Getting from Tirana to Himara (Greek: Χειμάρρα, Albanian: Himarë) takes 3.5-5 hours depending on how you travel. There are three options: bus (cheapest), rental car (most flexible), or private taxi transfer (most comfortable). Here's everything you need for each one to reach the heart of the Albanian Riviera.
Quick Comparison
| Method | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | 3.5-5 hours | 12-15€ | Budget travelers, solo trips |
| Rental car | 3.5-4 hours | 25-40€/day | Flexibility, beach hopping |
| Private taxi | 3.5-4 hours | 130-185€ (whole car) | Groups, families, airport arrivals |
Option 1: Bus
The cheapest and most popular way. Multiple companies run daily buses from Tirana to Himara.
Schedule and Prices
Buses depart from the Tirana Bus Terminal (South/North Station), located on the outskirts of the city center. A taxi from central Tirana to the bus station costs about 500-700 lek (5€-7).
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Operator | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:30 AM | 11:10 AM | 3.5-5h | Olgeno Travel & Tours | 15€ |
| 1:00 PM | 4:30 PM | 3.5-5h | Riviera Tours | 15€ |
| 6:00 PM | 9:30 PM | 3.5-5h | Riviera Tours | 15€ |
Additional early morning departures (5:30 AM, 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM) are available through other operators at 12€, though schedules shift seasonally. Check Gjirafa Travel for live timetables.
Return Buses (Himara to Tirana)
Buses from Himara back to Tirana generally depart in the morning and early afternoon. Buy tickets at the bus stop on the Himara promenade or directly from the driver. Arrive 15-20 minutes early in peak season — seats can fill up.
Bus Tips
- No online reservations for most operators. Show up, pay cash, board.
- Luggage goes in the compartment below — no extra charge.
- The bus stops in Vlore and Dhermi (Greek: Δρυμάδες, Albanian: Dhërmi) on some routes. Confirm with the driver if you need a direct service.
- Air conditioning varies by operator. The afternoon buses tend to be newer coaches.
- Bring water and snacks. There's usually one brief stop, but don't count on it.
Option 2: Rental Car
The best option if you want to explore multiple beaches and towns. Having a car in Himara makes a huge difference — the best beaches (Gjipe Beach, Jale Beach (Greek: Γυάλι, Albanian: Plazhi i Jalës), Porto Palermo, Dhermi (Greek: Δρυμάδες, Albanian: Dhërmi)) all require driving.
The Drive
Distance: Roughly 220 km via the main route (Tirana → Fier → Vlore → Llogara → Himara).
Time: 3.5-4 hours with no stops. Budget 4.5-5 hours with a lunch break and viewpoint stops.
Route: Take the SH8 highway south from Tirana through Fier to Vlore. From Vlore, the road climbs into the mountains toward the Llogara Pass. After the pass, you descend to the coast and follow the Riviera road south to Himara.
The Llogara Pass (or Tunnel)
This is the highlight of the drive. The Llogara Pass climbs to 1,027 meters through pine forests with dramatic switchbacks and sudden views of the Ionian coastline far below. It's one of the most scenic mountain roads in Europe.
Since 2024, the Llogara Tunnel provides an alternative that skips the pass entirely, saving about 25-30 minutes. You'll see the split clearly signed on the road before the climb.
Which to choose:
| Llogara Pass (over) | Llogara Tunnel (through) | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 25-30 min longer | 25-30 min shorter |
| Scenery | Jaw-dropping | None (it's a tunnel) |
| Difficulty | Mountain switchbacks | Straight and flat |
| Recommended | First visit, good weather | Return trip, rain, night driving |
If it's your first time and the weather is clear, take the pass on the way there and the tunnel on the way back. You don't want to miss the views.
Rental Car Tips
- Pick up at Tirana airport for the widest selection. Companies include Europcar, Sixt, and local operators.
- Rates start around 25€/day for a basic car. Book in advance during July-August.
- Fuel: Albania has petrol stations along the main routes. Fill up in Vlore before heading into the mountains — there's nothing between Vlore and Himara.
- Insurance: Make sure your rental includes CDW (collision damage waiver). Albanian roads are generally good but narrow in spots.
