How to Get From Tirana to Kruja
If you are lucky enough to be spending some time in Tirana, a day trip to Kruja is very much worth considering. The old Ottoman town has loads to offer with its beautiful architecture, castles, history and some tasty places to eat! We have put together a great guide to show you exactly how to travel from Tirana to Kruja and back again. We have also included some useful, practical tips and local knowledge.
Public Transport in Albania
Albania is not yet a popular tourist destination. However, this seems to be changing rapidly. As such, there is not really an efficient public transport network in place. But, if you plan ahead and leave plenty of time, it is possible to travel around much of Albania using public transport – usually a furgon.
What is a Furgon?
A furgon is a mini bus that will run loosely to a timetable but will sometimes only depart when full. These buses are small and old but they will (almost) 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. Think of them like big taxis.
Tirana to Kruja by Bus
You can easily get to Tirana to Kruja by bus. The bus (or furgon) departs from the North and South Bus Terminal approximately every hour. This bus station is one of many in Tirana, so make sure you head to the right one.
On a side note, the North and South Terminal is a few kilometres out of the centre. It is pretty easy to take a city bus and the ticket costs only 40Lek (around €0.40). Check out the Tirana Public Transport app on Android and Apple for the most up-to-date and relevant info. The Tirana IME 2.0 APP is also really useful.
Once you find the bus to Kruja (Krujë in Albanian), you can buy the tickets on the bus. The ticket will cost 150Lek (about €1.50) each way and it takes about an hour to get there. There are direct buses going from Tirana to Kruja, however there are also buses going to Fushë-Krujë. You can use these buses too, but you will have to change bus in Fushë-Krujë making it a slightly longer journey. It will also cost more as you will pay 100lek for each bus.
You can use the website Gjirafa for timetables for the buses from Tirana to Krjua. However, it is always better to be there in advance as they are not always 100% reliable.
The bus will drop you near the centre and the Old Bazaar is only a 5 – 10 minute walk with the castle another 5 or 10 minutes more.
How to Buy your Bus Ticket
For our trip from Tirana to Kruja, 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. There are frequent buses from Tirana to Kruja on a daily basis. You can only pay by cash.
Useful Tips when Travelling from Tirana to Kruja 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 Tirana to Kruja 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 both ways
- 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.
The Return Bus from Kruja to Tirana
When taking the bas back from Kruja to Tirana, you will have to leave the old town and head back towards the main road (SH38). When you see the bus, wave it down and it will pull in along this road on the opposite side of the road to where you were dropped off.
How to Drive from Tirana to Kruja
Many people choose to hire a car for more flexibility and independence. The journey from Tirana to Kruja should take just under 1 hour, depending on traffic.
The route is simple, take the SH1 north out of Tirana. If you are going to hit traffic and slightly manic drivers, it’s here. The SH1 will turn into the E762. When you get to Fushë-Krujë, head east uphill towards Kruja on the SH38. This part of the road is pretty windy so take care.
You can park HERE for 200 Lek and it is just next to the Bazaar.
Should I Rent a Car in Tirana?
This is really down to personal preference. Albania’s public transport is cheap and cheerful and most places are accessible by bus. However, there are very few railways in Albania. The buses – or furgons – are great for travelling between towns and cities. However, the timetable can be a bit restrictive. If you can haggle, a taxi driver will take you anywhere!
Hitchhiking in Albania is a popular way to get around and is supposedly perfectly safe. We have not tried this ourselves but have spoken to many successful hitchers.
If you decide to rent a car in Albania, please make sure you take out the full insurance. Drivers in the Balkans have their own unique style…
Plan your journey in advance as there are many small roads that are not more than dirt tracks. Several mountain routes can be perilous if you do not plan ahead and take great care.
There are several car rental outlets at Tirana airport. It is definitely worth booking in advance if you can. That should get you a better deal. Try not to pay over €30 for a standard car in the off season. During July and August prices will go up.
Take a Taxi from Tirana to Kruja
Taxis are available from Tirana to Kruja and will take about an hour to get there. Always make sure you agree on a fare in advance. You should expect to pay around €30 each way for the one hour journey – although you may be able to haggle them down a little. If you are a small group, it might be worthwhile if you are tight on time.
There are no trains from Tirana to Kruja so this is not a travel option in this case.
Tirana to Kruja
A day trip from Tirana to Kruja is a really worthwhile way to spend time in this beautiful part of Albania. The contrast between the high rise apartments and hotels in Tirana verses the beautiful Ottoman structures in Kruja is amazing. The two towns couldn’t be more different! However, one thing that remains the same is the amazing hospitality of the Albanian people.
Where to go next
Ready for another adventure? Why not try travelling from Saranda to Vlore? There is plenty of history and culture to discover in beautiful Vlore. If you need more information about General travel in Albania, Check out our post HERE.
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 Kruja or Albania? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
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