might be a squeeze.
Air conditioning is not guaranteed. Newer coaches on the Tirana route usually have AC. Older furgons on short routes may just have open windows. The coastal road is beautiful with the wind in your hair. Less beautiful in 38-degree heat.
Practical Tips
Arrive 15–20 minutes before the listed time. Not because the bus is early (it usually isn't), but because if it is, it won't wait for you. Also, in summer, buses can fill up and leave a stop early if they're already full from the previous city.
Carry small bills in lek. 500 ALL and 1,000 ALL notes are ideal. Breaking a 5,000 ALL note on a furgon is a gamble.
Download offline maps. Google Maps or Maps.me with the Albania map downloaded. This way you can see where the bus stop is even without signal. Mobile data can be patchy in parts of the Riviera.
Screenshot your schedule. Take a screenshot of the Gjirafa Travel timetable. You won't always have signal when you need it.
Know which direction you're going. Southbound (Saranda): stand on the sea side of SH8. Northbound (Vlora, Tirana): stand on the mountain side. This sounds obvious until you're squinting at an approaching bus from the wrong side of a two-lane highway.
Flag the bus down. This is not a stop where buses automatically pull over. When you see your bus approaching, step to the edge of the road and make yourself visible. A raised hand works. The driver will stop if they see you and have space.
Keep your valuables close. Albania is generally safe, but crowded buses are crowded buses anywhere in the world. Phone and wallet in a front pocket or crossbody bag.
When the Bus Doesn't Work: Alternatives
Sometimes the bus schedule doesn't align with your plans, or the last bus has already left, or you just don't want to deal with the uncertainty. Here are your options.
Taxi
A private taxi is always available. Himara has local drivers who can take you to Saranda (50–70€), Vlora (70–100€), or even Tirana (130–185€). Prices are per car, not per person, so splitting with travel companions makes this competitive.
For a full breakdown of taxi costs and how to book: Himara taxi guide.
Shared Transfers
Your hotel can often connect you with other guests heading the same direction. Splitting a taxi 3–4 ways brings the per-person cost close to the bus price with far more comfort and flexibility.
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is culturally normal along the Albanian Riviera, especially on the SH8. Locals and tourists alike thumb rides between towns. It's not a reliable primary transport method, but if you're stuck and flexible, standing by the road with a clear destination sign (or just a thumbs-up) often gets results within 15–20 minutes in summer.
Use common sense. Travel in pairs if possible, trust your gut, and don't rely on this for time-sensitive connections.
Scooter or Car Rental
If bus schedules frustrate you, renting a scooter (25–30€/day) or car (30–40€/day) from operators in Himara town eliminates the problem entirely. See getting around Himara and car and scooter rental for details.
Plan Your Connections
The Himara bus stop connects to a wider network. Here's how to link up with other destinations:
- Tirana Airport (TIA): Bus to Tirana, then taxi or shuttle to the airport. Full guide: How to get to Himara from Tirana
- Saranda Ferry to Corfu: Bus to Saranda, then walk or taxi to the ferry terminal for Corfu boats. Allow at least 2 hours of buffer.
- Butrint or Ksamil: Bus to Saranda, then local furgon south. No direct bus from Himara.
- Gjirokaster: Occasional direct bus, or transfer in Saranda. Check Gjirafa Travel for current options.
For more transport options from Himara, see Getting Here and Practical Info.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Himara have a real bus station?
No. Himara's "bus station" is an informal stop on the SH8 highway near the Big Market supermarket. There is no building, no ticket office, and no waiting room. Buses and furgons simply pull over at the designated spot on the road.
Can I buy bus tickets online for Himara?
Yes, through Gjirafa Travel. The platform covers major operators like Olgeno Travel and Riviera Tours. However, many local furgon services on the Saranda and Vlora routes only accept cash payment on board. For the Tirana route in peak summer, booking online is recommended to guarantee a seat.
What time does the first bus leave Himara?
The earliest departures are around 5:00–5:30 AM, typically heading to Tirana. Saranda-bound buses start around 7:00 AM. Schedules shift by season — confirm locally or on Gjirafa Travel the day before your trip.
Is the bus reliable for catching a ferry in Saranda?
It can be, but don't cut it close. Buses from Himara to Saranda take 1–2 hours, but delays of 20–30 minutes are common. If your Corfu ferry leaves at noon, take a morning bus no later than 9:00 AM. Better yet, take a taxi on ferry connection days — the cost difference isn't worth the stress.
Do buses stop in Dhermi and other towns between Himara and Vlora?
Most Vlora-bound and Tirana-bound buses stop in Dhermi (Greek: Δρυμάδες, Albanian: Dhërmi) and sometimes Vuno along the way. Tell the driver where you want to get off when you board. For Dhermi specifically, the bus drops you on the SH8 — you'll still need to walk or taxi down to the beach area.
