There is no direct transport from Himara to Athens. Every route requires at least one connection or a long single drive, and most public-transport options require two or three. Budget 6-15 hours depending on which route you choose and how the connections line up.
The five realistic options: bus through Ioannina (cheapest), ferry via Corfu plus a flight (fastest), flight via Tirana (most reliable), a direct seasonal bus from Saranda (longest but simplest), or driving yourself via the Kakavia border (most flexible if you already have a car). Here is everything you need for each one.
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Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Direct transport available | No public direct service — drive option exists |
| Total travel time | 6-15 hours depending on route |
| Cheapest option | Bus via Ioannina, approximately 40-60 EUR |
| Fastest public-transport option | Ferry to Corfu + flight to Athens, approximately 6-8 hours |
| Most flexible option | Self-drive via Kakavia, 7-9 hours |
| Most reliable public option | Bus to Tirana + flight to Athens, 8-10 hours |
| Border crossing | Required on all routes (Kakavia overland or Saranda port) |
| Best booking lead time | 1-3 days for buses, 1-2 weeks for flights |
Route Comparison
| Route | Total Time | Total Cost | Connections | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus via Ioannina | 12-15h | 40-60 EUR | 3 | Budget travelers |
| Ferry via Corfu + flight | 6-8h | 100-200 EUR | 3 | Speed, island stopover |
| Flight via Tirana | 8-10h | 80-180 EUR | 2 | Reliability, comfort |
| Direct bus Saranda-Athens | 12-14h | 35-50 EUR | 1 (from Saranda) | Simplicity, seasonal |
| Self-drive via Kakavia | 8-9h | 130-160 EUR (fuel + tolls, one-way) | 1 border | Flexibility, group splits, multi-stop |
Route 1: Bus via Ioannina (Cheapest)
This is the overland workhorse route. It is the cheapest way to reach Athens from Himara and runs year-round, but it is long and involves multiple transfers.
Step-by-step
Leg 1: Himara to Saranda (furgon or bus)
- Duration: 1.5-2 hours
- Cost: 6-10 EUR
- Frequency: multiple daily departures, more in summer
- Details: catch a furgon or bus from Himara heading south along the coastal road
Leg 2: Saranda to Kakavia border crossing
- Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour by local bus or shared taxi
- Cost: 5-10 EUR
- Details: buses and shared taxis run from Saranda to the Kakavia border crossing. In peak season, expect a queue at the border itself -- sometimes 30 minutes, sometimes over an hour. Bring your passport and patience. See our border crossing guide for what to expect.
Leg 3: Kakavia to Ioannina
- Duration: 1-1.5 hours
- Cost: 5-10 EUR
- Details: Greek KTEL buses connect Kakavia to Ioannina. Frequency varies by season. Confirm departure times locally or at ktelbus.com before crossing.
Leg 4: Ioannina to Athens
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Cost: 25-35 EUR
- Details: KTEL Ioannina runs multiple daily buses to Athens (Kifisos bus terminal). Departures spread throughout the day. Book at ktelbus.com or buy at the Ioannina bus station.
Total for Route 1
- Time: 12-15 hours including border wait and connection gaps
- Cost: approximately 40-60 EUR
- Best for: budget travelers with flexible schedules who do not mind a long day
Tips for this route
- Start early. Catch the first Himara-Saranda furgon (usually around 7-8 AM) to maximize your chance of catching an afternoon KTEL bus from Ioannina to Athens.
- The Kakavia border can have serious queues in July and August. Weekday mornings are faster than weekends.
- Carry euros for the Greek side. Albanian lek is useless once you cross.
- Pack food and water. The Ioannina-Athens bus makes rest stops, but the earlier legs do not.
Route 2: Ferry via Corfu + Flight (Fastest)
This route uses the Saranda-Corfu ferry to hop to Greece, then a short flight from Corfu to Athens. It is the fastest overall option and gives you an excuse to see Corfu.
Step-by-step
Leg 1: Himara to Saranda (furgon or bus)
- Duration: 1.5-2 hours
- Cost: 6-10 EUR
- Details: same as Route 1. See Himara to Saranda transport guide.
Leg 2: Saranda to Corfu (ferry)
- Duration: 30-45 minutes (fast ferry) or 60-90 minutes (slow ferry)
- Cost: 20-30 EUR one way
- Operators: Finikas Lines, Joy Lines
- Details: multiple daily crossings in summer, reduced in winter. Book at the Saranda port or online. Arrive 30 minutes before departure for passport control. See our Corfu ferry guide for timetables and tips.
