Public transportation, 1988 and other Albania Transportation Tips

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Bus
Getting TO/AROUND: In 1988, when the people had to go somewhere, they could either walk or take the bus. There were many busses, often with a trailer. Most of them were not in good condition, had broken windows, doors that did not close and they were absolutely packed. In Tiranë, there were queues at every bus station. The exhaust expelled large clouds of a terrible black smoke.

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'Mode': TO
Category: Airplane
Getting TO/AROUND: This was Tirana airport in 1988, with the Swissair jet that made the flight to Basel. It did not really look like an airport but more like a park! It is now called “Mother Teresa’s Airport” and I suppose that the building has been extended.

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'Mode': TO
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: When we crossed the border between Montenegro and Albania in 2005, we fist found, 50 meters before the border a car wheel washer : a “pond” across the road, with 10 cm deep of water, across which you had to drive and that was supposed to “disinfect” the bottom and tyres of the car. Strange! What for, I do not know! The first photo was taken on the way out of Albania, better than on the way in, one never knows !

When entering Albania, you have to pay a tax (10 euros) per person and get the ticket shown on the second photo for the car. You must give it back when leaving Albania and you have better nor to loose it, otherwise, you should be in great trouble. What exactly, I don’t know!

Entering Albania, there were 5-6 cars waiting in line and it took between half an hour and an hour to pass. On the way out, in the evening, it was faster and a quarter an hour was enough.

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'Mode': TO
Category: Bus
Getting TO/AROUND: There are regular busses between Tirana and Shkoder. There are also minibuses from Shkoder to Ulcinj. Then, do not worry, you will easily find your way from Tirana airport to Ulcinj. Moreover, if you are ready to hire a car (which will be more expensive, of course), you will have no problem at all.

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'Mode': TO
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: >>1. According to Michelin this trip takes 265 km in 4 hours along the E762 ( Shkoder, Tirane ), how realistic is that?

At first sight, I felt that it was very unrealistic and checked with Michelin. Actually Dubrovnik-Kalampaka is 798 km and 12h08. I am afraid you made a mistake somewhere. If your goal is to drive as fast as possible from Dubrovnik to Meteoron, I feel you can do it in 12 hours. It is a shame not to visit Albania on the way but of course, it depends of your schedule ! If you can’t, you can’t ! I have driven almost the whole way between Dubrovnik and Tirana and the roads are good. Shkoder-Tirana is excellent. I have not driven Tirana-Bitola but as far as I know, the road is good.

>>2. I´ve read here that you need to pay an insurance when entering the country, is that still up-to-date?

It depends of your insurance. With my French insurance, I was OK as my Green Card mentioned Albania among the countries where it worked but I know that most visitors have to take an extra insurance.
Note that you have to pay 10 euro per person at the border, which is a kind of visa.

>>3. Are the roads in reasonable conditions and is it safe? We have a German plate but the car is a small Dayhatsu :P

No problem. Last year, we drove from Igoumenitsa to Dubrovnik and visited a lot on the way. Some of the smaller roads were not very good but your itinerary remains on main roads which are usually good. Safety is not a problem at all.

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