From Tirana
~220 km3.5-4.5 hours
A2 motorway to Fier, then SH8 coastal road through Vlore and over Llogara Pass. The final stretch over Llogara is winding but spectacularly scenic.
By bus, car, or ferry -- every route to Himara comes with spectacular scenery.
Direct daily services depart from the South Bus Station (Terminali i Autobuzave Jug) near Tirana center. Book at the station or call the operator ahead.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Operator | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | 10:40 AM | 3h 40min | Olgeno Travel & Tours | 15€ |
| 1:00 PM | 4:30 PM | 3h 30min | Riviera Tours | 15€ |
| 6:00 PM | 9:30 PM | 3h 30min | Riviera Tours | 15€ |
Multiple daily connections along the SH8 coastal road. A scenic 1.5-hour ride hugging the cliffsides.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Operator | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | 8:30 AM | 1h 30min | Transbus Saranda | 10€ |
| 9:00 AM | 10:30 AM | 1h 30min | Transbus Saranda | 10€ |
| 11:00 AM | 12:30 PM | 1h 30min | City Himara | 8€ |
Buses cross the dramatic Llogara Pass (1,027m) on the way to Himara. Sit on the right side for the best views.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Operator | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | 12:30 PM | 2h 30min | Bregasi | 8€ |
| 11:30 AM | 12:45 PM | 1h 15min | Transbus Saranda | 10€ |
| 12:30 PM | 3:00 PM | 2h 30min | Bregasi | 8€ |
| 2:30 PM | 3:45 PM | 1h 15min | Transbus Saranda | 10€ |
Driving to Himara is half the adventure. The SH8 coastal road is one of Europe's most scenic drives, but requires confidence on narrow mountain roads.
A2 motorway to Fier, then SH8 coastal road through Vlore and over Llogara Pass. The final stretch over Llogara is winding but spectacularly scenic.
SH8 coastal road north along the Riviera. Dramatic cliffs, hairpin turns, and stunning sea views the entire way.
SH8 south through Orikum and over Llogara Pass (1,027m). The descent from the pass offers one of the most famous road panoramas in the Balkans.
SH4 west to SH8, then north along the coast. Can also route through Saranda for a slightly longer but more scenic drive.
A popular route for travelers combining Greece and Albania. Ferries run daily in high season.
High-speed ferries (30 min, ~20€) and conventional ferries (60-70 min, ~15€) run from Corfu New Port to Saranda. Up to 4 daily sailings in summer.
Take a bus (1.5 hrs, 8-10€) or shared taxi from the Saranda bus station. Alternatively, rent a car at the Saranda port for more flexibility along the Riviera.
Finikas Lines, Ionian Seaways, and Albania Luxury Ferries operate the Corfu-Saranda route. Book online in advance during peak season (July-August) as ferries fill up quickly.
There is no airport in Himara. The nearest options require onward ground transport.
| Airport | Distance | Travel Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tirana International (TIA) | ~220 km | 3.5-4.5 hrs by car | Main international airport. Fly into Tirana, then bus or rental car south. |
| Corfu Airport (CFU) | ~65 km (+ ferry) | 3-4 hrs total | Fly to Corfu, ferry to Saranda, then bus or taxi to Himara. |
| Ioannina Airport (IOA) | ~200 km | 4-5 hrs by car | Greek airport option. Cross at Kakavia border, drive south along the coast. |
Himara town is walkable, but you will need transport for beaches and villages along the coast.
Small boats shuttle between Himara, Livadhi, and nearby beaches during summer. Departures from Himara dock and Spile beach.
Himara to Livadhi: ~3-5€
Himara to Llamani: ~5-8€
Himara to Gjipe: ~10-15€