Leg 3: Corfu Airport (CFU) to Athens (ATH)
- Duration: 1 hour flight
- Cost: 40-120 EUR depending on airline and booking lead time
- Airlines: Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, Volotea (seasonal)
- Details: Corfu airport is a 15-20 minute taxi ride from the port (approximately 15 EUR). Flights to Athens run multiple times daily in summer. Book ahead -- summer seats sell fast.
Total for Route 2
- Time: 6-8 hours if connections line up well
- Cost: approximately 100-200 EUR depending on flight prices
- Best for: travelers who want speed, are willing to pay more, or want a Corfu stopover
Tips for this route
- This route works best as a two-day trip with an overnight in Corfu Town. Trying to do Himara-Saranda-Corfu-Athens in one day requires tight connections and early starts.
- Morning ferries give you the best shot at same-day flights.
- If you have time, spend a night in Corfu. It is worth seeing on its own.
- Check ferry cancellations in rough weather -- the strait between Saranda and Corfu can get choppy, especially in shoulder season.
Route 3: Flight via Tirana (Most Reliable)
This is the most dependable route because it uses established long-distance bus service and a major international airport. The downside is the long bus ride north to Tirana.
Step-by-step
Leg 1: Himara to Tirana (bus)
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Cost: 12-15 EUR
- Details: direct buses run from Himara to Tirana daily. Morning departures are standard. The route goes over or through the Llogara Pass/Tunnel, then north through Vlore and Fier. Buy tickets at the Himara bus station or from the driver.
Alternative: A taxi from Himara to Tirana costs 130-185 EUR for the whole car and takes 3.5-4 hours. Worth considering if splitting between 3-4 people.
Leg 2: Tirana to Tirana Airport (TIA)
- Duration: 20-40 minutes
- Cost: 300-500 ALL by bus (Rinas Express), 2,500-3,000 ALL by taxi
- Details: the Rinas Express bus runs from Tirana city center to the airport every hour. A taxi is faster and easier if you have luggage.
Leg 3: Tirana (TIA) to Athens (ATH)
- Duration: 1-1.5 hours flight
- Cost: 40-130 EUR
- Airlines: Wizz Air, Aegean Airlines, Sky Express
- Details: multiple daily flights. Wizz Air is usually cheapest if booked 2-4 weeks ahead. For the closest airport to Himara and routing options, see our dedicated guide. You can also check Tirana airport to Himara for details on the reverse trip.
Total for Route 3
- Time: 8-10 hours
- Cost: approximately 80-180 EUR depending on flight prices and bus vs taxi
- Best for: travelers who want reliability and are comfortable with a long bus ride
Tips for this route
- Book the earliest Himara-Tirana bus to give yourself maximum flexibility at the airport.
- Do not book a same-day evening flight with a morning bus -- Albanian bus delays happen. Leave at least a 3-hour buffer between expected arrival in Tirana and your flight.
- Wizz Air has strict carry-on size limits. Measure your bag before you show up.
- Tirana airport is small and efficient. You do not need more than 1.5 hours before departure for check-in and security.
Route 4: Direct Bus Saranda to Athens (Seasonal)
Occasional direct bus services run between Saranda and Athens, particularly in summer. This is the simplest option if one happens to be running when you need it.
Step-by-step
Leg 1: Himara to Saranda (furgon or bus)
- Duration: 1.5-2 hours
- Cost: 6-10 EUR
Leg 2: Saranda to Athens (direct bus)
- Duration: 10-12 hours
- Cost: 30-40 EUR
- Details: these services cross at Kakavia and drive through Ioannina to Athens. They are not guaranteed to run year-round. Check at the Saranda bus station or ask your hotel to confirm availability and departure times.
Total for Route 4
- Time: 12-14 hours
- Cost: approximately 35-50 EUR
- Best for: travelers who want one ticket and do not mind sitting on a bus for half a day
Tips for this route
- Confirm availability before counting on this. These buses are seasonal and schedules shift.
- The bus handles the border crossing for you, which removes the biggest headache of Route 1.
- Bring snacks, water, a neck pillow, and entertainment. It is a long ride.
Route 5: Drive Yourself via Kakavia (Most Flexible)
If you already have a car or are willing to rent one, the drive from Himara to Athens is faster than every public-transport option except the Corfu-flight combo — and unlike all of them, it gives you the ability to stop in Gjirokastër, Meteora, or Delphi without rebooking anything.