- Parking in Himara: Free in most areas. Hotels typically have parking. Beach parking is free except Gjipe Beach (400 lek).
- Driving style: Albanians drive assertively. Stay in your lane, use your horn on blind curves in the mountains, and expect overtaking on two-lane roads.
Option 3: Private Taxi or Transfer
The most comfortable option, especially if you're arriving at Tirana International Airport and want door-to-door service.
Prices
| Type | Price | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Standard sedan | 130-160€ | Up to 4 passengers |
| Minivan/SUV | 170-185€ | Up to 6-8 passengers |
Prices are for the whole vehicle, not per person. For a group of 4, this works out to 35-45€ per person — not much more than the bus, and you get picked up from your hotel or the airport.
How to Book
- Pre-book online through services like Go As Local, Tirana Airport Shuttle, or MyTransfers.
- Ask your hotel — most Himara hotels can arrange transfers from Tirana or the airport.
- Negotiate at the airport — taxi drivers at Tirana airport will offer rides, but agree on the price before getting in. The pre-booked transfer rate is typically better.
Transfer Tips
- Airport pickup works well if you're landing and heading straight to Himara. The driver meets you at arrivals.
- The ride is the same route as driving yourself (Tirana → Vlore → Llogara → Himara). Ask the driver to take the Llogara Pass if weather permits.
- Split the cost with other travelers. Hostels and travel groups often coordinate shared transfers.
Getting to Himara from Other Cities
From Saranda
| Departure | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | 1h 30min | 10€ |
| 9:00 AM | 1h 30min | 10€ |
| 11:00 AM | 1h 30min | 8€ |
By car: 53 km, about 1.5 hours along the scenic coastal road.
From Vlore
| Departure | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | 2h 30min | 8€ |
| 11:30 AM | 1h 15min | 10€ |
| 12:30 PM | 2h 30min | 8€ |
| 2:30 PM | 1h 15min | 10€ |
By car: about 73 km, 1.5-2 hours via the Llogara Pass/Tunnel.
From Corfu
Take the ferry from Corfu to Saranda (30 minutes, multiple daily departures), then a bus or taxi from Saranda to Himara. This is a popular route for travelers coming from Greece.
Getting Around Once You're There
Himara town is walkable — everything on the promenade is within 10-15 minutes on foot. For the full guide, see getting around Himara. But for the best beaches and day trips:
- Rental car: Best option. Available from EasyRide Himara and Himara Rent.
- Scooter: Starting from 20€/day. Good for nearby beaches, not ideal for Llogara.
- Boat taxi: Runs to beaches like Filikuri and along the coast during summer.
- Walking: The town beaches (Spile, Sfageio) are walkable. Livadhi is a short drive north.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the bus from Tirana to Himara?
The bus takes 3.5-5 hours depending on the operator and route. Services using the Llogara Tunnel are faster (3.5-4 hours), while buses going over the Llogara Pass take closer to 4.5-5 hours.
Can I fly to Himara?
There's no airport in Himara. The closest airports are Tirana International Airport (TIA), about 3.5-4 hours by car, and Corfu Airport in Greece, from which you can take a ferry to Saranda and then a bus to Himara. A new airport near Vlore (Vlora International Airport) is under development and will reduce travel time significantly when it opens.
How much does a taxi from Tirana airport to Himara cost?
A private transfer from Tirana airport to Himara costs 130-185€ for the whole vehicle (not per person). For a group of 3-4, this is competitive with bus tickets. Pre-book online for the best rates.
Is the road from Tirana to Himara safe?
Yes. The main highway (SH8) is well-maintained. The Llogara Pass has switchbacks but is a proper paved road with guardrails. The new Llogara Tunnel (opened 2024) provides a flat alternative for those uncomfortable with mountain driving. Drive during daylight hours on your first trip to enjoy the scenery and stay alert on the mountain sections.
Should I rent a car or take the bus?
If you're spending 3+ days in Himara and want to visit beaches like Gjipe, Jale, Dhermi, and Porto Palermo, rent a car. The bus is fine for getting to Himara, but once there, the best beaches require driving. A car rental at 25-40€/day pays for itself in flexibility.
