Tirana Layover Guide (TIA)

What are you looking for in TIA?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Tirana Airport (TIA), officially Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza, is Albania’s main international gateway. It is located about 17 km (10.5 miles) northwest of central Tirana. The airport was officially opened in 1957. Tirana, the vibrant capital of Albania, is known for its colorful architecture, rich history, and lively café culture. The city offers a mix of cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and a welcoming atmosphere for visitors and locals alike.

Can you leave Tirana Airport (TIA) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can leave Tirana Airport (TIA) during a layover by clearing passport control and customs. Many travelers enter Albania visa-free, especially those with Schengen, UK, or US visas. Others need a short-stay (Type C) visa, obtainable online via the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Albania Organized Tours

Albania Things to do / Sightseeing

• Skanderbeg Square Skanderbeg Square is the lively heart of Tirana, home to historic landmarks, fountains, and open space. Ideal for a walk, quick sightseeing, or people-watching. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: 30 min taxi or 60 min shuttle bus.)
• House of Leaves A chilling museum inside the former secret police building, exploring communist-era surveillance in Albania through real documents, audio files, and spy equipment. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: 30 min taxi, short walk from Skanderbeg Square.)
• Bunk’Art 2 A Cold War-era nuclear bunker turned museum, with immersive exhibits on dictatorship and daily life under communism. Atmospheric and educational. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: 25 min taxi ride.)
• Dajti Ekspres Cable Car Ride Albania’s longest cable car up Mount Dajti. Enjoy forest walks, cafes, and panoramic views over Tirana—perfect for nature lovers. (Time required: 2–3 hours / Airport to here: 35 min taxi ride.)
• Blloku District A stylish neighborhood once reserved for Communist leaders, now full of trendy cafes, bars, and boutiques. Great for relaxing or quick shopping. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: 25–30 min taxi ride.)
• Grand Park & Artificial Lake Tirana’s largest green space features lakeside trails, shady trees, and casual cafes—ideal for a peaceful walk or picnic. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: 30 min taxi ride.)
• National Archaeological Museum Near Mother Teresa Square, this museum houses ancient Illyrian, Greek, and Roman artifacts—perfect for history buffs with limited time. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: 30 min taxi ride.)
• Tirana Castle (Fortress of Justinian) Restored ruins now home to artisan shops, boutique cafes, and historic walls—great for a relaxed break and souvenirs. (Time required: 45–60 minutes / Airport to here: 25 min taxi ride.)

Things to Do in Tirana Airport (TIA)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Tirana Airport offers the Scanderbeg VIP Lounge, located airside. It provides comfortable seating, snacks, alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, and flight information screens. Access is available via select airlines, lounge memberships, or walk-in for a fee. It’s a quiet space for passengers to relax before boarding. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There is no hotel inside the terminal, but Hotel Airport Tirana is just a short walk or free shuttle ride away. It offers convenient accommodations, breakfast, and amenities for travelers with overnight layovers or early flights. Several hotels in Tirana also provide airport transfer services. » Find and book airport hotel/sleeping pod in our Tirana Airport (TIA) hotels/sleeping pods page.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
The airport lacks designated sleeping areas or pods. Some passengers rest on available seating in the terminal, but options are limited and not particularly comfortable. Overnight stays are best handled at nearby hotels, as the airport can become noisy and crowded during late hours.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Tirana Airport. It is accessible from all public areas and lounges and provides a stable connection for browsing, email, and video streaming. No registration is required, making it convenient for travelers needing internet access while waiting for flights.

SIM/eSIM Card: Travelers can purchase local SIM cards from Vodafone or other providers at kiosks in the Arrivals area. These offer data and local calling plans at affordable rates. eSIM options are also available through apps like Airalo, offering fast digital setup without needing a physical card. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Tirana Airport (TIA) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official airport taxis are available 24/7 just outside the terminal. Rides to central Tirana take about 20–25 minutes and cost approximately €11–20. It’s recommended to confirm the price in advance or use taxis with meters. Private transfers can also be pre-booked online.

Train: There is no train service to Tirana Airport. Albania's railway infrastructure does not currently connect to the airport. A proposed light-rail system may be developed in the future, but as of now, rail is not an option for airport transfers. (more info).

Bus: The Rinas Express bus runs hourly between Tirana Airport and Skanderbeg Square in the city center. It operates from early morning to late evening and takes about 30 minutes. Tickets cost around 400 LEK (€3.50), making it a reliable and affordable transport option. (more info).

Shuttle: Various private companies offer shuttle services between Tirana Airport and nearby destinations. These shuttles can be pre-booked and provide door-to-door service to hotels or residences. They’re more convenient than buses, especially for groups or travelers with large luggage.

Car rentals: Several international and local car rental companies, including Sixt, Hertz, and Europcar, have desks at the airport. Vehicles can be rented on arrival or booked in advance. This is a good option for travelers planning to explore Albania at their own pace. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Tirana Airport offers short-term and long-term parking near the terminal. The lots are secure and within walking distance. Parking fees are charged hourly or daily, depending on duration. Payment can be made at machines or the parking office before exiting.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no lockers inside the terminal, but a nearby luggage storage facility is located around 200 meters from the terminal. Travelers can leave bags there for short-term or long-term storage. This is helpful for sightseeing without carrying heavy items. » Find out where to book and left your luggage in our Tirana Airport (TIA) left luggage and storage page or directly book here (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Tirana Airport (TIA) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks