Direct flights to Albania

Are there a direct flights to Albania, or how to get to Tirana – that’s the first question on every traveler’s mind. Those who are planning to spend their next vacation in this insanely beautiful Balkan country.

Flights between Albania and European cities

Let me tell you about the general aspects of flights between Albania and European cities. This information will help you navigate the ticket selection process and give you a clear understanding of the pros and cons of each option.

• Albania has only one international airport, which is located in the capital city, Tirana. It is called “Mother Teresa Airport.” In the link provided, you can find everything travelers need to know about the airport.
• As for the location of Albania on the world map, it is situated on the Balkan Peninsula. Its neighbors include Montenegro, Macedonia, Serbia, Greece, and others. For more detailed information about the geographical location of Albania, you can read it here.
• If you’re looking for more activities to do in Albania besides relaxing on the beach, you can find them in the article “Vacation in Albania: All the Trends.“

Useful to know:

If you’re flying to Albania, you’ll arrive at Tirana Airport regardless. Although the capital is not located by the sea, the country is small. The distance from the airport to the coast is only 45 km, and it takes about 3-4 hours by car to reach the southern resorts. For information on choosing the perfect resort, read more here.

Direct flights to Albania: schedule, prices

Albania, with its beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and unique culture, has become an increasingly popular tourist destination in Europe. Before the coronavirus pandemic, the number of direct flights to Albania was on the rise, making it easily accessible to travelers from various parts of the world.

However, with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the aviation industry faced significant restrictions and changes worldwide. Many flights were canceled or significantly reduced due to border closures and a decline in passenger traffic. The prices of direct flights also experienced fluctuations: at the beginning of the pandemic, prices sharply dropped due to low demand, but they gradually started recovering as borders reopened and tourism resumed.

Fortunately, as the pandemic situation improved and restrictions were gradually lifted, the number of direct flights to Albania began to increase again, making it easier for tourists to plan trips to this enchanting country.

The cost of direct flights to Albania can vary depending on several factors, including the departure location, time of booking, seasonality, and airline preferences. Before the coronavirus pandemic, the prices of direct flights to Albania were generally competitive, offering affordable options for travelers.

For European travelers, particularly those departing from major cities like London, Berlin, Rome, or Vienna, direct flights to Tirana, the capital of Albania, could often be found for reasonable prices. On average, a round-trip direct flight from these cities to Tirana could range anywhere from $60 to $400, depending on the time of year and the airline.

Direct flights to Albania with low-cost airlines

Direct flights to Albania with low-cost airlines have become increasingly popular, attracting budget-conscious travelers seeking affordable travel options. Low-cost carriers like Wizz Air and Ryanair offer competitive fares, making Albania an accessible destination for many European travelers. These airlines provide direct connections from major European cities to Tirana. The availability of low-cost direct flights has contributed to the country’s growing tourism industry, allowing more visitors to explore Albania’s stunning beaches, rich history, and cultural attractions. Travelers can now enjoy the convenience of direct routes while staying within their budget.

Flight options with connections: pros and cons

Traveling to Albania often involves considering flight options with connections, also known as layovers or stopovers. While direct flights are preferred for their convenience, connecting flights can offer certain advantages and disadvantages worth considering. Here are some pros and cons of opting for connecting flights to Albania:

Pros:

1. Cost Savings: One of the most significant advantages of connecting flights is cost savings. Airlines usually offer lower fares for flights with layovers compared to direct flights, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers. However, this point doesn’t apply if you’re flying with a low-cost airline.
2. More Flight Options: Choosing connecting flights opens up more flight options, especially from smaller or less well-connected airports. This can provide greater flexibility in terms of departure times and travel dates.
3. Access to More Destinations: For travelers coming from countries with limited direct flights to Albania, connecting flights can bridge the gap and provide access to the country.
4. Break in Long Journeys: For travelers embarking on long-haul journeys, a connecting flight can provide a much-needed break. Passengers can stretch their legs, freshen up, or grab a meal during the layover, which can be beneficial on extended trips.
5. Possibility of Short Layovers: Connecting flights allow travelers to choose shorter layover times, minimizing waiting times between flights and potentially reducing overall travel time.