Route overview
Himara → SH8 south to Saranda → SH99 east to Gjirokastër → SH4 east to Kakavia border → cross into Greece → A2/Egnatia Odos east to Ioannina → Ionia Odos (A5) south to Antirrio → Rio-Antirrio Bridge → Olympia Odos (A8) east through Patras to Athens.
| Leg | Distance | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Himara → Kakavia border | ~130 km | 2h 45m | Via Saranda + Gjirokastër. SH8 + SH99 + SH4. |
| Kakavia border crossing | — | 15-45 min | Open 24h. Longer in July-August weekends. |
| Kakavia → Ioannina | ~60 km | 1h | Egnatia Odos motorway entry on the Greek side. |
| Ioannina → Athens | ~430 km | 4h 30m | Ionia Odos south to Antirrio + Rio-Antirrio bridge + Olympia Odos east to Athens via Patras. |
| Total | ~620 km | 8-9h driving | Plus border + breaks. |
A reasonable real-world timing: leave Himara 7 AM, cross Kakavia by 10 AM, coffee in Ioannina at 11 AM, arrive Athens 5-6 PM with one proper lunch stop. The reverse leaves Athens at 7 AM and reaches Himara by mid-afternoon.
Costs (verified May 2026)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~620 km, ~7-8L/100km, ~€2.10-2.20/L Greek pump May 2026) | €95-110 one way |
| Greek motorway tolls (Ionia Odos €15 + Rio-Antirrio bridge ~€13.90 + Olympia Odos €19.50) | ~€48 each way after the Jan 2026 toll increase |
| Albanian tolls (Llogara if you came from north) | 0 — direct route from Himara avoids Llogara |
| Rental car (if needed) | €25-40/day × days of trip + cross-border fee (see below) |
| Total fuel + tolls one-way | ~€140-160 |
The catch: most Albanian rental companies forbid Greece crossings entirely in their terms — Greece is the hardest cross-border destination from Albania. Those that allow it typically charge €150+ in cross-border fees plus a €50-80 Greek Green Card insurance extension. Minimum Green Card coverage period is 15 days. If you are renting in Greece and driving the reverse direction it is dramatically simpler — Greek-to-Albania rentals are routine. Always confirm in writing before booking.
Kakavia border crossing for drivers
The Kakavia border is the only realistic overland crossing between southern Albania and northwest Greece. It is open 24 hours and largely modernized.
- Documents: Passport, vehicle registration, insurance (Green Card if Albanian-registered), driver's licence.
- Queue: 15-45 minutes typical. Friday-Sunday in July-August can hit 1-2 hours.
- What to expect: Stop at Albanian exit booth (passport stamp), drive 100 m to Greek entry booth (passport check, occasionally vehicle inspection). Both sides accept English. No fees for EU/US/UK/Canadian/Australian passport holders within their respective visa-free windows.
- Money exchange: None at the border. Have euros before crossing. Closest ATMs are at the OMV/EKO petrol stations on the Greek side immediately past the booth.
See our Albania border crossing by car guide for the full document checklist.
Route quality and scenery
- Himara → Saranda (SH8): Riviera coastal road. Slow but beautiful. 1h 15m off-peak, 1h 45m in August.
- Saranda → Gjirokastër (SH99 → SH4): Inland valley, well-paved, 1h 15m.
- Kakavia → Ioannina (Greek E92): Modern motorway from the border. Switches to four-lane Egnatia Odos quickly.
- Ioannina → Athens (Egnatia + E65 + E75): Full motorway the whole way. Smooth, fast, tolled. Mountain scenery through Pindus until Lamia, then flat plain into Athens.
When the drive wins
- Group of 3-4 splitting costs. Fuel + tolls split 4 ways → ~€25/person each way. Cheaper than the bus route per person.
- Multi-stop itinerary. Gjirokastër (UNESCO old town) + Meteora detour from Ioannina (~3h round trip) + arrival in Delphi for an overnight on the way back — none of which the bus route can do without rebooking.
- You hate transfers and queues. Two passport checks, no transfer waits.
- Returning a Greek-side rental. Greek-rental drop-off in Athens with pickup in Ioannina or Igoumenitsa is straightforward.
When the drive loses
- Solo traveler renting just for this trip. Rental + fuel + tolls + cross-border fee makes it costlier than the €40-60 bus route.
