How to Travel from Saranda to Vlora, Albania
Albania is an incredible country. It has spectacular beaches, soaring mountains, quirky cities and quaint villages. The country is becoming more popular as a tourist destination but it is still rather an undiscovered gem on the edge of Europe. Travelling around the country can be a challenge at times. The population is small and tourists are relatively few so transport links are relatively underdeveloped. We have put together this comprehensive guide to help you travel from Saranda to Vlora – two of Albania’s most beautiful cities.
In this post, we have detailed the different ways you can travel from Saranda to Vlora, and back, and we have included all you need to know about the costs, buying tickets, schedules and loads of other practical tips. For more guides to travelling around Albania, click HERE. Just a side note, in Albanian the city names are written Sarandë and Vlorë.
Take the Bus from Saranda to Vlora
First of all, Saranda is really worth visiting for a few days. There is a lot to see in the town and in the surrounding area. It is also a great place to find connecting buses to other parts of Albania.
After spending a few nights in the town, it is time for us to travel from Saranda to Vlore. Having already visited Saranda on a few previous trips to Albania, we have finally worked out the sometimes confusing, slightly frustrating furgon system.
What is a Furgon?
A furgon is a mini bus that will work loosely to a timetable but will sometimes only depart when full. These buses are small and old but they will always get you from A to B. They are usually a cheap way to travel and a great way to experience how locals get around.
The bus from Saranda to Vlora departs from the Stacioni i autobusave in central Saranda. It can be found just next to the ruins of the ancient synagogue and opposite the small park. We found our bus on the side of the road, next to the ruins. Most of the buses have their destination on a sign in their front window. However, if you’re unsure, just ask. We asked one lady in the café nearby and at least 5 or 6 people offered us useful advice.
How to Buy your Bus Ticket
For our trip from Saranda to Vlora, we bought our ticket on the bus. After departing, the bus driver’s assistant will come around and collect the money for your ticket. Sometimes that won’t be until you get off at the other end. Tickets cost 1,000Lek (€8.50) and must be paid in cash. The journey takes around 4 hours depending on stops. We took one break after about 3 hours of driving. The route is windy and mountainous but the views are spectacular!
There are not many buses from Saranda to Vlora, so it is important to plan a little in advance. Currently, there are buses departing Saranda at 08:00 and 11:30 in the morning daily. We took the 11:30 and can confirm it runs on time…more or less…
The bus will take you right into the main bus station in Vlora. However, its possible to jump off before then if that suits you better. We managed to get off just a few minutes walk from our accommodation….perfect!
If the furgon doesn’t go near your final destination in Vlore, you can take a local City Bus or jump in a taxi. Remember to always negotiate a fare before you get in a cab. Vlora is not a big city and is quite walkable, especially after travelling for hours!
Drive from Saranda to Vlora
Driving from Saranda to Vlora is also a great option. It will cut down your travel time and give you flexibility to stop at some pretty amazing locations on the way. However, we always recommend that you take out full insurance (if renting a car) and plan your route well. Albanian driving can be a little erratic and the roads on the route from Saranda to Vlora are very windy and can reach a pretty high altitude.
Another option is to hire a taxi. This can be done easily online and can remove any stress from the journey. Of course, the cost is a lot higher than the other options. However, if you are a group it might be a good idea if you want to save time and any hassle.
There are no trains between Saranda and Vlora so the bus is the only option via public transport.
We have put together a useful table to check out the options for travelling from Saranda to Vlora.
| Travel Time | Cost (1 way) | Distance (km) | Comfort Factor | |
| Bus | 4 hours | 8.50 Euro | 163 | ** |
| Drive | 2 hours 45mins | 18 – 25 Euros | 163 | **** |
| Private Hire Taxi | 2 hours 45 mins | from 150 Euros | 163 | ***** |
Travelling from Vlora to Saranda
Of course, if you are travelling from Vlora to Saranda, this is just the same journey in reverse. If you have taken the bus, we would recommend heading to the main bus station. Buses from Vlora to Saranda depart daily but there is not much information available online. We took a bus at 11:30 but it is certainly advisable to check at the bus station before your day of travel.
There is not an actual bus station by the way, please don’t look for a formal ticket information booth! There will be around four or five buses lined up on the side of the road. The drivers will often be out on the pavement drinking coffee, chatting to each other and shouting out their intended destination. If you ask one of them, they will happily help you out.
Useful Tips when Travelling from Saranda to Vlora by Bus
If you are new to travelling in Albania, it can seem a little bit daunting. However, with a bit of forward planning, some patience and a sense of humour, you will manage to see a lot of this beautiful country and meet some really nice people. To make your trip from Saranda to Vlora by furgon a little easier, we have summarised some super useful tips.
- Pack plenty of water in the summer (the old buses have no AC and it gets HOT)
- Bring snacks that won’t melt easily
- Have a good supply of wet wipes, not just for kids!
- Maybe bring a handheld fan in the hotter months
- An audio book allows you to enjoy the scenery outside
- There isn’t a luggage hold so pack light and prepare to sit with you bags if they don’t fit in the rack above
- Always have cash for your ticket
- Leave yourself plenty of time and expect delays
Albania is a fantastic country and the more you experience of it the better. Travelling between cities allows you to see very different parts of this small but incredible country.
Where to go next
Ready for another adventure? Why not try travelling from Saranda to Lake Ohrid? There is plenty of history and culture to discover in beautiful Ohrid.
Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.
Have you visited Saranda or Vlore? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
Short on time? Save “How to Travel from Saranda to Vlora, Albania (and back again)” for later by pinning the image below.
