Getting from Himara (Greek: Χειμάρρα, Albanian: Himarë) to Gjirokaster (Greek: Αργυρόκαστρο, Albanian: Gjirokastër) means leaving the coast and heading about 100 km inland through some of southern Albania's most dramatic mountain scenery. There is one direct bus per day, taxis are available but not cheap, and a rental car gives you the most flexibility. The route takes roughly 2-3 hours depending on your mode of transport. Here is every option, with real prices and practical advice so you can pick the right one.
Quick Comparison
| Method | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | ~3 hours | 12.50€ | Budget travelers, solo trips |
| Taxi/private transfer | ~2 hours | 80-120€ (whole car) | Groups, families, comfort |
| Rental car (self-drive) | ~2-2.5 hours | 30-50€/day + fuel | Flexibility, multi-stop trips |
| Via Saranda (bus+bus) | ~3.5-4.5 hours | 15-20€ total | If the direct bus doesn't fit your schedule |
Option 1: Direct Bus (Cheapest)
There is one daily direct bus from Himara to Gjirokaster, operated by regional carriers including Argjiro SH.P.K and City Himara.
Schedule and Prices
| Departure | Duration | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | ~3 hours | 12.50€ | Only daily departure |
The bus leaves from the Himara bus stop area on the main road (near the promenade). For a full breakdown of where buses stop in town, see the Himara bus station guide.
What You Need to Know About This Bus
- One departure means no flexibility. If you miss the 9:00 AM bus, your only public transport alternative is routing through Saranda (see below).
- Buy your ticket on the bus. There is no advance booking system for most operators. Show up 15-20 minutes early in summer.
- Cash is king. Bring exact change in euros or Albanian lek. Not all drivers carry large change.
- Schedules shift seasonally. The 9:00 AM departure is the current timetable, but always confirm the night before through your hotel or Gjirafa Travel.
- The ride is scenic but winding. The road climbs through mountains after leaving the coast. If you get motion sick, take a seat near the front and bring water.
Return Bus (Gjirokaster to Himara)
The return service also runs once daily. Check locally for the exact departure time from Gjirokaster bus station, as it varies by season. Typical departure is in the early-to-mid afternoon, getting you back to Himara by evening.
Option 2: Taxi or Private Transfer (Most Comfortable)
A taxi from Himara to Gjirokaster is the easiest option if you can split the cost or just want a hassle-free ride. No schedule constraints, door-to-door service, and the driver knows the road.
Prices
| Type | Price Range | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Standard sedan | 80-100€ | Up to 4 passengers |
| Minivan | 100-120€ | Up to 6 passengers |
Prices are for the whole vehicle. For a group of 4, that is 20-25€ per person in a sedan — not dramatically more than the bus, and far more convenient.
How to Book
- Ask your hotel. This is the most reliable method. Most Himara hotels and guesthouses have drivers they work with regularly.
- Negotiate in person. Taxi drivers on the Himara promenade can be flagged for the trip. Always agree on a price before departure.
- Pre-book online. Services like GoAsLocal or MyTransfers offer fixed-price private transfers. Useful if you want certainty, especially for early morning departures.
Taxi Tips
- Agree on the total fare, not a meter rate. This is a fixed-route trip, and meters are not standard for intercity rides.
- Ask if the driver will wait in Gjirokaster if you are doing a day trip. Some drivers will wait 4-5 hours for an agreed return fare (expect to pay 150-200€ round trip total). This is often the best deal for a Gjirokaster day trip.
- Morning departure is ideal. Leave by 8:00-9:00 AM and you arrive by 10:00-11:00 AM with the full day ahead.
Option 3: Self-Drive (Most Flexible)
Driving from Himara to Gjirokaster is the best choice if you already have a rental car or plan to combine this trip with other stops. The road is well-paved and the scenery is outstanding.
The Route
Distance: Approximately 100 km.
Driving time: 2-2.5 hours without stops.
Route overview: From Himara, you head south along the coastal road (SH8) toward Saranda. Before reaching Saranda, you turn inland at Jorgucat junction, climbing through the Muzina valley and mountain passes toward Gjirokaster. The landscape shifts from coastal cliffs to steep gorges and grey stone villages.
What the Drive Looks Like
| Segment | Distance | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Himara to Borsh | ~20 km | Coastal, scenic cliffs and beaches |
| Borsh to Jorgucat junction | ~35 km | Coastal turning inland, through Lukova area |
| Jorgucat to Gjirokaster | ~45 km | Mountain road, Drino valley, ascending to city |
The inland section after the coast is the most interesting part of the drive. You pass through the Muzina Pass area with views over the Drino River valley, and Gjirokaster appears above you on its hillside as you approach.
Driving Tips
- Fill up before you leave. There are fuel stations in Himara and along the coast, but options thin out on the mountain section.
- The road is good but narrow in spots. Single-lane sections with oncoming traffic require attention, especially on the inland portion.
- Parking in Gjirokaster: Free parking is available below the old town. The streets inside the old bazaar are pedestrian-only and steep cobblestone — you will not want to drive them anyway.
- Allow extra time in summer. Coastal traffic between Himara and Borsh can slow you down in July-August.
