Getting from Budva to Tirana sounds easy enough — until you realize Balkan bus schedules have a mind of their own. The first time I made the trip, I took the bus because it was cheap and simple… or so I thought.
Let’s just say “on time” wasn’t part of the plan — it was at least two hours late and felt like it took all day. The next time around, I decided to treat myself to a private driver, and wow, what a difference!
In this post, I’ll share both experiences — the good, the bad, and what I’d actually recommend if you’re planning the same journey.
Article overview
How to get from Budva to Tirana
🚍 Bus: The bus is definitely the cheaper option, and it’s the way most travelers go. The route takes you through Podgorica and Shkodër, before you arrive in Tirana. It’s scenic in parts, but also a bit unpredictable. If you’re not in a rush and want to save money, it’s perfectly doable — just pack some snacks, water, and patience.
Since this was in November, outside the main season, I just bought my ticket (€30) at the bus station on the day. However, if you’re traveling in summer, I recommend booking through this site. This is also where you check timetables.
🧳 Luggage policy >> Most bus companies allow each passenger to carry one piece of hand luggage that fits on the bus for free. But you have to pay €1-3 for suitcases and larger backpacks, so make sure to have some cash on hand. Your luggage then gets a tag with your end destination.
🚖 Private driver: The second time, I decided to book a private transfer with Daytrip, and honestly, it was such a game-changer. I love that you can add stops along the way in the booking process. It’s obviously more expensive (I paid €220), but if you’re traveling with friends or just value comfort, it’s absolutely worth considering.
🚗 Rental car: If you’re comfortable driving, renting a car can be a great way to make the trip at your own pace. The route is scenic, and you can stop in places like Bar, Shkodër or Lake Skadar (which is absolutely gorgeous).
Just double-check that your rental company allows cross-border travel, and expect to pay for a Green Card Insurance Certificate or a Cross Border Fee.
Can I travel by train? No, there are currently no international passenger train connections out of Albania. During the communist era, Albania was isolated from the rest of the world, which meant no rail network was built.
Best time to travel
The ideal times for traveling from Budva to Tirana are in spring (April to June) and autumn (late September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant, with fewer crowds compared to the summer peak season. I had 20 °C and sun every day, even in late October/early November.
Since this is a longer journey, I recommend traveling in the morning for a smoother experience. I took the 11:20 bus and didn’t arrive in Tirana until it was already dark.
Budva to Tirana by bus
The first time I traveled from Budva to Tirana, I took the bus, and honestly, it was quite an experience. I have to say — Budva has one of the best bus stations in Montenegro. It’s organized and even has digital signs showing which bus is which.
That might not sound like a big deal, but in other stations I’ve been to, finding the right bus can feel like a guessing game since multiple companies have similar routes and stops.
Before boarding, I had to pay an extra €2 for my suitcase, which is pretty standard in the Balkans. Make sure you have some coins on you.
Some passengers weren’t too happy about being told to store their large backpacks underneath and started arguing with the driver, but let’s just say, there’s really no point in arguing with a Balkan bus driver. You won’t win that one.
The ride itself was long and a bit stuffy. It was surprisingly hot inside the bus, even though it was November, and of course, the curtain on my side refused to stay shut.
Border crossing
The border crossing from Montenegro (Božaj) into Albania (Hani i Hotit) can be pretty variable in how long it takes. It seems fewer people are working out of season, so it doesn’t mean it will go quicker.
When I crossed by bus, the whole thing dragged closer to an hour, especially since we had to get off twice: once to exit Montenegro and once to enter Albania.
We had to get in line and show our passports one by one. The bus was full, even in November, so it took a while. Then we walked across and had to wait for the bus to get through. A lot of people used this opportunity to go to the bathroom, but I could smell it from outside, so I enjoyed the beautiful lake views instead.
Arriving in Tirana
Between Shkoder and Tirana, we made a dinner stop, which I honestly could have skipped — I just wanted to keep going. But if you’ve taken buses in the Balkans before, you’ll know they love their breaks, probably because there’s no toilet on board.
We were dropped off at the East Bus Terminal, at the TEG Tirana East Gate Shopping Centre. This is now where international routes arrive (Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Greece). The bus then continued to Durres.
You can take city bus lines 2 or 8 to the city center. However, I opted for a taxi and paid 2000 LEK. Just remember to negotiate a price before you get in.
Budva to Tirana with private driver
The second time I traveled from Budva to Tirana, I decided to book a private transfer through Daytrip — and honestly, it was such a good decision.
I’ve used Daytrip a few times now and love how easy it is to add stops along the way when booking. It makes the journey feel more like an experience than just a transfer.
Our driver arrived about 15 minutes early and was friendly and professional throughout the trip.
This time, I chose to stop in Petrovac, a charming little coastal town between Budva and Bar. It’s smaller and quieter than Budva, with a lovely seafront promenade, old stone houses, and a relaxed local vibe — the perfect place to stretch your legs and grab a coffee before continuing the drive.
When we drove past beautiful Laka Skadar, he also offered to stop so we could take some photos. The drive was smoother, faster (around 4 hours total), and I didn’t have to deal with the stress of waiting around or crowded buses.
Crossing the border from Montenegro took about 45 minutes this time in a car. This was 10:00 am on a weekday in September. Our driver said it was usually faster, but only one agent was working on the Albanian side.
We were dropped off right at the apartment in Tirana, saving us the hassle of navigating taxis or city buses after a long day of travel.
🌟 Need a private transfer between cities or countries? >> I always use Daytrip
Final thoughts
Let’s sum this up with some quick tips for traveling the Balkans by bus:
- Be flexible with your itinerary, don’t pack it full, as bus schedules can change and delays are common.
- Arrive at the bus station 30 minutes early to find your bus, confirm the departure time at the ticket office and get settled without rushing.
- While some bus companies accept card payments, many still prefer cash. Make sure to have local currency on hand for tickets, snacks, and other small purchases. Montenegro uses Euros, and in Albania you can use both Euros and LEK.
- Bring a small carry-on just like you would on a flight for longer journeys, with water, snacks, some entertainment and maybe a pillow.
🌟 Read next >> I’ve been to Tirana 3 times: Is Albania’s capital worth a visit?
🌟 Or maybe this one >> I took the bus from Dubrovnik to Kotor: What you need to know!
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