Getting from Himara to Saranda (Himarë to Sarandë) takes about 1.5-2 hours along 54 km of coastal road. The bus costs 10€ with six departures a day in season, a taxi runs 50-70€ per car, and driving yourself turns the transfer into one of the best scenic legs on the Riviera. Here are the actual 2026 departure times, prices, and when each option makes sense. See how this leg compares with every other south Albania bus route.
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Quick Decision Table
| Option | Typical Duration | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | ~1h 30m to 1h 50m | ~10€ | Budget solo travelers |
| Taxi | ~1h 15m to 1h 30m | ~50-70€ per car | Luggage, families, groups |
| Rental car | ~1h 15m to 1h 30m driving time | ~35-65€/day + fuel | Flexible route planning |
| Scooter | ~1h 30m+ with stops | ~15-25€/day rental | Confident riders, light luggage |
Himara to Saranda Bus Schedule (2026)
Six buses a day run the corridor in season, operated by Transbus Saranda and Olgeno Travel & Tours. Fare is around 10€, journey time 1h30-1h50 depending on stops.
| Departure (Himarë) | Operator | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00 | Transbus Saranda | 1h 30m |
| 11:40 | Olgeno Travel & Tours | 1h 50m |
| 14:00 | Transbus Saranda | 1h 30m |
| 14:40 | Olgeno Travel & Tours | 1h 50m |
| 17:00 | Transbus Saranda | 1h 30m |
| 19:40 | Olgeno Travel & Tours | 1h 40m |
Buses leave from the Himara bus stop on the main road. Cash is the norm — keep small notes in lek or euro. Times are aggregated from Gjirafa Travel (checked July 2026) and shift seasonally: off-season frequency drops, so re-confirm locally the day before, especially October-April.
Saranda to Himara: Return Times (2026)
Seven buses run the reverse direction — useful for day trips ending back in Himara:
| Departure (Sarandë) | Operator |
|---|---|
| 05:30 | Transbus Saranda |
| 07:00 | Transbus Saranda |
| 09:00 | Transbus Saranda |
| 10:00 | Transbus Saranda |
| 12:00 | Transbus Saranda |
| 13:30 | Olgeno Travel & Tours |
| 18:00 | Olgeno Travel & Tours |
Note the early skew: the last return leaves Saranda at 18:00, so plan dinner accordingly or budget for a taxi back.
Taxi (Fastest Low-Stress Choice)
Taxi is usually the best value once you include comfort, luggage handling, and timing control.
Typical range:
- 50-70€ per car one way
- 1h 15m to 1h 30m travel time
Taxi is especially strong for:
- 2-4 people splitting cost
- Airport/ferry connection days
- Late departures after the 19:40 bus is gone
Taxi booking tips:
- Confirm total fare before departure
- Confirm if stops are included
- Share pickup pin and destination pin clearly
See taxis in Himara for local operators and typical rates.
Rental Car (Best for Scenic Stops)
Driving this corridor is one of the best ways to use the Riviera coastline if you want to add stops.
Worthwhile stops on or just off the route:
- Porto Palermo Bay and Ali Pasha's castle — 10 minutes south of Himara
- Qeparo village — old stone quarter above the road
- Borsh Beach — one of Albania's longest pebble beaches, roughly halfway
Typical car cost bands:
- Daily rental: 35-65€ (vehicle/season dependent)
- Fuel/parking/day extras: variable
The SH8 coastal road is fully paved with sweeping curves and viewpoints. It's manageable for any confident driver; drive it in daylight the first time.
Scooter (Only If You Are Comfortable)
Scooter can be fun and cheap for experienced riders, but this route is not a beginner practice line.
- Scooter rental: 15-25€/day
- Helmet mandatory
- Strong caution for afternoon wind and traffic
Skip the scooter if you're carrying heavy luggage, aren't used to curved coastal roads, or plan a night return. For full mobility context: Getting around Himara.
Total Cost by Traveler Profile
| Traveler Profile | Recommended Mode | Typical One-Way Spend |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker solo | Bus | ~10€ |
| Couple with moderate luggage | Taxi split | ~25-35€ per person |
| Family 3-4 | Taxi or rental car | Often better value than multiple tickets |
| Road-trip traveler | Rental car | Higher base cost, better itinerary value |
Connecting to Corfu Ferries in Saranda
For Corfu-bound days, build a conservative chain:
- Take the 08:00 bus (arrives ~09:30) for a midday ferry — the 11:40 is too tight for most sailings
- Add port buffer: ticket pickup, passport control, and boarding lines take real time
- For same-day international connections, a taxi is safer than the bus
Pair this with the Corfu to Himara ferry guide.
Common Mistakes
- Trusting last year's timetable. Times shift seasonally — the schedule above is the July 2026 pattern; re-check locally in shoulder season.
- Leaving too late on connection days. Riviera roads are not where you want zero margin.
- Missing the last return. The final Saranda→Himara bus leaves at 18:00.
- Skipping cash backup. Buses and some taxis are cash-only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct bus from Himara to Saranda?
Yes. In season, six direct buses run daily — 08:00, 11:40, 14:00, 14:40, 17:00, and 19:40 from Himara — operated by Transbus Saranda and Olgeno Travel & Tours. The fare is around 10€ and the trip takes about 1.5 hours. Off-season frequency is lower, so confirm locally.
How much is the bus from Himara to Saranda?
Around 10€ one way (roughly 1,000 lek). Pay the driver or conductor in cash.
How much is a taxi from Himara to Saranda?
Typical one-way fares are 50-70€ per car, depending on season and pickup point. Agree the total price before setting off.
How long does Himara to Saranda take?
By bus, 1h30-1h50. By taxi or car, about 1h15-1h30 without stops. Add time in July-August traffic or if you stop at Porto Palermo or Borsh.
What time is the last bus from Saranda back to Himara?
18:00 in season. If you miss it, a taxi back runs 50-70€.
Is driving from Himara to Saranda difficult?
It is manageable for confident drivers — fully paved coastal road with curves and viewpoints. Daylight driving is recommended for a first pass.