Below is the flight schedule from Helsinki to Albania. As you can see, there are no direct flights on this route, but you can choose flights with convenient layovers operated by several airlines.

Cons:

1. Longer Travel Time: One of the primary drawbacks of connecting flights is the longer travel time compared to direct flights. Passengers need to factor in layover durations, which can extend the total journey time.
2. Increased Risk of Delays: Each connection introduces the risk of flight delays. A delay on the first flight can result in missed connections, causing disruptions and potential rescheduling of travel plans.
3. Luggage Handling: With connecting flights, checked baggage must be transferred between planes, increasing the likelihood of mishandling or delays in baggage delivery at the final destination.
4. Fatigue and Stress: Frequent take-offs and landings during multiple flights can lead to passenger fatigue and increased stress levels. Long layovers can also be tiresome and challenging to navigate.
5. Additional Security and Immigration Checks: Passengers on connecting flights may need to go through security and immigration checks at layover airports, adding to the overall travel time and procedures.

In conclusion, choosing connecting flights to Albania has both advantages and disadvantages. While it can offer cost savings and access to more flight options, travelers should consider the potential drawbacks, such as longer travel time and increased risk of delays. Ultimately, the decision depends on individual preferences, priorities, and flexibility in travel plans.

Important note:

You don’t need a Schengen visa for transit through EU airports. For all information regarding a visa for Albania, you can find it here.

Where should I buy flight tickets from?

When choosing tickets and looking for convenient options in terms of time, layovers, and routes, aggregators like Aviasales are the most extensive and guaranteed reliable. The necessary links for planning a self-guided trip to Albania are provided under the headings within this article and at the end.

• The main advantage is that the aggregator searches for tickets across all airlines, doing what you wouldn’t be able to do on your own, and seamlessly connects them according to the schedule.
• You can purchase tickets either on the airline’s website or through the same aggregator, as the prices remain the same.

Useful to know:

If you have found tickets for your entire route with all flights operated by a single airline, go ahead and book them through the aggregator. It will redirect you directly to the relevant airline, allowing you to purchase tickets without intermediaries.

Tips and recommendations

I hope you already know everything you need about direct flights to Albania and how to get here with layovers. There are no difficulties involved. I’ll provide just one piece of advice for those considering layover flights.

• The most crucial thing is, if you are not a citizen of the EU, the USA, or Canada, avoid purchasing tickets with layovers in London or any other airport in the United Kingdom.
  • Often, such routes have low prices.
  • However, while a visa is not required for transit through EU airports, it is required for transit through London, even if you do not plan to leave the transit area.
  • For this purpose, a special UK transit visa is necessary, and a Schengen visa will not be suitable.
  • It’s better to steer clear of tickets with layovers in London.
• Secondly, a significant piece of advice. Many flights arrive in Tirana after midnight.
  • I dislike such flights because rental car desks are already closed, and the last shuttle to the city leaves at 12:00 a.m. The only option left is a taxi.
• By the way, in Albania, you can and should travel around the country by rental car. It’s affordable, safe, and very comfortable. You can read all about car rentals in Albania in the comprehensive review article.

• And don’t forget to read the article: Is Albania currently open to tourists, just to be sure.

In conclusion: there are convenient and direct flights to Albania. Alternatively, there are flights with a single short layover in different European cities. It’s not much longer but often more convenient in terms of arrival time and can be cheaper. The choice is yours.

Wishing you fast and pleasant flights!

Resources to help you plan your dream trip to Albania

• Flights at the best prices with best discounts
• Car rental in Albania (cheaper – only by bus):
  • DiscoverCars – a major international resource
  • LocalRent – the leader in the Albanian car rental market. Very low deposits, even in cash.
• Hotels and apartments throughout the country:
  • Hotellook – compares prices among dozens of platforms and offer you the best one.
  • Booking – large online booking platform.
  • Agoda – even more accommodation options in Albania.
• Tours, excursions and activities:
  • GetYourGuide – more than 550 tours
  • Viator – 920+ excursions and activities throughout the country
• Comprehensive travel insurance: EKTA
• Internet and Calls:
  • Airalo eSIM in Albania from $4.5
  • DRIMSIM – universal SIM card (or eSIM) in any country in the world.
• Taxi and airport transfer: Intui.Travel