lek, 5.5 hours, twice daily) and Pogradec (350 lek, 4 hours, twice daily). Even though train services are very poor, when compared to West Balkan standards, they may be more frequent, cheaper, and more scenic than taking the bus. Taking the train to Elbasan is not recommended: the four hour trip makes a large detour via Durrës (not very scenic) while Elbasan is only 35 km away from Tiranë.
By bus & van
Tirana does not have a central bus station, so you may be dropped at various locations in the city. Buses can be used to reach Tirana from other cities in Albania and internationally. There is daily bus service from Turkey, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, Serbia, and Athens, Greece and multiple services per day to Pristina, Kosovo and other cities in Albania. Schedules change frequently so check the latest info in your place of departure.
From Montenegro, take a bus or taxi to Ulcinj, then take a bus or taxi to Shkodra inAlbania, crossing the border at Muriqan. Buses leave Shkodra frequently for Tirana.
From Serbia, as of January 2012, take the 20:40 train from Belgrade to Bar, arrive 07:11 (21.200RSD, 21€, 30U$), walk a few meters to the bus station, and take the 08:00 or the 08:40 bus to Ulcinj (2, 50€, 35mins), and the 12:30 bus to Shkodër (only that service confirmed every day, ticket: 6€, 1h45). Everyone must stay in the bus at the border control in Muriqan. You'll arrive to Shkodër at 14:15 and you have plenty of furgon to Tirana. Try to get Leks in advance. Furgon to Tirana costs 500Leks or 5€ (but: 500Leks are only 3€). Trip takes about 1h30. So, you'll get to Tirana Train Station in the Furgon at around 18:30, almost 22h after leaving Belgrade! But, only with 30€.
Buses to and from Kosovo depart from downtown (behind museum where one also can find buses to Rinas airport). Although everyone says it takes 12 hours, the trip actually takes just 5. Buy the ticket on a
