Tirana International Airport (TIA)

Arriving passengers walk or are bused from the aircraft into the terminal for passport control, baggage collection, customs clearance, and entry into the main concourse.

• Deplane via jet bridge or apron shuttle bus directly to the terminal entrance.
• Proceed to border control counters for passport clearance by the Albanian State Police.
• Collect checked luggage from the designated carousel in the baggage claim hall.
• Clear customs control via the green channel if carrying no declarable items, or the red channel if carrying goods exceeding limits or currency of 10,000 EUR or more.
• Exit into the public arrivals hall where ground transport, ATMs, currency exchange, and car rental services are situated.

• Bus

  Bus

  LU-NA airport express shuttle connects TIA to central Tirana (stopping near the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet at Skanderbeg Square).

  Time:

  Typically 30–45 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

  Typical cost:

  Roughly 400 ALL (approx. 4 EUR) per single journey, payable in cash.

• Taxi

  Taxi

  Official licensed airport taxis operate from the marked taxi rank directly outside the arrivals exit.

  Time:

  Typically 25–40 minutes to central Tirana.

  Typical cost:

  Roughly 2,000–2,500 ALL (approx. 20–25 EUR) following standard published fares.

• Car rental

  Car Rental

  International and local rental car operators maintain desks inside the public arrivals concourse.

  Time:

  Typically 25–40 minutes drive via the SH60 and SH2 highways.

  Typical cost:

  Varies by service provider, vehicle type, and seasonal demand.

TIA is a single-terminal regional airport and does not feature a dedicated airside international transit zone.

• Passengers transferring between flights must pass through passport control into Albania, retrieve checked luggage, and check in again at departures.
• Ensure appropriate entry visa or visa-exempt status for Albania prior to planning separate tickets.
• Allow at least 2 to 3 hours between self-connecting flights to accommodate border clearance and security screening.

Complimentary wireless internet service is provided across the terminal building.

• Select the official airport Wi-Fi network upon opening your device's network settings.
• Access requires accepting standard user conditions via a landing page portal.
• Local mobile telecommunications networks (4G/5G) cover the airport footprint.

The currency of Albania is the Albanian Lek (ALL), though Euros are widely accepted for major transport services.

• ATMs dispensing local currency are located in the main public arrivals area.
• Currency exchange counters operate within the arrivals hall.
• Cash is necessary for bus fares and small vendors, though electronic card payments are accepted in established retail units.

Basic dining and coffee options are available in both landside and airside sections of the terminal.

• Landside arrivals features small cafes offering hot beverages, snacks, and pastries.
• Airside departures contains additional cafes, quick-service eateries, and bar options.
• Payment can generally be made in Albanian Lek, Euros, or major credit cards.

A commercial lounge operates in the airside departures area after security screening.

• Provides comfortable seating, refreshments, light snacks, Wi-Fi, and charging points.
• Accessible to premium cabin passengers, eligible lounge membership holders, or via pay-per-entry.
• Located on the upper mezzanine tier of the departure area.

Hotel options are located directly adjacent to or within close proximity of the airport perimeter.

• Hotels such as Best Western Premier Ark Hotel and Airport Hotel Tirana are situated within a short walk or drive of the terminal.
• Walking time from the terminal exit to nearby accommodation ranges from 3 to 10 minutes.
• Central Tirana hotels can be reached in approximately 30–45 minutes by road.

Baggage reclaim carousels are located immediately following the border control area.

• Check overhead information screens to confirm the designated belt for your arriving flight.
• Report damaged or missing luggage to the representative desk in the baggage hall before exiting into the public concourse.
• Baggage carts are available inside the reclaim area.

Essential services for passengers travelling with children are provided within the terminal.

• Baby changing facilities are situated near main washroom complexes airside and landside.
• Pushchairs can typically be used up to the aircraft door, depending on individual airline policy.
• Dining venues can provide hot water for preparing infant food upon request.

• Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
• Currency Exchange Counters
• Car Rental Desks
• Licensed Taxi Station
• Cafes and Restaurants
• Business Lounge
• Free Wi-Fi
• Baby Changing Facilities

Local emergency number: 112 (General Emergency), 129 (Police), 127 (Ambulance).

• Contact the Border Police post within the terminal for assistance with lost identity documents or critical security issues.
• Medical aid in the terminal can be requested through any uniformed staff member or security officer.
• The general emergency number 112 is accessible from all mobile phones free of charge.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Tirana International Airport Official PortalOfficial airport source
• Albanian State Police (Border and Migration Directorate)Government source
• General Directorate of Customs AlbaniaGovernment source
• Municipality of Tirana Public PortalOfficial transit source
• Ministry of Health and Social Protection AlbaniaGovernment source