For rental car details and pricing, see car and scooter rental in Himara.
Option 4: Via Saranda (Backup Route)
If the direct bus does not fit your schedule, you can route through Saranda. This is slower but gives you more departure options.
How It Works
- Himara to Saranda — Bus or furgon, roughly 1.5-2 hours, 6-10€. Multiple daily departures. See Himara to Saranda transport guide for full details.
- Saranda to Gjirokaster — Bus, roughly 1-1.5 hours, 400-500 lek (about 4-5€). More frequent service, with several departures daily.
Total via Saranda
| Leg | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Himara to Saranda | 1.5-2 hours | 6-10€ |
| Wait/transfer in Saranda | 30-60 min | — |
| Saranda to Gjirokaster | 1-1.5 hours | 4-5€ |
| Total | 3.5-4.5 hours | 10-15€ |
This route works if you are flexible on time. The Saranda-Gjirokaster bus runs more frequently because it is a heavily-traveled corridor — Gjirokaster is the most popular inland day trip from the Saranda area.
Downside: You lose 30-60 minutes on the transfer in Saranda, and the total journey is roughly an hour longer than the direct bus.
Himara to Gjirokaster Cost by Traveler Profile
| Profile | Best Option | Approx. Cost | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo backpacker | Direct bus | 12.50€ | Cheapest, one seat |
| Couple | Taxi (split) | 40-50€ per person | Comfortable, flexible timing |
| Family of 4 | Taxi or rental car | 80-120€ total (taxi) / 30-50€ + fuel (car) | Taxi is door-to-door; car adds flexibility |
| Road tripper with car | Self-drive | Fuel only (~8-10€) | Already have the car |
| Day tripper | Taxi with wait | 150-200€ round trip | Driver waits, no schedule stress |
Timing and Seasonal Notes
| Season | Conditions | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| May-June | Moderate traffic, pleasant temps | Best months for this route |
| July-August | Heavy coastal traffic, hot | Leave early, pre-arrange taxi |
| September | Quieter roads, good weather | Ideal for self-drive |
| October-April | Fewer buses, possible mountain weather | Confirm schedules, drive with caution |
In winter, the mountain sections between the coast and Gjirokaster can see rain and occasionally fog. The road is passable year-round, but conditions are better in the warmer months.
Planning a Gjirokaster Day Trip
A day trip from Himara to Gjirokaster is absolutely doable. The UNESCO-listed old town, the massive castle, and the Ottoman bazaar can be covered in 4-5 focused hours. For a detailed itinerary and timing plan, see Gjirokaster day trip from Himara.
Recommended Day Trip Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00-9:00 AM | Depart Himara (taxi or car) |
| 10:00-11:00 AM | Arrive Gjirokaster, park/drop bags |
| 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Castle, old bazaar, walking tour |
| 1:00-2:00 PM | Lunch in the bazaar area |
| 2:00-3:00 PM | Optional: Zekate House, Skenduli House, or tunnel museum |
| 3:00-3:30 PM | Depart Gjirokaster |
| 5:00-5:30 PM | Back in Himara |
This schedule works best with a taxi (driver waits) or rental car. If you take the direct bus, your schedule is locked to the 9:00 AM departure and whatever the return time is — less flexibility, but still workable.
Useful Links
- Gjirokaster day trip from Himara — Detailed itinerary and timing
- Himara to Saranda transport — For the via-Saranda routing
- Car and scooter rental in Himara — Self-drive options
- Getting to Himara — All routes into Himara
- Practical info — Money, SIM cards, general Albania tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct bus from Himara to Gjirokaster?
Yes, there is one daily direct bus departing at 9:00 AM. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and costs 12.50€. Schedules can shift seasonally, so always confirm the night before through your accommodation or Gjirafa Travel.
How much does a taxi from Himara to Gjirokaster cost?
A one-way taxi costs 80-120€ for the whole car depending on vehicle size and negotiation. For a group of 3-4 people, this works out to 20-30€ per person. Ask your hotel to arrange it for the best rate.
Can I do Gjirokaster as a day trip from Himara?
Yes, and it is one of the best day trips from the Albanian Riviera coast. Leave by 9:00 AM at the latest, spend 4-5 hours exploring the castle and old town, and you will be back in Himara by early evening. A taxi with a waiting driver or a rental car gives you the most flexibility.
What is the fastest way from Himara to Gjirokaster?
Driving yourself or taking a taxi. Both take about 2 hours via the coastal road and then the inland mountain route. The bus takes closer to 3 hours due to stops.
Is the road from Himara to Gjirokaster safe to drive?
The road is paved and in good condition throughout. The coastal stretch is straightforward, and the mountain section through the Drino valley is well-maintained. Some narrow sections require care with oncoming traffic. Drive during daylight for the best experience, and fill up on fuel before leaving the coast.
Conclusion
For himara to gjirokaster travel, the direct 9:00 AM bus is the budget choice at 12.50€, a taxi at 80-120€ gives you comfort and flexibility for groups, and a rental car is best if you want to stop along the way or combine this with a broader road trip. Whichever option you choose, leave in the morning — the mountain scenery between coast and city is half the experience, and arriving early gives you the most time in one of Albania's most rewarding historic towns.