- You don't drive long distances comfortably. 8-9 hours of driving in one day is real.
- Athens parking. Central Athens parking runs €10-18/day at small independent garages, €25+/day at large underground garages (around €10 first hour then ~€1/hour after). Street parking is metered and competitive in the Blue Zone (€3.50/hr, 3h max) and Orange Zone (€2.80/hr, 4h max) around the historic center. If your Athens nights are not in a place with on-site parking, factor this in.
Best Route by Priority
| Priority | Best route | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fastest | Ferry via Corfu + flight (Route 2) | 6-8 hours total if connections align |
| Cheapest | Bus via Ioannina (Route 1) | 40-60 EUR all-in |
| Most comfortable | Flight via Tirana (Route 3) | Reliable bus + short flight, no border queue on foot |
| Most scenic | Ferry via Corfu (Route 2) or Drive (Route 5) | Ferry adds Corfu; drive adds Gjirokastër + Pindus mountains |
| Simplest | Direct bus Saranda-Athens (Route 4) | One bus ticket handles everything after Saranda |
| Most flexible | Self-drive (Route 5) | Multi-stop, no rebookings, group cost-share |
Border Crossing Tips
Every route to Athens requires crossing the Albania-Greece border, either at Kakavia (overland) or at Saranda port (ferry to Corfu).
Kakavia border (Routes 1 and 4):
- Summer queues can reach 1-2 hours, especially on weekends and around Greek holidays.
- Weekday mornings are fastest.
- You need a valid passport. EU citizens can use ID cards.
- No visa required for EU, US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens for stays under 90 days in Greece.
- There are no money exchange facilities at the border. Bring euros.
Saranda port (Route 2):
- Passport control happens at the port before boarding.
- Arrive 30-45 minutes before the ferry departure.
- Process is generally faster and more organized than Kakavia.
Booking Resources
| What | Where |
|---|---|
| KTEL buses (Greece) | ktelbus.com |
| Corfu ferries | Finikas Lines, Joy Lines -- book at Saranda port or online |
| Flights Tirana-Athens | Wizz Air, Aegean Airlines, Sky Express |
| Flights Corfu-Athens | Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, Volotea |
| Himara-Tirana bus | Gjirafa Travel (travel.gjirafa.com), or buy at the station |
| Himara-Saranda furgon | Buy on the day at Himara bus station |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct bus from Himara to Athens?
No. There is no direct Himara-to-Athens bus service. You need to get to Saranda first, and from there take either a connecting bus through Ioannina or a seasonal direct Saranda-Athens service. All routes require at least one transfer.
What is the cheapest way to get from Himara to Athens?
The bus route via Ioannina (Route 1) is cheapest at approximately 40-60 EUR total. Take a furgon from Himara to Saranda, cross the Kakavia border, catch a bus to Ioannina, then a KTEL bus to Athens. It takes 12-15 hours.
What is the fastest way to get from Himara to Athens?
The ferry via Corfu plus a flight to Athens (Route 2) is fastest at 6-8 hours if connections line up. This costs 100-200 EUR depending on the flight.
Can I fly from Himara to Athens?
Not directly. The closest airport to Himara is Tirana International Airport (TIA), about 5-6 hours by bus. You can fly Tirana to Athens in about 1 hour. Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Saranda to Corfu and fly from Corfu Airport (CFU) to Athens.
How long does the Kakavia border crossing take?
In off-season or on a quiet weekday, 15-30 minutes. In summer peak, especially on Friday and Saturday, expect 1-2 hours. Plan your connections accordingly and do not schedule a tight onward bus from the Greek side.
Do I need a visa to cross from Albania to Greece?
EU citizens do not need a visa for either country. UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens can enter both Albania and Greece visa-free for up to 90 days. US citizens get up to 1 year visa-free for Albania under a 2022 bilateral agreement; the standard 90-day Schengen window applies for Greece. Check your specific nationality requirements before traveling.
Should I exchange money at the border?
No. There are no reliable exchange facilities at Kakavia. Bring euros before you cross. In Saranda, there are exchange offices and ATMs where you can withdraw euros or exchange lek. On the Greek side, everything is in euros.
Is it better to go via Corfu or via Tirana?
It depends on your priorities. Via Corfu is faster but requires aligning ferry and flight schedules and costs more. Via Tirana is more predictable -- the bus runs daily and flights are frequent. If you want scenery and a possible Corfu stopover, go via Corfu. If you want reliability and simpler planning, go via Tirana.
