When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Tirana?
Spring and summer are the best times of year to visit Tirana, since the weather is at its warmest. In autumn, which is a less popular time to visit, flights will likely be cheap. To find the best prices, you can use our search tool to compare prices on hundreds of airfares and routes. As it’s not a popular destination for European holidays, you’ll likely be able to find last-minute bargain flights to Tirana, especially if your departure and return dates are flexible.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Tirana?
Book around a month before your departure date to find the best prices on flights to Tirana. July and August are the most popular months, so you may want to book even further in advance to have a better choice on routes and rates. If your dates are flexible, try using the flexible date tool on Netflights to see if flying on a different day of the week could save you money.
Flying to Tirana International Airport TIA
Tirana International Airport (TIA) is less than 11 miles (17 kilometres) from the city centre. It is Albania’s only international airport. Originally built in the 1950s, it’s been upgraded regularly since then.
You can fly to Tirana International from many major United Kingdom (UK) airports, including Birmingham, London Stansted, London City Airport and Manchester. Additionally, British Airways operates direct flights to Tirana from London Gatwick. Alitalia, Austrian, Czech Airlines, Lufthansa, Pegasus Airlines and Turkish Airlines also offer indirect flights to Tirana, often with one or more stops in cities, such as Vienna or Frankfurt.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
Tirana International Airport (TIA) is a small, single-terminal airport. If you checked a bag, you’ll head straight through to baggage reclaim when you land before making your way to the arrivals hall. There is a cafe and bar in the arrivals hall as well as other facilities for passengers, including free Wi-Fi, banks, currency exchange services and a business lounge.
Getting to the City from Tirana International Airport TIA
The best way to get to the city centre from the airport is by taking a taxi. With trips lasting around 20 to 25 minutes, it’s the fastest way to get where you’re going. Tirana International Airport has its own taxi service, and cars can be booked in advance online by visiting www.atex.al. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
An hourly bus service, Rinas Bus, operates between the airport and the National Museum in the city centre with hours of operations from 6am to 6pm. Car hires are available next to the exit in the arrivals area as well.
Why Visit Tirana?
Tirana’s evolved quickly after emerging from decades of communist isolation. Head to the cultural centre, Skanderbeg Square, to see the monument of the Albanian national hero who defended the city from the Ottomans. The square is surrounded by museums, galleries and theatres, including the National Gallery of Arts, where you can explore thousands of works by Albanian artists. Then, do as many locals do and take the cable car to Mount Dajti National Park for a rural escape.
Some of Tirana’s most interesting sights for visitors are those that directly address the country’s communist past. The BUNK’ART project, a museum exhibition inside a former atomic bunker, gives a fascinating insight into the lives of ordinary people under the regime, while the Pyramida, originally built as a mausoleum for the country’s former dictator, is today graffiti-covered and derelict. Finally, in the Blloku District, once off-limits to anyone but the political elite, you can enjoy panoramic night-time views of the city while sipping cocktails at the Sky Club.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
British citizens can enter Albania for a maximum of 90 days every six months without a visa. You should check that your passport will be valid for a minimum of three months after your expected date of entry into Albania. The local currency is the Albanian lek. Remember to exchange currency before you leave the UK and change any leftover cash back into pounds before you leave Albania.
